Japan Station: A Podcast About Japan by JapanKyo.com: Recent Episodes
JapanKyo.com
Discover Japan through conversations with fascinating people.
Every episode host Tony Vega is joined by a guest to talk about all aspects of Japan, including the Japanese language, history, Japanese pop culture, food, anime, manga, movies, music, comedy, the impact of Japanese culture around the world, underground social movements, social issues in Japan, and much more.
Episodes are released on the first of every month. Bonus episodes are regularly released on the fifteenth of the month.
For the full show notes visit www.japanstationpodcast.com. mail@japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about what it's like to cycle the entire length of Japan with journalist Oscar Boyd.
👉Topics Discussed * Why Japan is so great for cycling * About transporting a bike from the UK to Japan * About biking from Kagoshima to the northernmostpoint of Japan over the course of 28 days * Why Oscar decided to start his cycling trip from Mount Kaimon in Kagoshima * About the route Oscar took when cycling the length of Japan * Why Oscar decided to avoid the Tokaido corridor * About visiting Mount Koya * About cycling through Shikoku * About the amazing breakfast at Dogoya in Matsuyama * Some of the best food Oscar experienced while cycling across Japan * The scariest part of cycling the length of Japan * Why you should cycle the Shimanami Kaido * Why you should cycle the Kiso Valley * And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Mobal Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Get a T-Shirt! * MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Oscar Boyd's video about cycling the length of Japan.
- I Tried Cycling the Length of Japan: 3,000km and 27 Days on the Road | Long Way North Vol. 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpH8vt5WLV0
In high latest video Oscar cycles the length of Italy.
- I Tried Cycling the Length of Italy: 2,000km and 19 Days On The Road | Long Way North Vol. 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE78sSmO5Rg&t=5s
Follow Oscar Boyd on social media
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscar.boyd/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, Jake Adelstein joins us to discuss immigration policy in Japan and why the Takaichi government has decided to make it more difficult for foreigners to get permanent residency.
👉Topics Discussed * Why you (probably) will never get permanent residence in Japan * The ill-defined changes to requirements for permanent residency in Japan * Why the changes to permanent residency requirements in Japan are so discouraging to foreign residents of Japan * Why Japan needs workers from other countries * The problem with retroactively changing requirements for permanent residency in Japan * The problem with the 30 years of payments to the national pension system requirement * The influence of the Sanseitō * And much more * Why the yen is so weak * How most people in Japan will never be full-fledged company employees (seishain) * How Japan hates and needs "overtourism" * How Japan is becoming less and less alluring as a place to live * How Japan has failed to innovate and take the lead in new industries * The problematic way Japan didn't allow foreign residents to reenter Japan during the COVID pandemic * And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Mobal Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Get a T-Shirt! * MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Read Jake Adelstein's article
- Welcome to Japanistan, where the foreign residents who buried their lives here aren't welcome anymore. It's not a kind policy–and not even a wise one: https://tokyopaladin.substack.com/p/takaichi-just-told-the-foreign-residents
For more articles by Jake Adelstein, check out the Tokyo Paladin Substack.
- Tokyo Paladin Substack: https://tokyopaladin.substack.com/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the recently created Japanese word dopagaki (ドパガキ). What does it mean and what are its origins? Listen to find out!
👉Topics Discussed * The meaning and origin of dopagaki * What does dopajita (ドパ舌) mean? * What does doparu mean? * What does zonbisukurōru (ゾンビスクロール) mean? * And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None this time.
- 👉Follow on Social Media
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
- The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
- Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
- Website: https://japankyo.com/
- Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
- Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about English words that are tricky to translate into Japanese.
👉Topics Discussed * English words that are surprisingly difficult to translate into Japanese * How to say jaywalking in Japanese * How to say zesty in Japanese * How to say touch grass in Japanese * And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None this time.
- 👉Follow on Social Media
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
- The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
- Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
- Website: https://japankyo.com/
- Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
- Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the 2926 Kumamoto earthquake and how you can help.
👉Topics Discussed * The effects of the Reiwa Year 8 Kumamoto earthquake * How to help and where you can donate * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. How to help and where to donate to support the recovery efforts in Kumamoto:
- The 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake and How to Help: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/kumamoto-earthquake-relief/
- Donate to the Japanese Red Cross: https://www.jrc.or.jp/english/donate/
- Donate to Peace Boat Disaster Relief: https://pbv.or.jp/en/donate/
- 👉Follow on Social Media
- X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
- The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
- Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
- Website: https://japankyo.com/
- Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
- Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of the more creative ways people in Japan are battling the intense summer heat.
👉Topics Discussed * What is kokushōbi (酷暑日) * How kokushōbi was decided via a survey * About the Dohiemon Box/Human Refrigerator * About Mandom's "Sweat Management" seminars * About ice cream holders * About the parasol curtain from Three Coins that makes you look like a Heian Period princess * About Sofy Cool, the minty fresh cooling sanitary napkins that went viral * The controversy behind men wearing shorts in the workplace in Japan * The electric uchiwa fan machine * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the promotional video for the Dohiemon Box (human refrigerator).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nf9cN4wCBw
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about what it's like doing an intensive sushi preparation course with Travin Keith, owner of Sushi Kita in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
👉Topics Discussed * Where Miyagi Prefecture is located * What it was like trying to open a ramen shop in Kosovo * The problems with trying to open a ramen shop in Kosovo * Why Travin decided to learn how to prepare sushi in Japan * What to expect when taking a two month intensive sushi preparation course in Japan * What were the challenges of learning how to become a sushi chef * About cooking rice for the first time * Why Travin decided to open a sushi shop in Belfast, Northern Ireland * Travin's plans for Sushi Kita * About Ishinomori Shotaro's various museums * About "good morning socks" * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Links for Sushi Kita:
- Sushi Kita Website: https://sushikita.one/
- Sushi Kita Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushikitaresto
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
This episode is a re-broadcast of episode 61 of the Ichimon Japan podcast (originally released 6/21/22).
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a famiresu?
Topics Discussed * What famiresu are * The characteristics of famiresu (family restaurants) * About the history of famiresu in Japan * The first famiresu in Japan (Skylark) * Some of the most popular famiresu in Japan * About Big Boy and how it's an offshoot of Bob's Big Boy * About Jonathan's * About Bikkuri Donkey * About Saizeriya * Whether Sizzler is a famiresu * Whether TGIFriday's is a famiresu * Whether kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) should be considered famiresu * And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.
- Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off on your Mobal voice & data plan via the affiliate link below
- https://mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support the show by getting a t-shirt from Mecha Neko Sushi!
- Mecha Neko Su\ushi: https://mechanekosushi.com/
Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Famiresu
- ファミレス (n) (abbr) (See ファミリーレストラン) family restaurant
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the unique cultural and geographic quirks of life in Miyagi Prefecture.
👉Topics Discussed * Where Miyagi Prefecture is located * The population of Miyagi Prefecture * Miyagi's mild weather * What izui means * What is gyūtan (牛タン) * About Sada Keishiro and the origins of gyūtan (beef tongue) * How most people in Sendai rarely if ever eat gyūtan * What is zundamochi? * About Kessennuma and its fishing industry * About shark meat in Kessennuma * About Sendai's links to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Jujutsu Kaisen and other anime/manga * About Ishinomori Shotaro's various museums * About "good morning socks" * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None this time.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about "May sickness" and "June sickness." What are these sicknesses? Are they real? Should you be concerned?
ðŸ'‰Topics Discussed * What is gogatsubyÅ (äº"津病) * What is rokugatsubyÅ (å…月病) * The origin of "May sickness" * Why April-June has a reputation for being a stressful time of year in Japan * Why June sickness is stupid * Why June is thought to be a particularly stressful time of year in Japan * And much more!
ðŸ'‰Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
ðŸ'‰Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
ðŸ'‰Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
ðŸ'‰Links, Videos, Etc. None this time.
ðŸ'‰Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the origins of the famous custom of Japanese World Cup soccer/football fans cleaning stadiums after a match is over. Where did this custom originate? Who started it? Why do they use blue garbage bags? We talk about all that and more!
👉Topics Discussed * The history of the Japanese soccer/football fan cleaning up trash custom * Why Korean soccer fans may be the origin of the Japanese soccer fan stadium clean up custom * How Tanabe Seiyaku fans clean up trash after their team lost the Emperor's Cup on January 1st, 1981 * Japan's loss to Korea during the 1985 qualifiers for the 1986 Mexico World Cup * About Yoshizawa Koichi * How Korean soccer fans picked up their own trash after defeating Japan in 1985 * Why Japanese soccer fans use blue garbage bags to cheer at soccer games * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here are the sources I used for this episode:
- This is the article that shares the Yoshizawa Koichi story (about Korean soccer fans picking up trash): https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASV6L3G9CV6LUQIP05YM.html
- https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/0a9c3eeb476794e87fd854e91e730a16b9dc01a2?page=4
- https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/7a641bc611b1a765b8a8646f288ec347ada073a5
Here is the Japan Station episode that digs into the origins of why Japan has so few trash cans in public:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOYW0P4JfqY&t=1s
- JapanKyo Post: https://japankyo.com/2025/06/the-real-reason-japan-doesnt-have-public-trash-cans-theyre-lying-to-you-japan-station-163/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by the first confirmed American to climb Japan's "100 famous mountains" (hyakumēzan, 百名山): Wes Lang. We also talk about his experiences climbing Japan's tallest mountains and more.
👉Topics Discussed * About climbing Japan's hundred famous mountains (hyakumēzan, 百名山) * Animal encounters while climbing mountains in Japan * Memorable experiences while hiking in Japan * About getting lost during a winter hike in Shiga Prefecture * What to do if you get lost while hiking * About climbing the tallest mountain in each of Japan's 47 prefectures * Advice for hiking in Japan * About Wes Lang's work as a travel consultant * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Relevant Links:
- Hiking in Japan blog: https://hikinginjapan.com/
- Hiking in Japan YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hikinginjapan
- Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji: https://www.cicerone.co.uk/hiking-and-trekking-in-the-japan-alps-and-mount-fuji
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://x.com/tonyrvega * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
This is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 47 (originally released 07/07/21).
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was good and bad about your JET experience?
Topics Discussed * What the JET Programme is * The various positions available to JET applicants * Some troubles experienced while on the JET Programme * Rural placements * Japan's shrinking population * On getting placed in Yamagata Prefecture * On the lack of privacy that comes with living in a rural place in Japan * Positive experiences while on JET * Unique tangential experiences * How seeing example of bad teaching can be helpful * On making friends while on JET * On dealing with cold weather * And much more!
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Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. * Support the show, get a t-shirt! * Mecha Neko Sushi
Here's a few English language articles that I came across while preparing for this episode.
- As Japan's JET Programme hits its 30s, the jury's still out
- WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE PLACED IN A BAD SCHOOL: OVERCOMING HARDSHIPS AND BECOMING THE ALT YOU WANT TO BE
- JET-setting into the Deep Countryside of Japan: My Experience
Here is a link to the page containing the details about the Japanese survey mentioned in this episode.
- ALTがいる授業、子どもたちには人気？ 親は……!?
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast.
- What Is Pana-Wave Laboratory? (Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia) | Japan Station 69
Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.
- Check out Kimito Designs
Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Gaikokugoshidōjoshu
- 外国語指導助手 【がいこくごしどうじょしゅ】 (n) assistant language teacher; ALT; foreign national serving as an assistant teacher of English in a Japanese classroom
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about food you have to eat the next time you visit Fukushima.
👉Topics Discussed * About the Grand Van Gogh Exhibit * About the Pokemon Astronomical Observatory * About Koriyama Black Ramen * What a "cream box" is * What is Fukushima Buruburu * The history of Fukushima Buruburu * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Personal Website: https://tonyrvega.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Fukushima Prefecture! We're focusing on the geography, cultural quirks, language and food.
👉Topics Discussed * About the geography of Fukushima Prefecture * Where Fukushima is located * About the three regions of Fukushima: Aizu, Nakadōri, Hamadōri * About the stereotypes of the people of the three regions of Fukushima * What is Mamadōru * About the Fukushima dialect * The culture of eating ramen for breakfast (asarā) * About Kitakata ramen * About Shirakawa ramen * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, filmmaker Cuauhtemoc Velazquez joins us to talk about Apparition, his new short film about a Tokyo izakaya that gets visited by the Virgin Mary.
👉Topics Discussed * What Apparition is about * What inspired Cuauhtemoc Velazquez to make Apparition * Japan's loose but respectful relationship with religion * About making a short film in Japan * About renting a film set in Japan * Whether Japan is a good place to shoot a film * Whether filmmaking is affordable in Japan * About finding a statue of the Virgin Mary in Japan and carrying it onto a Japanese subway * Plans for a release of Apparition * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the trailer for Apparition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAKwDm3W7PE
Here is Cuauhtemoc's website: https://www.cuauhtemocvelazquez.com/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about how there's been an increase in the number of tourists from overseas who are dumping their suitcases in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo. We also talk about what you can do if you need to dispose of your suitcase when visiting Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * Foreign tourists are dumping their suitcases illegally in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo * Japan's complicated trash system * How Toshima Ward's oversized trash collection system wdoes not serve foreign tourists * What you should do if you need to throw away your suitcase while in Japan * Options for suitcase disposal in Japan * How you can get hotels and/or stores to dispose suitcases for you * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the news report this episode was based on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP8DRGq6Qm0
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 04 which originally was released on 2/12/2020.
Today's Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's it like being a fake priest in Japan?
Topics Discussed * What a nisebokushi is * The different terminology for priests in Japanese (shinpu vs bokushi) * The phenomenon of having foreigners dress as priests to officiate weddings in Japan * How most "fake priests" in Japan tend to be white men * The experiences of someone who worked as a fake priest in Japan * How much money one might expect to get paid when working as a fake priest * The job duties of a fake priest * What is rewarding about working as a fake priest * How it is common to see broccoli thrown instead of a bouquet of flowers at some weddings in Japan * The craziest thing one fake priest ever saw happen while on the job * A story involving someone's head catching on fire during a wedding * Whether Japanese people also throw rice at weddings * Whether Japanese rpiests might be resentful of foreign "fake priests" for monopolizing the wedding chapel side of the wedding market * And more!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn]
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. To read Daniel Legare's article in the December-January 2020 issue of Wasabi magazine, use the link below.
- That Time I Became a Fake Priest
If you would like to get in touch with Daniel Legare in order to have him write an article or do Japanese to English translation you, can contact him via the email address below.
- danlegaretranslations@gmail.com
A few different Japanese-language terms got brought up in this episode, so here is list along with their possible translations.
- Nisebokushi (ニセ牧師): literally translates to "fake priest"
- Bokushi (牧師): pastor; minister; a Protestant priest
- Shimpu (神父): Catholic priest; abbe; reverend father
For even more Japan-related contact check out the Japan Station podcast. All the episodes can be found using the link below.
- Japan Station Podcast
Support Get your Mecha Neko Sushi via the link below
- https://mechanekosushi.com/
Get 10% off when you purchase a Mobal Voice & Data SIM card by using my affiliate link below.
- https://mobal.com/tonyjapan
Support on Patreon.
- https://www.patreon.com/japankyo
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Hanamaki and Tōno, two cities in Iwate prefecture known for being great places to visit if you're a fan of the supernatural and fantastic.
👉Topics Discussed * How to get to Hanamaki City from Tokyo Station * How long the bullet train to Iwate from Tokyo takes * About traveling by train from Hanamaki to Tōno About Tōno City and its spooky/supernatural vibe * About Tōno Monogatari (The Tale of Tōno) * What to expect at the Tōno Folktale Museum * What Goemon ramen is * About Hanamaki City * The Marukan Daishokudō (Marukan Grand Cafeteria) * The famous Marukan soft serve ice cream * An overview of the Miyazawa Kenji Dōwa Mura park (Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village) * About yakiniku in Hanakami * Why you NEED to try Iwate beef * Whether reimen in Iwate is worth trying * What makes reimen in Iwate different * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is a picture of the infamously "long" Marukan soft-serve ice cream: https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1007880.html
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Iwate Prefecture! We're focusing on the geography, general stats, language and food.
👉Topics Discussed * Where Iwate Prefecture is * About Iwate Prefecture's large size and sparse population * About the weather of Iwate Prefecture * About the dialects of Iwate Prefecture * About Fukuda Pan/Fukuda Bread, it's history and its many varieties * About wanko soba * About the supposed origins of wanko soba * About Morioka's three famous noodles * About jajamen * About the other meaning of soba * About Morioka reimen * How reimen in Iwate is different * The popularity of reimen * About the origins of reimen in Iwate Prefecture * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This ia rebroadcast of epsode 73 of Ichimon Japan originally released on 7/21/23.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is it like moving in Japan?
Topics Discussed * About what it's like moving in Japan * When people in Japan usually move * What it costs to move in Japan * Why people in Japan usually move in March * Expenses associated with moving in Japan * About rent prices in Japan * Rent subsidies for JET Program participants * Setting up internet in Japan * About finding an apartment in Japan * About reikin/key money * The cost of hiring a moving company in Japan * Disposing of large garbage in Japan * Noticing the government that you have moved * And much more!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn]
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.
- Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off on your Mobal data & voice SIM plan.
- https://mobal.com/tonyjapan
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Jake Davies, a resident of Shimane Prefecture who has walked over 30,000 km in Japan. He talks about his experiences walking around Japan and what it's like living in Shimane, one of Japan's least populated prefecture.
👉Topics Discussed * Why Jake Davies moved to Shimane Prefecture * What it's like living in rural Shimane Prefecture * Why Jake Davies started doing long distance walks in Japan * How Jake Davies walked over 30,000 km in Japan * Where Jake Davis sleeps while doing long distance walks in Japan * About walking the Sea of Japan costline * About walking Shikoku's 88 temple pilgrimage (Ohenro) * About sleeping outside during a typhoon while doing the Shikoku pilgrimage * How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Shikoku * How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Kyushu * About walking across Shodoshima * About walking the Oki islands in Shimane * About walking the Kunisaki Peninsula * About Jakes blog, ojisanjake.com * About the different regions of Shimane * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jake Davis' blog to keep up to date with his adventures walking around Japan.
- ojisanjake.com: https://www.ojisanjake.com/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, travel writer Jennifer Bain joins us to talk about one of Japan's most ancient and famous pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道). We also talk about Japanese convenience stores and the famous conbini socks.
👉Topics Discussed * What the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is * How to get the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is * An example of a five day itinerary on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) pilgrimage * About Daimonzaka and Kumano Nachi Taisha * About mikan and oranges in the Kumano area * About lodging along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * How old empty schools have been converted into lodging on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * How to walk the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) in a faster and easier way * About the weather along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * A funny encounter with a local on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) * About a custom convenience store tour in Osaka * Some recommendations for food to eat from Japanese convenience stores * About the famous Japanese convenience store socks people are going crazy for * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jennifer Bain's Japan articles.
- Why Women Who Love the Camino Should Walk Japan's Kumano Kodō: https://journeywoman.com/destinations/asia/japan/why-women-who-love-the-camino-should-walk-japans-kumano-kodo/
- Footbathing And Flower Trekking In Northern Japan's National Parks: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/09/footbathing-and-flower-trekking-northern-japans-national-parks
For more of Jennifer Bain's work:
- Website: https://jenniferbain.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaucylady/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the origins of the word sakura. No not that sakurai. The other sakura. The scammy kind of sakura. Also we're talking about madorā.
👉Topics Discussed * The possible origins of the word sakura (サクラ) * Why sakura means a fake "scammy" customer * What a madorā is * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the rise of Japan's $3.5 billion breakfast industry and why Japan is currently in the midst of it's 4th "breakfast boom."
👉Topics Discussed * What a typical Japanese breakfast consists of * The history of breakfast in Japan * Breakfast in the Edo Period * Breakfast in Edo vs Kansai during the Edo Period * Japan's four "Morning Booms" * What 'morning" (モーニング, mōningu) is * The origin of "morning" in Aichi Prefecture * The rise of kissaten (cafes) in 1950s Japan * About Rūe Burajiru (ルーエぶらじる), a restaurant in Hiroshima thought to have been the first to offer "morning service" (モーニングサービス, mōningu sābisu) * The rise of McDonald's breakfast in Japan * The rise of hotel breakfasts in Japan * Whether you should get breakfast in hotels * About Toyoko Inn's "free" breakfast * About the 2010 breakfast boom * About Japan's pancake boom * About the fourth morning boom going on now * Why more restaurants in Japan have started offering very cheap breakfast options * How restaurants in japan are trying to offer breakfast for 300 yen or less * About Saizeriya's breakfast service "Asasaize" * About KFC's breakfast options * Why breakfast options are so cheap in Japan * About service at gyudon places like Yoshinoya and Sukiya * About breakfast at Sakaba Fukuro in Ikebukuro * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith to talk about the current status of Akihabara and the rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's newest capital of all things anime, manga and otaku culture.
👉Topics Discussed * Whether Akihabara is dying * The history of Akihabara * How Akihabara has evolved in recent years * What locals think of Akihabara today * How Mercari has impacted Akihabara * The price of anime figures/merch in Akihabara * The decline of AKB48 * Why Akihabara has changed in recent years * The rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's new otaku capital * How the Toshima ward government is focusing on developing Ikebukuro as Japan's new anime/otaku capital * Neagtive attitudes towards otaku culture in Akihabara * How Akihabara paved the way for Ikebukuro's rise as an otaku center of Japan * The future of Akihabara * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's books about Akihabara and otaku culture.
- The Ethics of Affect: Lines and Life in a Tokyo Neighborhood: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/50996/1/9789176351567.pdf
- Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan: https://www.amazon.com/Otaku-Struggle-Imagination-Patrick-Galbraith/dp/1478006293
Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's other appearances on Japan Station.
- Japan Station 30: Understanding "Otaku" and Akihabara w. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith: https://japankyo.com/2020/01/japan-station-podcast-about-akihabara-history-otaku/
- AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38: https://japankyo.com/2020/05/japan-station-podcast-history-japanese-aidoru-akb48/
- Obscenity, Censorship & Erotic Comics in Japan (Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 59: https://japankyo.com/2021/02/eromanga-erotic-comics-japan/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This is a re-broadcast of an episode originally released on 8/21/21.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Yamaguchi cursed to have "ugly" girls? We also discuss other places in Japan known for having many beautiful/ugly women.
Topics Discussed * The three most scenic views in Japan * What the Sandaibijin (三大美人) is * What places in Japan are most known for having beautiful women * Fukuoka (Hakata), Akita, and Kyoto's status as places in Japan known for having many beautiful women * How Kanazawa/Ishikawa/Kaga is known for having beautiful women * Some theories about why Hakata, Akita and Kyoto (supposedly) have so many beautiful women * The theory that short days and humid climate contributes to the white and moist skin of Akita's women * How white/fair skin is considered beautiful by many in Japan * The theory that the women of Kyoto are cultured and refined so that results in there being so many beautiful women in Kyoto * The theory that collagen consumption via motsunabe and chicken helps produce the beautiful women of Hakata * How pleasure districts might be connected to the impression that Akita, Fukuoka, and Kyoto have many beautiful women * The idea that the Sea of Japan side of Japan is home to many beautiful women * The theory that genetic mixing may be a reason for why the Sea of Japan side of Japan supposedly has so many beautiful women * What the Sandaibusu (三大ブス) is * The three places in Japan known for having "ugly women" * Sendai, Nagoya, and Mito's status as the three places in Japan known for having many ugly women * The theory that claims Tokugawa Yoshifusa sent groups of "ugly" women to Sendai, Nagoya, and Wakayama * Nagoya's reputation as a boring place * The so-called urban legend that women from Yamaguchi are all ugly * The story of Oman's curse as a possible explanation for why women from Yamaguchi are supposedly ugly * Throwing snakes at women * And much more!
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Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off a voice & data SIM card plan by using my mobal affiliate link.
- https://mobal.com/tonyjapan
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- https://mechanekosushi.com/
Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.
- もっともブスな女性が多そうな街は…「日本三大ブス」説が崩壊？
- 茨城ブスについて。 都市伝説をさらっと考えてみる。
- 石川県金沢市は美女が多いのでしょうか？
- 日本三大美人の根拠＆美人が多いと思われている都道府県は？
- 日本三大美人！なぜ、この三県が？その理由やいかに！
- 秋田・京都・福岡が「日本三大美人」に選ばれた理由とは？ 様々な三大○○に面白おかしく迫る！
- 山口ブス伝説
- 【山口ブス伝説】女子にとっては超迷惑な「姫山伝説」知ってる？
- 姫山のお万
- 月曜から夜更かし「山口呪われたブス伝説」 （山口姫山伝説）のルーツ？
- 【ネタ】山口の女性はブスばかり？「呪われた山口県ブス伝説」に迫る
Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.
- Black Box: Discussing the Shiori Ito Story (Allison Markin Powell Part 1) | Japan Station 72
- You Know What I Mean? On Translating Japanese Fiction (Allison Markin Powell Part 2) | Japan Station 73
Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.
- Check out Kimito Designs
Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Bijin
- Busu
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about interesting words related to aging and shoulders and a weird ECC commercial.
👉Topics Discussed * 四十肩ō * And much more! * 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB * 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! * Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo * Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega * Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega * 👉Affiliate Links * Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. * Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan * Support by Buying a T-Shirt! * Support the show by getting a t-shirt! * MechaNekoSushi.com * 👉Links, Videos, Etc. * Here is the Kinman commercial featuring the foreign guy saying he ate 28 Kinman. *  * 👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * What shijūkata (ū四十肩) is * What gjūkata (五十肩) is * What arasā (アラサー) is * What arafō (アラフォー) is * What arafifu (アラフィフ) is * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about what life in Akita Prefecture is like AND why women from Akita are (supposedly) so beautiful!
👉Topics Discussed * Where Akita Prefecture is in relation to other prefectures in the Tohoku region * About Akita's famous Kinman * Why people in Akita like to say they've eaten 28 Kinman * About how rural Akita is * About the high number of bear attacks and fatalities in Akita Prefecture * About Akita's status as one of Japan's highest rice producers * About the Akita Komachi rice brand * About Akita bijin * About Akita's "beautiful women" * Theories explaining why Akita is known for having beautiful women * Whether the story saying that Satake clan took all of Ibaraki's beautiful women to Akita is plasuible * The less sunlight and good water theories explaining Akita women's beautiful skin * Kawahata geisha * What the heck toppinpararinopū * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the Kinman commercial featuring the foreign guy saying he ate 28 Kinman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8nf5qjaeGQ
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, Alex Litz of Expedition Japan joins us to talk about tourism in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture and places/events to check out during a visit to Yamagata.
👉Topics Discussed * How Alex ended up in Yamagata Prefecture * About studying abroad in Yamagata Prefecture * About tourism in Japan * What's so great about Yamagata? Places to visit in Yamagata * Yamagata food * Events and festivals in Yamagata * The dialects of Yamagata * Getting around in Yamagata * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
- Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here are the links to Expedition Japan and Alex Litz's Instagram.
- Expedition Japan Website: https://expedition-japan.com/
- Alex Litz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldfisho/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This is a re-release of Ichimon Japan episode 28.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do Japanese names work?
Topics Discussed * How people in Japan normally state their family name before their given name * The complicated history of naming practices in Japan * Commoners being prohibited from using family names during the Edo Period * The Meiji era laws that mandated every Japanese person take a family name * The reluctance of some people to take a family name during the Meiji Period * The fact that many (most?) people with the surname Satō (佐藤) are probably not descended from samurai * The fact that many commoners were given last names based on the geographical features of the area in which they lived * The story of how the Furo (風呂) family supposedly got their family name from Minamoto no Yoshitsune * The most common family names in Japan in 2019 * How many Japanese family names there are * The prevalence of rare Japanese last names * The regional nature of some Japanese family names * The convention of naming boys based on their birth order * How it's easy to forget people's first names in Japan * Some of the factors people in Japan consider when naming a baby * Asking people in Japan about the kanji they use for their given name as a way to spark conversation * The phenomenon of siblings having related names * Interesting names in anime * The practice of picking a baby name based on the way a name is written * How much it usually costs to have a shrine pick a baby name for you * What a seimeihandanshi is * What it might cost you to have a seimeihandanshi pick a baby name for you * A list outlining the most popular baby names in Japan of 2019 * The Japanese naming convention of tōriji * How shorter names have become common in Japan in recent years * How female names that end in -ko used to be more common * And much more!
Note: Just for the sake of clarity, I'd like to point out that the story of the Furo family name did not occur during the Meiji Period (actually it probably never even occurred in the way it is normally told). However, because the story was introduced alongside the changes of the Meiji Period it's possible to be left with the impression that there was a connection there. There is no direct connection. The story was simply brought up as an example of the many interesting ways in which people in Japan acquired last names.
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Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
-
Mobal Link Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
Get a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
- MechaNekoSushi.com
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode.
- 全国名字ランキング
- 【名字】風呂
- 実在する珍しい名字 (5)
- 通字と偏諱
- 日本人の苗字はこうしてつけられた 【CGS 日本の歴史 5-9】
- NHKネーミングバラエティー日本人のおなまえっ 日本一短い名字「井」
- 名付けを神社にお願いするには？方法や金額相場や初穂料について解説
- 名付けはどうやって決めた？先輩ママに聞いてみよう
- 赤ちゃんの名付け！気をつけるポイントと名付け方法
- 神社での命名にかかる料金はどれぐらい？手順や注意点を解説します！
Here are some of the main English-language sources used when doing the research for this episode.
- A Long History of Japanese Names
- This is the Tofugu article mentioned during this episode.
- The Japanese Naming System - Morphology and Semantics of Individual Names by Anja Collazo
- This is the thesis mentioned during this episode.
- Japan's Name Culture: The Significance of Names in a Religious, Political, and Social Context by Herbert Plutschow
Here are the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode.
- Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23
- What is seppuku? (The Basics of Samurai "Suicide") | Ichimon Japan18
Here is the latest episode of Japan Station.
- Yūrei, Ghosts & Yōkai, A Chat w. Zack Davisson | Japan Station 50
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).
- Visit KimitoDesigns.com
Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Myōji
- 苗字 : 苗字(P); 名字(P) 【みょうじ】 (n) (See 名前・2) surname; family name
- Namae
- 名前 : 名前(P); 名まえ 【なまえ】 (n) (1) name; (n) (2) (See 名字) given name; first name;
- Furo
- 風呂 【ふろ】 (n) (1) (See お風呂) bath; bathing; bathtub; bathroom; (n) (2) bathhouse; public bath
- Kenkō
- 健康 【けんこう】 (n) (1) health; (adj-na) (2) healthy; sound; fit; wholesome
- Futoi
- 太い 【ふとい】 (adj-i) (1) fat; thick; (adj-i) (2) deep (of a voice); thick; sonorous; (adj-i) (3) daring; shameless; brazen; audacious
- Seimeihandan
- 姓名判断 【せいめいはんだん】 (n) (yoji) fortunetelling based on writing or pronunciation of one's name
- Iemoto
- 家元 【いえもと】 (n) head of a school (of music, dance); head family of a school
- Himawari
- ひまわり (n) sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Tsumugi
- 紬 : 紬; 紡ぎ 【つむぎ】 (n) pongee; soft thin cloth woven from raw silk
- Tsumugu
- 紡ぐ 【つむぐ】 ; (v5g,vt) (1) to spin; to make yarn; (v5g,vt) (2) to spin (a tale); to assemble (e.g. words); to put together
- Kotoba o tsumugu
- 言葉を紡ぐ : 言葉を紡ぐ; 言葉をつむぐ 【ことばをつむぐ】 (exp,v5g) (poet) to express in a refined fashion; to weave a web of words
- Wa
- 和 : 和(P); 倭 【わ】 (n) (1) (和 only) {math} sum; (n) (2) (和 only) harmony; peace; (n,n-pref,adj-no) (3) Japan; Japanese-style
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about two peculiar words depakosu and puchipura. Also i talk a bit about the origin of the name of the anime Odd Taxi.
👉Topics Discussed * What depakosu (デパコス) means * What puchipura (プチプラ) means * The origin of the name of the anime Odd Taxi (オッドタクシー) * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of the unique aspects of living in Aomori Prefecture.
👉Topics Discussed * What it's like living in Aomori Prefecture * About the Shimokita Peninsula * Why life in Aomori can be so inconvenient * What "English Toast" is (igirisu tōsuto, イギリストースト) * What igirisu tōsuto is * About the history of igirisu tōsuto * Why people in Aomori throw peanuts at oni on Setsubun instead of soybeans * The dialects of Aomori * How Aomori became one of Japan's biggest centers for apple production * About senbeijiru (rice cracker soup) * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we go through a list of some of the most unique and interesting slang of Japan's Taishō period (1912-1926).
👉Topics Discussed * Popular Taishō era slang * How polie during the Taishō era used to say moshi moshi * Why it was an insult to call someone Mitsukoshi during the Taishō era * What it was like during the Taishō era * Taishō era youth culture * What a gomu geta was * What musen meant during the Taishō era * Taishō era opera otaku * What SS meant during the Taishō period * The sexy meaning of tōchaku (到着) * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. If you want to learn about Edo/Meiji period street merchant slang, check out the link below!
- Japanese Street Merchant Slang: 10 Words from Japan's Edo Merchants | Japan Station 158
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: 10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really?
Topics Discussed * Reasons why you may hate living in Japan * No trash cans * Why there are few public trash cans in Japan * Where to find trash cans in Japan * Whether it's rude to walk while eating or drinking in public in Japan * Lack of soap in public restrooms * Individually wrapped items * About not being able to have tattoos in Japan * Working conditions in Japan * About salaries in Japan * About the weird way Japan slices loaves of bread (shokupan) * About the annoying nature of streets in Japan * The size of streets in Japan * Street signs in Japan * Cheese in Japan * How difficult it can be to find authentic food and cuisine from other countries * You you will stand out if you don't look Asian in Japan * How it will be annoying to live in Japan if you look Asian but don't speak Japanese * And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. To learn more about how the Tokyo sarin gas attack is not the direct cause for there being so few public trash cans in Japan, check out the episode of Japan Station linked below.
- The REAL Reason Japan doesn't have public TRASH CANS! They're LYING TO YOU! | Japan Station 163
To learn more about the MAJISON Tokaido Challenge, check out the latest episode of Japan Station. See the link below
https://japankyo.com/2023/08/im-walking-from-kyoto-to-tokyo-and-im-legally-blind-japan-station-majison-tokaido-challenge/
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, I break down the two very different meanings of the word okuribito.
👉Topics Discussed * About the 2008 Japanese film Departures (Okuribito) * What does okuribito mean? * What does おくりびと mean? * What does okuribito 億り人 mean? * The Japanese slang term okuribito * Why it is more difficult to become an "okuribito" in Japan now * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links None this time
👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more info on what Ami is doing and Suzmizumi LLC, check out their Instagram page.
- Sumizumi LLC Instagram
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to Ami Eldridge, the co-founder of Sumizumi LLC, a company in rural Kochi Prefecture trying to revitalize the area through charcoal production.
👉Topics Discussed * About Ami Eldridge's efforts to revitalize rural Kochi Prefecture * About the Niyodo Town and Niyodogawa River area * About how Sumizumi LLC is using charcoal and akiya (abandoned houses) to revitalize the Niyodogawa area * The many uses of charcoal * The intricacies of making charcoal * About turning akiya (abandoned houses into airbnb * How many people Ami has gotten to relocate to Niyodogawa * How people in Niyodogawa are creating new businesses like skate parks, curry shops and tea shops * How to access the Niyodogawa area * About the new lie flat overnight bus that runs from Tokyo to Kochi * How airbnb's can be used to help revitalize rural communities * When the best time to visit Niyodogawa is * What foods to eat in Niyodogawa * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more info on what Ami is doing and Suzmizumi LLC, check out their Instagram page.
- Sumizumi LLC Instagram
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, author Hiroko Yoda joins us to talk about the complexities of religious and spirituality in Japan, a topic she covers in her new book Eight Million Ways to Happiness.
👉Topics Discussed * Why Hiroko Yoda was told to tell people she's Buddhist before going to the U.S. to study abroad * About "Yaoyorozu no kami" * About the history of the word for religion (shūkyō, 宗教) in Japanese * About the wide variety of Japan's "eight million gods" * Why Japanese people say they are not "religious" * The problem with surveys that ask Japanese people whether they are "religious" * About why Japanese people get married in the "Christian" style * Why Hiroko Yoda decided to write Eight Million Ways to Happiness * What Shugendō (修験道) is * About Shugendō practice * About the connection between Buddhism and funerals * Why funerals in Japan can be so expensive * About post-death Buddhist names * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Eight Million Ways to Happiness： Wisdom for Inspir by Hiroko Yoda is available now wherever you get your books. You can also use the links below to get a copy.
- Amazon
- Penguin House
And here's some other relevant links.
- Hiroko Yoda's Newsletter
- Hiroko Yoda's Instagram
- Hiroko Yoda's Bluesky
- Hiroko Yoda's X
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk all about Jaan's most famous "local mascot" Kumamon. We cover everything you should know about Kumamoto's most beloved bear. I also share an absolutely crazy story that happened to me when I went to see the Kumamon show in Kumamoto in the fall os 2025.
