Shows
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhat you should know about KUMAMON (+ my CRAZY Kumamon story) | Japan Station 188On 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...
2025-12-201h 04Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHanakin: What does it mean? (Dead Japanese Slang) | Japan Station 186On 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...
2025-12-0217 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageI walked across KYUSHU! Here's what happened (Kyushu Challenge Wrap Up) | Japan Station 184On 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 pas...
2025-11-2055 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHow I got my CHEAPEST Japan ticket EVER! | Japan Station 183On 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...
2025-11-1430 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleep habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Japan Station 182/Ichimon Japan 76This 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...
2025-11-0755 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHow Japanese terms get abbreviated! Explaining 4 MORA words | Japan Station 181On 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...
2025-11-0116 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageTokyo Tourist Traps: Are these popular Tokyo destinations worth your time? | Japan Station 180On 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? Wha...
2025-10-2143 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhy LIES are RED in Japanese (Japanese idioms that use 赤/red) | Japan Station 178On 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...
2025-10-0724 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThis documentary reveals why Japan is the way it is?! (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 177On 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...
2025-10-0151 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageKaze 風 vs Kaze 風邪! What's the difference?! | Japan Station 174On 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 Podcas...
2025-09-0621 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHe SURVIVED a BEAR encounter in Japan! Talking about hiking in Tohoku with GoNorth Japan | Japan Station 172On 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 Whe...
2025-08-2146 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageTales from the Tokaido Road: About the Tokaido Challenge | Japan Station 171/Ichimon Japan 78On this episode of Japan Station we 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! Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple...
2025-08-1558 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageDON'T do these 8 things on trains in JAPAN! | Japan Station 170On 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/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaV...
2025-08-0731 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageShikoku's 88 Temple Pligrimmage: What You Should KNOW (Kevin Tarpey) | Japan Station 169On 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 doi...
2025-08-011h 04Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageShe moved to this Japanese island to FARM INDIGO?! (Sally Hancox of AiAii) | Japan Station 168On 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...
2025-07-2139 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHow Japanese scandals EXPLODE! (Igor Prusa) | Japan Station 167On 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...
2025-07-1649 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWHICH is CORRECT? Funiki vs Fuinki (雰囲気) | Japan Station 165On 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! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://i...
2025-07-0129 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhat is "PLUS ALPHA?" The Meaning & Origin of the Japanese term purasu arufa/プラスアルファ | Japan Station 161On 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://pat...
2025-06-0524 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe HISTORY of SUSHI (Dr. Eric C. Rath) | Japan Station 160On 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...
2025-06-0144 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageI'm Walking Across KYŪSHŪ! About the Kyūshū Challenge | Japan Station 159On 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 Abo...
2025-05-2311 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageJapanese Street Merchant Slang: 10 Words from Japan's Edo Merchants | Japan Station 158On 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...
2025-05-2042 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageTelling Time in the Edo Period! Obscure Japanese Vocabulary & Etymology | Japan Station 156On 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...
2025-05-0623 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageJapan's DEADLY Treat: MOCHI Explained! | Japan Station 155On 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...
2025-05-0147 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageSupernatural Stories from JAPAN (Kevin O'Shea) | Japan Station 154On 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...
2025-04-2047 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageEikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Japan Station 153 (Rebroadcast)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...
2025-04-1357 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHow a J-Pop Star's Stomach Hair Resulted in a NEW Japanese Word (The Origins of Gyarandu/ギャランドゥ) | Japan Station 152On 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 Sai...
2025-04-0923 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguagePreserving Japan's SHOKUNIN Culture (Michael Magers) | Japan Station 151On 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 pres...
2025-04-011h 04
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhat it's like running a bar in TOKYO! (Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky) | Japan Station 150On 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/6...
2025-03-2243 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe ORIGINS of "NEKO!" Digging into the ETYMOLOGY of the Japanese Word for "CAT" | Japan Station 149On 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 wh...
2025-03-0630 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageMurakami Haruki on FILM: A Guide to the Movie Adaptations of Japan's Most Famous Novelist (Marc Yamada) | Japan Station 148On 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...
2025-03-0133 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhat is ODEN? A Deep Dive into a Classic Japanese Winter Food | Japan Station 147On 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...
2025-02-2147 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThis CLOSED Kyoto Hotel Let Me Stay the Night! Here's What Happened! | Japan Station 146On 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/6lDoFFt...
2025-02-2113 min
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language3 Obscure Japanese Dishes You MUST Try! | Japan Station 145 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 t...
