Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! is a comedy podcast hosted by Japanese stand-up comedian Saku Yanagawa, based in Chicago.
After more than 10 years in the U.S., Saku still doesn’t quite understand America — so he invites guests to help him figure it out.
Through humor and casual standing conversations, the show explores American culture, language, and everyday life from an outsider’s point of view.
Recorded at the Laugh Factory in Chicago and presented by Aiya, the authentic matcha company.
New episodes weekly.
Episode 10 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 Host Saku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.
sakuyanagawa.com
https://www.instagram.com/saku_yanagawa/
🎧 **Today's Guest: AJ Leidig Comedian
https://www.instagram.com/ajleidig/
📍 **Recorded at**Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
15 Apr 2026
Ep.9 — Jeremiah Paprocki｜Comradery
Episode 9 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 Host Saku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.sakuyanagawa.com
🎧 **Today's Guest: Jeremiah Paprocki— PA Announcerhttps://www.instagram.com/jeremiahpaprocki/
📍 **Recorded at**Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
7 Apr 2026
Ep.8 — Sam Rocha｜Darling Diva
Episode 8 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 Host Saku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.sakuyanagawa.com
🎧 **Today's Guest: Sam Rocha— Standup Comedian.https://www.instagram.com/samhandleyrocha/
📍 **Recorded at**Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
23 Mar 2026
Ep.7 — Sohrab Forouzesh｜Iranian & Japanese
Episode 7 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 Host Saku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.sakuyanagawa.com
🎧 **Today's Guest: Sohrab Forouzesh— Standup Comedian.
https://www.instagram.com/sohrabisbrown/
📍 **Recorded at**Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha
**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
📱 **Follow the Podcast
**Instagram & TikTok: @sakuisintheusa@saku_yanagawa
🎙 **Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts**
💌 **Ask Saku**Send questions for our “Ask Saku” segment via IG DM or comments!
🎥 **About this Show**Saku Is In The USA is a comedy show where we talk, laugh, and decode the strange reality of American culture — one inning at a time. Episodes include:• What The F* America• Teach Me EnglishAsk Saku
👥 **Booking**Want to be a guest? Contact via Instagram DM.
#SakuIsInTheUSA #ComedyPodcast #ChicagoComedy #Matcha #AiyaMatcha #LaughFactoryChicago #StandupComedy #CultureShock #JapaneseInAmerica
4 Mar 2026
Ep.6 — Chris Trani｜Tax Season
Episode 6 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 Host Saku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.
sakuyanagawa.com
🎧 **Today's Guest**Chris Trani— Standup Comedian.
https://www.instagram.com/christranicomedy/
📍 **Recorded at Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha
**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
📱 **Follow the Podcast**Instagram & TikTok: @sakuisintheusa@saku_yanagawa
🎙 **Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts**
💌 **Ask Saku**Send questions for our “Ask Saku” segment via IG DM or comments!
👥 **Booking**Want to be a guest? Contact via Instagram DM.
#SakuIsInTheUSA #ComedyPodcast #ChicagoComedy #Matcha #AiyaMatcha #LaughFactoryChicago #StandupComedy #CultureShock #JapaneseInAmerica
26 Feb 2026
Ep.5 — Aya Ito｜Blazian
Episode 5 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 Host Saku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.
sakuyanagawa.com
🎧 **Today's Guest**Aya Ito— Singer.
https://www.instagram.com/ki_almighty/
📍 **Recorded at Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha
**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
📱 **Follow the Podcast**Instagram & TikTok: @sakuisintheusa@saku_yanagawa
🎙 **Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts**
💌 **Ask Saku**Send questions for our “Ask Saku” segment via IG DM or comments!
🎥 **About this Show**Saku Is In The USA is a comedy show where we talk, laugh, and decode the strange reality of American culture — one inning at a time. Episodes include:• What The F* America• Teach Me EnglishAsk Saku
👥 **Booking**Want to be a guest? Contact via Instagram DM.
#SakuIsInTheUSA #ComedyPodcast #ChicagoComedy #Matcha #AiyaMatcha #LaughFactoryChicago #StandupComedy #CultureShock #JapaneseInAmerica
18 Feb 2026
Ep.4 — Kieron Harrell｜Black History Month
Episode 4 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 HostSaku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.sakuyanagawa.com
🎧 **Today's Guest**Kieron Harrell — Comedian in Chicago.https://www.instagram.com/ki_almighty/
📍 **Recorded at Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha
**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
📱 **Follow the Podcast**Instagram & TikTok: @sakuisintheusa@saku_yanagawa
🎙 **Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts**
💌 **Ask Saku**Send questions for our “Ask Saku” segment via IG DM or comments!
