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Explore every episode of the podcast Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

Dive into the complete episode list for Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
The FINAL Episode | Ichimon Japan 8130 May 202400:01:54

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!

  • Support on Patreon
    https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi
    https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Subscribe:

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 8020 Mar 202400:54:37

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!

  • Support on Patreon
    https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi
    https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

None.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) | Ichimon Japan 7121 Apr 202300:41:18

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English)

Topics Discussed
  • What wasei eigo is
  • About English sounding words made in Japan
  • tenshon ga takai
  • pākā
  • How SNS is not English
  • arubaito
  • nōtopasokon
  • buraindotacchi
  • misu
  • misesu
  • rippukurīmu
  • hocchikisu
  • OL
  • sararīman (salaryman)
  • shīchikin
  • interi
  • haiso
  • furonto
  • hōmu
  • chakku
  • majikkutēpu
  • majikku
  • majikkumirā
  • Gpan
  • jampāsukāto
  • wagomu
  • atakku
  • faito
  • charenji
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Links, Videos, Etc.

No links.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Why is Japanese TV so bad? | Ichimon Japan 7021 Mar 202300:50:07

On 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)
  • About national news programs in Japan
  • About late night radio in Japan
  • About anime's popularity around the world
  • About why some media from Japan does not get popular outside of Japan
  • Anime localization
  • About Hajimete no Tsukai
  • About You wa Nani Shi Nippon e
  • Movies 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 and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Links, Videos, Etc.

No links.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What is the lesson of Urashima Taro? | Ichimon Japan 6921 Feb 202300:52:15

On 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 you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Links, Videos, Etc.

Here's the link to the article cited in this episode.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Is Weathering With You bad (About Tenki No Ko) | Ichimon Japan 6821 Jan 202301:22:57

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Weathering With You bad? (About Tenki No Ko)

Topics Discussed
  • The commercial success of Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • The cultural impact of Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • About the plot of Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • Overall impression of Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • The animation of Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • Product placement in Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • The problem with the gun in Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • Kidnapping Hina
  • About the ridiculous coincidences of Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • The cameos of Your Name characters
  • Hina's lightning powers
  • The huge problem with the chase scene in Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • The unclear and unmixed messaging of Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • Radwimps in Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • Makoto Shinkai movies
  • The meanings of the names of the characters in Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko
  • Whether Weathering With You/Tenki no Ko has some sort of message connected with climate change
  • And much more!
Links, Videos, Etc.

None

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What is Christmas like in Japan? (About Japanese Christmas) | Ichimon Japan 6721 Dec 202200:59:33

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Christmas like in Japan? (About Japanese Christmas)

Topics Discussed
  • All about Christmas in Japan
  • Japanese Christmas customs in Japan
  • All about fried chicken and Christmas in Japan
  • Why KFC is the thing to eat during Christmas in Japan
  • How Christmas is seen as a romantic holiday in Japan
  • Christmas light displays
  • About reserving KFC fried chicken for Christmas
  • About KFC's Premium Roast
  • About Christmas cake in Japan
  • The first Christmas in Japan in 1552
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Links, Videos, Etc.

None

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Is Japanese Women's Language an illusion? (About Japanese Women's Language) | Ichimon Japan 6621 Nov 202201:00:03

On 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 speech
  • 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 Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Links, Videos, Etc.

None

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What's the difference: Eikaiwa vs JET? (The Good & Bad of English Teaching in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 6521 Oct 202201:09:52

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's the difference: Eikaiwa vs JET? (The Good & Bad of Teaching English in Japan)

Topics Discussed
  • About teaching English in Japan
  • About working in eikaiwa (English conversation school) in Japan
  • About working on the JET Programme
  • About working as an ALT
  • About the application process for getting an eikaiwa job
  • About the application process for getting into the JET Programme
  • A typical work day for English teachers in Japan
  • The problems with working in eikaiwa in Japan
  • The problems working as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan
  • English education in Japan
  • Eikaiwa contracts & work hours
  • About NOVA going out of business
    About GEOS going out of business
  • About the collapse of NOVA and the aftermath
  • About life post eikaiwa/JET 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 and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

 

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

64 What's the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai)21 Sep 202200:58:33

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's the difference: East vs West Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • Some of the differences observed in East and West Japan (higashi and nishi nihon)
  • Differences in culture and food seen in Kansai and Kanto
  • Where the border between East and West Japan is
  • The difference in how people from East vs West Japan use escalators
  • About where Ishikawa is in relation to East vs West Japan
  • Theories about the origin of the escalator difference in East vs West Japan
  • The difference in hertz between East vs West Japan
  • About differences in syntax/language in East vs West Japan
  • Language differences in Kansai vs Kanto
  • Naosu vs Katazukeru/Shimau
  • Shoppai vs Karai/shiokarai
  • Sasareru vs Kamareru/Kuwareru
  • Makku vs Makudo
  • USJ vs Yuniba
  • Nikuman vs Butaman
  • Sauces used in East and West Japan
  • Taste preferences in East vs West Japan (Kansai vs Kanto)
  • Tamagoyaki/dashimakitamago in Kanto vs Kansai
  • Mochi in Kansai vs Kanto
  • How miso soup placement may vary depending on whether you are in Kansai or Kanto
  • About aburasoba
  • Ishikawa curry
  • What torotaku is
  • What monjayaki is
  • 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 Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

63 Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (Randoseru, Delivery Pizza, Fruit)07 Aug 202201:08:49

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (We're especially focusing on why randoseru, fruit and delivery pizza are so expensive in Japan)