👉Topics Discussed * About Kumamon * How Kumamon was created * The history of Kumamon * Who created Kumamon * How Kumamon used to look quite different when he was first unveiled * How Kumamon's appearance changed * About Kumamon's creepy appearance * About the Osaka press conference that introduced Kumamon to the world * How much money Kumamon has generated over the past 15 yeas * What the name Kumamon means * About yurukyara/local mascots * About the unique free license system Kumamoto used to help popularize Kumamon * What the name Kumamon means * How Kumamoto police are using Warumon (a Kumamon knock off) to raise awareness of scams/crimes * About the (almost) daily free Kumamon show iin Kumamoto at Kumamon Sqaure * My absolutely insane Kumamon story * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is a screenshot of a photo of what the Kumamon suit looked like when it was first created. As you can see, the head appears to be mostly the same but the body is skinnier and has fur. The suit also appears to be baggier. As a result, this gives Kumamon a somewhat unsettling appearance. This image is from this Asahi Shinbun article.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This is a re-broadcast of episode 65 of the Ichimon Japan podcast (originally published on 12/21/2022).
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Christmas like in Japan? (About Japanese Christmas)
Topics Discussed * All about Christmas in Japan * Japanese Christmas customs in Japan * All about fried chicken and Christmas in Japan * Why KFC is the thing to eat during Christmas in Japan * How Christmas is seen as a romantic holiday in Japan * Christmas light displays * About reserving KFC fried chicken for Christmas * About KFC's Premium Roast * About Christmas cake in Japan * The first Christmas in Japan in 1552 * And much more!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn]
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.
- Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. None
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, I dig into the world of dead Japanese Bubble Era slang. Specifically, I talk about the term hanakin (花金). Also I talk about the days of the week during World War II in Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * What is hanakin * What hanakin means * About the kanji used to write hanakin * How I learned the days of the week in Japanese * How there were no weekends during World War II in Japan * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None this time.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, Sensei Martian talks about what it was like walking 3200 km from Cape Sata, the southernmost point on mainland Japan, to Cape Soya, the northernmost point on mainland Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * About the Kyushu Challenge * Why Sensei Martian decided to walk 3200 km/3000 miles+ across Japan * About walking the old Tokaido Road * About walking from the southern end of Japan to the northern end * About encounters Sensei Martian had with people while walking across Japan * About booking lodging while walking across Japan * About getting injured while walking across Japan * About the presents people gave Sensei Martian while walking across Japan * How difficult it was to get to Cape Sata * Japan's dwindling population and how it is affecting rural areas * About Sensei's Martian walking 100 km across Tokyo over the course of 30 hours * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Sensei Martian's content via the links below.
- Sensei Martian on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/sensei_martian
- Sensei Martian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senseimartian Sensei Martian on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@senseimartian
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the Kyushu Challenge, my recent 558 km walk from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi to Sakurajima, Kagoshima.
👉Topics Discussed * About the Kyushu Challenge * The route I took to walk from Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture to Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture * About how a restaurant owner gave me money * How I appeared on TV in Yamaguchi Prefecture * About kawara soba * About okonomiyaki * About the scariest tunnel I ever had to walk through * About walking through rural southern Kumamoto and Kagoshima * About the Hisatsu Orange Railway * The benefit of regional JR rail passes * About Sakurajima * My plans for 2026 (Tohoku tandem bicycle ride) * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. This is the news report in which I appeared. It was broadcast on Yamaguchi Broadcasting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzU5c2loNck
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about how I was able to save money on airfare for my latest trip to Japan. I also share how I almost lost money due to a luggage issue and I talk about why regional JR passes can save you lots of money while traveling in Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * How I get the cheapest plane ticket to Japan ever * About smartfares.com * Why you should check how many bags you are allowed to check in on a flight * About regional JR passes and why they can be better than the national JR pass * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Affiliate Links * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This is a rebroadcast of episode 76 of Ichimon Japan.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about the history of pillows in Japan and an absurd belief regarding the sleeping
Topics Discussed * About the history of pillows in Japan * About early pillows in Japanese history * About the evolution of pillows in Japan * About pillows during the Edo Period * About hakomakura (box pillows) * About the oldest pillow in Japan * X * About stereotypes regarding Japanese people versus Westerners * About the idea Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners * About Sobagawa/Sobakawa buchwheat pillows * About dakimakura (hug pillows) * About anime waifu dakimakura * About the Shironeri Ayano Oomakura (the oldest pillow in Japan) in Shosoin Temple in Nara * About the mistaken idea that Japanese people sleep on their sides due to being an agricultural society * About Japan's unique status as the only place in the world with four seasons * About nihonjinron * And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. No links this time.
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about 4 more words in Japanese. What's a mora? And why are there so many four mora words in Japanese? We talk about all taht and more!
👉Topics Discussed * What is a mora? * What's the difference between a mora and a syllable * The possible origins of nikujaga * How Japanese love to shorten terms to four mora/four kana * The possible origin of the word jagaimo * Examples of other four more abbreviations in Japanese * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. No links this time.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of Tokyo's most popular tourist sites. Are they tourist traps or worth your time? We're also joined by stand up comedian and tour guide Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami.
👉Topics Discussed * Is Tokyo Skytree a tourist trap? Should you visit it? * Should you visit Tokyo Tower? * Should you visit Tokyo Disneyland? Is it a tourist trap? * Is Tokyo Disneyland expensive? * Is Akihabara a tourist trap? * Is Akihabara expensive? * About the observation deck on the 45th floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 1 * Is Golden Gai a tourist trap? * What is senbero * About cheap bars and izakaya in Tokyo * About bungee jumping in Tokyo * About Fuji Q Highland * About Roppongi * About scam bars and shadey barkers * What to avoid in Roppongi and other entertainment districts * About kyacchi * About scam bars and how they overcharge you * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Shuhei Murakami on Instagram and check him out on YouTube
- @Japanese_StandupComedian: https://instagram.com/japanese_standupcomedian
- Shuhei Murakami on YouTube: Shuhei Murakami Works
Check out his first appreance on Japan Station:
- The Fascinating Life of Stand-Up Comedian Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami | Japan Station 45: https://japankyo.com/2020/08/about-shuhei-shoe-murakami/
This is the article this episode was inspired by.
- 8 Tourist Traps To Avoid In Times Square Read More: https://www.explore.com/1444465/tourist-traps-avoid-times-square/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
Hey guys! I'm holding another get together in Tokyo. This time it's to celebrate the end of the Kyushu Challenge. It will be on Nov 1st at 6 pm at Pintology Tokyo! Here is Pintology Tokyo's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pintologytokyo/ I'll be back soon enough with the usual programming!
This episode was originally broadcast as an episode of Ichimon Japan.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English)
Topics Discussed * What wasei eigo is * About English sounding words made in Japan * tenshon ga takai * pākā * How SNS is not English * arubaito * nōtopasokon * buraindotacchi * misu * misesu * rippukurīmu * hocchikisu * OL * sararīman (salaryman) * shīchikin * interi * haiso * furonto * hōmu * chakku * majikkutēpu * majikku * majikkumirā * Gpan * jampāsukāto * wagomu * atakku * faito * charenji * And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.
- Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. No links.
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Japanese idioms involving the color red (赤, aka, seki). For example, have you ever wondered why lies are red in Japanese? Listen to find out!
👉Topics Discussed * Japanese idioms involving the color red * Why 真っ赤なウソ/makka na uso means a "complete lie" and what the color red has to do with lies * Also discussing other idioms such as sekirara * About the most awesome Japanese tractor song ever * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki to talk about her latest documentary The Making of a Japanese and her latest short documentary Instrument of a Beating Heart. During the conversation we focus on the making of these films, what makes Japanese elementary schools unique, the role Japanese elementary schools play in shaping Japanese society, and more.
👉Topics Discussed * About the making of the documentary The Making of a Japanese * About the making of the short documentary Instruments of a Beating Heart * What makes Japanese elementary schools unique * Cleaning at Japanese elementary schools * The good and bad of Japanese elementary schools * The practice of having students serve lunch * Discipline at Japanese elementary schools * Teachers at Japanese elementary schools * The difficulties of filming a documentary at a Japanese elementary school * About getting nominated for an Oscar for Instruments of a Beating Heart * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% off Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more information about Ema Ryan Yamazaki and her work, check out her website and Instagram.
- Ema Ryan Yamazaki Website: https://www.emaexplorations.com/en/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emaexplorations/
To watch Instruments of a Beating Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRW0auOiqm4&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRW0auOiqm4&t=2s
Check out Ema Ryan Yamazaki's previous appearance on the Japan Station podcast via the link below.
- Documenting the Intense World of Japanese High School Baseball (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 54: https://japankyo.com/2020/12/about-koshien-japanese-high-school-baseball/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
Check out the links below for more Supernatural Japan episodes!
- Supernatural Japan Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498
- Supernatural Japan Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35FkGE7Kc9bXFGpt37ZF2y
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the history of font design in Japan, the history of the Nintendo font and how Daniel Kaihatsu became a type face designer in Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * Why Daniel Kaihatsu became interested in learning Japanese * How Daniel Kaihatsu became interested in Japanese font design * About doing research for videos in Japanese language * About copyright and fair use in Japan * About copyright and fair use for fonts in Japan * About doing YouTube while working at a Japanese company * How the Pop Happiness font sparked Daniel Kaihatsu's interest in font design * About creating an original font inspired by Pop Happiness * About working on the "Showa" revival font * About the history and development of the Japanese Nintendo logo (Marufuku logo) * How designing the Show revival font helped Daniel Kaihatsu get a job as a font designer at a company in Japan * About getting interviewed for a job at a Japanese font design company * About kamon and kakujimon * About the kakuji style * About Edo era Japanese logos * About the Edo period Nintendo/Marufuku logo * About the Lawson logo * About the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet logos * How Japanese fonts are designed * The difficulties of Japanese type design * How long it can take to design a Japanese font * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out the video about the history of the Nintendo font here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm5bL1mmbS4&t=1137s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm5bL1mmbS4&t=1137s
Follow Daniel Kaihatsu on social media and subscribe to the Kaihatsu YouTube channel
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kaihatsu/videos
- X; @kaihatsuyt (https://x.com/KaihatsuYT)
- Bluesky: @kaihat.su (https://bsky.app/profile/kaihat.su)
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This was originally broadcast as episode 21 of Ichimon Japan.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's so scary about the hour of the ox?
Topics Discussed * All about Japan's old way of telling time that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac (eto) * Which "animals" in the old Chinese Zodiac based way of telling time correspond to which hours in the modern way of telling time * Why the "hour of the ox" (ushi no koku) was thought to have associations with demons and inauspicious things * What a "demon gate" (kimon) is * In which direction you would find a kimon (demon gate) * What ushimitsudoki is and what time it corresponds to * The punctual nature of demons * What ushi no koku mairi is * How people performing ushi no koku mairi are typically depicted today * The historical origins of ushi no koku mairi * The story of Uji no Hashihime * The various tools involved when placing a curse on someone ushi no koku mairi style * The potentially deadly consequences of catching someone in the act of performing ushi no koku mairi * Websites/companies that offer to places curses on your behalf * Whether performing ushi no koku mairi or cursing someone is illegal in Japan * Two actual cases of people threatening others using straw dolls (wara ningō**) * Why you could get arrested if you were to perform a full ushi no koku mairi ceremony * How you can purchase ushi no koku mairi kits from online retailers like Amazon Japan * One man's attempt to curse the coronavirus ushi no koku mairi style * And more!
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Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support on Patreon
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. There are various ways of referring to the old way of telling time used in Japan that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The two most common terms are kojikoku (古時刻) and jūnijishin (十二時辰). Much of the information this episode was based on was gathered from the Japanese-language sources below.
- Jūnijishin (十二時辰)
- This is the Japanese-language Wikipedia entry.
- 昔の時間の古時刻・十二時辰とは？初刻や正刻の鐘の意味は
- This is an in-depth article focusing on the old system used in Japan for telling time.
Although it is not as thorough as the Japanese language articles above, the Japan Times article below does give some general information on the old Chinese Zodiac based system of telling the time that Japan used to use.
- Telling time with animals
In the Chinese Zodiac-based way of telling time the day would start with the hour of the rat (ne no koku) and end with the hour of the boar (i no koku). Below you can see the terms used for all 12 animals/time divisions) and what two hour block each corresponds to. Also it should be noted that both English and Japanese-language sources are unclear on when exactly each two hour block of time begins. In general sources go with wording like "between 11 and 1," thus I have been unable to determine with 100% certainty if, for example, the last minute of the hour of the rat is 12:59 (which seems more likely) or 1:00. While this degree of precision was likely not a matter of concern for most people when this method of telling time was still being used, the question of when exactly each block of time ends is nevertheless one that remains and is unfortunately not solved in the information below.
- 11:00 p.m - 1:00 a.m. Rat 子 (鼠) ne
- 1:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. Ox 丑 (牛) ushi
- 3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. 寅 (虎) tora
- 5:0 am. - 7:00 a.m. Rabbit 卯 (兎) u
- 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Dragon 辰 (竜) tatsu
- 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Snake 巳 (蛇) mi
- 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Horse 午 (馬) uma
- 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Sheep 未 (羊) hitsuji
- 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monkey 申 (猿) 酉 saru
- 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Rooster 酉 (鳥) tori
- 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Dog 戌 (犬) inu
- 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Boar 亥 (猪) i
Information about the two articles by Salvador Jimenez Murguia that were mentioned in this episode can be found below. Only the second article is accessible for free.
- The Cursing Kit of Ushi no Koku Mairi
- Cyber Execration: A Case Study of Ushi No Koku Mairi
The link below is for a video about the "Curse Demon Association" (呪鬼会, Jujikai), which is, according to the video, a group of Shinto priests that will curse people for you in exchange for money.
- Video About the Curse Demon Association
The link below will take you to the Nikkan Spa article mentioned in this episode. The article describes one person's attempt to curse the coronavirus using ushi no koku mairi in order to stop the pandemic. Although the article is in Japanese, it's worth a look even if can't read Japanese since he pictures are pretty amusing.
- コロナを呪って終息へ！ リモート丑の刻参りに挑戦
Here is a staged video of a couple guys claiming to have come across someone performing ushi no koku mairi.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGKRCIgWHhA[/embed]
Here is the tutorial style video mentioned in this episode. The video walks you through the the entire process of cursing someone using a home kit that you can purchase online.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyAvy9s5e3w[/embed]
To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.
- Talking Translation w. Sarah Moon | Japan Station 43
Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Eto
- 干支 【えと; かんし】 (n) (1) sexagenary cycle (60-year cycle of 12 animal zodiac and 5 elements in the traditional Chinese calendar); (2) 12-year Chinese zodiac
- Ushi no koku mairi
- 丑の刻参り 【うしのこくまいり】 (exp,n) cursing ritual where one visits a shrine at 2am and nails a doll representing a person to a tree, praying for said person's death
- Hakamairi
- 墓参り : 墓参り(P); 墓参(P) 【はかまいり(P); ぼさん(墓参)】 (n,vs) visit to a grave
- Ushimitsudoki
- 丑三つ時 【うしみつどき】 (n) (1) dead of night; middle of the night; midnight; (2) (See 丑の刻) third quarter of the hour of the ox
- Wara ningyō
- 藁人形 : 藁人形; わら人形; ワラ人形 【わらにんぎょう(藁人形,わら人形); ワラにんぎょう(ワラ人形)】 (n) straw doll; straw figure; straw effigy
- Kyōhaku
- 脅迫 【きょうはく】 (n,vs) threat; menace; coercion; terrorism
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the difference between the Japanese word kaze (cold, 風邪) and kaze (wind, 風). Why do they share the same pronunciation? Are they related? Or is this all just a big coincidence? Listen to find out!
👉Topics Discussed * About visiting Japan for the first time * What the difference between kaze (風邪) and kaze (風) is * The history of the words kaze and kaze * How to say to catch a cold in Japanese * Whether the Japanese word for "cold" and "wind" are related * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about some of the annoying things people have to deal with when moving to Japan. Our guest this time is the CEO of Mobal, Declan Somers.
👉Topics Discussed * About visiting Japan for the first time * About moving to Japan and working in a Japanese company in the late '90s * Japan in the '90s versus Japan today * About job possibilities for foreigners in Japan today * About moving to Japan today * About how difficult it can be finding a hotel in Tokyo * Why you need a phone number as soon as possible when you move to Japan * About the trouble getting Japanese apps from the Apple app store * Why you should change your region setting to Japan before moving to japan * What ti's like ordering a Mobal SIM card * About setting up a bank account in Japan * About Mobal's data and voice plan * About the Mobal Pay card * About sign up bonuses for Japanese apps * About point cards and points in Japan * About the 99% population coverage claim made by Japanese cell service providers * About Mobal's charitable work * About Mobal's pocket wifi service * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. If you'd like to get a Mobal voice & data SIM card, consider using my affiliate link! This will get you 10% off your order.
- Mobal Japan Voice & Data (Includes Japanese phone number)
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking to Quinlan from the GoNorth Japan YouTube channel about surviving a bear encounter in Japan, hiking in the Tohoku area of Japan and more.
👉Topics Discussed * About bear attacks and encounters in Japan * How to prevent encounters with bears while hiking in Japan * Whether bear bells and whistles are effective in warding off bears * About Quiinlan's encounter with a bear while hiking in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture * What to do if a bear attacks you while hiking in Japan * Why bear attacks have increased in Japan in recent years * Whether you should yell at a bear who attacks you in Japan * About the matagi * About hunters in Japan * About the need to keep the deer population under control in Japan * About the effort to keep the bear population under control in Japan * About hiking Yarigatake * About kitadake, the second highest mountain in Japan * About Mount Iwate * Recommendation for places to hike in Tōhoku * About Mount Akita Komagatake * About Hachimantai * Why Quinlan moved to the Tōhoku area of Japan * About the MCT 1000 km trail along the Tōhoku coast * About Quinlan's custom 1 day adventure tours * About Northern Japan Horizons * About the Volcano Adventure Experience tour * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here are the links mentioned in this episode.
- GoNorth Japan Website: https://www.gonorthjapan.com/
- Quinlan/GoNorth Japan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinlan
- GoNorth Japan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoNorthJapan
- Northern Japan Horizons: https://www.northernjapanhorizons.com/
- Northern Japan Horizons TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298247-d33067862-Reviews-Northern_Japan_Horizons-Morioka_Iwate_Prefecture_Tohoku.html
Here is the video where Quinlan talks about the bear encounter he survived.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLuioUkC0GA
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Stationwe ask: What was it like walking the Tokaido Road?
NOTE: This is a re-broadcast of episode 78 of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
Topics Discussed * About the Tokaido Challenge * About what it was like walking the Tokaido Road * About the challenges of walking the Tokaido Road * About what it was like walking from Kyoto to Tokyo * About getting stopped by police in Kyoto * About walking along the Shizuoka coast * How long it took to walk the Tokaido * And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. Check out the Tokaido Challenge video series on the JapanKyo YouTube!
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU41Z0G4Uc&list=PL7ALB_S1KyWunL6kIbGu_Vtmswe1qxlHqTokaido Challenge Video Playlist:
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment on one of my latest post for a chance to win one of two $3 a month PLUS ALPHA tier Patreon memberships! @tonyrvega on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about train etiquette in Japan. We're covering a recent Japanese survey that lists the 8 most irritating things people do on trains in Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * Eight things you shouldn't do on Japanese trains * A survey indicating eight annoying things people do on Japanese trains * How people in Japan deal with annoying things people do on Japanese trains * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Sources used for this episode
- The 8 most annoying things people do on Japanese trains, according to local commuters (SoraNews24)
- Biz Hits Career Japan blog
- 【電車通勤中にイラッとする人の特徴ランキング】男女500人アンケート調査
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, Kevin Tarpey joins us to talk about what it was like doing Shikoku's famous 88 Temple Pilgrimmage and why Japan is such a great place for long-distance walking.
👉Topics Discussed * Why Japan is such a great place for long-distance walking * About the famous Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimmage (Ohenro, お遍路) * What it's like walking the 88 temple pilgrimmage * How long it took to walk the 88 temple pilgrimmage in Shikoku * How much distance Kevin covered per day while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About getting blisters while walking the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About the importance of pacing yourself while doing long-distance walks * The customs surrounding the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About the stampbook/passport used while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About the "traditional" clothing pilgrims often wear while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage * Why you should use the hakui/vest while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About the custom of Osettai * About walking on roads in japan * About walking the most rural area of the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About the official English guidebook for the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About the importance of preparing for a long-distance walk * Memorable experiences on the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About walking Cape Muroto * About eating paella at the lodging on Cape Muroto * About booking accomodations while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage * What accomodations might cost while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About "free lodging" on the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About henro huts * How knowing some Japanese can enrich your experience on the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About the finishing the 88 temple pilgrimmage * About th Hagi Okan and what it is like walking it * About Kevin's upcoming walks * About liquid intake and bathroom planning while on long-distance walking * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! + Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo + Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega + Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Don't forget to follow Kevin Tarpey on Instagram!
- @thegreenhoof (https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof/)
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we learn about traditional Japanese indigo dyeing from Sally Hancox, one of the co-owners of AiAii Worshop & Shop on Awaji island. This is a conversation to dye for! Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
👉Topics Discussed * About AiiAii Worshop & Shop * About the aizome (indigo dyeing) process * About farming and preparing indigo for dyeing * Why Sally Hancox ended up farming and working with indigo * What are the benefits of natural indigo dyeing * About the workshops at AiAii * About Awaji * How to get to Awaji * How to get in touch with Sally for scheduling indigo dyeing workshops, etc. * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! * Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo * Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega * Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
- Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more info an AiAii Workshop & Shop on Awaji, check out the links below
- AiAii Website: https://aiaii.blue/
- AiAii Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiaii.blue/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about scandals in Japan. My guest Dr. Igor Prusa tells about how scandals in Japan work, how they surface and how entertainers/business people/politicians who get caught in scandals try to deal with them. This is a truly SCANDALOUS episode. Sorry, couldn't resist.
👉Topics Discussed * The characteristics of a Japanese scandal * About the Noriko Sakai scandal * Why the Sakai Noriko scandal was such a big deal * What celebrities caught in scandals are expected to do * About the press conferences often seen after a scandal rises to the surface in Japan * About scandals in the Japanese corporate world * About political scandals in Japan * About the Johnny's/Johnny & Associates scandal * About the massive Fuji TV scandal * About the infamous 10 hour Fuji TV press conference and why it was so long * About why the Fuji TV scandal was such a big deal * About the Nakai Masahiro scandal * How outside pressure/foreign media/online media/weekly tabloids play an important role in the life cycle of a scandal * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content + Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support via a one time donation! * Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo * Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega * Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the link to the article by dragoner that was mentioned in this episode
- Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual (Japan Anthropology Workshop Series)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibHNq6ek6CI&list=RDibHNq6ek6CI&start_radio=1
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This episode was originally released as episode 3 of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
Today's Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese train stations do that?
Topics Discussed * The train system in rural areas versus urban areas in Japan * Trains in Kagoshima and Ishikawa * What a Wanmanressha (one man trains) is * Unmanned rural train stations * Why Japanese train stations use cute songs to indicate a train is about to depart * Hasshamero (train departure melodies) * The use of Nogizaka46's song "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" as a train departure melody * The logic behind train departure melodies * A brief history of train departure melodies in Japan * How the song "Yappa Sukiyanen" by Uashiki Takajin was adapted into a train departure melody after his death in 2014 * How Osaka locals prefer to use "Umeda" when referring the the area in and around JR Osaka Station * Why there are lines and numbers on the train platforms * How to line up when waiting for a train * Women only train cars * The use of high-pitched noises (17 khz) to disperse people loitering at train stations in Japan * Standing versus walking on escalators * How Japanese railway companies are trying to get people to only walk on escalators * Japanese people's reluctance to stop walking on escalators * Why standing on escalators can be faster than walking * Why Japanese train stations use blue LED lights on platforms * The claim that blue LED lights are extremely effective at preventing suicide * The role of seken no me (世間の目, the public gaze/the eye of society) on Japanese trains and at Japanese train stations * Train etiquette * The claim that cell phones interfere with pacemakers * Putting on makeup on Japanese trains * How there's a part-time job in Nagoya where people stand on the escalator all day in order to stop people from walking on escalators * And more!
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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. You can support the show by donating via Venmo or Paypal.
- Venmo (@TonyRVega): https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
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You can check out the Citylab article that is mentioned multiple times during this episode via the link below.
- The Amazing Psychology of Japanese Train Stations
As mentioned in this episode, Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line uses an adapted version of the Noguzaka46 song "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" (English translation: Your Name is Hope). You can listen to the original version of "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" via the YouTube video below.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E2OXutknVY[/embed]
Another song mentioned in this episode is "Yappa Sukiyanen" by Yashiki Takajin. Following the death of Takajin in 2014, an adapted version of this song was used for a period of time as the departure melody of JR Osaka Station.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GrOq7VY7lM[/embed]
The video below explores the question of whetherit is faster to stand or walk on an escalator. It finds that in theory about 80 people per minute can use an escalator when one side is reserved for walking. However, up to 112 people can use an escalator when people stand on both sides.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX11cxeW6hA[/embed]
You can check out the 2012 study that sparked the "blue light prevents suicide" craze via the link below. Note: many articles written after the publication of this study cite a 2013 study. However, this appears to be the same study and it is dated as 2012. It is possible that this is a preliminary version.
- Does the installation of blue lights on train platforms prevent suicide? A before-and-after observational study from Japan (By Tetsuya Matsubayashi, Yasuyuki Sawada, Michiko Ueda)
Numerous researchers have looked into the results of the 2012/2013 blue light study since it was originally plublished. In doing so, they have called into question its results. One such researcher is Masao Ichikawa of the University of Tsukuba. You can read his 2014 follow-up study via the link below.
- Reconsidering the effects of blue-light installation for prevention of railway suicides
Here is the 2019 BBC article mentioned during this episode that helpsput into doubt the idea that blue lights prevent suicide.
- Japanese train companies appeared to have found that soothing blue lights could reduce the rate of suicides at station. But does the "nudge technique" really work? And if so, how?
If you would like to check out episode 31 of the Japan Station podcast, which focuses on the skakuhachi, check out the link below.
- Japan Station 31: A Conversation with a Shakuhachi Master (Christopher Yohmei Blasdel)
If you want to learn even more about Japanese tains, then you should check out the Japankyo article below.
- All About the Chūō Shinkansen and the History that Led to the Creation of the Fastest Train in the World
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Instagram (@TonyRVega) * X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the Japanese word funiki (雰囲気) and other words that aren't read the way they are written.
👉Topics Discussed * About the Japanese word funiki (雰囲気) * What the correct way to read/pronounce funiki is * Whether you should read funiki as fun'iki （ふんいき) or fuinki (ふいんき) * Why so many people pronounce funiki incorrectly * About words like manin (満員) and zenin (全員) and why people often pronounce them incorrectly/differently from how they are written in kana * About 音位転換 (onitenkan)/metathesis in Japanese words * About Akihabara vs Akibahara * What a funiki ikemen (雰囲気イケメン) is * And much more!
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👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. This is the 2021 article I mention in the update portion of this episode.
- 「雰囲気」←“ふいんき”と読む時代が来る？ 大学教授が指摘 「秋葉原」や「山茶花」など前例に
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This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of episode two of Ichimon Japan.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners?
Topics Discussed * Whether Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners * The idea that longer intestines are a result of the Japanese people having a diet centering around rice, grains, and vegetables * The inconsistent details surrounding the idea that Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners * Andy Raskin's quest to determine if Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners * The stealing of corpses in Meiji period Japan * The idea that longer intestine length produces more excrement * The connection between the length of one's intestines and the smelliness of one's poop * How much longer the Japanese intestinal tract is said to be than that of Westerners * What both Japanese sources and English-language sources have to say on the length of Japanese intestines * The importance of skepticism * The results of a large scale scientific study that compares the length of the intestines of Japanese people and Westerners * The idea that intestine length is connected to the darkness of one's skin * And more!
Note: During the episode some information is attributed to a Reddit thread. This is inaccurate. The information attributed to said Reddit thread was instead found on news.ycominator.com.
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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. You can check out the article by Andy Raskin via the link below.
- Are Japanese Intestines Longer?
Here is the article published on World Projects Japan. This article is in Japanese
- 日本人は腸が長いか (Whether Japanese people have longer intestines)
During the episode some information was attributed to a Reddit thread. However, this is wrong. Any information that was attributed to this nonexistent Reddit thread was actually from news.ycombinator.com. You can access this page via the link below.
- Are Japanese Intestines Longer? (news.combinator.com)
The information regarding the idea that shortening one's intestines results in lighter skin also originated from the page above. The text below was posted to this page by someone using the name slyall on August 24, 2015. No other information was found to support this claim.
"I remember reading a story (at least 20 years ago) that some women in Japan were getting their intestine shortened in order to lighten their skin.
No ghits sorry but from memory once the intestine was shortened the skin started to magically lighten."
The 2013 study titled "Colorectal Length in Japanese and American Asymptomatic Adults Based on CT Colonography" (Japanese: 日本人とアメリカ人の大腸の長さは違うのか? : 大腸3D-CT) can be accessed via the link below. The article is in Japanese. An English translation of the objectives and results of the study can be found here.
- Colorectal Length in Japanese and American Asymptomatic Adults Based on CT Colonography (Japanese: 日本人とアメリカ人の大腸の長さは違うのか? : 大腸3D-CT)
If you would like to check out episode 30 of the Japan Station podcast, which focuses on the idea of "otaku" and the history of Akihabara, please check out the link below.
- Japan Station 30: Understanding “Otaku” and Akihabara w. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@tonyrvega)
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about why there's so few trash cans in public places in Japan.
Despite what many sources say the 1995 sarin gas attack in Tokyo is not the reason there are so few trash cans in public places in Japan. It's actually more complicated than that. While yes, it is true that there was a reduction in the amount of trash cans in some places in Japan--particularly the subway line targeted by Aum Shinrikyo during the sarin gas attack--many of these trash cans were reinstalled some time after the attack. Further trash cans were not used during the attack itself. So you simply cannot say that the sarin gas attack was the direct cause for Japan's lack of public trash cans. In reality, it's a combination of things that resulted in Japan severely reducing the amount of trash cans in public places. One reason is concerns over people dumping trash they aren't supposed to dump in public trash cans. Concerns over crows and other animals causing messes when they try to get food from public trash cans also played a role. In terms of security concerns, athough the sarin gas attack no doubt traised concerns it was the 2004 and 2005 terrorist attacks in London and Spain that actually had a direct impact on the number of public trash bins in Japan. Finally, efforts to cut costs on the part of Japanese railways and other private businesses also play a significant role in the disappearance of Japan's public garbage cans.
We also discuss strategies for managing your trash while you are in Japan, where you can find trash cans in Japan and what people in Japan are doing to deal with the increase in trash and litter that has resulted from increased tourism.
👉Topics Discussed * Why there aren't any trash cans in public places in Japan? * Why it is not true that the 1995 sarin gas terrorist attack conducted by Aum Shinrikyo in Tokyo is not the reason Japan has so few trash cans in public places * About the failed 1995 hygrogen cyanide gas attack in Shinjuku Station (新宿駅青酸ガス事件, Shinjuku eki seisan gasu jiken) which was also conducted by members of Aum Shinrikyo * Whether trash cans were removed from Japanese train stations after the 1995 sarin gas attack * Whether garbage cans in public places were common in Japan during the '90s and 2000s * The fact taht trash cans were reinstalled some time after the 1995 sarin gas attack * Why municipalities across Japan have been trying to reduce the number of trash cans in public since the '90s * People dumping trash they shouldn't in public trash cans * How concerns over crows have played a role in the disappearance of public trash cans in Japan * How the 2004 and 2005 London and Madrid terrorist attacks played a role in the disappearance of Japan's public trash cans * How efforts to cut costs played a role in Japan's trash cans being reduced in number * What you should do with your trash when visiting Japan * Where to find trash cans in Japan * About Japanese trash culture and manners * What people in Japan are doing in places where increased tourism has resulted in more trash and littering * And much more!
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👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the link to the article by dragoner that was mentioned in this episode
- "Why did Japan's trash cans disappear?" 日本のゴミ箱、なぜ消えた？
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 12.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are vegetables so unsulting in Japanese? On this episode we are honored to once again be joined by Kyle Broyles of the Tokyo Splosion podcast and Hard Officers YouTube channel.
Topics Discussed * Some funny Japanese vegetable-based insults and their (supposed) etymologies * What the term daikon ashi means * Why daikon ashi is so insulting and reserved only for use on women * The usage of the term "dumpling legs" * What the term daikon yakusha means * Why daikon yakusha is considered an insult * Why it's insulting to call someone a bean sprout (moyashi) in Japanese * What it means to "stink of potatoes" (to be imokusai) * What a "country milkboy" is * What an "embankment pumpkin" is (dote kabocha) * The most commonly cited story explaining the insulting meaning of the term dote kabocha * A tip for training yourself to like vegetables * Interesting Japanese slang involving the the Japanese word for eggplant (nasu) * What the term bokenasu means * Why it is insulting to be called a bokenasu * What the heck an otankonasu is * Two theories for where the "otanko" part of otankonasu derived from * The most common etymologies of the term otankonasu * The potential connection between otankonasu and Edo period pleasure districts * Bubble era Japanese slang * How pīman (green pepper) was used as an insult in Japan in the 1970s * The difficulties localizers face when translating idioms from Japanese into English * Whether the Japanese word for "vegetable" (yasai) totally overlaps in meaning with its English counterpart * Why there seem to be more vegetable-related insults in Japanese than fruit-related insults * And more!
Note: All of the etymologies provided during this episode were found in Japanese language sources and are the most commonly cited. However, just because they are the most commonly cited etymologies that does not mean they are true, so please keep this in mind.
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Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support on Patreon
Kyle Broyles Links This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below.
- Kyle Broyles on Twitter
Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below.
- Tokyo Splosion on Libsyn
- Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts
- Tokyo Splosion on Twitter
The latest episode of Tokyo Splosion as of the time of this posting can be found below.
- Tokyo Splosion Quarterly: Spring 2020
Kyle also produces the YouTube series Hard Officers. Check out the channel via the link below.
- Hard Officers YouTube Channel
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here's a link to the previous episode Kyle Broyles was a guest on.
- What's life like in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic? (Uncovering the cute sneeze conspiracy | Ichimon Japan 13
Just to review, here's a list of all the insults that were covered on this episode, including how you write them in Japanese.
- Daikon ashi
- 大根足 : 大根足; 大根脚 【だいこんあし】 (n) thick legs; fat legs; cankle; cankles (literally: daikon radish legs)
- Daikon yakusha
- 大根役者 【だいこんやくしゃ】 (n) (yoji) ham actor; hack actor (literally: daikon radish actor)
- Moyashi
- もやし (n) bean sprouts (in certain contexts it can also be used to mean as an insult meaning lanky, gangly or frail)
- Moyashikko
- もやしっ子 【もやしっこ】 (n) weak child; frail child; gangly child
- Imokusai
- イモくさい 【いもくさい】 (n) country bumpkin; unsophisticated; hick (literally to stink of potatoes)
- Dote kabocha
- どてかぼちゃ (n) incompetent person; halfwit; blockhead; fool (literally: embankment pumpkin)
- Bokenasu
- ぼけなす (n) (1) faded, dull-colored eggplant; (2) (derog) slow-witted, abstracted person; halfwit
- Otankonasu
- おたんこなす (n) fool; twit; idiot; bird-brain
- Atama ga pīman (Note: This term was popular in the 1970s and is rarely, if ever, used today.)
- 頭がピーマン 【あたまがぴーまん】 stupid; dumb (literally: your head is a green pepper)
- Hanashi ga pīman
- 話がピーマン 【はなしがぴーまん】 what you are saying is stupid/pointless (literally: what you are saying/your story is a green pepper.)
If you'd like to check out episode 38 of Japan Station, you can do so via the link below.
- Understanding Idols and the Success of AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38
If you missed the Japanese study tips episode of Ichimon Japan, check out the article below.
- What are your Japanese studying tips? | Ichimon Japan 08
Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Yasai
- 野菜 【やさい】 (n,adj-no) vegetable
- Kudamono
- 果物 : 果物(P); 菓物 【くだもの(P); かぶつ(果物)】 (n) fruit
- Oden
- おでん (n) (food) oden; dish of various ingredients, e.g. egg, daikon, potato, chikuwa, konnyaku, etc. stewed in soy-flavored dashi
- Shokuatari
- 食あたり : 食あたり; 食中り 【しょくあたり】 (n) food poisoning
- Shokubutsu
- 植物 【しょくぶつ】 (n) plant; vegetation
- Emoi
- エモい (adj-i) (1) (sl) emo; sad; melancholic; (2) (sl) (pun on エロい and キモい) (See エロい,キモい) erotic in a disgusting way
- Inakakusai
- 田舎臭い : 田舎臭い; 田舎くさい 【いなかくさい】 (adj-i) rustic; unsophisticated; provincial; hick; cornball
- Ume
- 梅 : 梅(P); 楳 【うめ(P); むめ(ok); ウメ】 (n) (1) Japanese apricot (Prunus mume); Japanese plum; ume; Chinese plum
- Tnkō
- 炭坑 : 炭鉱(P); 炭坑; 炭礦 【たんこう】 (n) coal mine; coal pit
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, I break down what the Japanese term "plus alpha" (purasu arufa/プラスアルファ) means and its possible origins.