🎥 **About this Show**Saku Is In The USA is a comedy show where we talk, laugh, and decode the strange reality of American culture — one inning at a time. Episodes include:• What The F* America• Teach Me EnglishAsk Saku
👥 **Booking**Want to be a guest? Contact via Instagram DM.
#SakuIsInTheUSA #ComedyPodcast #ChicagoComedy #Matcha #AiyaMatcha #LaughFactoryChicago #StandupComedy #CultureShock #JapaneseInAmerica
11 Feb 2026
Ep.3 — Claire Sndbye｜How We Actually Behave at Bars
Episode 3 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 HostSaku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.
sakuyanagawa.com
🎧 **Today's Guest**Claire Sundbye — Comedian in Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/lilshrimpsnack/
📍 **Recorded at**Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
📱 **Follow the Podcast**Instagram & TikTok: @sakuisintheusa@saku_yanagawa
🎙 **Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts**
💌 **Ask Saku**Send questions for our “Ask Saku” segment via IG DM or comments!
🎥 **About this Show
**Saku Is In The USA is a comedy show where we talk, laugh, and decode the strange reality of American culture — one inning at a time. Episodes include:•
What The F* America•
Teach Me English
Ask Saku
👥 **Booking**Want to be a guest?
Contact via Instagram DM.
#SakuIsInTheUSA #ComedyPodcast #ChicagoComedy #Matcha #AiyaMatcha #LaughFactoryChicago #StandupComedy #CultureShock #JapaneseInAmerica
4 Feb 2026
Ep.2 — Brandon Drap｜What is Prom?
Episode 2 of Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain! — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 HostSaku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.
🎧 **Today's Guest**Brandon Drap — Comedian & Actor in Chicago.https://www.instagram.com/bdrap17/
📍 **Recorded at**Laugh Factory Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:https://aiya-america.com
📱 **Follow the Podcast**Instagram & TikTok: @sakuisintheusa@saku_yanagawa
🎙 **Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts**
💌 **Ask Saku**Send questions for our “Ask Saku” segment via IG DM or comments!
🎥 **About this Show
**Saku Is In The USA is a comedy show where we talk, laugh, and decode the strange reality of American culture — one inning at a time. Episodes include:•
What The F* America•
Teach Me English
Ask Saku
👥 **Booking**Want to be a guest?
Contact via Instagram DM.
#SakuIsInTheUSA #ComedyPodcast #ChicagoComedy #Matcha #AiyaMatcha #LaughFactoryChicago #StandupComedy #CultureShock #JapaneseInAmerica #Batsu
27 Jan 2026
Ep.1 — DJ Rybski｜Chicago Culture
Welcome to Episode 1 of **Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain!** — a comedy podcast where Chicago-based comedian Saku Yanagawa tries to figure out America with amazing guests.
🎙 **Host**Saku Yanagawa — Stand-up comedian from Japan based in Chicago.
🎧 **Today's Guest**DJ Rybski — Comedian & Producer based in Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/djrybski/
📍 **Recorded at **Katus Shack Chicago
☕ **Presented by Aiya Matcha
**Family-owned since 1888, Aiya is the world’s leading producer of premium Matcha green tea. With headquarters in Nishio, Japan and the North America branch located in Torrance, CA, Aiya oversees the entire production process, from seed to bowl, to ensure the highest-quality Matcha is available to everyone.
🌿 Try Aiya Matcha:
https://aiya-america.com
📱 **Follow the Podcast**Instagram & TikTok: @sakuisintheusa
@saku_yanagawa
💌 **Ask Saku**Send questions for our “Ask Saku” segment via IG DM or comments!
🎥 **About this Show**Saku Is In The USA is a comedy show where we talk, laugh, and decode the strange reality of American culture — one inning at a time. Episodes include:• What The F* America• Teach Me English• Ask Saku
👥 **Booking**Want to be a guest? Contact via Instagram DM.
#SakuIsInTheUSA #ComedyPodcast #ChicagoComedy #Matcha #AiyaMatcha #LaughFactoryChicago #StandupComedy #CultureShock #JapaneseInAmerica
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Contact Saku Is In The USA: Please Explain!
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