Topics Discussed
  • Whether living in Japan is expensive
  • The cost of Japanese movie theaters
  • What a randoseru is
  • The expensive price of randoseru
  • The average price of a randoseru
  • Why randoseru are so expensive
  • People being unable to afford randoseru
  • How the price of randoseru has increased in recent years
  • How Japan's aging population may be contributing to the high cost of randoseru
  • How Tiger Mask donates randoseru every year
  • The existence of adult randoseru
  • Whether fruit is expensive in Japan
  • Why some fruit in Japan is so expensive
  • The high cost of delivery pizza in Japan
  • Why delivery pizza is so expensive in Japan
  • Some of the justifications given for why delivery pizza is so expensive in Japan
  • How much cheese the average Japanese person eats per year
  • The real reason why delivery pizza in Japan is absurdly expensive
  • 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 Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the article that inspired this episode.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
62 Are Japanese...? (Stereotypes About Japan)07 Jul 202201:04:21

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Are Japanese...? (Stereotypes About Japan)

Topics Discussed
  • Japanese stereotypes
  • Whether Japanese people are shy/quiet
  • Whether Japanese people eat sushi everyday
  • Whether all Japanese people love anime
  • Anime as part of one's identity
  • Whether Japanese people are good at math
  • Whether Japanese people work long hours
  • Whether Japanese people can handle alcohol
  • About alcohol intolerance (allergy) in East Asian people
  • Whether Japanese people can read and speak Chinese
  • Whether Japanese people eat Japanese food everyday
  • Whether Japanese people are good with their hands
  • Whether Japanese TV is as crazy as many people think
  • 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 Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the article that inspired this episode.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Is "Suzume no Tojimari" BAD? (Dissecting Makoto Shinkai's Latest Movie) | Ichimon Japan 7921 Feb 202401:36:20

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!

  • Support on Patreon
    https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi
    https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Our previous episodes about Makoto Shinkai movies.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

61 What is a famiresu? (About Japanese "Family Restaurants")21 Jun 202201:00:16

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 ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Due to time constraints, no links for sources will be provided for this episode. All information mentioned in this episode can be found online from Japanese and English sources. If you would like a specific citation, please reach out and I can either provide you with the specific link or relevant information.

Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Famiresu
    • ファミレス (n) (abbr) (See ファミリーレストラン) family restaurant
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

60 What is "yōshoku"? (About Japanese "Western Food"07 May 202200:55:13

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 Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Due to time constraints, no links for sources will be provided for this episode. All information mentioned in this episode can be found online from Japanese and English sources. If you would like a specific citation, please reach out and I can either provide you with the specific link or relevant information.

Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Yōshoku
    • 洋食 【ようしょく】 (n) (1) (See 和食) Western food; Western dish; Western cooking; (n) (2) Japanized Western cuisine
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

59 How do you say trombone in Japanese? (About the World War II Katakana Word "Ban")06 Apr 202201:05:22

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do you say "trombone" in Japanese? The main topics for this episode include the many uses of katakana in Japanese and how nationalists in Japan appear to have wanted people to use less katakana words during World War II.

Topics Discussed
  • About how the Japanese writing system works
  • The many different uses of katakana
  • The fact that words of foreign origin are not always written in katakana
  • How much of Japanese uses words that originated in Chinese
  • How the Japanese word for coffee has kanji
  • How the scholar Utagawa Yōan assigned kōhī (coffee) its kanji
  • How the code from The Matrix has katakana in it
  • About ateji
  • How there were efforts during World War II to eliminate the use of foreign/katakana words in Japan
  • About Japan's unofficial World War II katakana word "ban"
  • How baseball teams in Japan changed their names in an effort to not go against the nationalist sentiment around the time of World War II
  • Some funny examples of needlessly long and complicated Japanese versions of foreign words
  • The Japanese words for curry, korokke, cider, saxophone, violin, trombone
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Due to time constraints, no links for sources will be provided for this episode. All information mentioned in this episode can be found online from Japanese and English sources. If you would like a specific citation, please reach out and I can either provide you with the specific link or relevant information.

Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Rappa
    • ラッパ : 喇叭 【らっぱ; ラッパ】 (n) (uk) trumpet; horn; bugle
  • Shiru
    • 汁 : 汁(P); 液 【しる(P); つゆ(液)】 (n,n-suf) (1) juice; sap
  • Funshutsu
    • 噴出 【ふんしゅつ】 (n,vs,vt,vi) spewing; gushing; spouting; eruption; effusion
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
58 Should you watch "In This Corner of the World?" (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni)07 Mar 202200:51:23

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)
  • Trivia about In This Corner of the World
  • Kappa Taisen
  • The use of the Hiroshima dialect in In This Corner of the World
  • About the ending of In This Corner of the World
  • The normal vs entended cut of In This Corner of the World
  • 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 Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the trailer of In This Corner of the World(Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni).

Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

You can support JapanKyo by buying a shirt from Kimito Designs!

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Omiai
    • お見合い 【おみあい】 (n,vs) (See 見合い) formal marriage interview
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
57 Why is Argentina "Aruzenchin" in Japanese?21 Feb 202200:07:45

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 patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Don't forget to check out the previous episode of Ichimon Japan.

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

You can support JapanKyo by buying a shirt from Kimito Designs!

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Aruzenchin
    • アルゼンチン : 亜爾然丁 【アルゼンチン】 (n) (uk) Argentina
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

56 What katakana words do you hate? (Funny/confusing/annoying katakana words)07 Feb 202201:01:35

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What katakana words do you hate? Basically, we're talking about funny, quirky and annoying katakana words!