2025-02-0244 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageA Guide to Japanese Hotels! Tips & Tricks for Japan Travelers | Japan Station 144On 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 Toy...
2025-01-2258 min
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe Senkaku Islands: What You Should Know (Robert D. Eldridge) | Japan Station 143On 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! Ap...
2025-01-0249 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguagePerilous Wagers: Gambling, Dignity, and Day Laborers in 21st-Century Tokyo (Klaus K.Y. Hammering) | Japan Station 142On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about life in Sanya--Tokyo's infamous day laborer district--with Klaus K.Y. Hammering. ðŸ'‰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...
2024-12-2143 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhat is Dreamlapse Japan? A Talk with Photographer Gavin Heffernan | Japan Station 140On 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/japanky...
2024-12-0237 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThat Time I Walked to Hiroshima from KYOTO! Tales from the Miyajima Challenge | Japan Station 139On 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/sho...
2024-11-2249 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language10 Japanese Abbreviations & Contractions To Know! | Japan Station 137On 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...
2024-10-2944 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe Shimabara Rebellion, Yokai and More! (Charles Kowalski) | Japan Station 136On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the Shimabara Rebellion, yÅkai and more with the author of the Simon Grey books, Charles Kowalski. ðŸ'‰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ç"° 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 Abou...
2024-09-2936 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe Etymology of TAMAGO and Other Egg Stuff (Japanese Plus Alpha 01) | Japan Station 135On 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...
2024-09-2119 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe Tale of Genji Explained (Dr. Lynne Miyake) | Japan Station 134about, 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 versio...
2024-09-0153 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe Weak Yen & Rural Japan: Why They Matter | Japan Station 132On 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 Japa...
2024-08-0156 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageJapan's UNBELIEVABLE DOG Pilgrimages | Japan Station 131On 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 Abo...
2024-07-2130 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageMY NEXT BIG ADVENTURE! The Miyajima Challenge Explained! | Japan Station 130On 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! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple...
2024-07-0216 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageOsaka ComicCon: Should You Go? | Japan Station 129On 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 👉...
2024-06-2129 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWalking Historical Kyoto with Phillip Jackson | Japan Station 128On 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
2024-06-0150 min
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comThe FINAL Episode | Ichimon Japan 81This is the last episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast! But don't worry, the show isn't really ending! Topics Discussed Why I decided to end Ichimon 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 tie...
2024-05-3001 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language10 Japanese Words I Learned from ANIME | Japan Station 127On 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
2024-05-2150 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhy Japanese Folklore MATTERS! | Japan Station 126On 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/japanky...
2024-05-0136 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageUnexpected Japanese Word Origins: FART | Japan Station 125This 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! SUPPORT Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/japankyo Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/japankyo Listen to the Japan Station Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-about-japan-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Follow on X https://twitter.com/japankyonews...
2024-04-2011 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe Real Reason I Walked from Kyoto to Tokyo | Japan Station 124On 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 e...
2024-04-1519 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhy Learning Japanese is POINTLESS (for most..) | Japan Station 123On 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 a...
2024-04-0815 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHow Akira Toriyama Changed the World & My Life | Japan Station 122On 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...
2024-04-0117 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comEikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 80On 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...
2024-03-2054 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWe Bought a Geisha House! About Geisha House Atami | Japan Station 121On 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 e...
2024-03-0146 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comIs "Suzume no Tojimari" BAD? (Dissecting Makoto Shinkai's Latest Movie) | Ichimon Japan 79On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about Suzume no Tojimari, the latest film by the popular Japanese anime filmmaker Makoto Shinai. Topics Discussed How Suzume no Tojimari did int he box office in Japan How it ranks up to the revenue of other films What Suzume no Tojimari is about An overview of the story of Suzume no Tojimari The hidden meaning found in Suzume no Tojimari Potentially problematic parts of Suzume no Tojimari The meaning of the cats in Suzume no Tojimari How Suzume no Tojimari compares to other Makoto Shinkai films Whether we lik...
2024-02-211h 36Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageMy 3 Worst Japanese Mistakes | Japan Station 120On 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...
2024-02-0116 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comTales from the Tokaido Road: About the Tokaido Challenge | Ichimon Japan 78On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was it like walking the Tokaido Road? 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! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce...
2024-01-2154 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageWhy there's a DOGE statue in Japan! | Japan Station 119On 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 a...