👉Topics Discussed * What does "plus alpha" (purasu arufa/プラスアルファ) mean? * How you use the Japanese term purasu arufa プラスアルファ * The most popular etymology of the term of purasu arufa * Real world examples of purasu arufa in use * About what puramaizero means (プラマイゼロ) * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None this time.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, Dr. Eric C. Rath joins us to talk all about the history of what may be Japan's most famous cuisine: SUSHI! We discuss its origins, evolution and more!
👉Topics Discussed * Where sushi came from * Fermented sushi * The meaning of sushi * Sushi's Chinese origins * Shiga Prefecture's funazushi * Sushi in the Edo period * Sushi in Japan's post war period * Sushi in modern times * About sashimi * About Kamipai: The History of Sake * And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Dr. Rath's book below
- Oishii: The History of Sushi: https://www.amazon.com/Oishii-History-Eric-C-Rath/dp/1789143837
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about my upcoming walk across the island of Kyushu. This fall I will be walking roughly 500 km from Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture all the way down to Kagoshima as part of what I'm calling the Kyushu Challenge, part three of my ongoing Blind Japan Project. Listen to find out more and please consider coming on as a sponsor or supporting in any way you can!
👉Topics Discussed * About the Kyushu Challenge * When I will be walking from Iwakuni to Kagoshima as part of the Kyushu Challenge * About the Tokaido Challenge and Miyajima Challenge * About raising funds for the Kyushu Challenge * About raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired * About the current sponsors of the Kyushu Challenge * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Current major sponsors of the Kyushu Challenge.
- Meccha Yuugen (X/Twitter): https://x.com/MecchaYuugen
- United Neko Alliance (X/Twitter): https://x.com/nekoalliance
- Wailoaloa of Shinsei Galverse (X/Twitter): https://x.com/OnlyWailoaloa
To become a sponsor you can:
- Email mail@japankyo.com
- Donate via ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/japankyo
- Or support by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/japankyo
For more info on the Blind Japan Project, check out my personal website.
- About the Blind Japan Project: https://tonyrvega.com/blind-travel/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Japanese slang that traces its roots back to Edo and Meiji era street vendors. We're digging into the origins of words like deka, mappo, and even the infamous yabai.
👉Topics Discussed * The etymology/origins of 10 words that trace their origins back to the Edo and Meiji Periods * About the meaning and origins of sakura (サクラ) * About the origins of deka (でか) * About the origins of posharu (ぽしゃる) * About the origins of mappo (まっぽ) * About the origins of gakuran (学ラン) * About the origins of neta (ねた) * About the origins of yabai (やばい) * About the origins of boru (ぼる) * About the origins of gasaire (がさ入れ) * About the origins of zubora (ずぼら) * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. This episode was based on the article below シェア ポスト 送る この記事のリンクを コピーしました リンクコピー TOP ヘルス 「学ラン」のランって何？ 江戸時代の隠語が由来 「学ラン」のランって何？ 江戸時代の隠語が由来 (https://dot.asahi.com/articles/-/43257?page=2)
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
This episode of Japan Station is a re-broadcast of episode 52 of Ichimon Japan.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are gyaru?
Topics Discussed * What the term gyaru/gal means/refers to * About the word gyaru * How the word gyaru was used in Dragonball by Master Roshi * What a kogyaru/kogal is * About the singer Namie Amuro and her role in popularizing the gyaru subculture * About Ayumi Hamasaki's influence on the gyaru subculture * About the supposed but unconfirmed connection between the gyaru subculture and the American TV show Baywatch, as well as Pamela Anderson * About the iconic "loose socks" (lūzusokkusu) * About E.G. Smith, the supposed origin of loose socks * An interesting linguistic quirk about the Japanese term for "loose socks" * About ganguro and yamanbagyaru and their dark tans * About ageha gyaru * The connection between gyaru, eurobeat and parapara * What eurobeat is * What parapara is * Contemporary gyaru * What gyarugo is * Examples of popular gyaru slang * What karipaku means * What MK5 means * What ChōSW means * What sumisu means * What ATM means * What gachi means * What agepoyo/sagepoyo mean * What doron means * What tehepero means * What gekiokopunpunmaru means * And much more!
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Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.
And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!
- Support on Patreon
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.
- ヤマンバ、イベサー、ガングロ…ギャル・ギャル男はどこに消えたのか？ 【 「ギャル文化」と「渋谷」をめぐる歴史を紐解く】
- ギャル文化特集～ギャルの歴史と生態～
- This is the article that has the illustrations of the gyaru that Ryan mentions during the episode.
- ガングロ
- ギャル系ファッションとは。ブランドと歴史【イラスト＆図解
- アラサーしかわからない！？90年代のギャル語クイズ
- 歴代ギャル流行語大賞／年代流行
Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode.
- Japanese Gal Language: What is “Agepoyo?”
Here's a Japanese documentary about gyaru. Definitely worth a watch if you understand Japanese.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aunp-hOLNc
In this video you can see the 150 cm long loose socks that were mentioned in the episode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e-iaDIOpR8
Here's a TV from 1996 about loose socks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUiGLAXNamo
Here is a video from 2020 in which a Japanese YouTuber tries to get girls in Shibuya to put on loose socks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DokhMaT3MeE
To check out the "snakes in a well" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- Is Yamaguchi cursed to have”ugly” girls? (Places in Japan Known for “Beautiful” & “Ugly” Women) | Ichimon Japan 50
Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.
- My Sumo Academia: Talking About Sumo Today and in the Heian Period (Colton Runyan) | Japan Station 76
Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.
- Check out Kimito Designs
Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.
- Pichipichi
- ぴちぴち (adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) bursting with youth and energy (esp. young woman); vivaciously young; spunky; energetic; (adv-to) (2) (on-mim) (fish) jumping around energetically (e.g. when caught in a net); (adj-no) (3) (on-mim) bursting (e.g. seams); tight; (adv-to) (4) (on-mim) splattering (e.g. cooking oil)
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about vocabulary and phrases related to telling time during the Edo Period! This is a surprisingly deep and interesting topic no matter whether you're learning Japanese or not!
👉Topics Discussed * What does oyatsu mean? (おやつ) * What the origin of the word oyatsu is * About the Edo Period time system * How to tell time during Japan's Edo Period * The names of the time divisions used during the Edo Period * What does shirokujichū (四六時中) means * The etymology/origin of the word * shirokujichū (四六時中) * What does asameshimae （朝飯前) mean? * The origins/etymology of asameshimae * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about one of Japan's most iconic foods: mochi. Learn all about the history, lore and consumption practices of this important Japanese food!
👉Topics Discussed * About the history and origins of mochi * What mochi is * About how people eat mochi in Japan * About yukimi daifuku/ice cream mochi * About kagami mochi * Where the word mochi might have come from * About mochi making practices * Why it is said there is a rabbit making mochi on the moon * Old versus modern ways of making mochi * About mochi-related deaths * About the New Years holiday and mochi * About how many people die from eating mochi * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist * Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, supernatural stories, Japanese folklore, Japanese urban legends and more with Kevin O'Shea, host of the Supernatural Japan podcast.
👉Topics Discussed * About the Supernatural Japan podcast * About Ikuta Shrine's ghost story * About the forest behind Ikuta Shrine in Kobe * About exploring spooky places in Japan * About the Hakkoda Mountain incident * About auspicious animals like swallows and owls * About Japanese urban legends like Kuchisake Onna and Teketeke * About Hibagon About Japanese cryptids * About Mossie, Japan's Lochness monster * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Links for the Supernatural Japan podcast.
- Supernatural Japan Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498
- Supernatural Japan Podcast Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/35FkGE7Kc9bXFGpt37ZF2y
To listen to Kevin O'Shea's previous appreance on Japan Station, check out the link below.
- Trapped in Japan: A Chat w. Kevin O’Shea of the Just Japan Podcast | Japan Station 58 https://japankyo.com/2021/02/japan-china-covid19-experience/
If you'd like to listen to a full version of Saijo Hideki's 1983 song "Gyarandu" (ギャランドゥ) you can do so below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yXpgBUshz8
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
Originally released on 3/21/2024 as pisode 80 of Ichimon Japan.
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about what the best kind of English teaching in Japan is: Eikaiwa, JET Programme (ALT) or university teacher.
Topics Discussed * What it is like working in an eikaiwa school in Japan * What the salary is for an eikaiwa teacher * The good and bad about working at an eikaiwa school (private language school) * What it is like being an assistant language teacher (ALT) on the JET Programme * How much you can earn while on the JET Program * The good and bad about being on the JET Program * What it is like teaching english at a college in Japan * What the requirements are for becoming an English teacher at a university in Japan * What the salary is like for an English teacher at a university in Japan * Which job pays more: Eikaiwa, JET or university teacher * What vacation is like for English teachers at Japanese univesities * What the contract/term limits are like for English teaching positions at universities/colleges in Japan * And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. None.
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) * Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
On this episode of Japan Station, I dig into the history of a fascinating example of Japanese slang: gyarandu (ギャランドゥ). This is a Japanese word that means refers to the patch of hair some people have between their belly button and public area. Often called "happy trail" or "belly/stomach hair," in English, gyarandu has a really interesting history that goes back to one of Japan's most popular 1980s male pop stars: Hideki Saijo. Listen to the episode to learn more!
👉Topics Discussed * What does gyarandu (ギャランドゥ) mean? * About the meaning of the 1983 Hideki Saijo song "Gyarandu" * What the 1983 Saijo Hideki song "Gyarandu" is about * How Saijo Hideki's song "Gyarandu" resulted in the creation of the Japanese slang term gyarandu * About the etymology/word origin of gyarandu * Who coined the term gyarandu * Who wrote the 1983 song "Gyarandu" * About Monta Yoshinori and his explanation of what "Gyarandu" means * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. If you'd like to listen to a full version of Saijo Hideki's 1983 song "Gyarandu" (ギャランドゥ) you can do so below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yXpgBUshz8
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to photographer and journalist Michael Magers. Michael has spent over a decade documenting shokunin (artisans/crafworkers) across Japan. During that time has has had many extremely unique expriences such as ama divers, participating in Osaka's infamous Danjiri Festival, and getting tattooed by a traditional Japanese tattoo artist. He talks about those experiences and much more in today's episode!
👉Topics Discussed * About how Michael Magers started doing photography work in Japan * About working on Rice, Noodlem Fish * About shokunin culture in Japan * What is shokunin culture * About preserving shokunin culture * About his most memorable food experiences in Japan * About diving with ama * About getting tattooed in Japan (irezumi) * About participating in Osaka's infamous Danjiri Festival * About efforts being made to preserve dying traditions in Japan * About preserving the knowledge of Japan's aging shokunin/artisans * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more about Michael Magers
- Mike Magers Website https://mpmagers.com/
- Mike Magers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mpmagers
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to Kyle Broyles of Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky in Tokyo. In this interview we talk about what it's like running a bar in Tokyo, starting a business in Tokyo, Japanese craft beer and more.
👉Topics Discussed * About Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky * About running a craft beer bar in Tokyo * Japanese craft beer in Tokyo * Growing a business in Tokyo * Organic marketing * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here's the Pintology Tokyo Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pintologytokyo/?hl=en
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I examine the mysterious origins of the Japanese word for cat: neko. Trust me, there's a whole lot more to say about the topic than you might think!
👉Topics Discussed * The etymology of neko/cat * Various theories that try to explain the origins of the Japanese word for cat * Whether the Japanese word for cat traces its origins back to Chine/Chinese * When cats first arrived in Japan * What the onomatopoeia for a cat meowing was in The Tale of Genji * About the song Neko Funjatta and what it is called in other countries/languages * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here's the video of Neko Funjatta by Ichigoclub15.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpqGiKJt3cQ
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the many film adaptation of the works of Haruki Murakami, Japan's most well-known and commercially successful novelist.
👉Topics Discussed * Why is Haruki Murakami so popular around the world? * About the many film adaptations of the books and short stories of Haruki Murakami * About the relatability of Murakami's characters * About Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of Tomorrow * About Murakami's skill at writing magical realism * About the music and pop culture references Murakami includes in his work * How Murakami's strangeness makes his work accessible to people both in and outside of Japan * About the South Korean film Burning and how it treated Haruki Murakami's work * How filmmakers around the world have adapt and reassemble Haruki Murakami's work * About Haruki Murakami's involvement with film adaptations of his work * What Haruki Murakami thought of the film adaptation of Drive My Car * Why Drive My Car is a notable filmd adaptation of Haruki Murakami's work * About the film adaptation of Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman * About the best film adaptations of Haruki Murakami's work * About The Second Bakery Attack and its interpretations * About the Attack on the Bakery film adaptation * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here's a link if you want to pick up the book!
- Murakami Haruki on Film (Asia Shorts) https://www.amazon.com/Murakami-Haruki-Film-Asia-Shorts/dp/1952636531
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about oden, one of Japan's most popular winter foods.
👉Topics Discussed * What is oden? * Where to buy oden in Japan? * What are the common igredients of oden? * The history of oden * Where the name oden came from * About dengaku * About regional varieties of oden * Whether oden tastes good * Should you try oden? * What is konjac? * Our favorite oden ingredients * About the infamous 2016 "oden tsun tsun otoko" (oden poke man) convenience store incident * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. No links
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about what it was like staying at a new Kyoto hotel before it opened.
👉Topics Discussed * About Fushigina Yado * Where Fushigina Yado is located * About the theme and concept of Fushigina Yado * About what it was like staying in Fushigina Yado * Why I got to stay at Fushigina Yado before it opened * About the shops and restaurants near Fushigina Yado * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. You can also watch the video version on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWVYM8n3Psw
- Fushigina Yado on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fushigina_yado_kyoto/
- Fushigina Yado on X https://x.com/fushiginayado
- Fushigi na Yado on Expedia https://www.expedia.co.jp/en/Kyoto-Hotels-Fushiginayado.h110823050.Hotel-Information?chkin=2024%2F12%2F22&chkout=2024%2F12%2F23&rm1=a1®ionId=6131486&searchId=de5bc926-6dd2-44da-8f9f-52136e8bed0b&chain&daysInFuture&destination&group&guestRating&hotelName&latLong&poi&neighborhood&roomIndex&selected&sort=RECOMMENDED&stayLength&theme&useRewards&userIntent&misId&vacationRentalsOnly=false&expediaPropertyId&highlightedPropertyId&showFilterNotification=false&ai_search_query&endDate=2024%2F12%2F23&startDate=2024%2F12%2F22&petsIncluded=false&bedroom_count_gt&us_bathroom_count_gt&pricing_group&bed_count_ge&children
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about three obscure Japanese dishes you need to try next time you're in Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * What is teppan spa (teppan supa, 鉄板スパ)? * What is teppanyaki naporitan * About the history of teppanyaki spaghetti * About the origin of Nagoya's famous teppanyaki naporitan * About Osaka teppanyaki spaghetti * About the origin of Japan's infamous napolitan pasta (naporitan pasuta) * What is ebimeshi? * How ebimeshi became famous in Okayama * About the different varieties of ebimeshi * About Torkish Rice/toruko raisu (トルコライス） * What is toruko raisu? * About the time I interviewed the owner of the shop where toruko raisu was invented * Why the descendant of the creator of toruko raisu hates toruko raisu * What is in toruko raisu * Why toruko raisu should not be called toruko raisu * What is in toruko raisu? * About different variations of toruko raisu * About Hiroshima tsukemen * About Nagasaki's famous Sasebo burger * And more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. No links this time.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about hotels in Japan! This episode will give you all the information you need to know before you come visit Japan. Plenty of tips, tricks and basic information!
👉Topics Discussed * About the various kinds of hotels in Japan * Tips for booking hotels in Japan at cheap prices * How much Japanese hotel rooms tend to cost * About the size of Japanese hotel rooms * How to find hotel rooms in Japan at cheaper rates than what you see online * About business hotels like APA hotel and Toyoko Inn * About luxury hotels and hotels owned by companies not from Japan * About automated hotels like Henn Na Hotel and Livemax * The pros and cons of hotels that are completely automated * Why capsule hotels are a rip off * About breakfasts in Japanese hotels * About net cafes * About keys and refrigerators in Japanese hotels * About cargo container hotels * About hotels in rural Japan * How prices for hotels in Japan have gone up in recent years * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. No links this time.
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the Senkaku Islands with Dr. Robert D. Eldridge.
👉Topics Discussed * What and where are the Senkaku Islands? (尖閣諸島, senkaku shotō) * About the history of the Senkaku Islands * About Koga Tatsushirō * Why people stopped living on the Senkaku Islands * How and why it was that the Senkaku Islands came to be disputed * The role of President Nixon and Henry Kissinger in the history of the Senkaku Islands * Why U.S. Armed Forces should restart firing ranges on the Senkaku Islands * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Dr. Robert D. Eldridge previous appearances:
- The Weak Yen & Rural Japan: Why They Matter | Japan Station 132: https://japankyo.com/2024/08/the-weak-yen-rural-japan-why-they-matter-japan-station-132/
- The Past & Future of Earthquakes & Disasters in Japan (Robert D. Eldridge) | Japan Station 138: https://japankyo.com/2024/11/the-past-future-of-earthquakes-disasters-in-japan-robert-d-eldridge-japan-station-138/
Here's a link to Dr. Eldridge's book about the Senkaku Islands.
- The Origins of U.S. Policy in the East China Sea Islands Dispute: Okinawa's Reversion and the Senkaku Islands (Routledge Security in Asia Series): https://www.amazon.com/Origins-Policy-China-Islands-Dispute/dp/0415629268
Article
- A restart of Senkaku firing ranges is long overdue: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2024/12/10/japan/senkaku-firing-range/
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about life in Sanya--Tokyo's infamous day laborer district--with Klaus K.Y. Hammering.
👉Topics Discussed * What it is like being a day laborer in Tokyo's Sanya district * The dangers of working as a day laborer * What kind of people work as day laborers in Sanya * About Klaus K.Y. Hammering's experiences working as a day laborer in Japanese construction sites * About gambling in Sanya * How Sanya has all but vanished over the past couple of decades * How Japanese society often ignores what Sanya and its residents * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here's the links for all three installments of Dreamlapse Japan.
- Perilous Wagers: Gambling, Dignity, and Day Laborers in Twenty-First-Century Tokyo: https://www.amazon.com/Perilous-Wagers-Twenty-First-Century-Weatherhead-University/dp/150177641X
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the need for Japan to make the word "anime" a regional designation. The guest is Matt Alt, author of Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World.
👉Topics Discussed * The popularity of anime * What the word anime means in Japan * The origins of anime * The usage of the term terebimanga andJapanimation * The increasing number of companies and people around the world creating media based on an anime aesthetic * How companies outside of Japan are using the word anime in marketing for their products * How Japan should protect anime by restricting usage of the word anime * How anime should only be used to refer to media produced in Japan * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the video version: Why "ANIME" is Becoming MEANINGLESS!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns4W2Aibu2M&t=7s
Here are Matt Alt's links!
- Matt Alt's Japan (YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/@AltMattAlt
- Does "anime" need an official designation? (YouTube video
- Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Cultured Conquered the World (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Invention-Japans-Culture-Conquered/dp/1984826697
- Pure Invention Blog https://blog.pureinventionbook.com/
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episod eof Japan Station, we talk to filmmaker and dark sky photographer Gavin Heffernan about his recent Japan-focused project Dreamlapse Japan.
👉Topics Discussed * About Dreamlapse Japan * About shooting photos and video in Tokyo and other parts of Japan * Thoughts on visiting Japan * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here's the links for all three installments of Dreamlapse Japan.
- Dreamlapse Japan 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9h6FXxORmg
- Dreamlapse Japan 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbqz48lpv3w
- Dreamlapse Japan 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSMiC_XM7_w
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episod eof Japan Station, we talk about some of the interesting things I experienced during my latest 400 km walk from Kyoto to Miyajima (Miyajima Challenge).
👉Topics Discussed * About the Miyajima Challenge * About my recent walk from Kyoto to Miyajima, Hiroshima * About how I got stopped by police in Hiroshima * About the time I had to hitchhike in Okayama * About my plans to walk to the bottom of Kagoshima * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more info on the sponsors of the Miyajima Challenge, check out the links below.
- The Dubya Club:
- Website: https://club.dubyalabs.xyz/
- X: https://x.com/thedubyaclub
- United Neko Alliance: https://x.com/nekoalliance
- Own the Doge: https://www.ownthedoge.com/
Here is the Doge Day video I mentioned in the episode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMz258a8ADs&t=14s
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episod eof Japan Station, Dr. Robert D. Eldridge returns to talk about natural disasters in Japan, his work on Operation Tomodachi during the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, Japan's ability to respond to natural disasters and more.
👉Topics Discussed * Disasters and earthquakes in Japan * About the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake in 1995 * About crisis management in Japan * About disaster preparedness in Japan * About writing the blueprint for what would become Operation Tomodachi * The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami * How the U.S. got involved with helping Japan after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami * What Operation Tomodachi was * How Operation Tomodachi was implemented * How bureacracy in Japan complicated disaster preparedness * About restoring Sendai Airport after the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake * About the Forward Command Element's role in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami * About General Craig Timberlake's role during the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami * About General Kimizuka's role during the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami * About the Nankai Trough * What kanrenshi (関連死) is * About kanrenshi problem (related deaths) * About the Show 21 Nankai Earthquake * The Issei Bay Typhoon in 1959 * About the Niigata Earthquake in 1964 * How the foreign population in Japan may complicate things after a major disaster * Things to be aware of to be ready when a disaster strikes * About The Era of Gread Disasters * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Books mentioned:
- The Era of Great Disasters: Japan and Its Three Major Earthquakes: https://www.amazon.com/Era-Great-Disasters-Earthquakes-Monograph/dp/0472074679
- Preparing for Japan's Next Major Disaster: New Approaches to Civil-Military Cooperation in Japan as Proposed by U.S. Marine Corps’ Participants in “Operation Tomodachi”: https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-Japans-Next-Major-Disaster-ebook/dp/B07CRHJ56V/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&sr=1-2
- Before Operation Tomodachi: Four Unknown Examples of Bilateral Disaster Cooperation and American-Japanese Friendship in Postwar Japan: https://www.amazon.com/Before-Operation-Tomodachi-Cooperation-American-Japanese-ebook/dp/B07DFMFHFP/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&sr=1-3
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about Japanese abbreviations/contractions, give 12 examples and discuss their origins.
👉Topics Discussed * About abbreviations and contractions in Japanese * About waseieigo (made in English) * About the origins of the Sharp company * About the Japanese word wanchan * About the possible origin of the word potation in Japanese: jagaimo * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Today's words
- Kyōkasho
- 教科書 【きょうかしょ】 (n) textbook; coursebook; schoolbook
- karaoke
- カラオケ : 空オケ 【からオケ; カラオケ(P)】 (n) (uk) (from 空 and オーケストラ) karaoke
- dentaku
- 電卓 【でんたく】 (n) (abbr) (See 電子式卓上計算機) calculator (electronic); pocket calculator
- sofutokurīmu
- ソフトクリーム : ソフトクリーム; ソフト・クリーム (n) {food} soft serve ice cream (wasei: soft cream)
- bōrupen
- ボールペン : ボールペン(P); ボール・ペン (n) ball-point pen (wasei: ball pen)
- shāpen
- シャーペン : シャーペン; シャープペン; シャアペン(sk) (n) (abbr) (See シャープペンシル) mechanical pencil; automatic pencil; propelling pencil
- chūhai
- 酎ハイ 【ちゅうハイ; チューハイ(P); チュウハイ】 (n) (uk) (abbr) (See 焼酎ハイボール) shōchū highball; cocktail of shōchū with tonic water
- purikura
- プリクラ (n) (abbr) photo booth that prints out cards and stickers of the resulting photograph, which are then traded among friends (wasei: print club)
- ワイシャツ
- ワイシャツ : Ｙシャツ 【ワイシャツ】 (n) (uk) (formal) shirt (eng: white shirt); dress shirt; business shirt; button-up shirt
- densha
- 電車 【でんしゃ】 (n) train; electric train
- wanchan
- ワンチャン (n) (1) (abbr) (See ワンチャンス) one chance; only opportunity; (n) (2) (sl) maybe; perhaps; there is a chance that; (n) (3) (sl) one-night stand; : ワンちゃん(P); わんちゃん; ワンチャン ; (n) (chn) (See わんわん・1) doggie; pooch; bow-wow
- jagaimo
- ジャガイモ : じゃが芋(P); ジャガ芋(P) 【じゃがいも(じゃが芋)(P); ジャガいも(ジャガ芋)(P); ジャガイモ】 (n) (uk) (See ジャガタラ芋) potato (Solanum tuberosum)
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the Shimabara Rebellion, yÅkai and more with the author of the Simon Grey books, Charles Kowalski.
👉Topics Discussed * What is the Shimabara Rebellion (島原ã®ä¹±, Shimabara no ran) * About the hidden Christians of Nagasaki/Shimabara * About the building of Shimabara Castle * About researching the Shimabara Rebellion * About Amakusa Shiro (益田 四郎) * The legends surrounding Amakusa Shiro * About researching the Shimabara Rebellion in Nagasaki * About getting to see the actual flag of Amakusa Shiro * About Dejima * About the Gashadokuro * About Takiyasha hime * About tengu * About training with modern day Shugendo practitioners * About the language and customs of hidden Christians in Japan * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out the first book in the Simon Grey book series for free via the link below.
- Simon Grey and the March of a Hudred Ghosts
- https://www.amazon.com/Simon-Grey-March-Hundred-Ghosts-ebook/dp/B07RLBKG6G/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1
And check out the Simon Grey homepage for more information, including on the upcoming book Simon Grey and the Curse of the Dragon King.
- Simon Grey Website: https://simongreybooks.com/
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the etymology of the Japanese word for egg (tamago) and other interesting quirks of this word! Note: This is actually an episode of Japanese Plus Alpha.
👉Topics Discussed * The phrase ~no tamago * The etymology of the word tamago * kaigo vs tamago * The difference between tamago written with one kanji (卵) and tamago written with two kanji (玉子) * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. No links
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews * Website: https://japankyo.com/ * Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony * Tony R. Vega Website:
about, it's its significance and its fascinating manga adaptations.
👉Topics Discussed * What The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) is about * The historical significance of The Tale of Genji * The influence of The Tale of Genji * About the ending of The Tale of Genji * About the English translations of The Tale of Genji and their differences * About the many manga adaptations of The Tale of Genji * About the manga II ne, Hikaru Genji * About what is so interesting about The Tale of Genji * About how The Tale of Genji is taught in schools in Japan * About the versions of The Tale of Genji that are cleaned up and adapted for children * About tourist sites related to The Tale of Genji * About Dr. Lynne Miyake's book: The Tale of Genji through Contenporary Manga * And more!
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👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * You can use the link below to pick up a copy of The Tale of Genji through Contemporary Manga by Lynne MiyakeHere's the 11 words we discussed in this episode: + The Tale of Genji through Contemporary Manga on the Bloomsbury Website: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/tale-of-genji-through-contemporary-manga-9781350424944/
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about 10 words that only exist in Japanese and how Japanese may not be as unique as you think it is.
👉Topics Discussed * x * x * What komorebi means and what its parts mean * What unkai means * About kanji compounds in Japanese * About the many meanings that can be found in a single kanji * The different readings of kanji in Japanese * What shinrinyoku means * Whats tsundoku means * What irusu means * What konbi means * What kogarashi means * What betsubara means * What kuchisamishii means * What tatemae means * What macchipompu means * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * The Article referenced in this article: + 10 Words That Exist Only In Japanese * Here's the 11 words we discussed in this episode: + 木洩れ日 : 木漏れ日; 木洩れ日; 木漏れ陽; 木洩れ陽 【こもれび】 (n) sunlight filtering through trees + 雲海 【うんかい】 (n) sea of clouds + 森林浴 【しんりんよく】 (n) forest bathing; forest therapy; peaceful walk through the woods for health benefits + 積読 : 積ん読(P); 積読; つん読 【つんどく】 (n,vs) (1) buying books and not reading them; stockpiling books; tsundoku; (n) (2) books bought but not read + 居留守 【いるす】 (n) pretending to be out + 甘美 【かんび】 (adj-na,n) (1) sweet (taste); luscious; (adj-na,n) (2) sweet (melody, dream, etc.); delightful; pleasant; mellow; mellifluous + 木枯らし : 木枯らし(P); 木枯し(P); 凩; 木枯 【こがらし】 (n) cold wintry wind + 別腹 【べつばら】 (n) dessert stomach; having room for dessert despite being full + 口寂しい : 口寂しい; 口淋しい 【くちさびしい; くちざみしい; くちさみしい】 (adj-i) craving for food, a cigarette, etc.; longing to have something in one's mouth + 建前 : 建前(P); 建て前(P); 立前; 立て前 【たてまえ】 (n) (1) (See 本音) face; official stance; public position or attitude (as opposed to private thoughts); (n) (2) (建前, 建て前 only) ceremony for the erection of the framework of a house + マッチポンプ : マッチポンプ; マッチ・ポンプ (n) (in ref. to lighting a match and then putting it out with a water pump) stirring up trouble in order to get credit for resolving it (wasei: match, wasei: pomp); profiting from solving problems created by oneself
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the importance of revitalizing rural Japan, the negative impact of the weak yen on Japan, and more with Dr. Robert D. Eldridge.
👉Topics Discussed * What is chihō sōsei (地方創生)? * About the importance of chihō sōsei * Why it is important to preserve and revitalize rural areas of Japan * About the weak yen (enyasu, 円安) * How the weak Japanese yen negatively impacts Japan * About inflation and stagflation in Japan * About the relationship between low wages, the weak Japanese yen and brain drain in Japan * Job prospects for young people in Japan * About Niyodogawa * About Shikoku and efforts being made to revitalize areas of Niyodogawa, Ehime * About Muka Brewing Company * And more!
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👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * Relevant Links + Robert D. Eldridge Think Tank + To learn more about Dr Eldridge + Japan in the 1960s (Inside East Asia)
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about how dogs in Japan used to go on religious pilgrimages (maybe?).
👉Topics Discussed * About religious pilgrimages in Japan * About the 88 temple pilgrimage in Shikoku * About Konpira/Kotohira * About Konpira inu * About the supposed history of dogs going on pilgrimages to Konpira Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture * About the story of Shiro the dog from Fukushima who supposedly traveled to Ise Shrine and back * About Ise Jingu * About the Ise Pilgrimage * How likely it is that dogs in Japan actually went on religious pilgrimages * About okage inu * About the statue of Shiro the dog in Junenji Temple in Sukakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture(福島県須賀川市池上町・十念寺) * About Shiro's owner Ishihara Sadaemon Tsunashige (市原貞右衛門綱稠) * And more!
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👉Links, Videos, Etc. * Check out the article below to see photos of the statue of Shiro the dog pilgrim in Junenji Temple in Fukushima Prefecture + 江戸時代の代参犬「おかげ犬」シロを訪ねて。
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On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the Miyajima Challenge: my upcoming walk from Kyoto to Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture.
👉Topics Discussed * About the Miyajima Challenge * Why I am walking from Kyoto to Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture * About the course of the Miyajima Challenge (Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima) * About raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired * About the sponsors of the Miyajima Challenge * When the Miyajima Challenge will start * About a meet up at Pintology Tokyo * And more!
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👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * The sponsors of the Miyajima Challenge + The Dubya Club by Suika - The Dubya Club X: https://x.com/thedubyaclub - Suika X: https://x.com/gmsuika + United Neko Alliance - United Neko Alliance X: https://twitter.com/nekoalliance - 0xNeil: https://x.com/vanwouw
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about Osaka ComicCon. Is worth attending? What should you expect? Listen to find out!
👉Topics Discussed * About Osaka ComicCon * What you should expect at Osaka ComicCon * Where Osaka ComicCon was held * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * None
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On this episode of Japan Station, writer and Kyoto expert Phillip Jackson tells about some great walking areas in Japan's ancient capital city. WARNING: This episode will make you want to go to Kyoto!
👉Topics Discussed * About Phillip Jackson * The fascinating history of Kyoto * Lesser known places to visit in Kyoto * A trail in Uji you should check out * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * Hidden Paths Kyoto Website: https://www.hiddenpathskyoto.com/ * Phillip Jackson X/Twitter: https://x.com/pjacksonmusic * Phillip Jackson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi5HAZx22IoVLZR0rESZ3UA/videos
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On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Japanese words we learned by watching anime.
👉Topics Discussed * How you can use anime, manga and video games to learn Japanese * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * None
👉Follow on Social Media * X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonydotvega * Website: https://japankyo.com/
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about Japanese folklore with Thersa Matsuura of the Uncanny Japan podcast.
👉Topics Discussed * About Japanese folklore * About yokai * About Japanese superstitions * About why people should learn Japanese folklore * And more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! * Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi * Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo * Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
👉Links, Videos, Etc. * The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth: The Stories of the Mischievous Kappa, Trickster Kitsune, Horrendous Oni, and More https://www.amazon.com/Book-Japanese-Folklore-Encyclopedia-Mischievous/dp/1507221916/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1 * Uncanny Japan Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncanny-japan-japanese-folklore-folktales-myths-and/id1176549358 * Thersa Matsuura Website https://thersamatsuura.com/ * Thersa Matsuura on X https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan * Thersa Matsuura on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/ * The Tokaido Challenge Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU41Z0G4Uc&list=PL7ALB_S1KyWunL6kIbGu_Vtmswe1qxlHq
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This time we're taking a deep dive into the history of the Japanese word for fart: onara. Where did it come from? What is its true meaning? What is its link to a secret ancient language spoken hundreds of years ago in Japan? We're answering all those questions and more!
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On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about why I decided to walk the old Tokaido Road in 2023 and the impact it had. This episode features a speech I did for the 2024 state convention of the Hawaii Association of the Blind.
Topics Discussed * Why I walked the Tokaido in 2023 * What my goal was * How I raised awareness of the blind & visually impaired community by walking from Kyoto to Tokyo * And more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. * The Tokaido Challenge Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU41Z0G4Uc&list=PL7ALB_S1KyWunL6kIbGu_Vtmswe1qxlHq * Hawaii Association of the Blind: https://hawaii.acb.org/ * Tony Dot Vega on X: https://twitter.com/thevegatony
Subscribe to JapanKyo on YouTube JapanKyo on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about why you shouldn't try to learn Japanese.
Topics Discussed * How AI and translation software are making it unnecessary to learn Japanese * How learning Japanese is pointless for most people * Why you should learn Japanese * Reasons people would want to study Japanese * And more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. The Tokaido Challenge Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU41Z0G4Uc&list=PL7ALB_S1KyWunL6kIbGu_Vtmswe1qxlHq
For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the manga creator Akira Toriyama and his impact on the world and my life.
Topics Discussed * About the passing of manga creator Akira Toriyama * About the impact and influence of Akira Toriyama on the US and the world * About the impact of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z * About the popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise around the world * About discovering Dragon Ball in Peru * And more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. The Tokaido Challenge Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU41Z0G4Uc&list=PL7ALB_S1KyWunL6kIbGu_Vtmswe1qxlHq
For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking to the owners of Geisha House Atami and learning about what it's like to buy an old house in Japan, restore it and more!
Topics Discussed * About Geisha House Atami * About Atami * About the history of Atami * About what it's like buying an old house in Japan * Whether you should buy a cheap abandoned house in Japan * What you should be aware of before you try to buy a house in Japan * What can be annoying about buying an old house in Japan * What you can expect when you visit Geisha House Atami * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. Geisha House Atami Links
- Geisha House Atami Website: https://www.geishahouseatami.com/
- Geisha House Atami X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeishaHouseA
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For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the worst 3 mistakes I made while learning Japanese.
Topics Discussed * About the history of Kabosu the Shibainu and the Doge meme * About three of the worst mistakes I made while learning Japanese * About the importance of studying Japanese outside of the classroom * The funniest mistake I ever made while speaking Japanese * About the word toire * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. Here's all th
- Tokaido Challenge Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU41Z0G4Uc&list=PL7ALB_S1KyWunL6kIbGu_Vtmswe1qxlHq
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ * X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) https://twitter.com/japankyonews * My Personal X/Twitter (@TheVegaTony) https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) https://instagram.com/japankyonews * YouTube (@JapanKyoNews) https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, we learn about the new statue of the famous Kabosu the shibainu (a.k.a. Doge) that was erected in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. Are you ready to go on "the Doge Pilgrimage?"
Topics Discussed * About the history of Kabosu the Shibainu and the Doge meme * About the process of creating the Doge statue that is in Sakura City in Chiba Prefecture near Narita Airport * About how the creation of the Doge statue was funded * How the Own the Doge organization created the bronze Doge statue * About connecting and communicating with the mayor of Sakura City in Chiba Prefecture * About the Own the Doge organization * About Atsuko Sato * About auctioning off the couch seen in the original photo used in the Doge meme * About the big unveiling ceremony of the Doge statue in November of 2023 * About John Monarch's (creator of the Doge meme) role in the Own the Doge and Bronze Doge pprojects * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
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Links, Videos, Etc. Here's all the relevent links
- Own The Doge X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ownthedoge
- Own The Doge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownthedoge/
- Bronze Doge X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BronzeTheDoge
- John Monarch X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/realjohnmonarch
- Smoke X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Smoke_theArtist
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For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
Subscribe to the JapanKyo YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Watch the Tokaido Challenge video series
Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYU41Z0G4Uc&t=6s
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-1WTOptzYY&t=18s
Part 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMFnK5sN9mI&t=5s
Tony Dot Vega X/Twitter
https://twitter.com/thevegatony
JapanKyo X/Twitter
https://twitter.com/japankyonews
MAJISON X/Twitter
https://twitter.com/majisonchan
On this episode of Japan Station, licensed travel guide Miyuki Seguchi shares 5 travel tips that will help you make the most out of your next visit to Japan.