Topics Discussed
  • Katakana-ified words that people hate
  • Annoying katakana pronunciations
  • Some possible reasons for why katakana words are pronounced in peculiar ways
  • How katakana words are sometimes closer to the original pronunciation of the word they were adapted from than the English counterpart
  • The use of the letter W in Japanese
  • The puzzling way some Western names are transliterated into Japanese
  • Paella in Japan
  • How katakana can be helpful when reading foreign names
  • Katakana words that sound like they are plural even though they may not be
  • How the word "taco" is written both tako and takosu in 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 and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

To check out the tweet by Chris Walsh taht inspired this episode use the link below.

Here's the latest JapanKyo Docs video. Please watch, subscribe, give it a like and comment!

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

Here's a link for the "famous Japanese dogs" episode of Ichimon Japan.

You can support JapanKyo by buying a shirt from Kimito Designs!

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Kame
    • 亀 【かめ(P); カメ(P)】 (n) (1) tortoise; turtle
  • Inu
    • 犬 : 犬(P); 狗 【いぬ(P); イヌ】 (n) (1) dog (Canis (lupus) familiaris)
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

55 What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia)07 Jan 202201:11:43

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is that sound? This time we're talking about Japanese onomatopoeia and yes, we're talking about some really wacky ones too!

Topics Discussed
  • About onomatopoeia in Japanese
  • How onomatopoeia are used in Japanese
  • The difference between giongo and gitaigo
  • What giongo are
  • What gitaigo are
  • Examples of giongo
  • What donburako means
  • The story of Momotaro
  • What jirojiro means
  • What shīn means
  • What gān means
  • What utouto means
  • What pekopeko means
  • The multiple meanings of pekopeko
  • Some of the funniest and most confusing sound effects in manga
  • The crazy sound effects of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
  • 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 Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

If you want to learn more about Japanese onomatopoeia, you may want to check out the English language articles below.

This is the article that has the scans of the manga pages we used during the second half of the episode.

To listen to the Ichimon Japan episode about Momotaro, check out the link below.

 

Check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

 

You can support JapanKyo by buying a shirt from Kimito Designs!

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Giongo
    • 擬音語 【ぎおんご】 (n) {ling} onomatopoeic word
  • Gitaigo
    •  
    • 擬態語 【ぎたいご】 (n) {ling} (e.g., じめじめ、ゆったり) phenomime; mimetic word; word that mimics an action, condition, or manner that does not make a sound (e.g. "damp", "calmly")
  • Mukade
    • むかで (gikun) (n) centipede
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

54 Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan?07 Dec 202100:29:25

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 the Mario Kart ride at Super Nintendo World
  • About the Yoshi's Adventure ride
  • The size of Universal Studios Japan
  • Christmas churros
  • 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 Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

For more information on Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan, visit the official website below.

 

Check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Shodoku
    • 消毒 【しょうどく】 (n,vs,vt) disinfection; sterilization; sterilisation
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

53 What are "buruma?" (The History of Japanese School Uniforms and the "Bloomers" Scandal)07 Nov 202100:54:15

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Whar are buruma?

Topics Discussed
  • What buruma/bloomers are
  • A brief overview of the history of school uniforms in Japan
  • About the gakuran style school uniform
  • About the supposed link between gakuran uniforms and Prussian military uniforms
  • About sailor uniforms (sērā fuku)
  • About "blazer" style uniforms
  • The controversy over whether it was a school in Kyoto or Fukuoka that first introduced the sailor uniform in Japan
  • The "second button" tradition
  • The story behind why schools across Japan began having female students wear bloomers in the 1960s and why they stopped in the 1990s
  • The urban legend that bloomers became popular due to the Japanese women's volleyball team wearing them in the 1964 Olympics
  • The 1993 incident in Singapore that was the final straw that led to the disappearance of bloomers from schools in Japan
  • About girls being able to wear slacks instead of skirts as part of their school uniforms
  • About koromogae (changing school uniforms in accordance with the change of the seasons)
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode.

Here is a video of the Japanese women's volleyball team competing in the finals of the 1964 Olympics.

To learn about weird/antiquiated/pointless school rules in Japan check out the episode of Ichimon Japan linked to below.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Seifuku
    • 制服 【せいふく】 (n) uniform
  • Sērā fuku
    • セーラー服 【セーラーふく】 (n) sailor suit; middy uniform
  • Burumā
    • ブルマー : ブルマ; ブルマー; ブルーマー; ブルーマーズ; ブルマーズ (n) (1) bloomers; (n) (2) (girls') gym shorts
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
ANNOUNCEMENT: JapanKyo Docs Now On YouTube!!!!23 Oct 202100:02:36

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!

And in case you haven't listened to the Tokyo Splosion podcast, here's a link! It's a really fun show.

Tales from the Tokaido Road: About the Tokaido Challenge | Ichimon Japan 7821 Jan 202400:54:08

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!

  • Support on Patreon
    https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi
    https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out the Tokaido Challenge video series on the JapanKyo YouTube!

 

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

52 What are gyaru? (About the Slang, Fashion and History of Japan's Gyaru/Gal)07 Oct 202101:01:47

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are gyaru?