2024-01-1531 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comJapan's TOP 5 MASCOTS Ranked for 2023 | Ichimon Japan 78On this episode of Ichimon Japan we cover what the top Japanese mascots (yurukyara) of 2023 plus a few other ones! Topics Discussed What the Yuruverse Grand Prix is (ゆるバースグランプリ２０２３年・Yurubāsu Grand Prix 2023) Who won the Yuruverse Grand Prix 20203 competition About the transition from the Yurukyara Grand Prix to the Yuruverse Grand Prix What the top 5 Japanese mascots are Who the top yurukyara in Japan is About Udonnow About Inunakin and Yurunakin About Echigon About Sadandy About Muvio About Melonkuma About Zushihokki About Johnny the tofu shop mascot And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ic...
2023-12-2140 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language5 TIPS to Make Your Japan Trip GREAT!😊| Japan Station 118On 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
2023-12-0125 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comThe STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleeping habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 76On 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 Oo...
2023-11-2153 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageMAID Massage in AKIHABARA: My Review | Japan Station 117On 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 e...
2023-11-1617 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageI Got HARASSED in Japan! | Japan Station 116On 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. I...
2023-11-0915 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageI Walked 500 km from Kyoto to Tokyo and I'm Legally Blind... It Was CRAZY! | Japan Station 115On 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 diffic...
2023-11-0345 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHow I Fell in Love with Japan (NEONshe) | Japan Station 114On 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
2023-11-0134 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really? | Japan Station 75On 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...
2023-09-211h 13Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageSeeing Japan While Blind (Maud Rowell) | Japan Station 112On 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 Patre...
2023-09-0156 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comShould you go to grad school for Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 74On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Should you go to grad school for Japanese? Topics Discussed About why we went to grad school Whether you should attend a Japanese focused graduate school program About Japanese linguistics programs The good and bad of doing a master's degree focused on Japanese linguistics About different fields within linguistics (sociolinguistics, syntax, phonology, etc) About attending the University of Hawaii's Japanese language and linguistics M.A. program Whether it's worth doing a Phd degree About attending Phd programs And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
2023-08-2149 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageI'm Walking from Kyoto to Tokyo (And I'm Legally Blind) | Japan Station 112On 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...
2023-08-1629 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageShe Learned Japanese By Being On Japanese TV (Jessica Gerrity) | Japan Station 111Jessica 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...
2023-08-0752 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat is it like moving in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 73On 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...
2023-07-2144 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageGo To Japan NOW | Japan Station 110On 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 Listen to Japan Station on [btn btnlink="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://play.google.com...
2023-07-0132 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat is that snot bubble anime characters get when they sleep called? (Nose Related Japanese Expressions in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 72On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is that snot bubble anime characters get when they sleep called? (Nose Expressions in Japanese) Topics Discussed About the snot bubbles seen in anime and video game characters from Japan when they are sleeping (鼻提灯, hanachō`chin) About nose related phrases & idioms in Japanese hana ga takai hana ga hikui Hana ni kakeru Tengu ni naru About tengu Hana no shita o nobasu Hanamochi naranai Hanage o nuku Hanage o yomu Aoppana, aohana, aobana Hanakamigami Hanamizu Fune o kogu = to row a boat/to doze off And much mo...
2023-05-2154 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) | Ichimon Japan 71On 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! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce mor...
2023-04-2141 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhy is Japanese TV so bad? | Ichimon Japan 70On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why is Japanese TV so bad? Topics Discussed Why Japanese TV is so "terrible" About Japanese variety TV shows How most TV around the world aren't remarkable How Japanese TV shows can be useful for watching TV How Japanese TV game shows are not crazy How the idea of Japanese game shows being crazy is not true About Takeshi's Castle How many Japanese TV shows are staged Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! 1989 ‧ Variety show ‧ 0 seasons About Downtown Matsumoto About Waratte wa Ikenai About telop (teroppu) Abou...
2023-03-2150 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat is the lesson of Urashima Taro? | Ichimon Japan 69On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is the lesson of Urashima Taro? Topics Discussed The story of Urashima Taro Discussing different versions of Urashima Taro About the mysterious box (tamatebako) seen in Urashima Taro How you shouldn't trust strange talking turtles The history of the story of Urashima Taro About the origins of Urashima Taro About the ryugu no tsukai (oarfish) A modern urban legend version of Urashima Taro involving opium The unsatisfactory nature of the story of Urashima Taro And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If...
2023-02-2152 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageInside Shinjuku Ni-chōme, Japanese Gay Media & More (Dr. Thomas Baudinette) | Japan Station 104On 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...
2023-01-0159 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat is Christmas like in Japan? (About Japanese Christmas) | Ichimon Japan 67On 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! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If...