Topics Discussed * What the process is like for becoming a licensed travel guide * The importance of planning your trip to Japan * Advice for making the most out of your trip to Japan * How booking a tour can help you enjoy your trip in Japan even more * 5 tips you should keep in mind when preparing to travel to Japan * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. See below for all the relevant links.
- Free resources for Japan travel planning
- The FREE step by step Japan Travel Guide: the 7 steps to creating your unique immersive travel experience: https://www.miyukiseguchi.com/travelguide
- The Japan Experts Podcast: https://podfollow.com/japan-experts
- Guided tours with Miyuki:
- The Uniquely Japan Tours in Central Japan: https://www.miyukiseguchi.com/tours
- Miyuki Seguchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japan.experts
- Miyuki Seguchi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japanexpertsmiyuki
- Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/japanexperts
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ * X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) https://twitter.com/japankyonews * My Personal X/Twitter (@TheVegaTony) https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) https://instagram.com/japankyonews * YouTube (@JapanKyoNews) https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about what it was like getting a massage by a maid in Akihabara.
Topics Discussed * About Akihabara Maid Reflexology Felicie * About what it was like getting massaged by a maid in Akihabara * About how much it costs to get a massage by a maid in Akihabara * About getting a foot massage by a maid in Akihabara * About whether you should get a massage by a maid in Akihabara * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. See below for the link to Felicie
- Akihabara Maid Reflexology Felicie (秋葉原メイドリフレクソロジー フェリシー): https://felicie-web.com/
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ * X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) https://twitter.com/japankyonews * My Personal X/Twitter (@TheVegaTony) https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) https://instagram.com/japankyonews * YouTube (@JapanKyoNews) https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the time I was harassed in Japan..
Topics Discussed * Getting harassed in Japan * How I dealt with being harassed at a Japanese train station * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. To find out more about the Tokaido Challenge, check out the link below
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeJUpY7aJN0
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ * X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) https://twitter.com/japankyonews * My Personal X/Twitter (@TheVegaTony) https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) https://instagram.com/japankyonews * YouTube (@JapanKyoNews) https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about my experience walking 500 km from Kyoto to Tokyo in September-October 2023. Check it out to learn about the Tokaido Challenge (a.k.a. the craziest adventure I've ever had in Japan).
Topics Discussed * What the Tōkaidō Challenge is * What the Tōkaidō road is * The many different Tōkaidō raods that exist * When I started walking * How long it took to walk from Kyoto to Tokyo * The difficulties I had to face while walking the Tōkaidō * The parts of the Tōkaidō I had to omit * The difficult areas of the Tōkaidō road * About the Hakone area of the Tōkaidō road (Kyū Tōkaidō/Kyūkaidō) * About getting lost * About the 53 stations/post towns of the Tōkaidō * About the famous series of woodblock prints depicting the 53 stations of the Tōkaidō * The usual amount I would walk on any given day while walking from Kyoto to Tokyo * About getting lost in the middle of some rice fields in rural Japan * About walking through a tunnel in Kyoto * About getting stopped by police in Japan * About falling down in Mishima * How helpful people were * About the excellent customer service I experienced * What I ate during my walk from Kyoto to Tokyo * Where I stayed/slept while walking from Kyoto to Tokyo * About the difficulties of trying to find food on my own * About the weather * About the arriving in Nihonbashi in Tokyo * About the party I held at Pintology Tokyo * About meeting Kuro * About the coastline between Shizuoka City and Yaizu * Why I do what I do * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. A few links for things mentioned int he video.
- Hawaii Association of the Blind: https://hawaii.acb.org/
- My X/Twitter post announcing the completion of the Tokaido Challenge: https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony/status/1714940372374458608
- My personal X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony
- The MAJISON X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/majisonchan
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ * X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) https://twitter.com/japankyonews * My Personal X/Twitter (@TheVegaTony) https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) https://instagram.com/japankyonews * YouTube (@JapanKyoNews) https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews For More Visit JapanKyo.com For more of my Japan-focused content, visit the JapanKyo website
JapanKyo.com
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to musician NEONshe about how she fell in love with Japan, how Japan inspired her music, her time in Japan, her upcoming move to Japan and more.
Topics Discussed * About NEONshe and her musical career * NEONshe's time living in Japan * How she became interested in Japan * The Japanese music artists that have influenced NEONshe * Perfumre, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Nakata Yasutaka * About NEONshe's first album J-POP * The inspiration for NEONshe's song Osaka Child * About NEONshe's upcoming move to Kyoto * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. For more on NEONshe, check out the links below.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neonshe
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfMYuLyd786V4Xs8gm2UxsQ
- Ride the Tide: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/neonshe/ride-the-tide-feat-jey-cordz
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/neonshe
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ * X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) https://twitter.com/japankyonews * My Personal X/Twitter (@TheVegaTony) https://twitter.com/TheVegaTony * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) https://instagram.com/japankyonews * YouTube (@JapanKyoNews) https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to Maud Rowell, a freelance journalist and writer who spent a year traveling around Japan.
Topics Discussed * About Maud Rowell * About traveling around Japan as a person with a visual impairment * About Blind Spot * About becoming interested in Japan * About getting a scholarship to travel around a Japan for a year * About visiting Hachijojima (青ヶ島) and Aogashima * About public transportation in Japan * About tactile paving/yellow braille blocks * About accessibility for the blind in Japan * About doing the 88 Temple Pilgrimmage in Shikoku * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!
- Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
- Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. Fore more on Maud Rowell
- Blind Spot - Maud Rowell: https://www.404ink.com/store/inklings-blind-spot
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/where.birds.wont.go/
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) https://twitter.com/japankyonews * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) https://instagram.com/japankyonews
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On September 21st I'm starting something I'm calling the MAJISON Tokaido Challenge. Basically I'll be walking over 300 miles from Kyoto to Tokyo over the course of around 30 days. Watch the video to find out more about this crazy challenge and why I decided to do it.
Topics Discussed * About walking from Kyoto to Tokyo * About walking the Tokaido * About the MAJISON Tokaido Challenge * About MAJISON * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/japankyo
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
https://ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. * Tony Vega Twitter
https://twitter.com/thevegatony
* MAJISON Twitter
https://twitter.com/majisonchan
* Hawaii Association of the Blind
https://hawaii.acb.org/
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/
* Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
https://twitter.com/japankyonews
* Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
https://instagram.com/japankyonews
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
Jessica Gerrity, a TV personality working in Japan, martial artist, pracitioner of kyudo (Japanese archery),and writer!
Topics Discussed * Jessica' work on Japanese TV * How she became interested in Japan * Why she first went to Japan * How she got into the Japanese entertainment industry * Working with SMAP * Learning Japanese * How being on TV helped her learn Japanese * The behind the scenes of Japanese TV About how Japanese TV is scripted * The good and bad on working on Japanese TV * About kyudo (Japanese archery) * How much it costs to get into kyudo * About yabusame (horseback archery) Places to do horseback archery in Japan * About her work as a writer focusing on archery and martial arts * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/japankyo
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
https://ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jessica's linktree below to find the links mentioned on today's episode.
- https://linktr.ee/jessintokyo
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/
* Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
https://twitter.com/japankyonews
* Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
https://instagram.com/japankyonews
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks about his most recent trip to Japan and why you should go to Japan now.
Topics Discussed * Why you should go to Japan now * The yen-dollar exchange rate * Cheap yen * About the Okubo and Shin Okubo area in Tokyo * About Fuji-Q Highland * About Team Lab Planets * And much more
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To learn more about Zeb, cycling in Japan and life on the JET Programme, check out Zeb's podcast, Rambling Ramsbothams. Links are below.
- Rambling Ramsbothams on Apple Podcasts
- Rambling Ramsbothams on Spotify
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, road cycling in Japan, life on the JET Programme and more with Zeb Ramsbotham.
About Zeb Ramsbotham Zeb Ramsbotham is experienced road cyclist living in Japan. He competes in cycling events as part of the Japan Bicyclist Club Federation (JBCF). He is also currently on the JET Programme and along with his wife produces the Japan-focused podcast Rambling Ramsbothams.
Topics Discussed * Zeb's interest in Japan * What road cycling is * About road cycling in Japan * What it's like competing in the Japan Bicyclist Club Federation (JBCF) * About cycling around Japan * About the benefits of seeing Japan on bicycle * About the JET Programme * What it's like getting into the JET Programme * The unique aspects of getting to see Japan via the JET Programme * And much more
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To learn more about Zeb, cycling in Japan and life on the JET Programme, check out Zeb's podcast, Rambling Ramsbothams. Links are below.
- Rambling Ramsbothams on Apple Podcasts
- Rambling Ramsbothams on Spotify
Follow JapanKyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, independent researcher and translator Eric Shahan joins us to talk about his work translating forgotten Japanese books on topics like martial arts, tattoos, ropes, ninja and more.
About Eric Shahan Eric Shahan is an independent translator of Japanese books on a variety of topics mainly Jujutsu, sword techniques, police manuals, Karate, Ninja related, travel guides, Edo Era Manga, rope binding, tattooing in all areas of Japan and Seppuku.
Topics Discussed * About how Eric learning Japanese * Tips for people studying Japanese * How Eric got started in translation * The first book he translated * About the history of tattoos in Okinawa * About tattoos as punishment in Japan * What it's like translating old Japanese books * About Japanese rope techniques * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. If you are interested in Eric Shahan's work and would like to pick up any of the books mentioned in the episode today, please check out the link below.
- Eric Shahan on Amazon
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kushwagra Kushwaha, an animator working in Japan's anime industry tells us how he got to Japan, how he got his break in the Japanese anime industry, what it's like working as an anime animator in Japan and more.
About Kushagra Kushwaha Kushwagra Kushwaha is a professional animator working in the anime industry in Japan. He has worked on well known shows like Yowamushi Pedal, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Danmachi, YuGiOh and more. Topics Discussed * Kushwagra's interest in animation and Japan * How Kushawagra went about studying Japanese * About how Kushwagra broke into the animation industry in Japan * The low wages in the anime industry in Japan * The challenges of working in the anime industry in Japan * The various anime Kushwagra has worked on * The changing style of anime in Japana nd it's trend towards uniformity * About working on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure as an animator * Advice for people hoping to work as animators in Japan's anime industry * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. All relted links are below.
- Behance
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, James Reynolds tells us about documenting extreme weather in Japan and around the world..
About James Reynolds James Reynolds is a professional storm chaser who spends his days documenting extreme weather events in Japan and around the world. Topics Discussed * About moving to Japan and learning Japanese * How James Reynolds got started chasing storms and documenting extreme weather in Japan * Extreme floods in Kyushu * Typhoons in Japan * Extreme weather in the Ryukyu Islands/Okinawa * The architecture in Okinawa and how it holds up against in extreme weather * Landslides and flash floods in Kyushu * The extreme cold and snow conditions seen in Japan in January of 2023 * The large amounts of snow some areas of Japan get * Covering Japan's most active volcano Sakurajima in Kagoshima * Covering volcanoes in Indonesia * Covering the 2011 Tohoku earthquake & tsunami * About traveling * About James' YouTube channel * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. Check out James Reynolds' work on Twitter and YouTube.
- @EarnUncutTV on Twitter
- @EarthUncutTV on YouTube
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Chris McMorran talks about what it's like working at a rual ryokan (Japanese inn).
About Dr. Chris McMorran Chris McMorran is Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore. He is a cultural geographer of contemporary Japan focusing on the geographies of home across scale, from the body to the nation. He is the author of Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan (University of Hawai’i Press), an ethnography of a Japanese inn, based on twelve months spent scrubbing baths, washing dishes, and making guests feel at home in Kurokawa Onsen. He also researches tourism, disasters, gendered labor, area studies, field-based learning, and popular culture, including as co-editor of Teaching Japanese Popular Culture. Finally, Chris co-produces the Home on the Dot podcast with NUS students. The podcast explores the complex spaces and meanings of home in Singapore, through the lives of young people. Topics Discussed * About Dr. Thomas Baudinette's interest in Japan and research * About ryokan (Japanese inns) * About what it's like to work at a ryokan * About the tasks expected of a ryokan employee * About who works at ryokans * About genered labor at ryokan * Whether you should leave a tip at a ryokan * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To get a copy of Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan you can use the link below or check wherever books are sold.
- Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr Thomas Baudinette talks about Shinjuku's Ni-chome district and Japanese media as it relates to queer individuals/gay men in Japan.
About Dr. Thomas Baudinette Dr. Thomas Baudinette is Senior Lecturer in Japanese and International Studies in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Languages and Literatures at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. He is a cultural anthropologist whose work has explored consumption of popular culture among queer communities in Japan, Mainland China, Thailand, and the Philippines. He has a particular interest in the transnational spread of Japanese queer popular culture and its impacts on conceptualisations of gender and sexuality. He also investigates K-pop fandom in Japan and Australia. He is also the author of the book Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo. Topics Discussed * About Dr. Thomas Baudinette's interest in Japan and research * About Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo (Volume 93) (Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies) * About Shinjuku's No-chome district * About researching depictions of queer individuals and gay men in Japanese media (tarento) * About the social pressure experienced by gay men in Japan * About Johnny's & Associates * And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To check out Regimes of Desire, you can use the Amazon link below.
- Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo (Volume 93) (Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies)
More links below.
- Dr. Thomas Baudinette Twitter
- Website
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks to John David, a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan.
About John Davis John Davis is a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan. He operates okicheese.com. Topics Discussed * About moving to Japan and trying to find a job teaching English in Japan * About why John Davis started making cheese in Okinawa * About the Okinawa inspired cheeses John Davis makes * The weather in Sapporo * Sapporo's milk * A simple cheese recipe * Experiences teaching Egnlish in Japan * About learning the Japanese language * The cost of milk in Okinawa * About experimenting with cheese * About finding good places to film in Japan * About filming bears in Hokkaido * About getting footage of the monkey queen in Oita * Funny/memorable trail cam videos * Places to hike in Fukuoka * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. If you're looking to pick up some of John's cheese, check out his website below.
- Okicheese.com
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we talk to Wombat, one of the creators of Japan Trail Cam.
About Wuon-Gean Ho Wombat spends his day in Kyushu hiking and setting trail cams in order to capture footage for the YouTube channle channel/Twitter/Instagram account Japan Trail Cam. Topics Discussed * Wombats in Hawaii * How Japan Trail Cam got started * About capturing nature footage in Japan * What animals tend to be roaming the wild in Japan * About the process of leaving trail cams in the Japanese wilderness * Where Japan Trail Cam places their cameras * About finding good places to film in Japan * About filming bears in Hokkaido * About getting footage of the monkey queen in Oita * Funny/memorable trail cam videos * Places to hike in Fukuoka * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Japan Trail Cam below.
- Japan Trail Cam YouTube
- Japan Trail Cam Twitter
- Japan Trail Cam Instagram
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, printmaker Wuon-Gean Ho joins us to talk about her time living and studying in Japan, printmaking, ukiyoe and more.
About Wuon-Gean Ho Wuon-Gean Ho is an accomplished printmaker and is currently a Research Associate at the University of the West England's Center for Print Research. Topics Discussed * About spending time in Kagoshima as part of the JET Programme * Studying veterinary medicine * Getting the Monbukagakusho Scholarship and studying in Japan * Studying under printmaker Akira Kurosaki * About making prints inspired by Wuon-Gean Ho's time studying verinarian medicine * Learning how to make woodblock prints in Japan * About learning Japanese while in Japan * About the process of making a woodblock print * About tacit knowledge as it relates to woodblock printmaking * About the gomazuri technique in printmaking * Documenting printmaking techniques * About the bokashi effect in woodblock printmaking * About some of Wuon-Gean Ho's favorite ukiyo-e woodblock print artists * About the Honolulu Museum of Art's woodblcok print collection * About Wuon-Gean Ho's printmaking workshops and general work * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. For more on Wuon-Gean Ho's work:
- Wuon-Gean Ho Website
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What's better:JET or Eikaiwa (Good & Bad of English Teaching in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 65
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, printmaker Wuon-Gean Ho joins us to talk about her time living and studying in Japan, printmaking, ukiyoe and more.
About Wuon-Gean Ho Wuon-Gean Ho is an accomplished printmaker and is currently a Research Associate at the University of the West England's Center for Print Research. Topics Discussed * About spending time in Kagoshima as part of the JET Programme * Studying veterinary medicine * Getting the Monbukagakusho Scholarship and studying in Japan * Studying under printmaker Akira Kurosaki * About making prints inspired by Wuon-Gean Ho's time studying verinarian medicine * Learning how to make woodblock prints in Japan * About learning Japanese while in Japan * About the process of making a woodblock print * About tacit knowledge as it relates to woodblock printmaking * About the gomazuri technique in printmaking * Documenting printmaking techniques * About the bokashi effect in woodblock printmaking * About some of Wuon-Gean Ho's favorite ukiyo-e woodblock print artists * About the Honolulu Museum of Art's woodblcok print collection * About Wuon-Gean Ho's printmaking workshops and general work * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. For more on Wuon-Gean Ho's work:
- Wuon-Gean Ho Website
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What's better:JET or Eikaiwa (Good & Bad of English Teaching in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 65
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kyle Broyles of Pintology in Tokyo tells us about the process of starting and running a craft beer in Tokyo. Plus we celebrate episode 100 of Japan Station!
About Kyle Broyles Kyle Broyles helps his wife run Pintology, a craft beer bar near Shinjuku in Tokyo. Kyle is also known as one of the guys behind the Tokyo Splosion podcast and the Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed * About JapanKyo Docs * About the recently opened craft beer bar Pintology in Sasazuka, Tokyo * The story behind Pintology * About the process of opening a bar in Tokyo * About Tap & Growler in Shimokitazawa * About building the interior of a craft beer bar * About how easy and cheap it is to get a liquor license in Tokyo, Japan * About getting a liquor serving license in Japan * How people in Japan may be drinking less alcohol * About cheese in Japan * About John the cheese guy in Okinawa * About events at Pintology * About the Sasazuka area in Shibuya, Tokyo * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Pintology Craft Beer and Whisky at:
〒151-0073 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sasazuka, 1 Chome−33−10
You can also follow Pintology on Instagram.
- @pintologytokyo
Check out JapanKyo Docs via the link below.
- JapanKyo Docs
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai) | Ichimon Japan 64
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kyle Broyles of Pintology in Tokyo tells us about the process of starting and running a craft beer in Tokyo. Plus we celebrate episode 100 of Japan Station!
About Kyle Broyles Kyle Broyles helps his wife run Pintology, a craft beer bar near Shinjuku in Tokyo. Kyle is also known as one of the guys behind the Tokyo Splosion podcast and the Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed * About JapanKyo Docs * About the recently opened craft beer bar Pintology in Sasazuka, Tokyo * The story behind Pintology * About the process of opening a bar in Tokyo * About Tap & Growler in Shimokitazawa * About building the interior of a craft beer bar * About how easy and cheap it is to get a liquor license in Tokyo, Japan * About getting a liquor serving license in Japan * How people in Japan may be drinking less alcohol * About cheese in Japan * About John the cheese guy in Okinawa * About events at Pintology * About the Sasazuka area in Shibuya, Tokyo * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Pintology Craft Beer and Whisky at:
〒151-0073 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sasazuka, 1 Chome−33−10
You can also follow Pintology on Instagram.
- @pintologytokyo
Check out JapanKyo Docs via the link below.
- JapanKyo Docs
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai) | Ichimon Japan 64
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Winston Chu, CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer, talks about his interest in Japan and how
About Winston Chu Winston Chu is the CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer. Wayfarer currently operates three hotels in Kyoto with plans to expand other cities, including Osaka and Tokyo. Topics Discussed * How Winston got interested in Japan and anime * About watching anime and playing video games from Japan * About traveling to Japan * Why people become interested in Japan * About Wayfarer Hotels * About what distinguishes Wayfarer Hotels * The story behind Wayfarer Hotels * About Japanese hotels * About Japan's archaic hotel infrastructure * About the high turnover rate in Japan's hotel industry * The impace of COVID on the travel industry * About moving to Japan during the coronavirus pandemic * About starting a hotel in Japan as the COVID19 pandemic began * What it was like living and working in a hotel in Kyoto during the pandemic * Ways to make running a hotel more efficiently * Japan reopening its borders to foreing travelers * About the city of Kyoto * About learning Japanese * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To learn more about Wayfarer or to book a room, visit Wayfarer's website via the link below.
- Wayfarer Hotels
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai) | Ichimon Japan 64
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Winston Chu, CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer, talks about his interest in Japan and how
About Winston Chu Winston Chu is the CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer. Wayfarer currently operates three hotels in Kyoto with plans to expand other cities, including Osaka and Tokyo. Topics Discussed * How Winston got interested in Japan and anime * About watching anime and playing video games from Japan * About traveling to Japan * Why people become interested in Japan * About Wayfarer Hotels * About what distinguishes Wayfarer Hotels * The story behind Wayfarer Hotels * About Japanese hotels * About Japan's archaic hotel infrastructure * About the high turnover rate in Japan's hotel industry * The impace of COVID on the travel industry * About moving to Japan during the coronavirus pandemic * About starting a hotel in Japan as the COVID19 pandemic began * What it was like living and working in a hotel in Kyoto during the pandemic * Ways to make running a hotel more efficiently * Japan reopening its borders to foreing travelers * About the city of Kyoto * About learning Japanese * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To learn more about Wayfarer or to book a room, visit Wayfarer's website via the link below.
- Wayfarer Hotels
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai) | Ichimon Japan 64
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Chef Brendan Liew talks about his experiences working as a chef in Japan, Japanese cuisine and his new cookbook Tokyo Up Late.
About Brendan Liew Brendan Liew spent time at the three-Michelin-starred Nihonryori Ryugin in Roppongi, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and studied the art of ramen-making in Japan before delving into kappo and modern kaiseki cuisine. In Melbourne, he has worked at Kappo and Supernormal, had a pop-up cafe, Chotto, and is currently at Minamishima. He has travelled extensively through Japan’s countryside and major cities to explore, learn, and live Japan’s culture and cuisine. Topics Discussed * Brendan Liew's first visit to Japan * Food in Japan * How Brendan Liew was able to get a job in a French cuisine restaurant in Japan * About Brendan Liew's experiences working in a restaurant in Japan * The hierarchy in Japanese restaurant kitchens * About learning to make ramen in Japan * About ramen broth * About sushi chefs and the training of sushi chefs in Japan * Japanese language in the kitchen * About kaiseki vs kappo * About the book Tokyo Up Late * About going out for drinks after work in Japan * About makanai * About korokke * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of Tokyo Up Late consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Tokyo Up Late: Iconic recipes from the city that never sleeps
Unfortunately, it does not appear that Chef Liew's other book is available for purchase on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (Randoseru, Delivery Pizza, Fruit) | Ichimon Japan 63
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're diving into the fun world of Kamen Rider and Super Sentai so get ready to strike your favorite henshin pose and learn a thing or two about the fascinating world of Japan's transforming heroes!
About Sophia Staite Sophia Staite is a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania. Her current research focuses on Kamen Rider and Super Sentai (Power Rangers). Topics Discussed * About how the live action TV show Kamen Rider was adapted into English * The popularity of Kamen Rider and why it is not as popular as Power Rangers in the English speaking world * The prevalence of Kamen Rider in Japan * The lack of literature on Kamen Rider in Egnlish * Liver action super sentai shows * About the super sentai & Kamen Rider poses and their origin * About Kamen Rider Black * About Saban's Masked Rider, the English adaptation of Kamen Rider * About the Kamen Rider and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers crossover * The differences between Kamen Rider and super sentai (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) * The overarching theme and tone that runs throughout the Kamen Rider franchise * The poor reception of Masked Rider * Steve Wang's Kamen Rider adaptation * Gender and Kamen Rider * Odagiri Jo's role in Kamen Rider * Kamen Rider's BL phase * The Odagiri effect * About Kamen Rider Dragon Knight * The different ways kids play (henshin poses/weapons) * Henshin pose competitions * About the movie Shin Kamen Rider * About Shin Kamen Rider's focus on cults/new religions * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
-
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
-
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. You can follow Sophia Staite on Twitter via the link below.
- @henshinsophia
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (Randoseru, Delivery Pizza, Fruit) | Ichimon Japan 63
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about life in rural Saga Prefecture and a new travel experience that allows people to experience some of the wonderful things rual Saga Prefecture has to offer.
About Prairie Stuart Wolff Prairie Stuart Wolff is a photographer and writer living in the town of Mirukashi in Saga Prefecture. She runs the blog Cultivated Days and the new tour program Mirukashi Salon. Topics Discussed * About Mirukashi in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture * About pottery and Karatsu * Why Prairie Stuart Wolff moved to Mirukashi in Saga Prefecture * About becoming used to life in Japan * About learning Japanese * On interviewing locals in Japan * On cooking and experiencing food in Japan * Food in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture * About the Cultivated Days website * About running travel tours in Japan * About Mirukashi Salon * About the Mirukashi Salon itineraries * The increase and decrease in travelers to Japan * Traveling to Saga Prefecture * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
-
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
-
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To find out more about Prairie, her writing and Mirukahsi Salon, please check out the links below.
- Cultivated Days
- Mirukashi Salon
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (Randoseru, Delivery Pizza, Fruit) | Ichimon Japan 63
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Japanese to English translator/localizer Mel Ok tells about localizing Japanese video games and how he got into the translation/localization industry.
About Mel Ok Mel Ok is a translator/localizer of Japanese video games and heads the translation/localization company Ace Honyaku. Topics Discussed * The Japanese population in Hawaii * Studying Japanese linguistics * About doing play testing for video games * Doing the Japanese QA for Halo 2 * On getting to Japan and trying to get into the JET Program * On transitioning into the translation & localization industry * On starting a translation company in Japan * On how the translation & localization process for video games works * On dealing with ambiguities in texts * On dealing with new IP * On translating The World Is Your Weapon * On how long it can take to translate a game * The difficulty of finding good translators * On translation tests * Advice for aspiring translators/localizers * About Tottori * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
-
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
-
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To follow Mel Ok on Twitter or visit the ACE Honyaku website, use the links below.
- Mel Ok on Twitter
- Ace Honyaku Website
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Are Japanese…? (Stereotypes About Japan) | Ichimon Japan 62
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Gabriella Lukacs joins us to talk about some early internet history in Japan and the role of women in Japan's digital economy.
About Dr. Gabriella Lukacs Dr. Gabriella Lukacs is a professor in the department of Anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh and the author of the book Invisibility by Design: Women and Labor in Japan's Digital Economy. Topics Discussed * About the book Invisibility by Design * How Dr. Lukacs got interested in researching women and digital labor in Japan * Tech and digital economy trends in Japan * Mixi & Nico Nico Douga * The rise & fall of Japanese ell phones * About the rise of "girly photography" in the 90s * About Hiromix * About Net Idols (netto aidoru) * About the rise of blogs and blogging platofrms in Japan * About the bijin trader boom (female day traders) * How women were marketed as financially savvy and excellent day traders * Labor and the digital economy in general * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
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- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
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- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of Dr. Lukacs book, consider using the affiliate link below.
- Invisibility by Design: Women and Labor in Japan's Digital Economy
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Are Japanese…? (Stereotypes About Japan) | Ichimon Japan 62
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Jonathan Wroot tells us about the movies of Ktano Takeshi, the fascinating history of the Zatoichi films, and more..
About Dr. Jonathan Wroot Dr. Jonathan Wroot is a senior lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Greenwich and the author of the book The Paths of Zatoichi: The Global Influence of the Blind Swordsman. Topics Discussed * About the boom in Japanese films in the early to mid 2000s * About Kitano Takeshi and his films * On studying Asian cinema * About Kitano Takeshi's Violent Cop * About Kitano Takeshi's remake of Zatoichi * About the Zatoichi films and their history * Jidaigeki vs chanbara * About the influence of Zatoichi on film and pop culture around the world * The influence of Zatoichi on Daredevil * About Shintaro Katsu * About some of the differences int he Zatoichi films * The Zatoichi TV show * The original Zatoichi short story in which Zatoichi first appears * The crazy finale of the Zatoichi film directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara * About dubs and subtitling * Voice actors in Japan that always do the same voices of Western actors * Crazy Japanese commercials featuring Western celebrities * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
-
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
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- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of The Paths of Zatoichi, you can use the link below. Remember to use the discount code LXFANDF30 to get 30% off (valid until the end of 2022).
- The Paths of Zatoichi: The Global Influence of the Blind Swordsman
The link below is for the list of blog articles about Dr. Wroot's experience watching 30 Zatoichi films in 30 days.
- 30 Zatoichi films in 30 Days
Here is Dr. Wroot's ranking of the Zatoichi films.
- From Best To Worst – My Opinions on the Zatoichi films
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What is a famiresu? (About Japanese “Family Restaurants”) | Ichimon Japan 61
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
Transmissions from Hawaii on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transmissions-from-hawaii/id1540385139
Transmissions from Hawaii on Google Podcasts
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmFuc21pc3Npb25zZnJvbWhhd2FpaS5saWJzeW4uY29tL3Jzcw
Transmissions from Hawaii on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh-K2F3zUNLkRszPE92EYJQ
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by baseball historian and expert on all things Japanese baseball Robert Fits.
About Robert Fitts Robert Fitts is a baseball historian and expert ont he history of Japanese baseball. He has written numerous books on Japanese baseball including Banzai Babe Ruth: Baseball, Espionage, and Assissination During the 1934 Tour of Japan. Topics Discussed * How Robert Fitts got interested in baseball * How Robert Fitts became interested in Japanese baseball * Robert Fitts' first trip to Japan and first experience at a Japanese baseball game * About Remembering Japanese Baseball, Robert Fitts' first book on Japanese baseball * About selling Japanese baseball cards on ebay in 1999 * About Wally Yonamine * About the book Banzai Babe Ruth * About Babe Ruth's 1934 18 game Japan tour and the history behind it * About Moe Berg and the possibility that he was conducting espoionage during Babe Ruth's Japan tour * About Babe Ruth's popularity in Japan * About Babe Ruth's affinity for Japan * About the history of Japanese baseball cards * About the book An Illustrated Introduction to Japanese Baseball Cards * About the baseball card market in Japan * About the Japanese pitcher Eiji Sawamura * About the upcoming book The Pioneers of Japanese American Baseball * And much more!
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks to guitarist/actor/humanitarian Miyavi.
About Miyavi David Nakayama is an artist known for his work on covers for Marvel Comics, video games and more. He is also known for having worked with Chris Claremont to relaunch Big Hero 6 comic book series in 2008.
Topics Discussed * Miyavi discusses his insecurities and what makes him nervous * How Miyavi deals with his insecurities * How Miyavi deals with stress and time management * About Miyavi's daughters and his relationship with them * Miyavi reflects on his life as a dad * Miyavi on parenting * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
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- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
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- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. You can follow Miyavi on social media by using the links below.
- Miyavi on Twitter
- Miyavi on Instagram
For more information about Miyavi, you can also visit his website.
- Miyavi Official Website
For more information on Blue Note Hawaii, visit their website.
- Blue Note Hawaii Website
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What is “yōshoku”? (About Japanese “Western Food” | Ichimon Japan 60
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawaii/Ikaika Communications
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about Big Hero 6, anime, drawing comics, and more with artist David Nakayama.
About David Nakayama David Nakayama is an artist known for his work on covers for Marvel Comics, video games and more. He is also known for having worked with Chris Claremont to relaunch Big Hero 6 comic book series in 2008.
Topics Discussed * David Nakayama's work on the 2008 relaunch of the Big Hero 6 comic book title * David Nakayama's approach to redesigning Baymax for the 2008 relaunch of Big Hero 6 * The Japanese influences on the 2008 redesign of the Big Hero 6 relaunch * How David Nakayama got interested in anime * Nintendo and old video games * The anime inspired visual style of the 2008 Big Hero 6 relaunch * How David got into American comic books * Meeting Stan Lee * How David began working in comics * About penciling and the American comic book creation process * How David was able to get into doing comic book covers for Marvel (Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe) * The magic of art * About making a compelling cover * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
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- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
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- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. Check out David Nakayama's website or his social media accounts to see his amazing work.
- David Nakayama Website
- David Nakayama Instagram
- David Nakayama Twitter
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- How do you say trombone in Japanese? (About the World War II Katakana Word “Ban”) | Ichimon Japan 59
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking with music journalist Patrick St. Michel. He'll be telling us about Japanese pop music, Perfume, the city pop boom and one of his latest articles which focuses on the rise and fall and rise of eurobeat.
About Patrick St. Michel Patrick St. Michel is a music journalist who specializes in Japanese pop music. His articles appear regularly in publications such as The Japan Times and Pitchfork.
Topics Discussed * How it was that Patrick St. Michel got interested in Japanese pop music * Discovering Perfume while on the JET Programme * The appeal, image and sound of Perfume * The influence of Yasutaka Nakata * The explosion of popularity in K-pop around the world * Comapring K-pop vs. J-pop * How J-pop often ignores musical trends from the West * How "City Pop" exploded in popularity online * How Mariya Takeuchi's song "Plastic Love" went viral * Interviewing Miriya Takeuchi * How the internet has made it possible for niche music to succeed * What eurobeat is * How it was that Patrick St. Michel was able to interview DJ Boss in order to do a story about Super Eurobeat * The resurgence in popularity the eaurobeat genre has seen in recent years * How eurobeat has become a part of online/meme culture * About visiting Tokyo's club Ageha * The influence of Super Eurobeat on contemporary younger musical artists * Da Pump's "U.S.A." * How rock continues to be popular in Japan * DJ Boss's views on Super Eurobeat and its evolution * How Avex goes about producing songs for the Super Eurobeat series * Patrick St. Michel's music recommendations: Hikaru Utada (Bad Mode), Soichi Terada (Asakusa Light), Star Kids, 4s4ki * About the Make Believe Melodies blog and email newsletter * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
-
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
-
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Patrick St. Michel on Twitter, subscribe to his newsletter (Make Believe Melodies), and check out the Spotify playlist he mentioned with his music recommendations.
- Patrick St. Michel on Twitter
- Make Believe Melodies Newsletter
- Spotify Playlist
To read the article Patrick wrote about Super Eurobeat based on his interview with DJ Boss, use the link below.
- The Eurobeat boom, boom, boom, boom means the '90s are back
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- How do you say trombone in Japanese? (About the World War II Katakana Word “Ban”) | Ichimon Japan 59
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking with Alex from the Sakura Stardust YouTube channel. She tells us about Japanese lost media and digs into some specific examples like Saki Sanobashi and the mysterious Akihabara cassette tape.
About Alex (Sakura Stardust) Alex runs the popular YouTube channel Sakura Stardust. In her videos Alex focuses primarily on Japanese lost media. She has covered everything from internet mysteries to lost anime and more.
Topics Discussed * How Alex from the Sakura Stardust became interested in Japan and the Japanese language * The evolution of the Sakura Stardust YouTube channel * The abundance of lost media videos and creators on YouTube * About Japanese lost media * The case of the mysterious Akihabara cassette tape * Dealing with copyright issues as a YouTuber covering Japanese media * About Totally Not Mark's copyright problems with Toei Animation * About Saki Sanobashi (Go for a Punch) * Whether we think Saki Sanobashi exists * Finding a recording of the NHK show Monster School * About Sazae-san * Alex (Sakura Stardust)'s process for doing research in Japanese * Japanese internet slang * About visiting Japan * Future plans for the Sakura Stardust YouTube channel * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
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- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
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- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. Subscribe to the Sakura Stardust YouTube channel for more content on Japanese lost media. You can also follow Alex on Twitter to stay up to date with what she is working on.
- Sakura Stardust YouTube Channel
- Alex on Twitter
Here is the video about the mysterious Akihabara cassette tape.
- The Most Mysterious Song of Japan: The Akiba Tape (AKA "Fly Away")
Alex covered Saki Sanobashi in this video.
- 16 MORE Lost Pieces of Japanese Media (REVISED & UPDATED) - Lost Media of Japan Episode 2
The popular YouTuber Whang covered Saki Sanobashi in this video.
- The Lost Deep Web Anime - Tales From the Internet
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Should you watch “In This Corner of the World?” (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) | Ichimon Japan 58
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about archaeology in Japan and the case of Tsukumo No. 24, the world's oldest known shark attack. Our guest for this episode is J. Alyssa White from the University of Oxford.
About J. Alyssa White J. Alyssa White is a PhD candidate in Archaeology at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on. Her research focuses on the trauma found in skeletal remains from the southwestern Japanese archipelago during the end of the Jōmon hunter-gatherer period through the early Yayoi agricultural period (ca. 2500 BC – 250 AD). She is also one of the researchers who worked ont he fascinatingly unique case of Tsukumo No. 24 (the world's oldest known shark attack).
