Helping you better understand Japan and the Japanese language one question at a time.
Every episode Tony and Ryan--two guys with master's degrees in Japanese Language & Linguistics--draw on their experiences in Japan and extensive research in both Japanese and English to shed light on all aspects of Japan.
From the many interesting quirks of the Japanese language to obscure Japanese history, as well as busting misconceptions about Japan held by both Japanese peole and Westerners, Tony and Ryan cover it all. In the process they have a few laughs and sometimes even end up uncovering information that can only be found in Japanese.
Episodes are released at least once a month (on the 7th). Bonus episodes are released on the 21st.
Is there something that puzzles you about Japanese society? Or is there something in Japanese media/pop culture that you want us to explain? If so, then send an email with your question to ichimon@japankyo.com. While we can't promise that we'll be able to answer it, we'll definitely do our best to address it in some way.
Ichimon Japan is a production of JapanKyo.com. For full show notes, visit japankyo.com/ichimonjapan.
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This 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 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!
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.
Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 80
Épisode 80
mercredi 20 mars 2024 • Durée 54:37
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!
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!
Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
Is "Suzume no Tojimari" BAD? (Dissecting Makoto Shinkai's Latest Movie) | Ichimon Japan 79
Épisode 79
mercredi 21 février 2024 • Durée 01:36:20
On 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 liked Suzume no Tojimari
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!
Tales from the Tokaido Road: About the Tokaido Challenge | Ichimon Japan 78
Épisode 78
dimanche 21 janvier 2024 • Durée 54:08
On 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 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!
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 .
Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
Japan's TOP 5 MASCOTS Ranked for 2023 | Ichimon Japan 78
Épisode 78
jeudi 21 décembre 2023 • Durée 40:33
On 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 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!
Here is the video of the coronavirus fighting Japanese mascot Koronon.
Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleeping habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 76
Épisode 76
mardi 21 novembre 2023 • Durée 53:08
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!
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!
10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really? | Japan Station 75
Épisode 75
jeudi 21 septembre 2023 • Durée 01:13:35
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!
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!
Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
Should you go to grad school for Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 74
Épisode 74
lundi 21 août 2023 • Durée 49:00
On 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
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!
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 .
Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
What is it like moving in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 73
Épisode 73
vendredi 21 juillet 2023 • Durée 44:14
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!
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 PlusAlpha, 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!
We Want Your Questions Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
What is that snot bubble anime characters get when they sleep called? (Nose Related Japanese Expressions in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 72
Épisode 72
dimanche 21 mai 2023 • Durée 54:57
On 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 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 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 PlusAlpha, 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!
Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.