Topics Discussed
  • What the term gyaru/gal means/refers to
  • About the word gyaru
  • How the word gyaru was used in Dragonball by Master Roshi
  • What a kogyaru/kogal is
  • About the singer Namie Amuro and her role in popularizing the gyaru subculture
  • About Ayumi Hamasaki's influence on the gyaru subculture
  • About the supposed but unconfirmed connection between the gyaru subculture and the American TV show Baywatch, as well as Pamela Anderson
  • About the iconic "loose socks" (lūzusokkusu)
  • About E.G. Smith, the supposed origin of loose socks
  • An interesting linguistic quirk about the Japanese term for "loose socks"
  • About ganguro and yamanba gyaru and their dark tans
  • About ageha gyaru
  • The connection between gyaru, eurobeat and parapara
  • What eurobeat is
  • What parapara is
  • Contemporary gyaru
  • What gyarugo is
  • Examples of popular gyaru slang
  • What karipaku means
  • What MK5 means
  • What ChōSW means
  • What sumisu means
  • What ATM means
  • What gachi means
  • What agepoyo/sagepoyo mean
  • What doron means
  • What tehepero means
  • What gekiokopunpunmaru means
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode.

To check out the "snakes in a well" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Pichipichi
    • ぴちぴち (adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) bursting with youth and energy (esp. young woman); vivaciously young; spunky; energetic; (adv-to) (2) (on-mim) (fish) jumping around energetically (e.g. when caught in a net); (adj-no) (3) (on-mim) bursting (e.g. seams); tight; (adv-to) (4) (on-mim) splattering (e.g. cooking oil)
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
51 Why do hands come out of the toilet in Japan? (About Japanese toilet hands, ghosts, yokai and urban legends)07 Sep 202101:03:07

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do hands come out of the toilet in Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • Japanese stories/legends/folklore/urban legends (toshi densetsu) involving hands, toilets and hands coming out of toilets
  • The hand in the bathroom/toilet from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
  • The story of Akai Kami Aoi Kami (Red Paper, Blue Paper) and its various versions
  • The hilarious butt licking red/white variant of the Red Paper, Blue Paper urban legend
  • The Akai Manto/Aka Manto story/urban legend/monster
  • The urban legend/story of Yoji Baba
  • The Sanji Baba
  • About the yōkai kainade nad its love of butt touching
  • The story of  Toire no Hanako-san (Hanako of the Toilet)
  • Hanako's appearance
  • Different versions of the Hanako-san story
  • The three headed lizard version of the Hanako story
  • The supposed real story from Iwate Prefecture on which Hanako might have been based
  • How according to somewhat dubious sources Hanako's real name might be Ikuko Hasegawa (emphasis on might)
  • Why Hanako might be named Hanako
  • Whether Hanako should be considered a yōkai or a yūrei
  • About the website toiletmagazine.jp and the Japan Toilet Research Center
  • Stories about kappa touching women's butts
  • The yōkai known as Kanbari nyūdō and its habit of peeking on people in the bathroom
  • Variations of the kanbari nyūdoō story/yōkai
  • A theory for why there's so many yōkai and monsters that do stuff to people's butts while they are on the toilet
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode.

You can watch the full 1995 live action movie Toire no Hanako-san here.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Kami
    • 紙 【かみ】 (n) paper; (P); 【し】 ; (suf,ctr) (abbr) (See 新聞紙・1) newspaper
  • Kawaya
    • 厠 【かわや】 (n) (dated) privy; toilet
  • Massao
    • 真っ青 : 真っ青(P); まっ青; 真青 【まっさお】 (adj-na,n) (1) deep blue; bright blue; (adj-na,n) (2) ghastly pale; pallid; white as a sheet
  • Washiki
    • 和式 【わしき】 (adj-no,n) Japanese-style (esp. in reference to squat toilets)
  • Yōshiki
    • 洋式 【ようしき】 (adj-no,n) (1) Western-style; foreign; (n) (2) (abbr) Western-style toilet
  • Naderu
    • 撫でる 【なでる】 (v1,vt) (1) to stroke; to caress; to brush gently; to pat; to rub; (v1,vt) (2) to comb (hair); to smooth down
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
50 Is Yamaguchi cursed to have"ugly" girls? (Places in Japan Known for "Beautiful" & "Ugly" Women)21 Aug 202100:52:22

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Yamaguchi cursed to have "ugly" girls? We also discuss other places in Japan known for having many beautiful/ugly women.

Topics Discussed
  • The three most scenic views in Japan
  • What the Sandaibijin (三大美人) is
  • What places in Japan are most known for having beautiful women
  • Fukuoka (Hakata), Akita, and Kyoto's status as places in Japan known for having many beautiful women
  • How Kanazawa/Ishikawa/Kaga is known for having beautiful women
  • Some theories about why Hakata, Akita and Kyoto (supposedly) have so many beautiful women
  • The theory that short days and humid climate contributes to the white and moist skin of Akita's women
  • How white/fair skin is considered beautiful by many in Japan
  • The theory that the women of Kyoto are cultured and refined so that results in there being so many beautiful women in Kyoto
  • The theory that collagen consumption via motsunabe and chicken helps produce the beautiful women of Hakata
  • How pleasure districts might be connected to the impression that Akita, Fukuoka, and Kyoto have many beautiful women
  • The idea that the Sea of Japan side of Japan is home to many beautiful women
  • The theory that genetic mixing may be a reason for why the Sea of Japan side of Japan supposedly has so many beautiful women
  • What the Sandaibusu (三大ブス) is
  • The three places in Japan known for having "ugly women"
  • Sendai, Nagoya, and Mito's status as the three places in Japan known for having many ugly women
  • The theory that claims Tokugawa Yoshifusa sent groups of "ugly" women to Sendai, Nagoya, and Wakayama
  • Nagoya's reputation as a boring place
  • The so-called urban legend that women from Yamaguchi are all ugly
  • The story of Oman's curse as a possible explanation for why women from Yamaguchi are supposedly ugly
  • Throwing snakes at women
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

 

 

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Bijin
  • Busu
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
49 Does "Your Name" live up to the hype? (Discussing Kimi no Na wa)07 Aug 202101:05:26

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Does "Your Name" live up to the hype?