Topics Discussed * How J. Alyssa White became interested in archaeology, Japan and the Japanese language * Kyoto University's collection Jōmon era remains * How J. Alyssa White got started in the fields of Japanese archaeology and biological anthropology * About Japanese archaeological site reports * Discovering the remains of Tsukumo No. 24 * Archaeological sties in Japan * Characteristics of archaeological sites in Kyushu * Burial practices (pit burials, shell mounds) in prehistoric Japan * Archaeology in Japan * What we can learn from skeletal remains * About the case of Tsukumo No. 24 * How it was determined that Tsukumo No. 24 was likely killed by a shark attack * What injuries the remains of Tsukumo No. 24 exhibits * Jōmon era ritual tooth extraction * J. Alyssa White's research on the changes and violent conflict seen during the transition from the Jōmon to the Yayoi periods * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
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- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
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- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. The original article about Tsukumo No. 24 can be found via the link below. Unfortunately, it is behind a pay wall.
- 3000-year-old shark attack victim from Tsukumo shell-mound, Okayama, Japan
Here's a free article about Tsukumo No. 24 in case you would like to read more.
- Reconstruction of the oldest shark attack on a human, from Tsukumo shell-mound, Japan Reconstruction of the oldest shark attack on a human, from Tsukumo shell-mound, Japan Reconstruction of the oldest shark attack on a human, from Tsukumo shell-mound, Japan
Use the link below to view the 3D model of Tsukumo No. 24.
- 3D Model of Tsukumo No. 24
Here is the episode of the Beyond Japan podcast in which J. Alyssa White is interviewed.
- Beyond Japan Ep. #44: Prehistoric Tragedy: The Oldest Shark Attack Victim with J. Alyssa White
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Should you watch “In This Corner of the World?” (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) | Ichimon Japan 58
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of J. Alyssa White
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about translation, learning Japanese and more with translator/podcaster Jenn O'Donnell.
About Anna Lughezzani Jenn O'Donnell is a Japanese to English translator and podcaster. She lives in Osaka where she works as a Localization Director for a video game company. She also produces the podcasts The Translation Chat and Otafu Susume.
Topics Discussed * About how it was that Jenn began learning Japanese * Working on farms in Fukuoka * Learning Japanese as someone with dyslexia * On the struggle to get work as a Japanese-English translator * On becoming a freelance Japanese to English translator * About some of the pitfalls often seen in media translation * False friends in Japanese/English * Denotation vs connotation * Examples of some Japanese to English translations Jenn enjoys * About the Miracles at the Namie General Store translation * About the English translation of The Miracles at the Namiya General Store * About the English translation of the All You Need Is Kill novel * About translating a novel vs manga/anime/light novels * About The Translation Chat podcast * About the Recommendation from My Otaku Spouse (Otafu Susume) podcast * About The Faraway Paladin (Saihate no Paradin) * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
-
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
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- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To keep up to date with Jenn and her projects, make sure to follow her on Twitter. * @JENTranslations
Check out the list below for links to the websites, podcats, and articles mentioned in this episode.
- Japanese Talk Online
- Where Jenn writes about learning Japanese
- J-EN Translations
- Where Jenn writes about translation
- An article about Jenn's experiences participating in WOOF/working in farms in Japan
- An article about the English translation of the All You Need Is Kill novel
- The Translation Chat Podcast
- Recommendation from My Otaku Spouse (Otafu Susume)
Check out the episode of Japan Station featuring Dr. Wesley Robertson.
- A Wonderful Mess: About the Japanese Writing System w. Dr. Wes Robertson | Japan Station 80
Don't forget to listen to the latest episodes of Ichimon Japan.
- What katakana words do you hate? (Funny/confusing/annoying katakana words) | Ichimon Japan 56
- Why is Argentina “Aruzenchin” in Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 57
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Jenn O'Donnell
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about Japan's stressful job hunting process (shūkatsu) and how it--along with work in general--can be even more stressful and difficult for women in Japan.
About Anna Lughezzani Anna Lughezzani, PhD candidate in anthropology at University of Padova, Ca' Foscari University of Venice and University of Verona (Italy).
Topics Discussed * The stressful and rigid nature of the job hunting process (shūkatsu) for new graduates in Japan * About group job interviews * About why many traditional Japanese companies prefer hiring newly graduated university students rather than experienced workers * About the hierarchical nature of many traditional Japanese companies * About motherhood protection rhetoric (boseihogo) and its role in shaping Japan's dual career track system * How Japanese companies used the dual career track system to discriminate against women * How people in the managerial career track in Japan often have to endure getting relocated to different branches/offices of the company * How overtime is often expected from those in the managerial career track in Japan * How women in Japan are expected to abide by different rules when going through the job hunting process * How women are expected to wear makeup in a particular way when going through the job hunting process and being interviewed * About how some women navigate the job hunting process and white collar work in Japan * About the idea that information about parental leave and childcare related matters is not relevant to men * About researching setsumeikai and the job hunting process in Japan * How foreign companies and start-ups are offering those seeking jobs in Japan a different and more progressive way of doing things * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. You can find the video of Anna Lughezzani's presentation below.
- Skirts, Compulsory Makeup, and Maternity Leave
Check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55
don't forget to subscribe!
- JapanKyo Docs YouTube Channel
Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of N/A
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by J.J. Walsh of the Seek Sustainable Japan podcast/YouTube talk show and we're talking about Japanese influences in Hawaii, life in Hiroshima and the ever-popular topic of remodeling akiya (abondoned homes in Japan). About J.J. Walsh J.J. Walsh is the host of the podcast/YouTube talk show Seek Sustainable Japan. Along with her husband she also runs the website gethiroshima.com. J.J. is also known for her knowledge of abandoned Japanese homes (akiya) and what goes into remodeling them. Topics Discussed * Life growing up in Hawaii * On the Japanese influence present in Hawaii * Why J.J. Walsh decided to go to Japan * About gethiroshima.com * About the Seek Sustainable Japan show * On moving to Hiroshima * About akiya and minka remodeling in Japan * J.J.'s experiences remodeling her old Japanese home in Hiroshima * How much abandoned houses in Japan can cost * On buying a house in Japan as a foreign national * Recommendation on where to visit in Hiroshima * About Hiroshima's Rabbit Island * About the history of Hiroshima * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. Check ou tthe Seek Sustainable Japan YouTube channel via the link below.
- Seek Sustainable Japan YouTube Channel
Check out gethiroshima.com via the link below.
- Gethiroshima.com
Follow J.J. Walsh on Twitter.
- J.J. Walsh on Twitter
Don't forget to check out the episode of Seek Sustanable Japan where J.J. Walsh interviews Tony Vega.
- JapanKyo Founder Tony Vega - Japan Stories & Language Tips from Hawaii | 333
Please check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel and don't forget to subscribe!
- JapanKyo Docs YouTube Channel
Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of J.J. Walsh
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about depictions of Japan and Japanese people on popular American TV shows with Dr. Alisa Freedman.
About Dr. Alisa Freedman Alisa Freedman is a Professor of Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender at the University of Oregon and the Editor-in-Chief of the U.S.–Japan Women’s Journal. Her books include Tokyo in Transit: Japanese Culture on the Rails and Road, an annotated translation of Kawabata Yasunari’s The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa, and co-edited volumes on Modern Girls on the Go: Gender, Mobility, and Labor in Japan, and Introducing Japanese Popular Culture. She has published widely on Japanese modernism, Tokyo studies, youth culture, gender, television, humor as social critique, teaching pedagogies, and digital media, along with publishing translations of Japanese literature. Alisa has been nationally recognized for excellence in mentoring and enjoys presenting at cultural events like anime cons and Japan festivals.
Topics Discussed * About Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost * About depictions of Japan and Japanese people in American TV shows * The taboo regarding the depiction of the Japanese royal family in Japanese media * Self-censorship in Japan and Japanese media * How Japanese mainstream media stays away from political topics * About the Japanese version of SNL that aired in 2011 * The variety show Pink Lady (and Jeff) * How trends and tropes have shaped the depictions of Japan and Japanese people on American TV shows * How Marie Kondo presents herself as both "Japanese" and "American" * About Queer Eye: We're in Japan! * About the SNL skit JPop America Fun Time Now * The influence of Japanese pop culture on the generation that grew up consuming it * About Big Bird in Japan * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. To purchase a copy of X while at the same time supporting the show, please use the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost
Use the link below to check out the latest JapanKyo Docs video.
- Emus in Tokyo: Inside the Life of a Japanese Emu Rancher
Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Alisa Freedman
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about the Japanese vengeful spirits known as onryō with Jennifer Yoo.
About Jennifer Yoo Jennifer M. Yoo is a doctoral candidate in Japanese Theatre at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Topics Discussed * On working as a food tour guide in Kyoto * What tsunokakushi is and the origins of this custom * About the term oni (demon) and its historical origins * About Ushi no Koku Mairi and the link between oni and kimon * What onryō (vengeful spirits/wrathful spirits) are * Differences between male and female onryō * How male onryō are often historically/politically important figures * The difference between yūrei and onryō * About Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin) * Depictions of onryō in Japanese theater * About modern onryō in Japanese horror films * The impact of the original Ringu film * The motivations of classic female onryō * The lack of motive in modern female onryō depicted in Japanese horror films * About Sadako from Ringu * The prevalence of the Sadako style ghost in films * About the term "dead wet girls" * The role of water in Shinto and Buddhism, beliefs about death and onryō * The long hair of onryō and its historical roots in kabuki theater * About deadly hair in Japanese horror films * About the 2007 Japanese horror film Exte (Ekusute) * And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.
- Support us on Ko-fi
Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the video of the presentation Jennifer Yoo gave for the University of Hawaii.
- Monstrous Wives, Murderous Lovers, and Dead Wet Girls
For even more ghost-related content, check out episode 50 of Japan Station.
- Yūrei, Ghosts & Yōkai, A Chat w. Zack Davisson | Japan Station 50
To learn even more about Ushino Koku Mairi (the curse of the hour of the ox), check out the Ichimon Japan episode below.
- What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21
Use the link below to check out the latest JapanKyo Docs video.
- Emus in Tokyo: Inside the Life of a Japanese Emu Ranche
Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan (USJ)? | Ichimon Japan 54
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Jennifer Yoo
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * + Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, music producer, rapper and artist Shing02 talks about his life, music and more.
About Shing02 Shing02 is a Japanese American music producer, rapper, and artist. Active since the '90s in both Japan and the U.S., Shing02 has produced numerous albums, collaborated with a long list of hip hop artists and he can even be heard along with Nujabes on "Battlecry," the opening song of the popular anime Samurai Champloo.
Topics Discussed * The origin of the name Shing02 * The history and origin of Shing02's last name: Annen * Shing02's childhood and the many places he lived * How Shing02 got interested in art, graffiti, and hip hop/rap * How Shing02 ended up performing in Japan * About rapping in Japanese and in English * About the songwriting process * About Shing02's album 246911 * About Shing02's move to Hawaii * About Shing02 & The Chee-Hoos * About WabyShaka * About good ramen and Mexican restaurants in Honolulu * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Shing02 on social media.
- Shing02 on Instagram
- Shing02 on Facebook
- WabyShaka on Instagram
Check out Shin02's website.
- Official Shing02 website
Check out Shing02's album 246911.
- SPIN MASTER A-1 & Shing02 - 246911
Dr. Capital was mentioned during the conversation. Dr. Capital also was a guest on Japan Station. Check out the link below to listen to his episode.
- Japan Station 19: Deconstructing J-pop with Jonathan “Dr. Capital” Patterson
Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan (USJ)? | Ichimon Japan 54
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of N/A
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Wes Robertson stops by to talk about the wonderful mess that is the Japanese writing system.
About Dr. Wes Robertson Wesley C. Robertson is Lecturer in International Studies at Macquarie University, Australia. His research focuses on variation and language play inherent in writing, with a focus on Japanese. He completed his PhD in Applied Japanese Linguistics at Monash University in 2016.
Topics Discussed * How it was that Dr. Wes Robertson became interested in the Japanese writing system * The quirks and inconsistencies of the Japanese writing system * Some of the potential reasons why katakana is sometimes used to write the speech of foreigners in manga and other forms of Japanese media * The phenomenon of marking the speech of foreigners with katakana * The practice of writing some Japanese last names in katakana rather than kanji * Whether it is common to use the Japanese writing system to try to phonetically recreate foreign accents * How Dr. Robertson got in touch with manga artists for his research * Whether Japanese readers actually interpret something differently depending on what writing system (kanji, hiragana, katakana) is used * The fascinating nature of the Japanese writing system * About sociolinguistics * About the Lingua Brutalica podcast * About the peculiar script usage of the Japanese metal band Gotsu Totsu Kotsu * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To purchase a copy of Scripting Japan, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Scripting Japan: Orthography, Variation, and the Creation of Meaning in Written Japanese
You can follow Dr. Wes Robertson on Twitter.
- @ScriptingJapan
Don't forget to check out the Lingua Brutallica podcast!
- Lingua Brutallica Podcast
Check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel!
- https://japankyo.com/yt
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- What are “buruma?” (The History of Japanese School Uniforms and the “Bloomers” Scandal) | Ichimon Japan 53
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Chelsea Szendi Schieder
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Robert Hellyer stops by to discuss the shared history of green tea in Japan and the U.S., as well as his new book Green with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups.
About Dr. Robert Hellyer Robert Hellyer is associate professor of history at Wake Forest University. He is the author of Defining Engagement: Japan and Global Contexts, 1640–1868 and coeditor of The Meiji Restoration: Japan as a Global Nation. His latest book is Green with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups.
Topics Discussed * The various kinds of green tea * The popularity of maccha * About William Alt's success in Japan as a tea trader during the 1800s * About Hellyer & Company * Why Dr. Hellyer became interested in Japan and green tea * How drinking green tea was not strange or uncommon in the U.S. in the late 1800s and early part of the 1900s * Old American advertisements from the 19th century * How Japan would send delegations to World Fairs starting in the late 19th century to promote tea consumption * The shift from Chinese style Japanese green tea to Japanese style Japanese green tea * American tea culture fromt he 19th century * American tea parties * How green tea was also thrown into the harbor during the Boston Tea Party * Racism and xenophobia throughout the history of green tea the in the U.S. * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. If you would like to pick up Dr. Hellyer's book, you can purchase it from Columbia University Press or via the JapanKyo Amazon Affiliate link below.
- Green with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups (Columbia University Press)
- Green with Milk and Sugar: When Japan Filled America’s Tea Cups (Amazon)
Checkout the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel!
- https://japankyo.com/yt
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- What are “buruma?” (The History of Japanese School Uniforms and the “Bloomers” Scandal) | Ichimon Japan 53
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Chelsea Szendi Schieder
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kyle from the Tokyo Splosion stops by to talk about JapanKyo's new YouTube channel: JapanKyo Docs!
Topics Discussed * About the creation of the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel * About Kyle from the Tokyo Splosion podcast * The JET salary * About filming in Okutama * Fun anecdotes that occurred during the filming of JapanKyo Docs videos * About shooting a video of an emu rancher in Okutama, Tokyo * How we find interesting people for JapanKyo Docs videos * About Yuki from Regent Times * About the labor intensive process of styling your hair into a pompdour * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Checkout the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel!
- https://japankyo.com/yt
Subscribe to the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.
- Subscribe to JapanKyo Docs
Watch the first full JapanKyo Docs video. It's about Koronon, a cute cat mascot that was created in order to help fight the spread of COVID19.
- Japan's Cutest Virus Fighting Mascot: Koronon
JapanKyo is now on Instagram! Go follow us there for updates on what we're working on.
- @JapanKyoNews on Instagram
Don't forget to check out the Tokyo Splosion podcast! It's really fun stuff!
- Tokyo Splosion on Libsyn
- Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts
- Tokyo Splosion on Spotify
- Tokyo Splosion on Twitter
Check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast via the link below.
- What are gyaru? (About the Slang, Fashion and History of Japan’s Gyaru/Gal) | Ichimon Japan 52
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Chelsea Szendi Schieder
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews) * Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
Tony Vega has teamed up with Kyle from the Tokyo Splosion podcast to launch a new YouTube channel called JapanKyo Docs.
On the channel we will be introducing people to doing interesting things in Japan via documentary style videos!
Click on the link below to check it out. Please subscribe and support us in this endeavor!
- https://bit.ly/3b38cKJ
And in case you haven't listened to the Tokyo Splosion podcast, here's a link! It's a really fun show.
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tokyo-splosion-a-comedy-podcast/id1278709680
- https://tokyosplosion.libsyn.com/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Chelsea Szendi Schieder joins us to talk about female students in Japan's New Left movement, kaiju movies and more.
About Dr. Chelsea Szendi Schieder Dr. Chelsea Szendi Schieder is Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics, Aoyama Gakuin University. Her latest book is titled Coed Revolution: The Female Student in the Japanese New Left (Duke University Press Books).
Topics Discussed * About Coed Revolution: The Female Student in the Japanese New Left * Chelsea Szendi Schieder's interest in the Japanese student movement of the 1960s * About the role of women in the Japanese New Left * Female activists of the Japanese student movement of the 1960s * How Japanese universities were forced to admit female students after World War II * The idea that providing Japanese women with a college education would be counter productive * Concerns over gender equality * The Tokyo Medical University testing scandal * The prevalence of women's universities in Japan * About Ochanomizu University and their decision to remain a women's university * How police in Japan made an effort to change to a "friendlier" policing style as a result of bad press when dealing with student protests * Media portrayal of female student activists * About Dr. Chelsea Szendi Schieder's class Kaiju Attack * The meanings and inspirations behind kaiju movies * About Shin Godzilla * About Hedorah * About the Heisei Gamera series of movies * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To get a copy of Coed Revolution, consider using the Amazon Affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it will support the show.
- Coed Revolution: The Female Student in the Japanese New Left
You can find Chelsea Szendi Schieder on Twitter.
- @SzendiChelsea
If you enjoyed this episode of Japan Station, you may also enjoy episode 25.
- Japan Station 25: The Japanese Red Army (Dr. Patricia Steinhoff)
Check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast via the link below.
- What are gyaru? (About the Slang, Fashion and History of Japan’s Gyaru/Gal) | Ichimon Japan 52
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Chelsea Szendi Schieder
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Colton Runyan of the University of Cambridge talks to us about his experiences training and competing in sumo, as well asl his research on Heian era physical competitions.
About Colton Runyan Colton Runyan is a Phd candidate at the University of Cambridge and a sumo wrestler who has competed in Japanese college sumo and as part of the US National team. His dissertation research focuses on sporting events of the Heian period. Topics Discussed * How Colton Runyan first got into sumo * The charity sumo tournament in Akita Prefecture that Colton took part in during his time in the JET Programme * What Colton liked about sumo * Progressing and improving in sumo * Doing sumo training at Nihon University * Doing sumo training at a junior high school * Teaching, training and competing in sumo in US and other counties * Going back to Japan to receive proper sumo training * Meeting Konishiki * Competing in a college sumo tournament in Japan while a student at Saitama University * The different paths people take into professional sumo * The grueling nature of sumo training * The most frustrating aspect of sumo training for Colton * Deciding to go to Cambridge and doing research on sumo * Researching the social, political and economic importance of physical competitions (sumo, horseracing, archery) during the Heian period * Historical records from Japan's Heian period that document sumo * A notable sumo tournament from 1013 * Fujiwara no Michiga's interest in horseracing * Archery in the Heian period * Historical misconceptions about sumo * The caring and fun nature of sumo wrestlers * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To read the Japan Times article about Colton Runyan, use the link below.
- Sumo makes its way to Cambridge as former U.S. wrestler studies sport's ancient role
To read the Wasabi article about Konishiki written by Tony Vega, use the link below.
- Konishiki: Then & Now (February-March 2018 issue of Wasabi)
To listen to the latest episode of the Transmissions from Hawaii podcast, use the link below.
- Memoir of a Hilo Waterman: The Amazing Life of Hawaii Swimmer, Author & Educator Richard “Sonny” Tanabe | Transmissions from Hawaii 07
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Why do hands come out of the toilet in Japan? (About Japanese toilet hands, ghosts, yokai and urban legends) | Ichimon Japan 51
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Colton Runyan
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kaitly Ugoretz of the YouTube channel Eat Pray Anime discusses the allure and eclectic spirituality of Marie Kondo, as well as online Shinto communities.
About Kaitlyn Ugoretz Kaitlyn Ugoretz is a Phd candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her primary area of research is online religious communities, in particular Shinto communities. She is also the author of a recent article about Marie Kondo titled The Untidiness of Marie Kondo's Eclectic Spirituality. Kaitlyn also runs the YouTube channel Eat Pray Anime. Topics Discussed * About Marie Kondo/KonMari * About the "untidiness" of Marie Kondo * How people have tried to connect Marie Kondo and her ideas to Shinto * Marie Kondo's website * The "Danshari" method of tidying up * The prevalence of so-called tidying gurus in Japan and in the West * The "Japanese-ness" of Marie Kondo as a marketing tool * How Marie Kondo appears to be far more popular in the US than in Japan * The allure of Marie Kondo * The Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo * The narrative of self transformation found in Marie Kondo's shows and others like it * About Marie Kondo's second Netflix show Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo * About Kaitlyn Ugoretz's research on online Shinto communities * What Shinto practice looks like * About Shinto practice outside of Japan * Practitioners of Shinto outside of Japan * What attracts people outside of Japan to Shinto * About the YouTube channel Eat PrayAnime * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To read Kaitlyn Ugoretz's article about Marie Kondo, use the link below.
- The untidiness of Marie Kondo's eclectic spirituality
To check out Kaitlyn's YouTube channel, Eat Pray Anime, use the link below.
- Eat Pray Anime
Here is one of the Eat Pray Anime videos that was mentioned during the episode.
- Can Anime Characters Become Gods? Anime Pilgrimage Explained!
You can follow Kaitlyn Ugoretz on Twitter as well.
- @KaitlynUgoretz
- @eat_pray_anime
To check out the previous episode of Japan Station, use the link below.
- In Search of the Japanese Wolf (Alex K.T. Martin) | Japan Station 74
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Why do hands come out of the toilet in Japan? (About Japanese toilet hands, ghosts, yokai and urban legends) | Ichimon Japan 51
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Kaitlyn Ugoretz
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we talk about the probably extinct (but maybe not?) Japanese wolf with journalist Alex K.T. Martin.
About Alex K.T. Martin Alex K.T. Martin is a feature writer for the Japan Times. He is also the author of a recent five-part feature about the Japanese wolf (nihon ōkami) titled In Search of Japan's Lost Wolves.
Topics Discussed * Whether the Japanese wolf (nihon ōkami) is considered a cryptid * How Alex Martin became interested in researching the Japanese wolf * Who Hiroshi Yagi is * How Alex Martin got in touch with Hiroshi Yagi * About Chichibu's connection to the Japanese wolf * How Hiroshi Yagi became interested in looking for the Japanese wolf * Hiroshi Yagi's 1996 encounter with an animal resembling the Japanese wolf and the famous 19 photographs that he took of said animal * The process taken by Hiroshi Yagi in his hunt for the Japanese wolf * Who might take over Hiroshi Yagi's hunt for the Japanese wolf when he retires * Hiroshi Yagi's personality * About Naoki Maruyama, founder of the Japan Wolf Association * The effort to reintroduce wolves into Japan and the troubles it faces * The allure and mystery of the Japanese wolf * Alex Martin's articles about Tokyo post-Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games * Japan's declining population * The smaller size of a Japanese wolf * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Use the link below to access the landing page for In Seart of Japan's Lost Wolves, the five-part series of articles about the Japanese wolf by Alex K.T. Martin.
- In Search of Japan's Lost Wolves
To read Alex Martin's articles about post Olympics Tokyo, use the links below.
- Tokyo tomorrow: What comes after the 2020 Games?
- The race is on to define the legacy of Tokyo 2020
To listen to the Deep Dive podcast episode about the Japanese wolf use the link below.
- Episode 18: Is the Japanese wolf really extinct?
You can follow Alex Martin on Twitter.
- Alex K.T. Martin on Twitter
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Is Yamaguchi cursed to have”ugly” girls? (Places in Japan Known for “Beautiful” & “Ugly” Women) | Ichimon Japan 50
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Alex K.T. Martin
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, translator Allison Markin Powell talks about translating Japanese fiction.
About Allison Markin Powell Allison Markin Powell is a literary translator, editor, and publishing consultant. The most recently published book she translated is Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement (The Feminist Press at CUNY) by Shiori Ito. Topics Discussed * How Allison Markin Powell became a translator of Japanese literature * Getting started as a manga translator * Translating the book Sensei no Kaban (The Briefcase/Strange Weather in Tokyo) by Kawakami Hiromi * What is challenging about being a translator * About fighting to be credited as a translator * Allison Markin Powell's style of translation * A tricky aspect of translating The Nakano Thrift Shop * About translating Lady Joker by Takamura Kaoru * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To purchase a copy of Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement, consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it will support the show.
- Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement
Here are links to other books Allison Markin Powell has translated. These are Amazon affiliate links as well.
- Lady Joker, Volume 1 (Kaoru Takamura)
- Strange Weather in Tokyo (Kawakami Hiromi)
- The Nakano Thrift Shop (Kawakami Hiromi)
To listen to the first part of the conversation with Allison Markin Powell, use the link below.
- Black Box: Discussing the Shiori Ito Story (Allison Markin Powell Part 1) | Japan Station 72
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Does “Your Name” live up to the hype? (Discussing Kimi no Na wa) | Ichimon Japan 49
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Allison Markin Powell
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, translator Allison Markin Powell discusses the story of Shiori Ito and the newly published English version of the book Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement.
About Allison Markin Powell Allison Markin Powell is a literary translator, editor, and publishing consultant. The most recently published book she translated is Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement (The Feminist Press at CUNY) by Shiori Ito. Topics Discussed * Allison Markin Powell's study abroad experience in Kanazawa * How tell all memoirs don't seem to be as popular in Japan as in the West * About the book Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement * Who Shiori Ito is * The frank and open way in which Siori Ito discusses her alleged sexual assault and the events after it * The press conference Shiori Ito held in 2017 * Meeting Shiori Ito * The term "quasi-rape" (Jungōkanzai, 準強姦罪) * Why Shiori Ito called her book "Black Box" * Shiori Ito's strength * Sexual assault statistics in Japan and other places * How police made Shiori Ito reenact being sexually assaulted in front of them * Some of the systematic challenges Shiori Ito faced when trying to get justice * Shiori Ito's influence and impact * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To purchase a copy of Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement, consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it will support the show.
- Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Does “Your Name” live up to the hype? (Discussing Kimi no Na wa) | Ichimon Japan 49
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of The Feminist Press at CUNY
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're learning about homelessness in Japan and the life of Japanese day laborers.
About Dr. Tom Gill Dr. Tom Gill is a professor of social anthropology at the Faculty of International Studies at Meiji Gakuin University in Yokohama. He is the author of the 2015 book Yokohama Street Life: The Precarious Career of a Japanese Day Laborer.
Topics Discussed * Dr. Tom Gill's first experience in Sanya in Tokyo * Reporting on street riots in Sanya in 1986 * About Sanya in Tokyo * What a doyagai is * About Japanese slum districts * About Japanese day laborers * Why Sanya is mainly populated by single men * How the anime/manga Ashita no Joe is set in Sanya * The aging population of Japan's slums * What a doya is * What a typical doya room is like * Older doya versus newer doya * What a deluxe doya is * Why people might choose to stay in doya despite it being more expensive to ren than an apartment * About Japanese welfare * On talking to people in doyagai * On collecting cans in Osaka * On municipal homeless shelters in Japan * The increasing number of doya in Kotobukicho * About homeless women in Japan * Why there are so few homeless women in Japan * Whether Dr. Gill has had any dangerous experiences in Japanese slums * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. If you would like to purchase Dr. Gill's book--Yokohama Street Life: The Precarious Career of a Japanese Day Laborer--please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Yokohama Street Life: The Precarious Career of a Japanese Day Laborer
If you would like to read some of Dr. Gill's work, the best place to start is his Academia.edu page.
- Dr. Tom Gill on Academia.edu
Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- What are Japan’s most famous dogs? (5 Famous Japanese Dogs + an Afro Dog) Ichimon Japan 48
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of N/A
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
For more information on B & B Bad Sisters, check out the official website.
- https://bbbadsisters.com/
Here's the link for the B & B Bad Sisters NFT shop.
- https://opensea.io/kazuomaekawa
Follow B & B Bad Sisters on social media.
- Twitter
- https://twitter.com/bbbadsisters
- Facebook
- https://www.facebook.com/bbbadsisters
- Instagram
- https://www.instagram.com/bbbadsisters/
Here's affiliate links for cryptocurrency exchanges. If you use any of these links to purchase cryptocurrency you might get a sign up bonus. Typically, these sign up bonuses are free Bitcoin. However, each exchange does things a bit differently so you may want to check what is required in order to receive the sign up bonus. Also if you use these affiliate links and receive the bonus, then I would receive a small referral bonus as well.
- Gemini
- https://www.gemini.com/share/gkn57qfg
- Voyager
- https://voyager.onelink.me/WNly/referral?af_sub5=ANTB78
- BlockFi
- https://blockfi.com/?ref=d7eef2f9
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, shamisen performer and composer Mike Penny stops by to talk about Japan's famous three-stringed lute, the Mike Penny Orchestra (MPO), and more.
About Mike Penny Mike Penny is a shamesen performer and composrer based in Los Angeles. He has performed throughout the U.S. and Japan. Aside from performing traditional Japanese shamisen music, Mike is also active on YouTube and enjoys experimenting with the shamisen in all sorts of creative ways via his personal project MPO.
Topics Discussed * Mike Penny's 2011 song "Leaving Forever" * Mike Penny's work on the soundtrack of the popular PS4 game Ghosts of Tsushima * How Mike Penny became interested in Japan and the shamisen * The many musical instruments Mike Penny has played * Making the transition from guitar to the shamisen * On learning how to play the shamisen * The challenges of learning how to play the shamisen * On getting used to using the bachi (plectrum) * The tsugaru shamisen style * The fretless nature of the shamisen * About MPO (Mike Penny Orchestra) * About Mike Penny's 2020 song "Perfect Alley Rare" * Feedback from Japanese people * On Sasaki Mitsuru Sangenkai in Los Angeles * About Kyle Abbot * On shamisen for beginners, such as the shami buddy by Kyle Abbott * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Mike Penny on YouTube and Bandcamp.
- Mike Penny YouTube
- Mike Penny Bandcamp
Here is "Leaving Forever" by MPO.
- "Leaving Forever" by The Mike Penny Orchestra
Here is the music video for "Perfect Alley Rare."
- "Perfect Alley Rare" by Mike Penny Orchestra (‘80s Shamisen Pop)
And here's a fun shamisen cover that Mike did of "The 7th Element" by Vitas.
- Vitas “The 7th Element” ★ON SHAMISEN★
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- Vitas “The 7th Element” ★ON SHAMISEN★
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Mike Penny
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia talks about the religious group Pana-Wave Laboratory and shares some of what he experienced while in Japan researching it.
About Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia is a professor of sociology at Taft College and the author of numerous books. He has conducted research on a wide variety of topics, including the sociology of religion, food studies, race & ethnicity, and popular culture. Dr. Jimenez Murguia has also written extensively about the Japanese religious group Pana-Wave Laboratory.
Topics Discussed * How Dr. Jimenez Murguia became interested in doing research related to Japan * How it was that Dr. Jimenez Murguia began communicating with and doing research on Pana-Wave Laboratory * What Pana-Wave Laboratory was * How Pana-Wave Laboratory got started * The teachings/beliefs of Chino Yuko * About scalar wave energy attacks * Why Pana-Wave Laboratory members dressed all in white * Pana-Wave Laboratory's infamous 2003 caravan to Fukui Prefecture * How Dr. Jimenez Murguia was able to make contact with Pana-Wave Laboratory * Pana-Wave Laboratory's journal: L.R. * On visiting Pana-Wave Laboratory at their base in Fukui Prefecture * About the kinds of people that were part of Pana-Wave Laboratory * On visiting the Pana-Wave Laboratory facility in Fukui after Chino Yuko's death * How Pana-Wave Laboratory was sensationalized and misunderstood * The misconception that Japan is a weird place * On doing research on the topic of brown face * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. The title of the article by Dr. Jimenez Murguia that was referenced on this episode is Re-enchanting a Religio-Scientific Experience: Understanding the Extraordinary Within the Pana-Wave Laboratory. As of the time of this writing the link I used to download the article does not work. However, if you would like to try it out, click here.
To listen to the Ichimon Japan episode that focuses on Pana-Wave Laboratory, check out the link below.
- Did Tama-chan the seal save the world and cause immigration reform? (About Pana-Wave Laboratory) | Ichimon Japan 46
To listen to the episode of Ichimon Japan about ushino koku mairi, use the link below.
- What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, journalist Justic McCurry talks about his new book The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture.
About Justin McCurry Justin McCurry is the Japan anc Korea correspondent for The Guardian. He is also the author of the new book The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture (Pegasus Books).
Topics Discussed * What it was like interviewing a senior member of the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza group in 2008 * Justin McCurry's first visit to a velodrome * About the velodrome in Tachikawa, Tokyo * How keirin seems to be hidden away and gets little mainstream coverage in Japanese media * The inescapable connection between keirin and gambling * How keirin is different from other forms of competitive cycling * The differences between the Olympic variety of keirin and the original Japanese keirin * Group dynamics between keirin riders * The brutal and violent side of keirin * How you become a professional keirin cyclist * About the Japan Institute of Keirin (formerly the Japan Keirin School) * What it's like living at the Japan Keirin School * The effort to modernize keirin * The strict expectations and restrictions placed on keirin cyclists in Japan * How cyclists must check in their mobile phones and disconnect from the outside world during race events * What it was like riding a keirin bicycle on a real keirin track * What keirin is doing to try to survive in present day * Women in keirin * The Nikkan Keirin Series * The future of keirin in Japan * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cylcing Subculture, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will not cost you anything extra and it will support the show.
- The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture by Justin McCurry (Amazon Affiliate)
To follow Justin McCurry on Twitter, use the link below.
- Justic McCurry on Twitter
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- What is a yankī or furyō? (About Japanese Teenage Delinquent Culture) | Ichimon Japan 45
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Rebecca Copeland
Featured image: Courtesy of Pegasus Books
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about Kyoto, kimono and more with Dr. Rebecca Copeland.
About Dr. Rebecca Copeland Dr. Rebecca Copeland is a professor of Japanese language and literature at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research specialties include modern and contemporary women's writing in Japan, modern literature, and translation studies. Dr. Copeland also writes fiction and just published her first novel called The Kimono Tattoo (Brother Mockingbird).
Topics Discussed * About Dr. Copeland's new novel The Kimono Tattoo * Some of the aspects of Dr. Copeland's life that influenced and appear in The Kimono Tattoo * On spending time in Kyoto * Some of Dr. Copeland's favorite places in Kyoto * About Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple * Exploring Kyoto and going off the beaten path * The canals that run along the Philosopher's Path * What inspired the "cursed kimono" that is one of the focuses of The Kimono Tattoo * The recycling of kimono fabric * How valued items such as kimono are sometimes thought to be imbued with the spirit of its creators * About studying traditional Japanese dance (Nihon Buyō) * About the classic strict student-teacher dynamic often see in traditional Japanese arts * On Dr. Copeland's transition to writing fiction * The long process of writing The Kimono Tattoo * On future plans for a sequel to The Kimono Tattoo that furthers the story of Ruth Bennett * About Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch and Dr. Copeland's story Blue Ridge Yamamba * What the yamamba is * About the experience of teaching inmates at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center about Japan * On how getting to learn about Japan and the Japanese language is a privilege * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of The Kimono Tattoo, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will not cost you anything extra and it will support the show.
- The Kimono Tattoo on Amazon
To pick up a copy of Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch, consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch on Amazon
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan? (About Taketori Monogatari) | Ichimon Japan 44
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Rebecca Copeland
Featured image: Courtesy of Rebecca Copeland
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by Hannah Kentridge of the popular YouTube channel MissHanake.
About Hannah Kentridge Hannah Kentridge is a content creator with over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Known as MissHanake on YouTube, Hannah has spent over 10 years producing videos in Japanese about her life and the Japanese language.
Topics Discussed * Hannah's perennially popular "Hiragana Song" video * The origins of the MissHanake YouTube channel * How creating YouTube content in Japanese motivated Hannah to keep learning Japanese and improving * Receiving constructive criticism via YouTube comments * How listening to herself speak in Japanese helped Hannah keep improving her Japanese * Hannah's time at Kobe University * Hannah's decision to go to graduate school * On learning the kind of advanced Japanese that is usually not taught in the classroom * About the MPhil in Japanese Studies at Oxford University * What onee kotoba is * On doing research on the way some gay men speak in anonymous online situations * Using language to construct one's identity * Hannah's plans for her master's research * Japanese internet slang * Gendered language in Japanese * Hannah's tentative plans for after completing her master's program * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To check out Hannah on YouTube use the link below.
- MissHanake YouTube Channel
You can watch Hannah's "Hiragana Song" video below.
- The Hiragana Song ★ ひらがなのうた
To follow Hannah on Twitter use the link below.
- @misshanake on Twitter
To listen to Hannah on the KoreKara Podcast see below.
- Talking with MissHanake - YouTuber Studying Japanese at Oxford University | KoreKara Podcast
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- How do you count that in Japanese? (How to Count Chopsticks, UFOs, Centaurs & More in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 43
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka
Featured image: Courtesy of Hannah Kentridge
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Jan Bardsley talks about the fascinating world of Japan's maiko and geisha.