2022-12-2159 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comIs Japanese Women's Language an illusion? (About Japanese Women's Language) | Ichimon Japan 66On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Japanese women's language an illusion? Topics Discussed About Japanese women's language About gendered language in Japanese How context affects people's speech in Japan Directness vs indirectness About politeness and "women's speech" in Japanese About steretypical speech styles in Japanese About direct and indirect indexicality About Japanese first person pronouns Constructing your identity via speech Third person pronouns in Japanese Avoiding third person pronouns in Japanese About kare & kanojo About sentence-final particles The importance of experimenting with language The relationship between intonation and sentence-final particles Gay male spe...
2022-11-211h 00Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language100０He Started a Craft Beer Bar in Tokyo, Here's How (Kyle Broyles of Pintology)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 stor...
2022-10-1557 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat is a famiresu? (About Japanese "Family Restaurants")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! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to...
2022-06-211h 00Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat is "yōshoku"? (About Japanese "Western Food"On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is yōshoku? Topics Discussed What yōshoku is? About Japanese style Western food is What qualifies as yōshoku When yōshoku emerged The history of yōshoku The supposed origin of tempura How Japan began adopting more foreign ingredients and cuisine during the Meiji Period About Japan's first yōshoku restaurant in Nagasaki Examples of yōshoku About the Japanese dish curry rice About omuraisu About korokke About hamburg/hamburg steak About hayashi rice About tonkatsu The peculiar way Edokko supposedly eat tonkatsu And much more! Support on Patr...
2022-05-0755 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comShould you watch "In This Corner of the World?" (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni)On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Should you watch "In This Corner of the World?" (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) Topics Discussed About the movie Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni (In This Corner of the World) About the popularity and reception of In This Corner of the World when it was released About the crowdfunding campaign for In This Corner of the World About the serious yet lighthearted humorous tone of In This Corner of the World About the umbrella scene, the meaning of the umbrella, and the persimmon questions (kaki no ki no mondo) Triv...
2022-03-0751 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhy is Argentina "Aruzenchin" in Japanese?On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why is Argentina "Aruzenchin" in Japanese? (This is a follow up to episode 56 of Ichimon Japan: What katakana words do you hate?) Topics Discussed The possible reason for my Argentina in Japanese is aruzenchin rather than something closer to the original name in Spanish About sounds that formerly did not exist in the Japanese language 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 pat...
2022-02-2107 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageDiscussing Hiroshima, Hawaii, & Akiya (Abandoned Japanese Houses) w. J.J. Walsh of Seek Sustainable JapanOn 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...
2022-02-0156 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comShould I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan?On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan? Topics Discussed Whether we think it's worth visiting Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan in Osaka About Ryan's experience at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan About Universal Studios Japan's Cool Japan special event About the appointment system used for Super Nintendo World The anime themed rides at Universal Studios Japan (Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and others) The size, scope, design and rides of Super Nintendo World The wristbands at Super Nintendo World Ryan's overview of...
2021-12-0729 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageThe Green Tea History You Didn't Know: About the History of Green Tea in Japan & the U.S. (Dr. Robert Hellyer)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. To...
2021-11-1544 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageBehind the Scenes of JapanKyo DocsOn 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...
2021-11-0138 min
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comANNOUNCEMENT: JapanKyo Docs Now On YouTube!!!!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/
2021-10-2302 min
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageANNOUNCEMENT: JapanKyo Docs Now On YouTube!!!!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/
2021-10-2302 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageHow did you become so familiar with Japan? (Bonus Solo Episode)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...
2021-03-0816 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comPresenting Japanese Plus Alpha | I Stepped on the Etymology of "Neko" (The Cat Episode)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...
2020-07-2630 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguagePresenting Japanese Plus Alpha | I Stepped on the Etymology of "Neko" (The Cat Episode)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...
2020-07-2630 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhy do Japanese train stations do that?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 d...
2020-02-0954 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguageIchimon Japan 01: What's the deal with catgirls? (About nekomimi)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 u...
2020-01-2344 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comWhat's the deal with catgirls? (About nekomimi)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 c...
2020-01-2343 minJapan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese LanguagePresenting Ichimon Japan: A Podcast by Japankyo.com [Trailer]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 q...
2019-12-2502 minIchimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.comIchimon Japan TrailerA taste of what is to come. Enjoy this trailer of Japankyo.com's newest podcast, Ichimon Japan. Ichimon Japan will start being released in early 2020 (January-February). Stay tuned for more details. You can stay connected by following on Facebook and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ https://twitter.com/japankyonews You can also visit Japankyo.com. https://www.japankyo.com/ And to check out Japankyo.com's other podcast, Japan Station, visit the link below. http://www...
2019-12-2002 min