Topics Discussed
  • Whether the movie Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) is as good as many people say it is
  • The reception of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) within Japan and abroad
  • The basic plot of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
  • Some potential problems with the plot of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
  • The work of Makoto Shinkai
  • Theories about what Mitsuha was going to write on Taki's hand
  • Possible loopholes and some possible explanations
  • Mitsuha's name and one possible explanation for its origin
  • The Radwimps music and how Radwimps collaborated with Makoto Shinkai
  • Whether we like Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
  • And much more!
 

 

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

To learn more about B & B Bad Sisters, check out the links below.

To listen to the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, use the link below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Kimi
    • 君 : 君(P); 公 【きみ】 (pn) (1) (male) (fam) (also used colloquially by young females) you; buddy; pal; (n)
  • Na
    • 名 【な】 (n) (1) name; given name
  • Gōkon
    • 合コン 【ごうコン】 (n,vs) (abbr) (See 合同コンパ) joint party (e.g. by students from several colleges); combined party; mixer; two or more groups, esp. female and male students, combining for a party
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Featured image: Press Release

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
ANNOUUNCEMENT I (Co)Created a Manga Crypto Universe (About B & B Bad Sisters)30 Jul 202100:08:12

For more information on B & B Bad Sisters, check out the official website.

Here's the link for the B & B Bad Sisters NFT shop.

Follow B & B Bad Sisters on social media.

Here's affiliate links for cryptocurrency exchanges. If you use any of these links to purchase cryptocurrency you might get a sign up bonus. Typically, these sign up bonuses are free Bitcoin. However, each exchange does things a bit differently so you may want to check what is required in order to receive the sign up bonus. Also if you use these affiliate links and receive the bonus, then I would receive a small referral bonus as well.

48 What are Japan's most famous dogs? (5 Famous Japanese Dogs + an Afro Dog)21 Jul 202101:00:25

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are Japan's most famous dogs?

Topics Discussed
  • Who Japan's most famous dogs are
  • About Yukimaru, Prince Shotoku Taishi's beloved dog
  • About Prince Shotoku Taishi
  • Yukimaru's supposed ability to talk to Shotoku Taishi and chant Buddhist sutras
  • The drone Nara made based on Yukimaru
  • Sakhalin huskies/Karafuto-ken
  • The story of Taro and Jiro
  • The movie Nankyoku Monogatari (Antarctica)
  • The character Afro Ken and the Afro Ken OVA
  • Saigo Takamori's dog Tsun
  • Tsun the dog's droopy ears
  • Saigo Takamori's statue at Ueno Park
  • The story of Hachiko the dog
  • The argument over whether Hachiko's birthday was on November 10th, 14th, or 20th
  • About Saito Hirokichi
  • The Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station
  • The history of the Hachiko statue
  • Hachiko's droopy left ear and not curly tail
  • How Hachiko's grandson Tetsu supposedly got eaten as sukiyaki
  • Hachiko's death
  • The yakitori skewers found in Hachiko's stomach after his death
  • Utilizing Hachiko as a nationalistic symbol
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

To purchase Empire of Dogs: Canines, Japan and the Making of the Modern Imperial World please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.

Here are the videos of the theme songs of the Yukimaru mascot character.

Here is the video of the Afro-Ken OVA.

To watch the Japanese TV show about the story of Hachiko that was mentioned during this episode, use the links below. The episode is split up into multiple parts.

Here is the JapanKyo.com article about Nara's Yukimaru drone.

Here are the previous Ichimon Japan episodes that were mentioned during this one.

To listen to the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, use the link below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Kotowaza
    • ことわざ (n) proverb; saying; aphorism; maxim
  • Inu
    • 犬 : 犬(P); 狗 【いぬ(P); イヌ】 (n) (1) dog (Canis (lupus) familiaris)
  • Aiken
    • 愛犬 【あいけん】 (n) (1) pet dog; beloved dog
  • Sōri
    • 総理 : 総理(P); 綜理 【そうり】 (n) (1) (abbr) (See 内閣総理大臣) prime minister (as the head of a cabinet government); premier; (n,vs) (2) (orig. meaning) leading; overseeing; leader; overseer; president
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

47 What was good and bad about your JET experience? (Reminiscing About the JET Programme)07 Jul 202100:56:35

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was good and bad about your JET experience?

Topics Discussed
  • What the JET Programme is
  • The various positions available to JET applicants
  • Some troubles experienced while on the JET Programme
  • Rural placements
  • Japan's shrinking population
  • On getting placed in Yamagata Prefecture
  • On the lack of privacy that comes with living in a rural place in Japan
  • Positive experiences while on JET
  • Unique tangential experiences
  • How seeing example of bad teaching can be helpful
  • On making friends while on JET
  • On dealing with cold weather
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here's a few English language articles that I came across while preparing for this episode.

Here is a link to the page containing the details about the Japanese survey mentioned in this episode.