About Dr. Jan Bardsley Dr. Jan Bardsley is Professor Emerita of Asian Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is the author of Women and Democracy in Cold War Japan and the award-winning The Bluestockings of Japan: New Woman Essays and Fiction from Seito, 1911–1916. Her latest book is Maiko Masquerade: Creating Geisha Girlhood in Japan.
Topics Discussed * What a maiko is * The difference between a maiko and a geiko/geisha * The life of a maiko * What maiko and geiko/geisha do * The striking appearance of a maiko * Transitioning from a maiko to a geiko * The responsibilities of a geiko * The elaborate hairstyle of the maiko * The motivations of some girls who chose to become maiko * The famed dance productions performed by Kyoto's geiko and maiko * The Miyako Odori * Marriage as it pertains to geiko * How the maiko and geisha's connection to sexual labor has changed with the passing of time * The maiko as a mascot of Japan and Kyoto * The danna (patron) * The financial burden of supporting geiko * The Kyoto Traditional Music Foundation * Eirakuya's tenugui (hand towel) that depict maiko playing sports * The Kyoto International Manga Museum's maiko illustration exhibit * Whether foreigners can become maiko * Learning to become "Japanese" * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of Maiko Masquerade: Creating Geisha Girlhood in Japan, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Maiko Masquerade: Creating Geisha Girlhood in Japan
To check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- What is Kansai-ben? (All About the Kansai Dialect) | Ichimon Japan 42
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka
Featured image: Courtesy of Jan Bardsley
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Yuji Haraguchi--owner of multiple Japanese restaurants and the Osakana fish market in Brooklyn, New York--talks about his interest in food, his career, fish, ramen, and more.
About Yuji Haraguchi Yuji Haraguchi has started and owned multiple Japanese restaurants in the United States and Japan. He is based in Brooklyn, New York where he owns and operates Okonomi/Yuji Ram and the popular Japanese-style fish market Osakana.
Topics Discussed * About Yuji Haraguchi's early life in Japan * How Yuji became interested in cooking * Leaving Japan for Boston * How Yuji got into selling fish * Learning about fish and the fish industry * On selling and marketing Japanese fish and seafood to restaurants in Boston * The rising popularity of Japanese food in the US through the 2000s * Getting into the ramen business * On trying to make ramen more appealing to Americans unfamiliar with ramen * Creating Tuna-kotsu (tuna bone) ramen * Opening Yuji Ramen in 2012 * Creating a carbonara inspired bacon & egg mazemen (brothless ramen) * Starting the Osakana fish market in Brooklyn * The concept and motivation behind Osakama * The success of Osakana * The educational videos Yuji makes for the Osakana YouTube channel * The misconception that wild fish is always better than farm raised fish * Yuji's approach to teaching people about fish and how to handle fish * The factors that distinguish "sushi grade fish" from non-sushi grade fish * On opening restaurants in Japan * The dangers of expanding a restaurant franchise too quickly * The current potential of Japanese food in the United States * The booming popularity of ramen in Southeast Asia * On getting Japanese ingredients * About Sun Noodle * How Yuji adapted to doing business during the coronavirus pandemic * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Below is a list of links for the websites and social media accounts of Yuji Haraguchi's businesses.
- Okonomi/Yuji Ramen Website
- Okonomi Instagram
- Yuji Ramen Online Shop
- Yuji Ramen Instagram
- Osakana Website
- Osakana on Instagram
Below is the link to the Osakana YouTube channel. There you will find educational videos about how to handle and prepare fish, as well as other useful information about Japanese cuisine.
- Osakana YouTube Channel
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- Are rabbits counted as birds because eating meat was taboo in japan? (About the History of Meat “Bans” & the Counter -wa)) | Ichimon Japan 41
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka
Featured image: Courtesy of Yuji Haraguchi
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka stops by to discuss what exactly washoku (Japanese cuisine) is and how the term was redefined in an effort to get it registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
About Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka is Chair of Modern Japan Studies at Leiden University. She is an expert on food history of modern Japan and Korea. Dr. Cwiertka's latest book is titled Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku (University of Hawaii Press, 2021).
Topics Discussed * Washoku's (Japanese cuisine) classification as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2013 * What exactly Intangible Cultural Heritage is according to UNESCO * The application process washoku went through in order to be designated Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO * How washoku was defined in the UNESCO application * The original UNESCO application for washoku that Dr. Cwiertka found online * How the committee behind the UNESCO application for washiku was originally trying to get kaiseki designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage * Washoku vs nihon ryōri * The meaning and usage of washoku throughout history * The both vague and all-encompassing paradoxical nature of washoku's UNESCO characterization * Edo era tourism and marketing * And much more!
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will support the show and it won't cost you anything extra.
- Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku
You can learn more about Dr. Cwiertka and her work via her website.
To pick up a copy of Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will support the show and it won't cost you anything extra.
- Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku
To learn more about Dr. Cwiertka and her work,visit her website.
- Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Website
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- What should I know about Japan’s Bubble Era? (A Fun Look at Japan’s Infamous Era of Opulence) | Ichimon Japan 39
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka
Featured image: Courtesy of Katarzyna Cwiertka
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, journalist Dreux Richard stops by to discuss his new book Every Human Intention: Japan in the New Century.
About Dreux Richard Dreux Richard is a writer and journalist. He has written extensively about Japan for publications such as The Japan Times, Metropolis Japan, and The New York Times. Dreux is also the author of a new book based on much of his work in the years following the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. Called Every Human Intention: Japan in the New Century, the book focuses on the experiences of Nigerian immigrants in Japan, the shrinking city of Wakkanai in Hokkaido, and Japan's ongoing struggle with nuclear safety in the decade after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdown.
Topics Discussed * Who Ian Hideo Levy is * Dreux Richard's time studying under Ian Hideo Levy * What led to Dreux Richard working for The Japan Times * Africans working in Tokyo's red light districts * Dreux Richard's time covering the Nigerian community in Japan * Some of the factors that led to individuals from Nigeria going to Japan in the '80s * Louis Okoye * About writing for The Japan Times while on a tourist visa * About the city of Wakkanai in Hokkaido and why Dreux Richrd decided to go there * Covering the Karafuto breed of dog in Wakkanai * Covering the census in Wakkanai * Covering population decline in Japan * The mayor of Wakkanai's decision to use part of a new building at a JR train station to create a nursing care facility for the elderly * How it was that Dreux Richard came to cover nuclear safety issues in Japan * Japan's itinerant nuclear industry workers * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of Every Human Intention: Japan in the New Century, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will support the show and it won't cost you anything extra.
- Every Human Intention: Japan in the New Century
You can find more information on Dreux Richard on his website.
- Dreux Richard Website
Here is a link to the Metropolis Japan article about the Karafuto dog breed that Dreux mentioned during this episode.
- No Tomorrow A beloved Japanese mascot faces unnoticed extinction
To watch Ian Hideo Levy's 2010 lecture, click on the link below.
- The World in Japanese (Ian Hideo Levy, Standford University)
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- What first person pronoun should I use when speaking Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 38
Here is a link to episode 33 of Japan Station.
- Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke
Featured image: Courtesy of Dreux Richard
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony answers the question: How did you become so familiar with Japan?
About Tony Vega Tony Vega is a writer, editor, and podcaster. He has lived in Japan as both a student and participant of the JET Programme. He possesses an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Tony is the creator of Japankyo.com and he produces both the Japan Station and Ichimon Japan podcasts. Aside from his work on JapanKyo.com, he is the editor in chief of Wasabi magazine and the producer of the Transmissions from Hawaii podcast. Tony enjoys pizza, sushi, burritos, puns, and overanalyzing absurd things.
Topics Discussed * Learning about Japan and the Japanese language * Tips for becoming knowledgeable about Japan and the Japanese language * The importance of persistence and patience * The importance of staying humble * The importance of learning the Japanese language in order to better understand all aspects of Japan * Graduate school * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. If you enjoyed this solo episode, then you'll probably enjoy episode 33 of Japan Stationi.
- Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33
Here are the Japan Station episodes that were mentioned in this episode.
- The Japanese Intelligence Community & Espionage (Dr. Richard Samuels) | Japan Station 34
- Pregnancy & Marriage in Low-Fertility Japan (Dr. Amanda C. Seaman) | Japan Station 48
If you're interested in checking out Lang-8, you can use the link below.
- Lang-8.com
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: JapanKyo.com
Featured image: Courtesy of Romulus Hillsborough/Tuttle Publishing
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we learn about one of Japan's most famous and popular group of samurai: the Shinsengumi.
About Romulus Hillsborough Romulus Hillsborough is a researcher, writer and author of multiple books focusing on late Edo-early Meiji Period history. His books include Samurai Revolution: The Dawn of Modern Japan Seen Through the Eyes of Shogun's Last Samurai, Ryoma: Life of a Renaissance Samurai, and The Shogun's Last Samurai Corps: The Bloody Battles and Intrigues of the Shinsengumi.
Topics Discussed * What the Shinsengumi was * What the Shinsengumi did and why they were created * The turmoil of the waning days of the Edo Period * When the Shinsengumi was active * The brutality of the Shinsengumi * The strict code of conduct of the Shinsengumi * About Kondo Isami * How many of the members of the Shinsengumi were not of the samurai/bushi class * About Serizawa Kamo and the mystery of his life before his time in the Shinsengumi * Stories of Serizawa Kamo's violent nature * Historical sources about the Shinsengumi * Kan Shimozawa's writings on the Shinsengumi * Some of the problems with sources documenting the history of the Shinsengumi * The famous Ikedaya Inn incident * The somewhat paradoxical nature of the way that the Shinsengumi is remembered today * How the Shinsengumi is remembered * Romulus Hillsborough's first trip to Japan in 1978 * How Romulus Hillsborough became interested in writing historical nonfiction about Sakamoto Ryoma and the Shinsengumi * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of The Shogun's Last Samurai Corps: The Bloody Battles and Intrigues of the Shinsengumi, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will support JapanKyo.com and it won't cost you anything extra.
- The Shogun's Last Samurai Corps: The Bloody Battles and Intrigues of the Shinsengumi (Amazon Affiliate link)
Here are two other books written by Romulus Hillsborough, including his book on the life of Sakamoto Ryoma, which was mentioned in the episode. These are also Amazon affiliate links.
- Ryoma: Life of a Renaissance Samurai
- Samurai Revolution: The Dawn of Modern Japan Seen Through the Eyes of the Shogun's Last Samurai
For more information on Romulus Hillsborough and his work, visit his website.
- Romulus Hillsborough Website
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese mistake stories? (Part 2) | Ichimon Japan 37
If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.
- KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke
Featured image: Courtesy of Romulus Hillsborough/Tuttle Publishing
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks to Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith about Japanese erotic comics (eromanga) and related issues such as censorship and Japanese obscenity laws.
About Patrick W. Galbraith Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith is a lecturer at Senshu University in Tokyo. He is one of the world's leading experts on the topic of Akihabara and the related subcultures that are often associated with this famous district of Tokyo. Galbraith is the author of man y books and articles, including Tokyo Realtime (2010), The Otaku Encyclopedia: An Insider's Guide to the Subculture of Cool Japan (2014), The Moe Manifesto: An Insider's Look at the Worlds of Manga, Anime, and Gaming (2017), and others. His most recent solo book, published by Duke University Press Books in 2019, is Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan.
Topics Discussed * What obscenity is in the eyes of Japanese law * The masking of genitals in Japanese media such as anime and manga * The push and pull cycle between creators and efforts to censor depictions of genitals * The case of the Japanese artist Rokudenashiko * Manga artists using creative techniques such as sound effects to imply sexual situations * The link between censorship and things like tentacle hentai * How mainstream manga and anime influences the world of erotic manga and vice versa * The influence of major manga creators like Osamu Tezuka, Hayao Miyazaki, and Rumiko Takahashi on erotic manga * How Naoki Yamamoto was influenced by Hayao Miyazaki's work on Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind * How Urusei Yatsura helped establish a trope that would come to be popular in erotic manga/anime * The world of dōjinshi (independent fan made comics) * How independent fan comics help push the popularity of mainstream anime/manga properties * The way some manga creators go back and forth between the world of erotic and mainstream manga * The erotic imagery of Food Wars/Shokugeki no Soma * CLAMP's erotic treatment of Captain Tsubasa * How manga creators usually do not interfere with fan comics based on their properties * Efforts b the Japanese government throughout the 2010s to limit and further censor erotic manga * Japan's Ordinance Regarding the Healthy Development of Youths * Japan's decision to not ban illustrations depicting underage characters in sexual situations in 2014 despite pressure from other countries * Incorrect stereotypes about erotic manga creators and readers * The diversity that exists among readers and creators of erotic manga * Australia's decision to ban certain types of manga * Who Kaoru Nagayama is * Concerns over international laws regarding erotic manga * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of Erotic Comics in Japan: An Introduction to Eromanga, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will support JapanKyo.com and it won't cost you anything extra.
- Erotic Comics in Japan: An Introduction to Eromanga
To listen to Dr. Galbraith's previous appearances on Japan Station, use the links below.
- Japan Station 30: Understanding “Otaku” and Akihabara w. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith
- Understanding Idols and the Success of AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- Why did samurai have such weird haircuts? (All About Topknots/Chommage) | Ichimon Japan 34
You can support the show by picking up a t-shirt from KimitoDesigns.com. The latest shirt design was inspired by episode 36 of the Ichimon Japan podcast which was all about samurai topknots.
- MAGE: The Excellent Hairstyle of the Samurai Unisex T-Shirt
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke
Featured image: Courtesy of Patrick W. Galbraith
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony Vega talks to Kevin O'Shea, host of the Just Japan Podcast, about the unique experience he had in 2020 when he got stuck in Japan due to the coronavirus pandemic.
About Kevin O'Shea Kevin O'Shea is a content creator, educator, and longtime resident of Japan. Aside from producing over 200 episodes of the Just Japan Podcast, Kevin is also known for his work on YouTube and various podcasts and blogs. His latest podcast is called the Munzee Maniacs Podcast and is about the mobile game Munzee.
Topics Discussed * When and why Kevin lived in Kobe * Life on Kobe's Port Island * Some places to visit in Kobe * The nice and convenient aspects of living in Kobe * Working at an international school in Japan * Working as a teacher in Japan versus working in other countries * How many international schools in Asia outside of Japan are offering better salaries and benefits than those in Japan * The intangible allure of Japan * Living in Beijing and having to deal with air pollution * Living and working as a teacher in Shenzhen, China * The benefits of lifing and working in rural Japan as opposed to cities * Being in China during the start of the COVID19 global pandemic * The regulations put in place in China during the beginning of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic * Deciding to leave China and go back to Japan in February of 2020 * Arriving in Japan during early 2020 before entry restrictions and quarantines were put into place * The challenges Kevin faced when trying to get back to China during the pandemic * What Kevin had to go through in order to enroll his kids in school in Osaka * Arriving and quarantining in Shenzhen, China during the coronavirus pandemic * Dealing with internet trolls * Kevin's first podcast: Looks Like Canada * Kevin's decision to start the Just Japan Podcast * The Making Better Teachers Podcast * Kevin's interest in geocaching and the mobile game Munzee * What Munzee is * The Munzee Maniacs Podcast * Kevin's interest in nature photography * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Here's all the social media channels you can find Kevin O'Shea on.
- Kevin O'Shea on Twitter
- ShizenWildlife on Instagram
- BusanKevin on YouTube
To listen to the Munzee Maniacs Podcast, look it up on your podcast app of choice or use the links below.
- Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Google Podcasts
- Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Spotify
You can find the Just Japan Podcast on just about any podcast platform. If you would like to check it out, you can use the links below.
- Just Japan Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- Just Japan Podcast on Google Podcasts
- Just Japan Podcast on Stitcher
- JustJapanStuff.com
To check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- What is the best Japanese name for a bear that isn’t actually a bear? (About Hole Bears, Bag Bears & More) | Ichimon Japan 35
To get your own "tree climbing bag bear" t-shirt, use the link below. T-shirt sales are used to help fund this show and other JapanKyo.com projects.
- Buy the Tree Climbing Bag Bear t-shirt from KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke
Featured image: Courtesy of Kevin O'Shea
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony Vega talks to one of the world's leading scholars on Edo Period Japanese literature: Dr. Robert Campbell.
About Dr. Robert Campbell Dr. Robert Campbell is a literary scholar specializing in the literature of Edo era Japan. Since 2017 Dr. Campbell has served as the Director-General of the National Institute of Japanese Literature (NIJL). Aside from his academic work, Dr. Campbell regularly appears on Japanese media and is the host of the NHK World show Face to Face.
Topics Discussed * How Dr. Campbell's interest in a certain piece of Japanese art led him to begin learning Japanese * Dr. Campbell's time as an undergraduate and what he studied * Discovering The Tale of Genji * The first Japanese art class Dr. Campbell took * Why Dr. Campbell's university professor told him that he had to study Japanese * Studying Japanese in college * Studying at the IUC (Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies) in Tokyo * Meeting artists and writers during Dr. Campbell's first time in Tokyo * Dr. Campbell's experiences as a dancer during high school * How it was that Dr. Campbell decided to become a specialist in Japanese literature * Some of Japanese literature's most notable aspects * How Japanese literature was meant to be read aloud for most of its history * The practice of voiced reading (ondoku) as opposed to silent reading (mokudoku) * Japanese literature's connections to classic Chinese literature * Dr. Campbell's experience reading the work of the poet Ihara Saikaku * Dr. Campbell's iconic jackets * The peaceful and relaxing nature of much of Japanese literature * The practical lessons that Japanese literature teaches * Dr. Campbell's interest in Japanese famine survival manuals from the 19th century * Edo period famine survival strategies and recipes * The diversity of topics and themes found within Japanese literature * The comical nature of much of Japanese literature * Dr. Campbell's recommended books for people wishing to read early modern Japanese literature * Looking for and buying old books in Tokyo * Book auctions in Japan * Tracing the provenence of an old Japanese book through the stamps of its previous owners * Japanese literature as a window into the past * Working in the Japanese entertainment industry * Working with Momoiro Clover Z on the internet show F no Idenshi * Getting to be the Director-General of the National Institute of Japanese Literature (NIJL) * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Dr. Robert Campbell on Twitter.
- Robert Campbell on Twitter (@campbelltokyo)
For more information about Dr. Campbell, you can visit his website.
- Robert Campbell Website
To read the Wasabi Magazine article that was based on this interview, use the link below.
- A Journey into Words (October-November 2019)
If you would like to watch F no Idenshi--the show that Dr. Campbell worked with the Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z--you can find it on YouTube.
- F no Idenshi YouTube Channel
You can find Face to Face--Dr. Campbell's show on NHK World--on the NHK World website.
- Face to Face on NHK World
Here is the list of books that Dr. Campbell recommended for people wishing to get into Edo period Japanese literature. The links are all Amazon affiliate links. If you use them to purchase anything on Amazon it will support the show but it won't cost you anything extra.
- The Tales of Moon and Rain by Ueda Akinari (Ugetsumonogatari)
- Dr. Campbell did not mention a specific translation so the link above takes you to the Amazon search results page
- An Edo Anthology: Literature from Japan’s Mega-City, 1750-185, Edited by Sumie Jones
- Early Modern Japanese Literature: An Anthology, 1600-1900 (Translations from the Asian Classics), Edited by Haruo Shirane
- World Within Walls by Donald Keane
To listen to the episode of Japan Station featuring Crystal Kay, use the link below.
- Japan Station 13: Crystal Kay
To listen to the Barry Lancet interview (Japan Station episode 18), use the link below.
- Japan Station 18: How Jim Brodie Came to Be (Barry Lancet)
And to listen to the two most recent episodes of Ichimon Japan, use th elinks below.
- What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33
- What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 2: Chinese Names, Short Sleeves, Bears, & More) | Ichimon Japan 34
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.
- Visit KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke
Featured image: Courtesy of Wasabi Magazine
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony has a chat with the owner of a voice that anyone who has ever ridden the Shinkansen (bullet train) will have heard numerous times: voice actor and singer Donna Burke.
About Donna Burke Donna Burke is an Australian singer and voice actor based in Japan. Her voice can be heard in numerous high profile projects, including major Japanese commercials and highly successful video games such as Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Donna is also widely known as the person who does the English language announcements for Japan's famous Shinkansen (bullet train).
Topics Discussed * How Donna uses her "Shinkansen voice" to surprise people in Japan * How it was that Donna ended up living in Japan * On being a wedding singer in Japan in the mid-90s * Making the transition to doing songs for Japanese commercials * What it was like producing demo tapes in the '90s and 2000s * Donna's experience doing voice work for Shenmue * The importance of getting a good recommendation as a voice actor * Whether it has become more competitive to be a voice talent in the Japanese game industry in recent years * Working on the Metal Gear Solid franchise * Dealing with the success and fame that came with working on the Metal Gear Solid franchise * "Glassy Sky 2020" * Donna's drive to always be working on new projects and creating * Working as a lyricist * The importance of letting go of one's ego when creating and writing * What it has been like working with the Tokyo Philharmonic and performing with orchestras in the U.S. * How Donna started selling heat pads via her company Hotteeze * Donna's ideas for an ad campaign to promote Hotteeze * How freqyently Japan Railways has Donna do new recordings for the Shinkansen * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To stay up to date with all of Donna's projects, make sure to follow her on Twitter. Also, you can find more information about her on her official website.
- Donna Burke on Twitter (@DB_singer_actor)
- Donna Burke Website
Donna regularly uploads videos to her YouTube channel, so don't forget to check it out.
- Donna Burke YouTube Channel
If you'd like to learn more about Donna's kairo (heat pad) business, then check out the Hotteeze website via the link below.
- Hotteeze Website
If this episode got you curious about what it's like being a fake priest in Japan, then you'r ein luck because there's an episode of Ichimon Japan exactly about that topic. The episode features an interview with a Canadian who has experience working as a fake priest at Japanese weddings.
- What’s it like being a “fake priest” in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 04
Check out the two latest episodes of Ichimon Japan via the link below.
- Who got it more wrong: MatPat or Tony? (Revisiting the Curse of Colonel Sanders) | Ichimon Japan 32
- What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.
- Visit KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, standup comedian Kilara Sen stops by to talk about comedy and the various projects
About Kilara Sen Kilara Sen (a.k.a. Pink Unicorn) is a bilingual Japanese standup comedian, MC, and content creator. Apart from performing standup comedy in Japan, she has also performed in the United States and Europe, including at the Fringe festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Kilara also regularly releases videos via her YouTube channel Kilaracomedy.
Topics Discussed * Kilara's experiences giving motivational speeches to high school students in Japan * Studying in the U.S. and learning English * Comparing Japanese comedy to Western comedy * Kilara's experiences in the Japanese comedy industry * The moment when Kilara realized that she could be a solo comedian * What Kilara has been doing during the coronavirus pandemic * Japanese Whisky World, Kilara's YouTube show about whisky * Appearing on Paul Hollywood Eats Japan * Tracking down and meeting Conan O'Brien during his 2018 visit to Hokuei-chō in Tottori Prefecture * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Kilara Sen on YouTube and social media to keep up to date with all her projects.
- Kilara Sen on YouTube
- Kilara Sen on Twitter
- Kilara Sen on Facebook
- Kilara Sen on Instagram
To watch episodes of Japanese Whisky World, Kilara's show about whisky, check out the link below.
- Japanese Whisky World
A trailer for Paul Hollywood Eats Japan can be found via the link below.
- Paul Hollywood Eats Japan
Check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan via the link below.
- What is yakitori? (All About Japan’s Famous Chicken Skewers) | Ichimon Japan 31
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.
- Visit KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Featured image: Courtesy of Kilara Sen
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki discusses being inspired by Ichiro Suzuki and her latest documentary Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams.
About Ema Ryan Yamazaki Ema Ryan Yamazaki is a documentary filmmaker who has worked on several Japan-related projects. Her most recent feature-length documentary is titled Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams and focuses on the wildly popular National High School Baseball Championship (全国高等学校野球選手権大会, Zenkoku Kōtō Gakkō Yakyū Senshuken), popularly referred to as "Summer Koshien" (夏の甲子園, Natsu no Kōshien).
Topics Discussed * About growing up in Nishinomiya near Koshien Stadium * The #dearICHIRO documentary series * Being inspired by Ichiro Suzuki * How Ema Ryan Yamazaki became interested in filmaking * The success of Ichiro Suzuki and how he captured the imagination and attention of so many people in Japan and the United States * Ichiro Suzuki's time playing with the Miami Marlins * Deciding to go to university in New York * How it was that Ema decided to focus on Japan-related projects * How living abroad helped Ema better understand Japan and how it is perceived by people outside of Japan * The emotionally riveting and exciting nature of the Koshien summer high school baseball championship * How it was that the Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams project began * Using the Koshien high school baseball tournament as a way to look back on a hundred years of Japan's history and how Japanese society has changed * The challenges Ema faced when producing Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams and how working with NHK helped make the film possible * Coach Fumiya Tsuta and his impressive record of victories at Koshien * Viewing baseball as a martial art * The early history of baseball in Japan * How baseball is strongly tied to education in Japan * Whether the strict culture found in the world of high school baseball in Japan should be rethought * Why Ema decided to have Coach Mizutani of Yokohama Hayato High School be a main focus of Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams * The all-consuming nature of work culture in Japan * The idea of gaman (perseverence) and whether it is necessary in contemporary Japan * The importance of thinking about which rules and societal norms are necessary and which are not * Coming to terms with being mixed race/half Japanese in Japan * How the coronavirus pandemic affected the release of Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams and the Koshien summer high school baseball championship * How it was that Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams got to air on ESPN and in theaters across Japan * Getting to reunite with some of the subjects of Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams in 2020 * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To watch Koshien: Japan’s Field of Dreams, use the link below. It will premiere on November 20th, 2020.
- Watch Koshien: Japan’s Field of Dreams
For information on Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams, visit the film's Facebook page.
- Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams on Facebook
For more information on the #dearICHIRO documentary series, visit the link below.
-
dearICHIRO
For more information on Ema's body of work, visit her website via the link below.
- Ema Ryan Yamazaki Website
Check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan via the link below.
- Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories? | Ichimon Japan 30
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.
- Visit KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Featured image: Courtesy of Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, manga creator and boxer Kofi Bazzell-Smith (a.k.a. Kofi Manga) stops by to discuss manga, the Japanese language, and the importance of perseverance.
About Kofi Manga Kofi Bazzell-Smith is an American manga creator and boxer. He is active on YouTube and Instagram under the name Kofi Manga.
Topics Discussed * The anime/manga Hajime no Ippo * How it was that Kofi started studying Japanese * How Kofi checks the Japanese that writes for his manga * Lang-8 and HelloTalk * The story of how Kofi was able to go to Japan for the first time * Working as a video game tester for Deep Silver Volition * Studying Japanese in Fukuoka for a month * Getting one-on-one manga storytelling classes from a manga artist in Japan * The importance of making mistakes when learning a new language * How Kofi ended up going to Kansai Gaidai University * How Kofi earned money in order to get back to Japan * Kofi's quest to study at Kyoto Seika University * Kansai Gaidai and its dorms * Taking a manga production course at Kansai Gaidai University * The time Kofi had his portfolio reviewed by professional manga editors at the Kyoto International Manga Museum * The important advice that Kofi received from a Kodansha editor * Why Kofi decided to draw a boxing manga * Studying under Professor Akira Sasō at Kyoto Seika University * Osamu Tezuka's old apartment Tokiwa-sō * Getting accepted to participate in the Tokwa-sō Project * The importance of perseverence and being a nice person * What Kofi is currently working on and future plans * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. Check out the links below to keep up with Kofi's work.
- Kofi Manga YouTube Channel
- Kofi Manga on Instagram
- Kofi Manga on Facebook
For more information on the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, the scholarships they offer or to donate, visit their website via the link below.
- United States-Japan Bridging Foundation Website
To learn more about Kansai Gaidai University, visit their website via the link below.
- Kansai Gaidai University Website
For more information on Professor Akira Sasō, visit the Wikipedia page below.
- About Akira Sasō (Wikipedia)
To watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams, use the link below. It will premiere on November 20th, 2020.
- Watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams
In case you missed it, here is a link for episode 33 of Japan Station.
- Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33
If you enjoyed this episode of Japan Station, then you'll also probably enjoy the episodes below.
- Manga Creator Minami Sakai | Japan Station 26
- Evangeline Neo of Evacomics | Japan Station 28
Also, don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
- What is a kirakira name? | Ichimon Japan 29
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).
- Visit KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Kofi Bazzell-Smith
Featured image: Courtesy of Kofi Bazzell-Smith
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about the history and layout of Edo with one of the world's foremost experts on the subject: Dr. Timon Screech.
About Dr. Timon Screech Dr. Timon Screech is a professor of the history of art at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. He is a specialist in the art and culture of the Edo period and has written extensively on the subject. His most recent book is titled Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City (Reaktion Books).
Topics Discussed * The story behind Dr. Screech's latest book Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City of Edo * The history of Nihonbashi (日本橋) in Tokyo * Nihonbashi as the city center of Edo * The possible etymological origin of Nihonbashi * What was in and around the original Nihonbashi bridge when it was built * Nihonbashi's status as the start of the famous Tokaido highway * The mountainous geography of Japan and how it made it challenging to keep the country united * Edo era maps, their evolution, and how reliable they were * Why certain areas of Edo's maps were often blocked out * Early Edo Period maps and how usable they would have been * The extensive documentation of urban ephemera of the Edo Period * How folding screens intended for the elite would depict areas of Edo that commoners were not supposed to be able to see * The amusing story of the peculiar way Emperor Go-Mizunoo is said to have had his portrait paited * Portrait drawing customs in Japan versus the West * The official name of Edo Castle * Why Edo Castle was officially names Chiyoda Castle * The location of Edo Castle * The Shogunate's decision to not choose Kamakura as their base of power * About the destruction of Chiyoda Castle/Edo Castle and reasons for why it was never reconstructed * The recently restored paintings of Kyoto's Nijo Castle * Edo's 40 meter tall Buddha made of wicker (Kappa Ōbotoke) * Dr. Timon Screech's recommendations for temples to visit in Tokyo * The story of the Octopus Medicine Buddha at Tako Yakushi Jōjuin Temple in Meguro * The Temple of the 500 Arhats in Meguro (Gohyaku Rakanji) * The deification of Tokugawa Ieyasu * How Tokugawa Ieyasu's body was moved a year after his death * Disagreement over where Tokugawa Ieyasu's body is today * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. You can use the link below to purchase Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City of Edo on Amazon. The link is an Amazon affiliate link so using it will support the show without costing you anything extra.
- Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City of Edo by Dr. Timon Screech
You can use the Amazon affiliate link below to purchase The Shogun's Silver Telescope and the Cargo of the New Year's Gift: God, Art, and Money in the English Quest for Japan, 1600-1625.
- The Shogun's Silver Telescope and the Cargo of the New Year's Gift: God, Art, and Money in the English Quest for Japan, 1600-1625 by Dr. Timon Screech
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- How do Japanese names work? | Ichimon Japan 28
And here are the two episodes of Japan Station mentioned at the end of this episode.
- Japan Station 11: Sacred High City, Sacred Low City (Dr. Steven Heine)
- Japan Station 27: The Bells of Old Tokyo (Anna Sherman)
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).
- Visit KimitoDesigns.com
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Timon Screech
Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Timon Screech
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast two members of the Kyoto-based metal band Cosmic Earth stop by to talk about their new album inspired by the Tokyo Olympics, the Kyoto heavy metal scene, and more.
About Cosmic Earth Cosmic Earth is a Kyoto-based doom metal/stoner rock/heavy blues rock band founded by guitarist Takuya Yada in 2017. Cosmic Earth is part of Cosmic Frequency Records and is in the process of writing original music to release an album in the near future.
Topics Discussed * Takuya Yada's decision to go to England to study English and become a guitarist * How Takuya Yada managed to become a guitarist of the heavy metal band Stuka Squadron * Joe's connection to music and how he became interested in metal * How Takuya Yada and Joe met * The formation of Cosmic Earth * The story behind Takuya Yada's heavy metal album inspired by the Tokyo Olympics: Stonolympic * Some of the concepts and themes explored in Stonolympic * Rock Bar Crunch in Kyoto * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To support the Stonolympic album Kickstarter campaign, check out the link below.
- Production of Tokyo olympic metal compilation 'Stonolympic'.
For more information on Takuya Yada's many projects, visit the Cosmic Frequency Records website.
- CosmicFrequencyRecords.com
You can find Takuya Yada's solo album 7 Fragments of the Unconscious on both the Cosmic Frequency Records website and Bancamp (link below).
- Takuya Yada on Bandcamp
You can follow Takuya Yada and Cosmic Frequency Records on social media.
- Takuya Yada on Twitter
- Cosmic Frequency Records on Facebook
The name of the heavy metal/hard rock bar in Kyoto that was mentioned during this episode is Rock Bar Crunch. You can find their website here. The address for Rock Bar Crunch can be found below.
Rock Bar Crunch Address138 Universe Kaikan (Yunibāsu Kaikan), Tominagacho, Higashiyama Ward
Kyoto, 〒605-0078
For more information on BlueEyes Kyoto, you can visit their Facebook page. The address for BlueEyes Kyoto can be found below.
BlueEyes Kyoto Address
93 Kyoto Wasō Bldg. B1F (京都和装ビル), Goboomiyacho, Shimogyo Ward
Kyoto, 〒600-8385
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, check out the link below.
- How do Japanese names work? | Ichimon Japan 28
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Zack Davisson
Featured image: Courtesy of Takuya Yada
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about creepy apartments and Japanese ghosts with Japanese folklore expert, writer, and translator Zack Davisson.
About Zack Davisson Zack Davisson is an award-winning translator, writer, and lecturer whose work focuses primarily on Japanese folklore. Davisson has written extensively about yōkai and Japanese ghosts (yūrei), as well as translated the works of renowned Japanese writers and manga artists such as Shigeru Mizuki and Satoshi Kon.
Topics Discussed * Zack Davisson's time living at Kishigami Bunka in an apartment that was thought to be haunted * The process you typically go through when trying to find an apartment in Japan * What reikin is * How Zack Davisson became interested in folklore and the supernatural * Japan's relationship with the supernatural * What Obon is and its connection to ghosts/spirits * Zack Davisson's advice for those studying Japanese * What reikan is * What a yurei is * Documenting yokai in early modern Japan * Differing views on whether yūrei are a type of yōkai * The English term "ghost" and how its meaning has changed * The Japanese drama Yōkai Sharehouse (Yōkai Sheahausu) * The characteristics that make yūrei distinct from other ghosts/sporits * The historical origins of the visual characteristics of yūrei * Maruyama Okyo's influential depiction of yūrei * Kabuki's connection to and influence over the popular conception of what a yūrei looks like * Unfulfilled desire as the fuel and reason for existence of a yurei * The peace and prosperity of the Edo Period * The boom in ghost stories during the Edo Period * Cursed productions * The updated edition of Yurei: The Japanese Ghost * Recent projects that Zack Davisson has been working on * Shigeru Mizuki's adaptation of Tono Monogatari by Yangagida Kunio * The Amabie and its rise to prominence during the coronavirus pandemic * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. You can use the link below to purchase Yurei: The Japanese Ghost on Amazon. The link is an Amazon affiliate link so using it will support the show without costing you anything extra.
- Yurei: The Japanese Ghost by Zack Davisson (2.d Edition)
Follow Zack Davisson on Twitter.
- @ZackDavisson
Read Zack Davisson's article about Shigeru Mizuki.
- The Life and Death of Shigeru Mizuki, 1922-2015
If you'd like to check out Kimito Designs, use the link below. Reminder: the 10% discount code is OPENING10 (valid until the end of 2020).
- KimitoDesigns.com
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- What is a tsuchinoko? (All About Japan’s Most Famous Cryptid) | Ichimon Japan 26
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Zack Davisson
Featured image: Courtesy of Zack Davisson
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by Stephen Tetsu to discuss the Japanese comedy & entertainment industry, as well as his life as a comedian in the largest talent agency in Japan: Yoshimoto Kōgyō.
About Stephen Tetsu Stephen Tetsu is an owarai geinin (comedian) who is part of Yoshimoto Kōgyō, the largest talent agency in Japan. Aside from performing manzai as part of his group Iruka Punch, Stephen has also worked on numerous projects for Yoshimoto, including translation and producing shows. Stephen produces and co-hosts the podcasts Small in Japan and Japanese History Junk Food.
Topics Discussed * The Netflix documentary What's Manzai?!!! and how Stephen got involved with it * How it was that Stephen got into the comedy industry in Japan * Stephen's life in comedy school in Japan * The difficult life of a "young" comedian in Japan * The challenge of finding the right comedy partner * The good and bad of being a foreigner in the Japanese comedy industry * The 2019 Yoshimoto scandal which involved comedians receiving under-the-table payments for performances they did for organized crime groups * What manzai is * The evolving nature of manzai * How many Japanese comedians have been pushed to start producing content for YouTube due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic * Takeshi Kitano's transition from comedian to movie director * Comparing Japanese comedians to Western comedians * What Stephen has enjoyed about being a comedian in Japan * The frustration that comes with playing the stereotypical dumb foreigner character * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To listen to the Small in Japan podcast use the links below or look it up on your podcast app of choice.