Use the link below to check out the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Gaikokugoshidōjoshu
    • 外国語指導助手 【がいこくごしどうじょしゅ】 (n) assistant language teacher; ALT; foreign national serving as an assistant teacher of English in a Japanese classroom
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

46 Did Tama-chan the seal save the world and cause immigration reform? (About Pana-Wave Laboratory)21 Jun 202100:47:34

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Did Tama-chan the seal save the world and cause immigration reform?

Topics Discussed
  • The story of the famous seal that appeared in Tokyo's Tama River in the summer of 2002
  • About Tama-chan the seal
  • How Tama-chan being granted a jūminhyō (residency certificate) by Yokohama's Nishi Ward led to foreigners protesting this action
  • The last sighting of Tama-chan
  • About Pana-Wave Laboratory
  • The GLA (God Light Association)
  • How Yuko Chino splintered off from the GLA
  • The creation of Chino Shōhō (True Law of Chino) and Pana-Wave Laboratory
  • Pana-Wave Laboratory's caravan in 2003
  • The extensive media coverage of the Pana-Wave Laboratory caravan in 2003
  • The all white appearance of Pana-Wave Laboratory members
  • Why Pana-Wave Laboratory members wore all white
  • Chino Yuko's doomsday prophecies
  • Chino Yuko's claim that a 10th planet called Nibiru would cause the end of the world
  • Pana-Wave Laboratory's efforts to construct a UFO
  • Salvador Jimenez Murguia's experiences in Fukui while researching Pana-Wave Laboratory members
  • The attempted capture of Tama-chan the seal by Pana-Wave Laboratory members
  • Other seals that appeared in the Tokyo river system after Tama-chan disappeared
  • Whether Tama-chan could still be alive
  • And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

The article by Salvador Jimenez Murguia that is mentioned multiple times during this episode is called Re-enchanting a Religio-Scientific Experience: Understanding the Extraordinary Within the Pana-Wave Laboratory. It used to be available for download via this link. However, as of late June 2021 the PDF of the article is no longer available via this page  The reason for this is unclear so if you do want to read it, you may want to check the link in case it has become availalbe again.

Here is a video of Pana-Wave Laboratory shot during the infamous 2003 caravan.

Here's a video of Tama-chan.

And here is a video of another seal hat showed up in Tokyo: Ara-chan.

For the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, see the link below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Azarashi
    • アザラシ : 海豹 【あざらし; かいひょう; アザラシ】 (n) (uk) (See 海驢) true seal (animal); earless seal
  • Agohigeazarashi
    • アゴヒゲアザラシ 《顎鬚海豹》 【あごひげあざらし】 (n) (uk) bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus)
  • Jūminhyō
    • 住民票 【じゅうみんひょう】 (n) certificate of residence
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes  

 

45 What is a yankī or furyō? (About Japanese Teenage Delinquent Culture)07 Jun 202100:56:52

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a yankī or furyō?

Topics Discussed
  • What a furyō is
  • The literal meaning of furyō
  • All about juvenile delinquent culture in Japan
  • The possible origin of the term furyō
  • What a yankī is
  • The possible origins of the Japanese term yankī and its links to Osaka's Amemura area
  • What a tsuppari is
  • Classic furyo fashion
  • About the rīzento (pompadour/duck's tail) hairstyle
  • How furyō would alter their gakuran (school uniforms)
  • About dokan and bontan pants
  • What a sukeban is
  • The stereotypical appearance of a sukeban
  • About Sukeban Deka
  • A theory about why furyo started shaving off their eyebrows
  • Dying one's hair blonde and associations with juvenile delinquency in Japan
  • Japanese school rules
  • The "two block" (tsūburokku) hairstyle
  • How the idea of a furyo has changed over time
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

Here is a link to a channel run by a guy who creates a lot of content about his life with a pompadour.

Here is the video about Sukeban Deka.

Here's another related video about a sukeban shows that you might enjoy.

To learn more about Shoe Murakami, check out the Japan Station episode below.

Shoe also appears on episode 38 of Ichimon Japan.

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station, see the link below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Furyō
    • 不良 【ふりょう】 (adj-no,adj-na,n) (1) bad; poor; inferior; (n,adj-no,adj-na) (2) delinquent; hoodlum; hooligan
  • Yankī
    • ヤンキー (n) (1) (col) delinquent (youth); delinquency; (n) (2) Yankee
  • Tsuppari
    • ツッパリ (n) delinquent youth; delinquent youngster
  • Furyōkōishōnen
    • 不良行為少年 【ふりょうこういしょうねん】 (n) (See 不良・2) juvenile delinquent
  • Gakuran
    • 学ラン : 学ラン; 学らん; 学蘭 【がくラン(学ラン); がくらん(学らん,学蘭)】 (n) (col) school uniform for boys, often with stand-up collar, long jacket and loose trousers
  • Bōsōzoku
    • 暴走族 【ぼうそうぞく】 (n) (See 珍走団) young motorcycle-riding delinquents; bōsōzoku;
  • Rīzento
    • リーゼント (n) (abbr) (See リーゼントスタイル) Regent hairstyle; ducktail; Pompadour
  • Tsūburokku
    • ツーブロック : ツーブロック; ツー・ブロック (n) undercut (hairstyle) (wasei: two block)
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

44 Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan? (About Taketori Monogatari)21 May 202101:05:09

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • An overview of the story of Kaguya Hime (Taketori Monogatari, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter)
  • The history of Taketori Monogatari
  • How the tale of Kaguya Hime is sometimes called Japan's first science fiction story
  • Peculiarities and confusing things found in the story of Kaguya Hime
  • A breakdown of the part in Taketori Monogatari when the five suitors try to win Kaguya Hime's hand in marriage
  • The epilogue of Taketori Monogatari and how it is used to explain the origins of the name of Mt. Fuji
  • The 1987 film Princess from the Moon (Taktori Monogatari)
  • Theories that say that Kaguya Hime is an alien from the moon
  • The confusing and disjointed nature of the tale of Kaguya Hime
  • How Taketori Monogatari appears to have no clear moral or lesson for the reader
  • Interpretations of the meaning behind Taketori Monogatari
  • Whether the story of Kaguya Hime is proof that aliens visited Japan
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

Here is the video that was produced for the Apollo 20 hoax.

Check out the last scene of the 1987 science fiction adaptation of Kaguya Hime (Princess from the Moon).

If you'd like to listen to the episode of Ichimon Japan about the story of Momotaro, use the link below.

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Monogatari
    • 物語 : 物語(P); 物語り 【ものがたり】 (n) story; tale; narrative; account; fable; legend
  • Take
    • 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae)
  • Tenjin
    • 天人 【てんじん】 (n) God and man; heaven and man; 【てんにん; あめひと(ok); あまびと(ok)】 ; (n) heavenly being; celestial being; celestial nymph; celestial maiden
  • Tennyo
    • 天女 【てんにょ】 (n) (1) heavenly nymph; celestial maiden; (n) (2) beautiful and kind woman
  • Hagoromo
    • 羽衣 【はごろも(P); うい】 (n) (1) angel's raiment; robe of feathers; (n) (2) wings of birds or insects; plumage of birds
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Japan's TOP 5 MASCOTS Ranked for 2023 | Ichimon Japan 7821 Dec 202300:40:33

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!

  • Support on Patreon
    https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi
    https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the full list for the 2023 Yuruverse Grand Prix competition

Here is the video of the coronavirus fighting Japanese mascot Koronon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-a975JMdCY

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

43 How do you count that in Japanese? (How to Count Chopsticks, UFOs, Centaurs & More in Japanese)07 May 202101:01:33

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do you count that in Japanese?

Topics Discussed
  • The counter system used in Japanese
  • Japanese counter suffixes
  • The sometimes confusing nature of Japanese counters
  • The correct suffix for counting chopsticks in Japanese
  • Various counters used with different kinds of chopsticks
  • How to properly count squid in Japanese
  • How the shape of a fish can affect what counter you use to count it
  • The correct way to count gods (kami) in Japanese
  • Counters in Chinese and English
  • The various ways to count robots in Japanese
  • How the speaker's intent can influence what counter they use to count something
  • Using the counter -hiki as a way to insult someone or for comedic effect
  • How you count UFOs in Japanese
  • The many different things the counter -tai can be used for
  • What counter you should use when counting centaurs and minotaurs in Japanese
  • Counters used for counting fictional beings in Japanese
  • Some of the factors that go into whether a fantastical creature should be counted using the counter suffix for humans or not
  • What counter suffix should be used to count Doraemon
  • Counting Pokemon
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

Here are some of the other Ichimon Japan episodes that were mentioned on this one.