- Small in Japan on Apple Podcasts
- Small in Japan on Google Podcasts
- Small in Japan on Libsyn
To listen to the Japanese History Junk Food podcast use the links below or look it up on your podcast app of choice.
- Japanese History Junk Food on Apple Podcasts
- Japanese History Junk Food on Google Podcasts
- Japanese History Junk Food on Libsyn
Check out Stephen's blog via the link below.
- Stephen Tetsu Blog
Follow Stephen Tetsu on Twitter.
- @STEPHEN_TETSU
To read Stephen's article about manzai, check out the link below.
- So What the Heck Is Manzai Anyways?
To learn more about the massive yamieigyō scandal that rocked Yoshimoto in 2019, you may want to check out the article below.
- Five things to know about the scandal enveloping top Japanese comedy agency Yoshimoto Kogyo
To listen to episode two of Japan Station, use the link below.
- How To Become A Comedian in Japan (Ann Lethin) | Japan Station 02
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- Why does to “nyan nyan” mean “to have sex” in Japanese? (Japanese Cat Idioms) | Ichimon Japan 25
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Stephen Tetsu
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're exploring beliefs and traditions surrounding pregnancy in Japan, as well as how ideas about marriage have evolved in Japan since the Edo period. We also take a detour into the world of NES era game localization.
About Dr. Amanda C. Seaman Dr. Amanda C. Seaman is a professor of Japanese language and literature and the Associate Chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is the author of Writing Pregnancy in Low-Fertility Japan and Bodies of Evidence.
Topics Discussed * How Dr. Seaman became interested in researching the ideas and culture surrounding pregnancy in Japan * Japanese women's detective fiction * Yumi Matsuo's book Balloon Town no Satsujin (Murder in Balloon Town) * What a haraobi (bellyband) are used for * Shungicu Uchida * Negative views/ideas surrounding pregnancy in Japan * How Buddhism and Shinto have shaped ideas around pregnancy in Japan * Menstruation as kegare * Spiritual possession during childbirth and The Tale of Genji * Giving birth during the Edo period * Why it was preferred to give birth to a smaller baby * The changing perspectives on marriage in Japan that emerged int he 1960s * Ideas surrounding marriage in the Edo period * The role the marriage of Crown Price Akihito played in shaping views on marriage in Japan * What women in Japan look for in a marriage partner and how priorities have changed over the last several decades * The idea that women should stay silent during childbirth * The idea that woemn in Japan should not gain more than 10 kg during their pregnancy * The reluctance of Japanese doctors to perform C-sections * Midwives in Japan * Japan's decreasing birthrate * The 1.57 shock * Attempts made by the Japanese government to increase Japan's birthrate and get Japanese fathers more involved in child rearing * Labor pain as a demonstration of how much a mother is willing to endure for their child * The idea that pregnant Japanese women should avoid food of foreign origin * Working for Fuji Sankei and localizing NES games * Working with Nintendo on scripts for NES games * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. If you would like to purchase Writing Pregnancy in Low-Fertility Japan, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it supports the show.
- Writing Pregnancy in Low-Fertility Japan
As for Devouring Japan, you can purchase it using the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Devouring Japan: Global Perspectives on Japanese Culinary Identity
To listen to the soba noodles episode of Japan Station, use the link below.
- The Delicious World of Soba Noodles (Dr. Lorie Brau) | Japan Station 36
Use the link below to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- Does “hai” mean “bye” in Japanese? (The many ways to say “goodbye” in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 24
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Amanda C. Seaman
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this very special episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by James from ALTInsider.com and The Inside Japan Podcast. James offers some advice for those looking to work in Japan and interviews Tony about his career and time in Japan.
About The Inside Japan Podcast The Inside Japan Podcast is the only podcast on the internet telling you the true inside information about what working in Japan is really like, and how you can find your first, or next awesome job in Japan yourself. Interviews with employers, foreigners doing interesting things, and job hunting/hopping strategies are just some of the things we will cover on the weekly show.
Topics Discussed * James' advice for those looking to go to Japan * How the English teacher job market n Japan has become more competitive over the past couple decades * The rising requirements for landing a university teaching job in Japan * How James got his translation job * What to do when you are frustrated with your school about being underutilized * Competitive speedrun commentating * How Tony got interested in Japan * Tony's time on the JET Program * The good and bad of Tony's time on JET * What it was like working at a school for the blind in Japan * Life after JET * How doing JapanKyo turned out to help Tony career-wise * Teaching Japanese in Florida * Tony's advice for those teaching English in Japan * About JapanKyo.com and the Japan Station podcast * What led to the start of Japan Station * Working at Wasabi magazine * And much more! Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
+ Support Japan Station on Patreon**Links, Videos, Etc.** To listen to *The* *Inside Japan Podcast*, look it up on your podcast app of choice or use the links below.
+ The Inside Japan Podcast on Apple Podcasts
+ The Inside Japan Podcast on Google Podcasts
+ The Inside Japan Podcast on StitcherIf you want more information on working and teaching in Japan, then make sure to stop by ALTInsider.com.
+ ALTInsider.comYou can also find ALTInsider on social media.
+ ALTInsider on Twitter
+ ALTInsider on Facebook
+ ALTInsider on Instagram
+ ALTInsider on YouTubeJames also does competitive speedrun commentating. If you're interested in checking that out, hit the link below.
+ Thabeast721 vs iiPK | Grand Finals | GSA SMM2 Expert Mode Speedrun League**Special Thanks** Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of James/ALTInsider.com
Follow Japankyo on Social Media + Facebook (@JapankyoNews) + Twitter (@JapankyoNews)Full Show Notes + Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we learn what it's like going to school in Japan to become a seiyū (voice actor).
About Reina (麗) Reina is a professional voice actor living in Tokyo. While originally from the U.K., Reina went to Japan with the intent of becoming a seiyū (voice actor). Her quest to enter the voice acting industry in Japan led her to attend a two year voice acting school in Tokyo. Since graduating Reina has done both voice acting and stage acting in Japan. Currently, Reina is working on a project called Anigorin. The aim of Anigorin is to create an original anime short in order to promote cross-cultural understanding and offer unique working experiences to creatives from both Japan and abroad.
Topics Discussed * What "Jiko PR" is * What the audition process in the Japanese voice acting industry is like * How Fist of the North Star blew Reina's mind (figuratively) and helped spark her interest in anime * The problem with copying the language heard in anime when trying to learn Japanese * What it's like attending a Japanese school for aspiring voice actors * What is taught and what classes are offered at a Japanese voice acting school * Performing voice acting live * What kind of works/materials are used in Japanese voice acting school * The importance of understanding the subtleties of kanji when reviewing a script for a performance * Mastering Japanese pitch accent and intonation * Over the top stereotypical depictions of foreigners speaking Japanese in anime * What bidakuon (鼻濁音) is * What Anigorin is * What the Anigorin project hopes to achieve * The challenges of the Anigorin project * The importance of nakama and believing in each other * Making it through the coronavirus pandemic * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. For more information on Reina or Anigorin, make sure to check out the links below.
- Reina Website
- Reina on Facebook
- Reina on Twitter
- Reina on Instagram
- Anigorin Website (Coming Soon as of 9/1/20)
- Anigorin on Instagram
- Anigorin on Twitter
- Anigorin on Facebook
To read the Japan Times article about Reina that was mentioned at the beginning of the interview, check out the link below.
- Londoner finds her voice on the Tokyo stage
Reina attended the Tokyo School of Anime. For more information on this school, check out the link below. FYI: it appears that the school has changed its name to Tokyo School of Anime & E-Sports (東京アニメ・声優＆eスポーツ専門学校).
- Tokyo School of Anime & E-Sports
To check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, check out the link below.
- Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Reina
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, stand-up comedian Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami stops by to talk about how he went from almost dropping out of high school to performing stand-up comedy in English in Canada and the U.S.
About Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami is a stand-up comedian and actor from Tokyo. Currently Murakami is based in Toronto, Canada but he has also performed stand-up comedy in New York and Japan.
Topics Discussed * How Shoe struggled academically in high school * How listening to and performing English-language music by bands like the Beatles helped Shoee learn English * Studying English literature in a Japanese university * Traveling in Southeast Asia after graduating from college * How Shoe lost all his money due to a blackjack scam in Cambodia * How Shoe made a life for himself in Cambodia after getting scammed out of his money * Managing Sharky Bar in Cambodia and learning how to deal with the clientele * The challenges of running a bar in Cambodia as a young Japanese man * Starting his own bar * The difficulties Shoe faced when trying to find a job in Japan * How Shoe discovered stand-up comedy while in Japan * Why Shoe decided to move to Canada * Shoe's realization that he needed to become more comfortable on stage * Performing stand-up comedy in Canada and New York * Getting work as an actor in Canada * Getting to perform on the Asian Comedy All-Stars show in Toronto * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami on the following platforms.
- Standup Comedian Shoe Murakami YouTube Channel
- Shoe Murakami on Instagram
- Shoe Murakami on Facebook
To learn more about Shoe's time in Cambodia and the scam that resulted in him losing his money, check out the article below.
- Bad Times to Good (The Cambodia Daily)
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.
- How do you create fake kanji? (From Ghost Kanji to Kokuji) | Ichimon Japan 22
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, localizer and author Matt Alt stops by to discuss the influence Japanese pop culture has had on the world.
About Matt Alt Matt Alt is a localizer of Japanese games and manga. Together with Hiroko Yoda he founded the localization company AltJapan and has authored multiple books on Japanese folklore and history. Matt's latest book was published in June of 2020 by Crown and is titled Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World.Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World.
Topics Discussed * Localization and how the industry has evolved over the past few decades * Matt Alt's experience learning Japanese in high school * How Matt almost got to meet Osamu Tezuka * Anime in the U.S. in the '70s, '80s, and '90s * The kawaii aesthetic of Super Mario and other classic video games from Japan * Visiting Sony's extensive archives * The popularity and influence of Sanrio's Hello Kitty * How it was that Matt came to work on his well-known book Yokai Attack! * The increasing adoption of the term yokai over the past couple decades * Using one's dissatisfaction with translations as motivation to learn Japanese * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. You can purchase Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World via the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Pure Invention: How Japan's Pop Culture Conquered the World by Matt Alt
If you're interested in any of Matt Alt's other books, please consider using the affiliate links below in order to support Japan Station.
- Yokai Attack!: The Japanese Monster Survival Guide (Yokai ATTACK! Series) by Matt Alt & Hiroko Yoda
- Yurei Attack!: The Japanese Ghost Survival Guide (Yokai ATTACK! Series) by Matt Alt & Hiroko Yoda
- Ninja Attack!: True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws (Yokai ATTACK! Series) by Matt Alt & Hiroko Yoda
You can follow Matt Alt on Twitter.
- @Matt_Alt
To learn more about AltJapan, visit their website via the link below.
- AltJapan Website
Here is Matt Alt's Tofugu.com interview article.
- An Interview with Matt Alt: Translation, Localization, and other Nice Japanese Things
To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.
- What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Matt Alt
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
Japanese Plus Alpha is the latest podcast in the JapanKyo Podcast Network. Produced by Tony Vega, Japanese Plus Alpha focuses on the Japanese language and its many fascinating quirks. The show is designed as a fun way to learn about the Japanese language while at the same time gaining insight into Japanese history, culture, linguistics, and more. In other words, Japanese Plus Alpha is great for both those studying the Japanese language and those who enjoy learning about the world through language.
Currently, Japanese Plus Alpha is available only via the JapanKyo.com Patreon. To get access to more episodes of Japanese Plus Alpha, just join the $3 a month Plus Alpha tier.
This is episode 2 of Japanese Plus Alpha. It focuses on the origins of the word "neko," which means cat in Japanese. Hope you enjoy it.
- Join the JapanKyo.com Patreon (@JapanKyo.com/Patreon)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Sarah Moon teaches us a bit about what it's like being a translator of anime and games.
About Sarah Moon Sarah Moon is a professional translator (Japanese to English) who has experience localizing both video games and anime. On YouTube Sarah manages two channels: Sarah Moon and Sarah Loves Food. Her videos on Sarah Moon focus on teaching Japanese, what it's like being a translator, and the Japanese language. On Sarah Loves Food, Sarah focuses on cooking and general food-related content.
Topics Discussed * The various ways one can translate the word aho * The tendency of beginning Japanese learners to think they know more than they actually know * Some of the assets and procedures involved in translating anime and games to English * Literal translations versus localized translations * How translators deal with original terms/words and character names * Whether AI might be eliminating the need for anime translators * What simulcast anime translation is and how it is done * The "high context" nature of the Japanese language * Sarah's food focused YouTube channel * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Sarah Moon on all of the platforms below.
- Sarah Moon YouTube Channel
- Sarah Moon on Twitter
- Sarah Moon on Facebook
- Sarah Moon's Facebook Group for Aspiring Translators
- Sarah Moon on Etsy
- Sarah Loves Food YouTube Channel
You can use the link below to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. This episode is focused on the city of Osaka.
- What are your favorite places to visit in Osaka? | Ichimon Japan 20
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Sarah Moon
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we explore the history of modern Japan with Dr. Christopher Harding.
About Dr. Christopher Harding Dr. Christopher Harding is a cultural historian of Japan and India, journalist, and a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. His latest book, published by Tuttle Publishing, was released in June of 2020 and is titled A History of Modern Japan: In Search of a Nation: 1850 to the Present. Dr. Harding is currently working on his next book, The Japanese: A History in Twenty Lives, which is slated to be published in November of 2020 by Penguin Random House.
Topics Discussed * What "picture brides" are * The experiences of picture brides in Hawaii * The rabbit craze of 1973 that Japan experienced * The popularity of things from the West during the Meiji period * The introduction of beef to Japan * Meiji era ideas about marrying Westerners * Censorship in Japanese movies following World War II * The pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi * The challenges of writing a book that covers such an extensive period of Japanese history * The shifting significance of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games * Books that Christopher Harding is currently working on * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. A History of Modern Japan: In Search of a Nation: 1850 to the Present can be purchased using the Amazon affiliate link below.
- A History of Modern Japan: In Search of a Nation: 1850 to the Presenby Christopher Harding
You can find more information on Christopher Harding and his work on his website.
- Christopher Harding Website
You can also follow Christopher Harding on Twitter.
- Christopher Harding on Twitter
If you're interested in checking out some of the work that Christopher Harding has done for BBC Radio, then go to the pages linked below. The first link is for the story that was mentioned in the outro of this episode of Japan Station. It focuses on the prevalence of ghost stories after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The second link is for a story focusing on the misconceptions that many in the West have about Japan. Both are excellent and totally worth a listen.
- Supernatural Japan on BBC Radio
- Misunderstanding Japan on BBC Radio
To learn more about the Hawaii Okinawa Center and the bronze statue of Kyuzo Toyama mentioned during this episode, visit the page linked below.
- Hawaii Okinawa Center
Episode 41 of Japan Station featuring the rakugo performer Shinoharu Tatekawa can be accessed via the link below.
- Rakugo Performer Shinoharu Tatekawa | Japan Station 41
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Penguin Random House. Photo by Mark Allan.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by master rakugo performer Shinoharu Tatekawa.
About Shinoharu Tatekawa Shinoharu Tatekawa is a professional rakugo (traditional Japanese comedic storytelling) performer. He apprenticed under the well-known and highly respected rakugo master Shinosuke Tatekawa. In addition to performing rakugo in Japanese, Shinoharu also has extensive experience performing in English both in Japan and internationally. In April of 2020 Shinoharu was promoted to the shinuchi level, which is the top level a rakugo performer can achieve. Shinoharu likes cats, karaage, and kendama.
Topics Discussed * Shinoharu Tatekawa's promotion to the shinuchi rank * What the three ranks of rakugo are * How Shinoharu Tatekawa became interested in rakugo * Shinoharu Tatekawa's love of sumo and the famous sumo wrestler Chiyonofuji * Why Shinoharu Tatekawa became interested in Japanese culture and history during college * Why Shinoharu Tatekawa decided to study Chinese history during college * Why rakugo masters are so strict on their apprentices * How Japanese pronouns are useful storytelling device for rakugo performers * A story about McDonald's * The first time Shinoharu Tatekawa performed for an audience * How Shinoharu Tatekawa's extensive time in the United States may have been a hindrance during his time as a rakugo apprentice * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. For more information on Shinoharu Tatekawa you can visit his website. This is the best place to find information on his shows.
- Shinoharu Tatekawa Website
You can find videos of Shinoharu Tatekawa's performances (both English and Japanese) on his YouTube channel.
- Shinoharu Tatekawa on YouTube
You can find Shinoharu Tatekawa on Twitter.
- Shinoharu Tatekawa on Twitter
Shinoharu Tatekawa's English-language radio show/podcast is called Rakugo: Traditional Style Japanese Comedy and was produced by Tokyo FM. It can be found via the links below or wherever you get your podcasts.
- Rakugo: Traditional Style Japanese Comedy on Tokyo FM
- Rakugo: Tradition Style Japamese Comedy on Apple Podcasts
- Rakugo: Traditional Style Japanese Comedy on Google Podcasts
Shinoharu Tatekawa's Japanese-language podcast is called Kyokkai Tōben (曲解答弁). Check it out via the links below.
- Kyokkai Tōben on Apple Podcasts
- Kyokkai Tōben on Google Podcasts
Use the link below to purchase a ticket to Shinoharu Tatekawa's live stream rakugo show on June 16th, 2020 (8:30 - 9:30 pm JST). This show will be live streamed from a theater in Shinjuku and it will be Shinoharu's first live performance since being promoted to the shinuchi rank. Tickets cost 1,500 yen and the show will be live streamed on Vimeo.
- Purchase tickets on Peatix
To listen to the Japan Station episode featuring rakugo performer Showko Showfukutei, use the link below.
- Japan Station 05: Rakugo Performer, Ventriloquist & Comedian Showko Showfukutei
Use the link below to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan and learn about why so many Japanese people visit Hawaii.
- Why do Japanese people love Hawaii so much? | Ichimon Japan 17
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Shinoharu Tatekawa
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, comedian, TV personality, and co-host of the Japan By River Cruise podcast Bobby Judo stops by to chat about the Japanese river cruise industry, iguanas, working Japan's entertainment industry, and more.
About Bobby Judo Bobby Judo is a stand-up comedian and TV personality based in Fukuoka Prefecture. Originally from South Florida, Bobby moved to Japan as part of the JET Program to teach English in Saga Prefecture. After building a following through his YouTube channel, Bobby began working in the Japanese entertainment industry. Aside from his regular cooking segment that airs on television in the Kyushu area, Bobby also has experiece acting, doing voice overs, and performing stand up comedy in both Japanese and English. In 2019, Bobby and comedian Ollie Horn launched Japan By River Cruise, a podcast in which they discuss Japanese current events, Japanese river cruises, and engage in soap talk.
Topics Discussed * The wonder of Japanese river cruises * The Japan By River Cruise podcast * The origin of the name Bobby Judo * The meaning of the Spanish term papichulo * The Morikami Museum and Gardens in Delray Beach, FLorida * Iguana hunting in South Florida * Bobby Judo's decision to go to Japan * How Bobby Judo started studying Japanese * Life in Saga Prefecture while working as an English teacher as part of the JET Program * Working in Japanese restaurants and learning honorific language while on the job * How tricky it is to manage politeness levels in the Japanese language * Working in the Japanese entertainment industry as a foreigner (foreign tarento) * Thoughts on playing the stereotypical gaijin (foreigner) character * Addressing problematic usages of the term hāfu (mixed race Japanese) * How Bobby Judo started doing stand up comedy * The challenges of doing stand up comedy in Japanese * Tokyo Roast Battle * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. The Japan By River Cruise podcast can be found on all the major podcast apps. Below is a list of links you can use check it out and subscribe.
- Japan By River Cruise Website
- Japan By River Cruise on Apple Podcasts
- Japan By River Cruise on Google Podcasts
- Japan By River Cruise on Spotify
- Japan By River Cruise on Stitcher
Follow Bobby Judo on social media.
- Bobby Judo on Twitter
- Bobby Judo on Instagram
You can also find Bobby Judo on YouTube.
- Bobby Judo on YouTube
For more information on the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida you can visit their website via the link below.
- Morikami Museum and Gardens
If you haven't listened to the episode of Japan Station featuring Ollie Horn (Bobby Judo's co-host on Japan By River Cruise), then you should. Just use the link below.
- Japan Station 17: Comedian Ollie Horn
To listen to the episode of Japan Station featuring Anne Crescini, use the link below.
- Japan Station 21: Exploring Made in Japan English (Wasei Eigo) w. Anne Crescini
To listen to episode 17 of the Ichimon Japan podcast, use the link below.
- Can sexy things give you anime style nosebleeds? (The Nosebleed Episode) | Ichimon Japan 16
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Bobby Judo
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, award-winning author Peter Tieryas talks about his alternate history book series, United States of Japan, as well as answers many of the lingering questions at the end of his most recent book, Cyber Shogun Revolution.
About Peter Tieryas Peter Tieryas is the award-winning author of the United States of Japan books (United States of Japan, Mecha Samurai Empire, Cyber Shogun Revolution). Inspired by Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Castle and Japanese popular media such as the Zone of the Enders and Metal Gear series of video games, the United States of Japan books present a dark but super technologically advanced world filled with epic mecha battles, hyper realistic video games, and a version of the United States that was split into two after Imprial Japan and Nazi Germany came out victorious in World War II. The United States of Japan books have been translated into multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and even Japanese. Tieryas is the recipient of two Seiun Awards for the Japanese translations of United States of Japan and Mecha Samurai Empire. Aside from his work as an author, Tieryas has also worked as a technical writer for LucasArts and a character artist for major motion pictures such as Guardians of the Galaxy. And he also really enjoys video games.
Topics Discussed * Why Peter chose Beniko as the name of one of the main characters of United States of Japan * Why Peter decided to reference Punch Out and Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit) through the name of the main character of Mecha Samurai Empire (Makoto Fujimoto/Mac) * The symbolism of Akiko Tsukino's dreams * Unites States of Japan as a general commentary on militarism * Why Peter decided to make Akiko Tsukino of mixed French Korean heritage rather than ethnically Japanese * Why technology is so advanced in the United States of Japan universe * Why Japan developed mecha in the universe of United States of Japan * Peter's writing process for the United State of Japan trilogy * Some of the things the mecha that appear in Cyber Shogun Revolution reference * How Peter goes about creating mecha * The positive reception of the United States of Japan books by fans around the world * Winning the Seiun Award * Traveling to Japan for the first time to attend the Seiun Award ceremony in 2017 * Why Peter decided not to focus on mainland Japan in the United States of Japan books * Whether Peter plans to write more books in the United States of Japan series * The dark undertones of the United States of Japan series * Having Hideo Kojima write a blurb for Mecha Samurai Empire * Peter's upcoming novel focusing on what would happen to the world if people stopped dying * And a whole lot of spoiler talk regarding Cyber Shogun Revolution (after the outro mousic) * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. All three books in the United States of Japan series are available for purchase now. If you would like to support Japan Station, please use the Amazon Associates links below.
- United Stes of Japan (Book 1)
- Mecha Samurai Empire (A United States of Japan Novel Book 2)
- Cyber Shogun Revolution (A United States of Japan Novel Book 3)
If you want to stay up to date with everything Peter is working on, then make sure to follow him on Twitter
- @TieryasXu
You can also check out Peter's YouTube channel.
- TieryasXu YouTube Channel
If you would like to learn more about Peter's first trip to Japan and his experience attending the Seiun Award ceremony, check out the article below.
- Big in Japan: United States of Japan Author Peter Tieryas Reflects on Traveling East, Winning the Seiun, and What Comes Next
Spoiler Talk This episode includes a spoiler-heavy section after the outro sequence in which Peter Tieryas answers questions about characters and story elements that were left out of Cyber Shogun Revolution. Here's a list of some of the main things he discusses in this section. If you have not read the United States of Japan books yet, you should not continue reading or listen to the spoiler section of this episode. Please come back after you have read all three books.
- Where Mac (Makoto Fujimoto) and Grisalda are during the events of Cyber Shogun Revolution (they are teachers at the Berkeley Military Academy)
- Some of the things that were left out of the final draft of Cyber Shogun Revolution
- How Peter considered killing off Mac
- How Peter tried killing Kujira in a draft of Cyber Shogun Revolution
- Difficulties trying to figure out how Kujira would react to Akiko's actions in the events of Cyber Shogun Revolution
- Dreaming about being in Mecha Samurai Empire
- Kujira's growth as a character
- The existence of an unreleased novella focusing on Kujira that is titled The United States of Kujira
- The sequel to United States of Japan that Peter tried to write before he began working on Mecha Samurai Empire
- Akiko's role in the United States of Japan series
- Whether Peter has heard from fans regarding the identity of Bloody Mary
- The thought process that went into writing the ending of Cyber Shogun Revolution
- The meaning behind Kujira's name
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Peter Tieryas
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're exploring the history of Japanese aidoru (idols) and discussing the dynamics behind one of Japan's most popular idol groups: AKB48.
About Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith is a lecturer at Senshu University in Tokyo. He is one of the world's leading experts on the topic of Akihabara and the related subcultures that are often associated with this famous district of Tokyo. Galbraith is the author of man y books and articles, including Tokyo Realtime (2010), The Otaku Encyclopedia: An Insider's Guide to the Subculture of Cool Japan (2014), The Moe Manifesto: An Insider's Look at the Worlds of Manga, Anime, and Gaming (2017), and others. His most recent book, published by Duke University Press Books in 2019, is Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan.
Topics Discussed * The emergence of idols (aidoru) in Japan during the 1970s * Japan's Golden Age of idols (1980s) * Seiko Matsuda * The role Yasushi Akimoto played in the evolution of the modern idol * The importance of Onyanko Club in the history of Japanese idols * What led to the end of Onyanko Club * How the Latin boy band Menudo helped inspire the interchangeable idol system employed by idol groups such as Morning Musume and AKB48 * The success of Rino Sashihara * The ingenious marketing strategy of Yasushi Akimoto that has led to the massive success of AKB48 * AKB48's General Election and how it drove CD sales during a time when CD sales were on the decline * What idols do * Whether we should think of idols as musicians/singers * What it means to "idol" * The connection between idols and fans * The peculiar location and composition of the AKB48 Theater in Akihabara * How the success of AKB48 helped spark a surge in the number of independent and "underground" (chika) idols * The massive variety that exists in the independent idol scene * How the coronavirus pandemic has affected idol groups and how idols are adapting * What a chekki is * Th effects of the coronavirus pandemic on maid cafes in Akihabara * AKB48 and the Tokyo 2020/2021 Olympics * How Yasushi Akimoto's idol groups have been evolving in recent years to appeal more to women * Overwork and exploitation in the world of idols * The case of Maho Yamaguchi * Why so many idols have great difficulties after they "sotsugyō" (leave the group) * The success of Atsuko Maeda * The short-lived Pink Lady show that aired in the U.S. on NBC in 1980 * And much more!
Note: The conversation on this episode was recorded on April 24, 2020 (JST).
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. The book on which much of the conversation heard during this episode was based is called AKB48 and was written by Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith and Dr. Jason G. Karlin. You can purchase it via the Amazon affiliate link below. A Kindle version is available.
- AKB48 (33 1/2 Japan)
AKB48 is part of a series of books published by Bloomsbury that is called 33 1/2 Japan. If you would like to purchase any of these, you can use the Amazon affiliate links below.
- Yoko Kanno's Cowboy Bebop Soundtrack (33 1/3 Japan)
- Joe Hisaishi's Soundtrack for My Neighbor Totoro (33 1/3 Japan)
- Cornelius's Fantasma (33 1/3 Japan)
- Perfume's GAME (33 1/3 Japan)
- Nene's Koza Dabasa (33 1/3 Japan)
- Supercell Featuring Hatsune Miku (33 1/3 Japan)
- Shonen Knife's Happy Hour (33 1/3 Japan)
- Koji Kondo's Super Mario Soundtrack (33 1/3 Japan)
If you would like to purchase Dr. Galbraith's most recent book--Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japani--you can use the Amazon affiliate link below.
- Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Patrick W. Galbraith
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by Anthony Joh of Tokyo Podcast.
About Anthony Joh Anthony Joh is an entrepreneur, digital marketing consultant, and longtime podcaster. After moving to Thailand about a decade ago Anthony helped start The Bangkok Podcast. He then started the long-running Tokyo Podcast after relocating to Japan. He recently started releasing episodes of Tokyo Podcast again after an extended hiatus.
Topics Discussed * Some of the most memorable episodes of Tokyo Podcast * How and why Anthony decided to start podcasting while living in Thailand * What led Anthony to move to Japan * What frustrated Anthony about working in Japan * Why Anthony decided to move back to Canada * Life in Victoria, Canada * Why Anthony decided to go back to Japan * Anthony's plans for Tokyo Podcast * And much more! * Note: The conversation on this episode was recorded on April 20, 2020 (JST).
Note: The conversation on this episode was recorded on April 20, 2020 (JST)
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Links, Videos, Etc. To listen to Tokyo Podcast, check out the links below
- Tokyo Podcast Website
- Tokyo Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- Tokyo Podcast on Spotify
- Tokyo Podcast on Stitcher
Here are the episodes of Tokyo Podcast that were mentioned during this episode.
- Photographing the Japanese Yakuza with Anton Kusters
- How the Shinkansen Rebuilt Japan with Christopher Hood
- Cycling Across Japan with Sachi Takao
- From Classical to Bluegrass with Leona Tokutake
- Why I Left and then Moved Back to Japan
Follow Tokyo Podcast on Twitter.
- Tokyo Podcast on Twitter
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Anthony Joh
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about the fascinating history and culture of soba noodles.
About Dr. Lorie Brau Dr. Lorie Brau is an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico where she teaches courses on Japanese literature and culture. Dr. Brau has conducted research on a variety of topics, including rakugo and the history and culture of soba noodles. Her research on soba noodles resulted in Soba, Edo Style: Food, Aesthetics, and Cultural Identity, an article which appeared in the book Devouring Japan: Global Perspectives on Japanese Culinary Identity. Currently, Dr. Brau is working on a book called Gourmanga, which focuses on food manga..
Topics Discussed * What soba is * Soba's usage as a general word meaning "noodles" * What distinguishes soba noodles from udon and ramen * What an Edokko is * Some of the places soba is closely tied to * A brief history of soba noodles * Okinawa soba * Izuomo soba * Nishin soba * Soba's emergence as street food during the Edo period * Soba's ties to the pleasure quarters of Edo * The "proper" way to eat soba noodles * Soba's evolution from street food to refined Japanese cuisine * What a sobalier (sobarie) is * What it was like dining at a members-only soba restaurant in Tokyo * Soba's ties to kabuki * What iki is * Soba's link to the concept of iki * Dr. Brau's research on manga centered around food * Whether there is a difference between chū**ka soba and ramen * Why the word soba can be used to refer to ramen but not udon * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support Japan Station on Patreon
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Image: Japankyo.com
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're exploring the history of chicken production in Japan and the fascinating world of artisan jidori chicken.
About Dr. Benjamin Schrager Dr. Benjamin Schrager is an expert on Japanese food systems and heritage cuisine. He completed his PhD at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2019. His doctoral dissertation--titled Placing Trust: The Political Ecology of Chicken Meat in Japan--focused on the Japanese chicken industry and jidori chicken, with particular emphasis on the Miyazaki Jitokko brand of jidori. Currently, Dr. Schrager is a postdoctoral researcher at Kyoto University's Graduate School of Agriculture.
Topics Discussed * What broiler chicken is and what Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) jidori chicken is * Chicken Nanban and its origins * The many regulations that the Japanese government has implemented to determine what qulifies as JAS jidori chicken * The Onagadaori breed of chicken and its incredibly long tail * The Tennen Kinenbutsu (Natural Monument) standard * How Miyazaki Jitokko compares in terms of its standards to that of other brands of JAS jidori * The problems jidori breeders face * A brief overlook of the history of chicken breeding in Japan * The connection between samurai and chicken breeding * What a Native Heirloom Breed is * The industrialization of chicken breeding in Japan * The introduction of Western chicken breeds into Japan in the 1960s * The phenomenon of regional cuisines and specialties in Japan * Meeting Emperor Akihito * The Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship * Chicken sashimi from Miyazaki * Health concerns over chicken * The experience of talking to Japanese men taking part in a cooking class * The difficulty explaining the difference between jidori and broiler chicken to the average person * The various meanings of the word jidori * Tsukada Nojo * Jidori in Hawaii * Sumibiyaki chicken * And much more!
Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.
- Support on Patreon
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Images: Courtesy of Benjamin Schrager. Image shows Benjamin Schrager holding a Natural Monument Jitokko.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're digging into the world of Japanese spycraft and the history of Japan's intelligence community with one of the world's leading experts on the subject: Dr Richard Samuels.
About Dr. Richard Samuels Richard Samuels is Ford International Professor of Political Science and director of the Center for International Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a highly distinguished scholar whose research has focused on Japanese intelligence and security, Japan's relationship with the U.S. and China, energy-related policies in Japan, and more. His latest book was published in 2019 and is title Special Duty: A History of the Japanese Intelligence Community.
Topics Discussed * Whether Japan has an equivalent intelligence agency to the CIA * The composition of Japan's intelligence agencies * The biggest problem Japan's intelligence agencies have had to deal with * What stovepipring is * How people working in intelligence in Japan were sometimes looked down on in the past * How spycraft training in Japan has changed from pre-World War II to today * How losing to the U.S. impacted Japan's intelligence capabilities and its focus * How 9/11 and Shinzo Abe becoming prime minister in 2012 affected Japan's intelligence community * The States Secrets law of 2013 * The creation of the National Security Council in 2013 * The push and pull in Japan's government between those who want to be closer to China and those who prefer to be closer to the United States * Why Japan's intelligence community became known for information leaks * The Musashi Kikan * The history and importance of the Nakano School * Akashi Motojiro * Hirō "Hiroo" Onoda and his connection to the Nakano School * The early history of Japanese espionage and the so-called tairiku ronin (continental adverturers) * Whether Japan has an equivalent to D.A.R.P.A. (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) * And much more!
Links, Videos, Etc. You can purchase a copy of Special Duty: A History of the Japanese Intelligence Community via the link below. It is an Amazon affiliate link, so using it will support the show and won't cost you anything extra.
- Special Duty: A History of the Japanese Intelligence Community by Richard Samuels.
Follow Dr. Richard Samuels on Twitter via the link below
- @dicksamuelsMIT
Here are a few of some of Dr. Samuel's other books in case you are interested. These are also Amazon affiliate links.
- "Rich Nation, Strong Army": National Security and the Technological Transformation of Japan
- Securing Japan: Tokyo's Grand Strategy and the Future of East Asia
- 3.11: Disaster and Change in Japan
If you're interested in the book about the Nakano School that Dr. Samuels mentions, you can get it via the affiliate link below.
- The Shadow Warriors of the Nakano School: A History of the Imperial Japanese Army's Elite Intelligence School by Stephen Mercado
The links below are for the two episodes of the Ichimon Japan podcast that were mentioned during this episode
- What was it like in Fukushima during the 2011 earthquake? (Part 1)
- What was it like in Fukushima during the 2011 earthquake? (Part 2)
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
On this special solo episode of the Japan Station podcast, I discuss being visually impaired and how my decision to study abroad in Japan helped me realize that I wasn't limited by the loss of my eyesight.
About Tony Vega Tony Vega is a writer, editor, and podcaster. He has lived in Japan as both a student and participant of the JET Programme. He possesses an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Tony is the creator of Japankyo.com and he produces both the Japan Station Ichimon Japan podcasts. Tony enjoys pizza, sushi, burritos, puns, and overanalyzing absurd things.
Topics Discussed * The process of becoming legally blind due to Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) * Deciding to study Japanese in college * The first time Tony went to Japan * Difficulties adjusting to life with low vision * Deciding to study abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata City, Osaka * Tony's decision to study Japanese every single day before leaving to study abroad * How studying abroad in Japan made Tony realize that he was capable of much more than he thought he was * And much more!
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Images: Courtesy of Susan Spann
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Support Japan Station Aside from subscribing to Japan Station, the next best thing you can do to support the show, is using the Amazon affiliate link below to do your shopping. Best of all, it doesn't cost you anything extra.
- Use this link to shop on Amazon and support Japan Station
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about ninjas, the judicial system of 16th century Japan, and more with Susan Spann, author of the Hiro Hattori "shinobi mystery" series of books.
About Susan Spann Susan Spann is the award-winning author of the Hiro Hattori series of mystery books. The novels follow the adventures of Hiro Hattori, a ninja from the famous Iga clan, and Father Mateo Avila da Silva, a Portuguese Jesuit priest, as they travel through 16th century Japan solving murders and avoiding danger. Though originally from the U.S., Spann now lives in Japan. She practices traditional Japanese calligraphy and used to raise seahorses.
Topics Discussed * How Susan Spann got the idea to write books about a ninja detective * What Susan Spann likes about writing the Hiro Hattori books * The evolving relationship between Hiro Hattori and Father Mateo * The judicial system of 16th century Japan * The social caste system of 16th century Japan * The different types of police seen in 16th century Japan * The difference between a yoriki and dōshin * Whether there were lawyers in 1500s Japan * Jails in 16th century Japan * Oda Nobunaga and when he will appear in the Hiro Hattori books * Where actors stood in the social hierarchy of 16th century Japan * How difficult it is to verify information about ninja * Whether shuriken were mainly used as "throwing stars" or not * The city of Iga in Mie Prfecture * Susan Spann's experience climbing 100 mountains in one year and her upcoming book Climb * Places in Japan Susan Spann would like to visit in Japan * The challenges of raising seahorses * Why male seahorses can seem to be shier than female seahorses * And much more!
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Images: Courtesy of Susan Spann
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Check out Ichimon Japan The two latest episodes of the Ichimon Japan podcast can be accessed via the links below.
- Why do Japanese train stations do that? | Ichimon Japan 03
- What’s it like being a “fake priest” in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 04
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're exploring the world of the bamboo flute known as the shakuhachi..
About Christopher Yohemei Blasdel Christopher Yohmei Blasdel is a master of the shakuhachi, an educator, and an award-winning author. He began instruction in the instrument in Japan in 1972 and has spent almost 50 years performing, producing music, teaching, and promoting the instrument around the world. Blasdel is the author of the instructional book The Shakuhachi: A Manual for Learning and The Single Tone: A Personal Journey into Shakuhachi Music. The latter of these is an autobiographical account of Blasdel's experiences with the shakuhachi. The Single Tone was originally published in Japanese under the title Shakuhachi Odessei, Ten no iro ni Miserarete and awarded the prestigious Rennyo Award for non-fiction in 2000. Blasdel also possesses a fourth degree black belt in Aikido.
Topics Discussed * What a shakuhachi is and how it differs from other flutes * Why the shakuhachi is so difficult to play * The history of the shakuhachi * The connection of the shakuhachi to Zen Buddhism * The shakuhachi's use as a tool for suizen (blowing meditation) * The rise and fall of the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism * Why komusō monks wore hats that covered their faces (tengai) * The shakuhachi's emergence as a world instrument * Why Blasdel decided to go to Japan * How the shakuhachi is taught traditionally * The tablature method used to transcribe shakuhachi music * The World Shkauhachi Festival * Blasdel's relationship with the artist Isamu Noguchi * The different types of sounds that one can produce with the shakuhachi * And much more!
Note: At one point in this episode I say "Japanese internment camps." This is misleading since the camps in question were not established by the Japanese. The term was used in reference to the internment camps the U.S. government established during World War II to detain individuals of Japanese ancestry. The usage of the term "Japanese internment camp" was not intentional and only noticed after the final edit of the episode was made.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Images: Courtesy of Wasabi magazine
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Check out Ichimon Japan * Ichimon Japan on Apple * Ichimon Japan on Stitcher * Ichimon Japan on Spotify * Ichimon Japan at Japankyo.com
This is episode 1 of the latest podcast by Japankyo: Ichimon Japan. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss future episodes.
- Ichimon Japan on Apple
- Ichimon Japan on Stitcher
- Ichimon Japan on Spotify
Today's Question On this episode of chimon Japan we ask: What's the deal with catgirls?
Topics Discussed * The history and origins of the trope of the catgirl * What nekomimi (猫耳) means * The existence of "catboys" (male nekomimi characters) * Yōkai reminiscent of catgirls such as bakeneko nd nekomata * The depiction of bakeneko women in Edo era ukiyo-e woodblock prints * The supposed connection between catgirls and Osamu Tezuka's amanga Ribon no Kishi (Princess Knight) * The 1978 manga Wata no Kunihoshi (The Star of Cotton land) by Yumiko Oshimaand its role in popularizing the trope of the catgirl in manga and anime * The character of Felicia from the Darkstalkers franchise * A list of some of the most popular catgirls in Japan in recent years * Whether catgirls have night vision * Whether catgirls use litter boxes * Whether catgirls have four ears or two ears * Whether cats with human ears are as cute as girls with cat ears * The Japanese title of Josie and the Pussycats * And more!
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)
Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
Full Show Notes * https://www.japankyo.com
On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about "otaku," the history of the anime "holy land" of Akihabara, and a whole lot more.
About Koichi Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith is an lecturer at Senshu University in Tokyo. He is one of the world's leading expert on the topic of Akihabara and the related subcultures that are often associated with this famous district of Tokyo. Galbraith is the author of man y books and articles, including Tokyo Realtime (2010), The Otaku Encyclopedia: An Insider's Guide to the Subculture of Cool Japan (2014), The Moe Manifesto: An Insider's Look at the Worlds of Manga, Anime, and Gaming (2017), and others. His most recent book, published by Duke University Press Books in 2019, is Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan.u,
Topics Discussed * Dr. Galbraith's first visit to Akihabara * Hayao Miyazaki's complicated relationship with fandom during the early part of his career * The character Clarisse de Cagliostro from the 1979 film Lupin Third: The Castle of Calgiostro * The different waves of anime fandom in Japan * The lolicon/rorikon Boom of the first half of the 1980s * The word lolicon/rorikon and its various meanings * The connection of the character Lum Invader from Urusei Yatsura and her connection to the cocept of lolicon/rorikon * How computers and adult computer games (eroge or erogē) helped transform Akihabara into what it is today * The ongoing struggle between the "otaku" of Akihabara and the Japanese government * What the future holds for Akihabara * What the current status of maid cafes in Akihabara is * The tendency of trying to link anime and manga back to ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the Edo period * The problematic idea that tentacles are a uniquely "Japanese" thing * And much more!
Follow Japankyo on Social Media * Facebook (@JapankyoNews) * Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're talking about learning Japanese, running a business, and a whole lot more with the creator of Tofugu, Koichi.
About Koichi For more than a decade Koichi has been helping people learn about Japan, Japanese culture, and the Japanese language via the blog Tofugu and all of its related products and services. Koichi got his start in the public eye when he began uploading Japanese-language videos to his YouTube channel Koichiben during the early days of YouTube. Not long after that, Koichi made the transition to English-language content when he launched the Tofugu blog and YouTube channel. Since then, Koichi has been able to build the Tofugu brand into a successful company that has become known as a source of great Japan-related content that is both fun and educational.
Topics Discussed * Why Koichi started making YouTube videos * The transition from Koichiben to Tofugu * Koichi's connection to Hawaii * The difficulties of starting and running a business * What motivated Koichi to create the Japanese language textbook TextFugu * The kanji learning app WaniKani * How pretending to be a cult can be an effective marketing strategy * Koichi's appreciation of off-the-beaten path sightseeing spots * "Robot Sex Museums" * The Retro Space Saka Kaikan (レトロスペース 坂会館) museum in Sapporo * The Fushigi Hakubutsukan (ふしぎ博物館) museum in Fukuoka * The Sanatorium cafe in Fukuoka * What Koichi enjoys about running his own business * The hunt for the elusive Bob Sapp * Trying to get in touch with prime minister Shinzo Abe * And much more!
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That’s right! Japankyo.com is about to launch a second podcast, so check out the trailer now!
About Ichimon Japan Set to launch in early 2020 (likely January), Ichimon Japan will offer listeners insight into all aspects of Japan, its culture, language, history, society, and pop culture.
Every episode hosts Tony and Ryan will ask one question (ichimon) about Japan. Drawing on their own experiences in Japan, their knowledge of the Japanese language and linguistics, and plenty of research using both Japanese and English-language sources, they’ll do everything they can to answer the question at hand. Along the way, they’ll also have a few laughs and go off on a few peculiar tangents.
Ichimon Japan Release Schedule Ichimon Japan is slated to be released monthly. Bonus episodes may be released regularly. Information will be forthcoming.
We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We’re always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.
Full Show Notes Full show notes can be found at:
https://www.japankyo.com/2019/12/ichimon-japan-podcast-trailer-preview/
Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997
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On this episode of the Japan Station podcast I'm talking with popular webcomic creator Evangeline Neo about her career and her travels in Tokyo.
About Evangeline Neo Evangeline Neo is an illustrator and comic creator from Singapore. She is best known for her webcomic which has developed a large following and often touches on Japan-related topics. To date she has published four books, including her latest A Manga Lover's Tokyo Travel Guide: My Favorite Things to Do and See in Japan. Put out by Tuttle publishing earlier this year, A Manga Lover's Tokyo Travel Guide is a unique spin on a travel guide that uses comics drawn by Evangeline Neo to present useful information for travelers in Japan.
Topics Discussed * When Evangeline got interested in anime and manga * The first time Evangeline got her work published * Evangeline's art style * Going to art school in the US * Evangeline's time working on her MBA at Waseda University * Traveling in and around Tokyo * How Evangeline was able to grow the following of her webcomic * A funny experience at a cosplay photo studio * Evangeline's experience at Swallowtail Butlers Cafe in Ikebukuro, Tokyo * The origins of the term fujoshi * The wheelchair accessibility of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo * The challenges of writing a travel guide * What Evangeline did when she found out her work was being used in Vietnam without her permission * And much more!
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're talking about the city of Tokyo and its "bells of time."
About Minami Sakai Anna Sherman is an editor and writer living in Oxford, England. Sherman spent many years living in Tokyo and used many of her experiences there to write her first book: The Bells of Old Tokyo: Meditation on Time and a City. Published earlier this year by Picador, The Bells of Old Tokyo is a unique and thoroughly captivating book that uses Tokyo's "bells of time" as jumping off point to explore both the history of the city and the very nature of time itself.
Topics Discussed * Studying Greek and Latin * How Anna ended up in Japan * What led Anna to write The Bells of Old Tokyo * What Tokyo's "bells of time" (toki no kane) are and what their function was * The Kokucho bell of time in Nihonbashi * The Tenmacho prison (Tenmachō Yashiki) and efforts to preserve it. * The missing bell of Mejiro * The constantly changing nature of Tokyo * How Japan reacted to Einstein's general theory of relativity * Anna's relationship with a mysterious woman named Shoko Takahashi * The nature of time and what working on The Bells of Old Tokyo taught Anna * And much more!
For full show notes visit https://www.japanstationpodcast.com
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On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're talking about manga and what it's like trying to break into the Japanese manga industry with manga creator Minami Sakai.
About Minami Sakai Originally from the U.S., Minami Sakai is a manga creator living in Tokyo. After studying abroad at Doshisha University in Kyoto and participating in the JET Program, Minami attended Tokyo Design Academy where she learned manga production techniques from professional manga artists (mangaka). Over the past several years, Minami has had numerous portfolio reviews with editors at major Japanese publishers like Kodansha and Shueisha, and in doing so she has managed to make significant progess on her way to making her professional debut as a manga artist in Japan. When not drawing manga, Minami currently enjoys playing mobile games like Idolish7 and A3. She currently works for a developer of games for mobile platforms doing translation and localization.
Topics Discussed * The origins of the penname Minami Sakai * The role Sailor Moon played in Minami's life * Studying abroad at Doshisha University * Learning Japanese * The Kansai dialect * The bursting of the "manga bubble" that led to the fall of Tokyopop * The Rising Stars of Manga contest that was run by Tokyopop * Minami's time participating in the JET Program * How Minami got into a manga school in Japan * How much it cost her to attend a manga school * The kishōtenketsu story structure * Portfolio review experiences at Japanese manga publishers * Minami's love of mobile games like Idolish7 and A3 * And much more!
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we are talking about the Japanese Red Army (Nihon Sekigun, 日本赤軍), a Japanese militant communist group established in 1971 with the intent of overthrowing the Japanese government and taking down Japan's monarchy.
About Dr. Patricia Steinhoff Dr. Patricia Steihoff is one of the world's leading experts on the topic of Japanese social movements. With a career spanning more than five decades, Dr. Steinhoff has researched a wide range of topics, including the Japanese justice system, Aum Shinrikyo, and the radical left groups that emerged out of the Japanese protest cycles of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her work on the Japanese militant group known as the Japanese Red Army is particularly comprehensive and has been extremely important for shedding light on the topic. Dr. Steinhoff retired from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa in Honolulu at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.
Topics Discussed * How Dr. Steinhoff became interested in researching the Japanese Red Army * The phenomenon of tenkō (転向, literally, changing direction) * The 1972 terrorist attach on Lod Airport in Israel * What it was like going to Israel to interview Kozo Okamoto, the only Japanese Red Army member to survive the Lod Airport attack * What exactly the Japanese Red Army was * What led to the creation of the Japanese Red Army * The role of Fusako Shigenobu * Some of the guerrilla tactics the Japanese Red Army would use * The 1970 plane hijacking that would result in the "Yodogo Exiles" * The student protests that occurred in Japan during the 1960s and '70s and how authorities in Japan reacted to them * What became of the Japanese Red Army * The impact the Japanese Red Army had on Japan and its judicial system * And much more!
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we take a look at the fascinating intersection between Japanese culture, society, and video games.
About Dr. Rachael Hutchinson Dr. Rachael Hutchinson is an associate professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Delaware. She has taught classes on Japanese language, film, anime, manga, and video games. Dr. Hutchinson is the author of Japanese Culture Through Videogames. Published in 2019 by Routledge, Japanese Culture Through Videogames is a textbook that takes a comprehensive look at the many ways Japanese culture and history influence some of the most popular video games to ever come out of Japan. Some of the video games she takes a look at in the book include: the Street Fighter series, Soul Calibur, the Tekken series, the Metal Gear series, the Yakuza series, the Final Fantasy series, Okami, and more.
Topics Discussed * Why Japanese fighting game arcade cabinets arrange players head-to-head instead of side-to-side like in the West * Japanese fighting games * The Street Fighter games * The significance of character design * The role of stereotypes in fighting games * Nuclear disarmament in Metal Gear Solid 5 * Japanese RPGs * The connection between the Boy Scouts and the archetypal shōnen character that is so common in anime, manga, and JRPGs * Japanese views on brain death and genetic manipulation * Korean representation in Japanese video games * How fighting games have dealt with Korean characters * How the Yakuza games treat Korean characters * What Japanese video games have to teach us about Japan * Whether you can complete The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild without killing anything or eating meat * And much more!
On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast I sit down for a chat with the award-winning creator of the Usagi Yojimbo comic book series, Stan Sakai.
About Stan Sakai Though born in Japan, Stan Sakai grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, before moving to California to pursue a career in comics. Once in California Stan went on to work with some of the most legendary figures in the comics industry, including Stan Lee and Sergio Aragones. Stan is best known as the creator of the long-running comic book series, Usagi Yojimbo. The series, which dates back to 1984, has won Stan a long list of prestigious awards, including five Eisner Awards. The main character of Usagi Yojimbo, Miyamoto Usagi, has also appeared in numerous crossovers with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Usagi Yojimbo is currently be developed into an animated TV series.
Topics Discussed * Stan's parents and why he was born in Japan * The difference between the manga industry in Japan and the American comic book industry * His work on the graphic novel adaptation of the story fo the 47 ronin (published by Dark Horse comics) * How Stan got into the comic book industry * The time the late-Stan Lee surprised Stan by calling him on the phone * Stan's relationship with Sergio Aragones * Stan's interest in Japanese history and culture * Stan's wife Julie Fujii Sakai * The incredible cute-ness of Chibi Usagi * Usagi Yojimbo being developed into an animated TV series by Gaumont * Valuable advice for aspiring comic book creators * And much more!
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On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're digging deep into the world of Japanese Buddhist statues and iconography.
Michael VanHartingsveldt is an expert on Buddhist art and iconography. In 2016, Michael obtained a Master's degree in East Asian Art Business through a joint program offered by the Sotheby's Institute of Art and Claremont Graduate University. He then went on to work as a Collections Management Technician at the Los Angeles Country Museum of Art (LACMA). At LACMA Michael worked in the East Asian Art Collection and handled everything from ukiyo-e woodblock prints to Buddhist statues. Michael has also curated art exhibits and given lectures at the Japan Foundation in Los Angeles. In the fall semester of 2019, Michael entered into a PhD program at the University of Kansas. There he will further his research on Japanese Buddhist art and statues.
In this episode we discuss:
- How backpacking around Japan led to an interest in the art and history of Buddhism (and Shinto) in Japan
- A few tipes for visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha (an important shrine in Kyoto dedicated to the fox god, Inari)
- Nara's famous Tōdai-ji temple
- Who the Niō (Two Benevolent Kings) at the entrance of Tōdai-ji are
- The hierarchy of celestial beings in Buddhism
- Who Fudō Myōō is
- What Shugendō is
- The statues of Zaō Gongen that are at Kinpusen-ji temple on Mt. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture
- Sanjūsangen-dō in Kyoto and its many statues
- The bodhisatva Kannon
- The origins of Amida Nyorai
- The origins of the Nami-kiri Fudō
- Who Takuma Kamine is
- And much more!
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're talking about the Japanese language and the very interesting linguistic phenomenon of "made in Japan English" (wasei eigo).
Anne Crescini is an Associate Professor at the University of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. She has conducted extensive research on the linguistic phenomenon of wasei eigo ("made in Japan English") and has even written a book on the subject called Petto Botoru wa Eigo Ja nai tte Shittō to!? (English: Did you know that "PET Bottle" is not an English word!?). Aside from teaching and her work on wasei eigo, Anne regularly appears on Japanese television, writes a column for a Fukuoka newspaper, and makes her own miso. Anne is also well-known for her mastery of the Hakata dialect.
In this episode we discuss:
- The various types of words that make up the Japanese language
- The various languages of origin of gairaigo (loanwords/foreign origin words in Japanese)
- What wasei eigo is
- Examples of wasei eigo
- What a "handle keeper" (handoru kīpā)
- What a "paper driver" is (pēpā)
- What "magic tape" (majikku tēpu) is
- What "skinship" is
- How the need for efficient communication shapes the words people use
- Possible reasons why wasei eigo came to be so prevalent
- How wasei eigo can be confusing for both English-speakers and Japanese-speakers
- Why Anne moved to Japan
- How Anne became interested in the Japanese language and researching it
- The changing nature of language
- Recent Japanese slang such as the use of wanchan and futsū ni (murai, oishii, etc)
- The use of re-tasu kotoba
- The use of ra-nuki kotoba
- The importance of knowing when you should speak formal Japanese versus casual Japanese
- Anne's interest in cooking Japanese food
- The potential probiotic benefits of making one's own miso
- And much more!
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For full show notes visit www.japanstationpodcast.com.
On this extra bonus episode of the Japan Station podcast, we explore the world of yōkai with author and Japan Station listener, Charles Kowalski.
Originally from the U.S. Charles Kowalski is a teacher and author living in Japan. His latest book--Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts--delves into the world of the Japanese supernatural creatures known as yōkai through the lens of a young 17th century English boy who gets stranded in Tokugawa-era Japan and has to rely on the yōkai in order get back home. Smon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts is the first book in what Charles is planning to be a trilogy. Charles is also the author of two full-length novels: Mind Virus and The Devil's Son.
In this episode we discuss:
- What a yōkai is
- The origin of Charles' interest in yōkai
- The plot of Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts
- The research process Charles underwent when working on Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts
- The fascinating life of the English sailor-turned-samurai, William Adams (1564-1620)
- What the Hyakki Yagyō (English:"Night Parade of One Hundred Demons") is
- Teaching in Japan
- How the Japanese folktale Urashima Tarō does not follow conventional storytelling norms
- Charles' future plans for the Simon Grey series
- And much more!
In this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're going deep into the world of J-pop with Dr. Capital.
Dr. Jonathan Patterson is an Assistant Professor of Popular Music in the Division of Jazz Studies of the University of North Texas College of Music. Also known by the stage name Dr. Capital, he is a composer, singer, guitarist, and an all-around expert on Japanese popular music who has been performing music in Japan for around two decades. Over the course of his career he has worked with a long list of prominent figures in Japan's music industry, including Shing02, Ayaka, Miho Nakayama, Angela Aki, and many more. Dr. Capital also runs a popular YouTube channel. In his videos Dr. Capital performs acoustic guitar covers of well-known J-pop songs, as well as explains the many musical concepts within them--and he does this completely in Japanese.
In this episode we discuss:
- What inspired Dr. Capital to start playing the guitar
- Dr. Capital's first guitar
- How Dr. Capital became interested in Japan
- How Dr. Capital became interested in J-pop
- How Dr. Capital first got to Japan
- How Dr. Capital met the rapper Shing02
- What it was like working with Shing02
- The power of music
- Dr. Capitals passion for teaching people about music
- What makes Japanese pop music different from American pop music
- The overabundance of the 1-5-6-4 chord progression in Western pop music
- The music of Yasutaka Nakata
- How Dr. Capital came to learn the Osaka dialect (Osaka-ben)
- And much more!
Note: In the intro of this episode it is incorrectly stated that Dr. Jonathan Patterson is an associate professor at the University of North Texas. As of the time of the release of this episode (08/01/19) Dr. Patterson is listed as an Assistant Professor and not Associate Professor.
For more extensive show notes, including videos and links the things mentioned in this episode visit http://www.japankyo.com/2019/08/japan-station-podcast-jpop-dr-jonathan-patterson-dr-capital-interview/
In this episode of the Japan Station podcast I sit down for a thrilling chat with author Barry Lancet.
Barry Lancet is the award-winning author of the Jim Brodie series of books. After a long career as an editor at the international arm of one of Japan’s most prestigious publishers—Kodansha—Lancet made his debut as an author in 2013 with Japantown. Lancet’s ability to seamlessly weave Japanese culture and history into his exciting, suspense-filled plots quickly caught the attention of many and won him numerous Best First Novel awards. Since Japantown Lancet has published three more books in the Jim Brodie series: Tokyo Kill, Pacific Burn, and The Spy Across the Table. Aside from working on the next Jim Brodie book, Lancet is currently working on an unrelated thriller set in Hawaii. Japantown has been optioned to be developed into a pilot for a possible show.
In this episode we discuss:
- How Barry Lancet ended up going to Japan for the first time
- How getting interrogated by Japanese police eventually served as inspiration for the Jim Brodie books
- How Japantown evolved from a noir book to a mystery-thriller
- The writing and research process that goes into writing a Jim Brodie book
- Barry's inability to scale down his stories
- Restaurants in Tokyo
- How the Jim Brodie books have been received
- The time Barry ended up drinking with a Soviet spy at a Japanese wedding party
- Visiting the Demilitarized zone on the border of North and South Korea
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and the subsequent meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant - Barry's work on a new book set in Hawaii
- And much more!
NOTE: After the outro music there is a bonus segment in which Barry talks about the last third of his fourth book, The Spy Across the Table. This part contains major spoilers for The Spy Across the Table so if you have not read it yet, it would be best not to listen to it.
In this episode of the Japan Station podcast Tony has a fun chat with comedian Ollie Horn.
Ollie Horn is a stand-up comedian from the United Kingdom who lived many years in Fukuoka, Japan. While there he attended graduate school and worked in the Japanese entertainment industry. In 2014 Ollie Horn came up with the idea that would evolve into Comedy Fukuoka, a group dedicated to performing English-language stand-up comedy in Fukuoka. Horn is also the host of the podcast My Signature Dish and will soon be releasing his first comedy special--called Pig in Japan--which focuses on many of his experiences living and working in Japan.
In this episode we discuss:
- Ollie's podcast My Signature Dish
- How living in Japan led to Ollie discovering the joy of cooking
- Danny Piello's amazing chicken sandwich
- Japanese food
- A great chicken nanban restaurant in Fukuoka
- How Ollie ended up living in Fukuoka
- Ollie's time in graduate school in Fukuoka
- What it was like writing a thesis in Japanese
- Ollie's time in the Japanese entertainment industry
- Japanese copyright law
- The importance of knowing when to say yes and when to say no
- What keeps Ollie motivated
- Ollie's comedy special, Pig in Japan
- Ollie's tips for learning a language
- And much more!
In this episode of the Japan Station podcast we're learning about the amazing story of the first group of Japanese girls to study in the U.S.
Janice P. Nimura is the award-winning writer of the book Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back. In Daughters of the Samurai, Nimura recounts the epic real-life story of a group of Japanese girls who in 1871 were sent to be educated in the U.S. in hopes that this would eventually help Japan in its relentless push to become more like the Western powers of the time. The book specifically focuses on the transnational journey of three girls: Shige Nagai (later Baroness Shigeko Uryū), Sutematsu Yamakawa (later Pricess Sutematsu Oyama), and Ume Tsuda (later Umeko Tsuda). Although of these three it is Umeko Tsuda who is best remembered today as a pioneer of women's education in Japan, all three women did important and inspiring work after their return to Japan despite the many cultural and societal hurdles they had to overcome.
In this episode we discuss:
- What the Iwakura Mission is
- The factors that led Japanese officials to decide to send young girls to the U.S. to be educated
- The incredible life of Sutematsu Yamakawa
- The complicated figure that is Umeko Tsuda
- The difficulties Shige Nagai, Sutematsu Yamakawa, and Ume Tsuda faced after returning to Japan
- The importance of portraying historical figures "warts and all"
- Janice P. Nimura's upcoming book, Sister Doctors, which is about pioneering 19th-century doctors Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell
- And much more!
Gaijin Goombah is the guest today on this episode of the Japan Station podcast.
Gaijin Goombah is a YouTuber who has made a successful career out of teaching people about the real world culture and history that is present in many of today's most popular video games and anime. Gaijin Goombah's interest in Japan is one that goes quite far back and led him to both study abroad and work in Japan. Aside from running his own very popular YouTube channel he also streams on Twitch.
In this episode we discuss:
- How Gaijin Goombah became interested in Japan
- The interesting role the film Kill Bill played in Gaijin Goombah's life
- How Gaijin Goombah went from wanting to be an actor to working with Matthew Patrick (MatPat) of The Game Theorists YouTube channel
- Gaijin Goombah's time living in Japan
- Gaijin Goombah's experience teaching English as part of the JET Program
- The stresses of being a YouTuber
- How monetization works on YouTube vs. streaming and which is more profitable
- What Gaijin Goombah finds rewarding about his creating videos
- The research process Gaijin Goombah undertakes when creating a video
- Popular misconceptions surrounding ninja
- Why the recent reboot of GeGeGe no Kitaro is a must-watch anime
- Gaijin Goombah's views on moe
- Why anime is an amazing medium
- And much more!
Episode 14 of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're learning about Brazilians in Japan.
Released in 2017, One Day We Arrived in Japan is a gripping documentary that follows the lives of three Brazilian families who move to Japan in search of a better future. Ten years in the making, One Day We Arrived in Japan is a truly unique documentary that sheds light on the often overlooked and misunderstood community of Brazilians that call Japan home.
This episode of Japan Station features the three core members of the team that made One Day We Arrived in Japan. These include: Aaron Litvin (director, producer, cinematographer), Ana Paula Kojima Hirano (director, cinematographer, editor), and Marlom Meirelles (producer, creative consultant, editor).
In this episode we discuss:
- What led to the creation of One Day We Arrived in Japan
- The history of Brazilian immigration to Japan and its status today
- Ana Paula's experiences in both Japan and Brazil as a Brazilian of Japanese descent
- How Aaron and Ana Paula found families willing to be filmed
- The difficult editing process that Marlom went through
- Why it is so difficult for Brazilians to adjust to life in Japan
- And more.
The one and only Crystal Kay is the guest today in this very special episode of the Japan Station podcast.
A singer, songwriter, and actress, Crystal Kay has been singing for just about as long as she's been able to speak. In fact, her first credit is at the age of four when she used her vocal talents in a song for a commercial promoting the PC Engine Duo game console (known as the TurboDuo in the U.S.). Crystal released her debut single in 1999 at the age of 13 and in the two decades since then she's sold millions of albums and produced numerous chart-topping singles. Her positive attitude, incredible talent, and status as one of the earliest artists of mixed race to rise to mainstream fame in Japan have earned Crystal many fans around the world and turned her into a role model for many.
In this episode we discuss:
- When it was that Crystal realized she was a source of inspiration for other mixed race individuals in Japan
- How Crystal deals with negativity
- Crystal's relationship with her mother
- Crystal's thoughts on the 20th anniversary of her major debut as a singer
- Crystal's connection to the legendary Japanese singer Misora HIbari
- Crystal's daily routine
- And more!
You won't be able to help feel positive after listening to this episode.
Episode 12 of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're stomping our way into the world of kaiju.
Kevin Derendorf is an expert on the world of giant monster movies and the author of the recently published book Kaiju for Hipsters: 101 "Alternative" Giant Monster Movies. In this episode we discuss:
- What the word kaiju means
- The origins of the word kaiju
- The difference between the more commonly used 怪獣 (kaiju) and its homophone 海獣
- What qualifies as a kaiju movie to Kevin
- The difficulties of finding obscure kaiju movies
- Director Nobuhiko Obayashi and his many interesting connections to kaiju movies
- Nobuhiko Obayashi's unmade and totally bizarre Godzilla movie, A Space Godzilla
- Hideaki Anno and his intense love of Ultraman
- Sion Sono's 2015 film Love & Peace
- And much more!
It's non-stop kaiju on this episode of Japan Station!
Episode 11 of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're exploring the city of Tokyo.
Dr. Steven Heine is the director of the Asian Studies Program at Florida International University and author of the book Sacred High City, Sacred Low City: A Tale of Religious Sites in Two Tokyo Neighborhoods. In this episode we talk about:
- The history of Tokyo
- Why Tokyo is laid out the way it is
- The differences and similarities between the Shitamachi and Yamanote areas of Tokyo
- The differences and similarities between the Inarichō and Akasaka neighborhoods of Tokyo
- Why Inarichō is the "Akihabara of butsuden" (Buddhist altars)
- What a gendai (contemporary) butsudan is
- The relationship between the fox god Inari, the legendary creature tengu, and the Sōtō sect of Zen Buddhism
- Whether Japanese people are religious
- The 1984 Juzo Itami film Osōshiki (The Funeral)
- Some not so well-known sites to check out during your next visit to Tokyo
- And much more!
By the end of this episode you'll have a newfound appreciation for the city of Tokyo.
Episode ten of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're taking a dive into the world of photography.
Andrew Faulk is an award-winning Tokyo-based photographer originally from the U.S. who has done work for major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Game Informer. In this episode we talk about how Andrew's career in photography got started, what it was like starting his photography business in Japan, some of the interesting assignments he has been on, how he deals with cultural faux pas and language difficulties, what he enjoys about being a photographer, the allure of Vietnam, and much more.
This episode will have you wanting to head to Asia with a camera around your neck.
Episode nine of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're talking about the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Japan's Tohoku region on March 11, 2011.
Richard Lloyd Parry is an award-winning foreign correspondent, the Asia Editor at The Times of London in Tokyo, and author of the book Ghosts of the Tsunami: Death and Life in Japan's Disaster Zone. In this episode we talk about the experiences of people that lived through the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the tragedy at Okawa Elementary School where 74 of the 78 students present when the tsunami struck died, the reports of possessions and ghosts that arose in the months after the tsunami, whether Japanese society has learned anything from this tragedy, and more.
Note: In the episode Richard states that Okawa Elementary School is four miles away from the coast. It appears he mistakenly said miles instead of kilometers because all information found online indicates that Okawa Elementary School, which is now a memorial, is roughly 4-5 kilometers from the coast.
Episode eight of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're exploring the fascinating history of shōjo manga.
Dr. Deborah Shamoon is an associate professor in the Department of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore. She is the author of Passionate Friendship: The Aesthetics of Girls' Culture in Japan, a book which examines the emergence and history of shōjo manga (a genre of Japanese comics aimed at girls and typically produced by women). In this episode we discuss the true meaning of the word shōjo, Meiji-era girls' culture and girls magazines, how important a role Osamu Tezuka played in the development of shōjo manga, the connection between the Takarazuka Revue and Osamu Tezuka's series Princess Knight (Ribon no Kishi), the potentially influential role of manga artist and Osamu Tezuka protege Hideko Mizuno, the importance of eyes in shōjo manga, how Boys' Love (yaoi) fits into the shōjo manga genre, the iconic shōjo manga series The Rose of Versailles (Berusaiyu no Bara), and much more.
Yeah, this episode is overflowing with all sorts of great information.
Episode seven of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're taking a deep dive into the crazy world of Japanese mascots.
Chris Carlier runs the blog Mondo Mascots and the very popular Twitter and Instagram accounts of the same name. On Mondo Mascots Chris documents Japan's many, many, many mascots. From the bizarre to the cute, Chris covers them all. In this episode we discuss the history of Japanese mascots, the origins of the term yuru kyara (yuru chara) and how it is different from go-tōchi kyara, the voting scandal at the 2018 Yuru Chara Grand Prix, whether the popularity of Japanese mascots is on the decline, Chris' desire to get a yuru kyara designed by him turned into a costume, and, of course, we talk about a whole lot of odd mascots, including the infamous algae ball with an erection from, Marimokkori. So yeah, this one's a pretty silly one.
Episode six of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time we're talking about Zen.
Gesshin Claire Greenwood is a Zen priest and the author of the book Bow First, Ask Questions Later: Ordination, Love, and Monastic Zen in Japan. Funny, intense, and thought-provoking, the book chronicles the more than five years Gesshin spent in Japan training in Zen and living in monasteries. During her time in Japan she trained at both a temple monastery in Okayama Prefecture called Toshō-ji and an extremely strict monastery for Zen nuns in Aichi Prefecture called Niso-do. In this episode we talk about whether Zen is a religion, what led Gesshin to go to Japan, whether not knowing Japanese when she began training in Japan was an advantage, the difficulties of monastic life, a hilarious story involving a bullet train ride and faxed instructions on how to put on her kesagōri (a type of monastic pack for carrying one's belongings), a famous Koan about a monk killing a cat, and much much more.
You won't achieve enlightened after listening to this episode, but it certainly won't hurt!
Episode five of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time I'm joined by comedian Showko Showfukutei.
Originally from Kobe, Japan, Showko is a rakugo (Japanese traditional comic storytelling) performer, ventriloquist, and stand up comedian living in Melbourne, Australia. She is the only fully trained rakugo performer living outside of Japan and her unique brand of comedy has taken her all over the world and even the finals of Australia's Got Talent.
In this episode Showko talks about rakugo, the epic tale of how she convinced her rakugo teacher to take her on as his student, the surprising way in which she learned ventriloquism, doing comedy on the streets of London, and much more.
Japan Station episode 4 is here and this time we're talking all about one man's mission to achieve the heights of fame in the land of the rising sun.
In this episode David Elliot-Jones talks about the crazy journey he went on as the star of the ridiculous but thought-provoking documentary Big in Japan. Dave discusses why he and his two friends (Lachlan McLeod & Louis Dai) chose to leave their homes in Australia and spend two years of their lives in Japan chasing fame, what it was like working in Japan's entertainment industry, the dread he felt when having to do crazy stunts like walking around almost naked in Shibuya, the good and bad side of fame, how his soccer teammate's "penis ring" landed him in the news, what it was like asking Japanese people if they've ever had sex with a rice ball, and much more. Dave also offers a bit of advice for people hoping to make it break into the Japanese entertainment industry.
This time we're taking a deep deep dive into the history of Japanese animation with Dr. Jonathan Clements.
An expert on Asia and anime, Jonathan Clements is the author of many books, including Anime: A History, The Anime Encyclopedia (co-authored with Helen McCarthy), and Sacred Sailors: The Life and Work of Seo Mitsuyo. In this episode we discuss the origins of Japanese animation and its fascinating history. We particularly focus on the making of Japan's first feature-length animated film: Momotaro: Sacred Sailors (桃太郎 海の神兵, Momotarō: Umi no Shinpei). Clements talks about how this World War II era Navy funded propaganda film got made, the challenges faced by the film's director Seo Mitsuyo, the influence of Western animation like Popeye and the 1941 Disney film Fantasia,and what people today can gain by watching this sometimes strange and often unsettling work. Clements also reflects on the importance of two of Japan's most respected and famous figures in the Japanese animation industry: Osamu Tezuka and Hayao Miyazaki. Oh yeah, and there's talk of a British POW potentially being responsible for what was very likely the first ever occurrence of native English voice acting in Japanese animation.
Yep, it's a lot to take in but totally worth a listen, so go do that now!
Japan Station is back with episode 2 and this time I'm joined by owarai comedian Ann Lethin.
Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Ann moved to Japan to pursue a career in comedy after college. Ann discusses why she decided to do that, what comedy schools (yōseijo) are like, the challenges of being a comedian in Japan, a major reason why Japanese comedy can be so nonsensical, moose recipes (kind of), how she got involved with the Big in Japan podcast, and more.
Ann provides a fascinating and honest look into the often secretive Japanese comedy industry. Enjoy!
Celebrate the official start of the Japan Station podcast with not one, but two amazing guests!
This episode I'm joined by filmmakers Dominic Pearce and Aaron McCann, the creators of the hilarious mockumentary Top Knot Detective.
In the episode Aaron and Dominic talk about what inspired them to make Top Knot Detective and the challenges they had to overcome to make their vision a reality. We also discuss bad '80s action movies (specifically, the hilariously bad 1987 "masterpiece" Miami Connection), how you film in Japan without a permit, how they got the legendary Guitar Wolf to make an appearance in Top Knot Detective, Japanese talk shows where guests get to pet cats, and miniature ponies. If you're confused, don't worry. It will all make sense after you listen to the episode. So go do that now!
This is a quick preview of Japankyo.com's new podcast: Japan Station. On this episode host Tony Vega talks a little bit about himself and what to expect in this podcast.
Features clips of Dominic Pearce (Episode 1), Ann Lethin (Episode 2), and Jonathan Clements (Episode 3).
New episodes will be coming out on the first of every month with occasional bonus episodes dropping on the 15th. The first episode comes out on November 1st, so subscribe now and don't miss it!
Enjoy!