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station via the link below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • (O)hashi
    • 箸 【はし】 (n) chopsticks
  • Hitosoroi
    • 一揃い : 一揃い; 一そろい; ひと揃い 【ひとそろい】 (n) a set; a suit
  • Ichigu
    • 一具 【いちぐ】 (n) one set
  • Hitokumi
    • 一組 : 一組; 1組; ひと組 【ひとくみ; いちくみ(一組,1組)】 (n) one class; one set; a pair; a suite; a series
  • Ika
    • イカ : 烏賊(P); 鰞 【いか(P); イカ】 (n) (uk) cuttlefish; squid
  • Tokkuri/Tokuri
    • 徳利 【とっくり; とくり】 (n) (1) sake bottle; tall and slender bottle with a narrow mouth made from ceramic, metal or glass that can be used for sake, shoyu or rice vinegar; (n) (2) turtleneck (sweater); (n) (3) non-swimmer; person who cannot swim
  • Hai
    • 杯; 盃 【はい】 ; (n) (1) (See 杯・さかずき) sake cup; cup for alcoholic beverages; (ctr) (2) counter for cupfuls, bowlfuls, spoonfuls, etc.; (ctr) (3) counter for boats; (ctr) (4) counter for octopuses and squid; (n-suf) (5) (See アジア杯) cup (in sports); championship; : 坏; 杯
  • Kami
    • 神 【かみ】 (n) (1) god; deity; divinity; spirit; kami; (n-pref,adj-na) (2) (sl) (See 神対応) incredible; fantastic; amazing; (n) (3) (hon) (arch) Emperor (of Japan); (n) (4) (arch) thunder; (P); : 神; 霊 【み】 ; (n) (arch) soul; spirit; divine spirit; 【かむ; かん】 ; (n-pref) (See 神主・かんぬし・1) divine; godly; 【しん; じん】 ; (n) (1) spirit; psyche; (n) (2) (See 神・かみ・1) god; deity; divinity; kami
  • Za
    • 座 【ざ】 (n) (1) seat; place; (n) (2) position; status; (n) (3) gathering; party; company; atmosphere (of a gathering); (n) (4) stand; pedestal; platform; (n) (5) (historical) trade guild; (suf) (6) attaches to the names of constellations; (suf) (7) attaches to the names of theatres, cinemas and theatrical troupes; (suf,ctr) (8) (See 里神楽) counter for theatres, deities, Buddhist images, tall mountains, and satokagura songs
  • Hashira
    • 柱 【はしら】 (n) (1) pillar; post; (n) (2) support; prop; mainstay; (suf,ctr) (3) counter for buddhas, gods, nobles, etc.; (P); 【じゅう】 ; (n) fret (of a biwa); 【ちゅう; じ】 ; (n,n-suf) (1) bridge (of a koto, etc.); (n,n-suf) (2) (ちゅう only) cylinder; prism
  • Hitobashira
    • 人柱 【ひとばしら】 (n) human pillar; human sacrifice
  • Dai
    • 台 【だい】 (n,n-suf) (1) stand; rack; table; bench; podium; pedestal; platform; stage; (n,n-suf) (2) support; holder; rack; (ctr) (3) counter for machines, incl. vehicles; (n) (4) setting (e.g. in jewellery); (n,n-suf,ctr) (5) (See 代・だい・2,代・だい・6) level (e.g. price level); range (e.g. after physical units); period (of time, e.g. a decade of one's life); (n) (6) elevated area; (n) (7) viewing platform; (n) (8) (See 台盤・1) dish tray; (n) (9) (arch) meal; (n) (10) (arch) (See 高殿) tall building; tower
  • Ki
    • 機 【き】 (n) (1) chance; opportunity; (n,n-suf) (2) machine; (n,n-suf) (3) aircraft; (ctr) (4) counter for aircraft; (ctr) (5) counter for remaining lives (in video games)
  • Tai
    • 体 : 体(P); 身体; 躰; 躯 【からだ】 (n) (1) (からだ is a gikun reading of 身体) (See 身体・しんたい) body; (n) (2) torso; trunk; (n) (3) build; physique; frame; figure; (n) (4) health; constitution; (n) (5) (arch) corpse; dead body; (P); : 体; 態 【てい】 ; (n) appearance; air; condition; state; form; 【たい】 ; (n,n-suf) (1) body; physique; posture; (n,n-suf) (2) shape; form; style; (n,n-suf) (3) substance; identity; reality; (n,n-suf) (4) {math} field; (ctr) (5) counter for humanoid forms (e.g. dolls, statues, corpses, etc.); (n,n-suf) (6) typeface; type
  • Hiki
    • 匹 : 匹(P); 疋 【ひき(P); き】 (ctr) (1) (ひき only) counter for small animals; (ctr) (2) counter for rolls of cloth (two han in size); (ctr) (3) (き only) (arch) counter for horses; (n) (4) roll of cloth
    • 頭【とう】 ; (ctr) counter for large animals (e.g. head of cattle); counter for insects in a collection; counter for helmets, masks, etc.
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

42 What is Kansai-ben? (All About the Kansai Dialect)21 Apr 202100:56:34

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Kansai-ben?

Topics Discussed
  • What the Kansai dilaect is
  • The different that are found within the Kansai region of Japan
  • Osaka-ben vs other dialects within the Kansai-ben umbrella
  • The stereotype of the Ōsaka no obachan (older lady from Osaka)
  • Leopard print clothing
  • Who uses ōkini and where it is typically used
  • The characteristic intonation of the Kansai dialect
  • Switching back and forth between the "standard" Japanese dialect and the Kansai dialect
  • Vowel elongation in the Kansai dialect
  • "S" sounds being switched out for "h" sounds in the Kansai dialect
  • The Keihan train line
  • The Keihan train line's Okeihan mascot character
  • The -hen suffix
  • How dialects from regions close in proximity to one another tend to share more similarities than dialects from regions far apart.
  • About nandeyanen
  • About aho and its usage
  • Hard to believe theories about the etymology of aho
  • About meccha
  • The etymology of ōkini
  • About shānai
  • About akan
  • The origin of akan
  • What rachi ga akanai means
  • About chau and the famous chow chow chau pun
  • What bokobokoegui means
  • What dabo means
  • How many people perceive the Osaka and Kyoto dialects
  • Usage of the Kansai dialect by yakuza
  • Learning the Kansai dialect
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station via the link below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Yaoya
    • 八百屋 【やおや】 (n) greengrocer; fruit and vegetable shop
  • Nandedyanen
    • なんでやねん (exp,int) (ksb:) what the hell?; what are you going on about?; what the hell are you doing?; you've got to be kidding
  • Meccha
    • めっちゃ (ateji) (adv) (sl) (ksb:) very; extremely; excessively
  • Akan
    • あかん (exp) (ksb:) useless; no good; hopeless
  • Rachi ga akanai
  • Shaanai
    • しゃあない (exp) (ksb:) it can't be helped; so it goes; c'est la vie
  • Chau
    • ちゃう (int) (1) (ksb:) no; that's wrong; it's not like that; (exp) (2) (ksb:) isn't it?; wasn't it?
  • Chigau
    • 違う 【ちがう】 (v5u,vi) (1) to differ (from); to vary; (v5u,vi) (2) to not be in the usual condition; (v5u,vi) (3) to not match the correct (answer, etc.); (v5u,vi) (4) (See 話が違う) to be different from promised; (exp) (5) (ksb:) (at sentence-end; oft. as 〜のと違うか) isn't it?; wasn't it?; (P); 【たがう】 ; (v5u,vi) (1) to differ; to be different; (v5u,vi) (2) to run counter to; (v5u,vi) (3) to change (into something out of the ordinary)
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Illustration in featured image: By Rhama based on concept by Tony Vega

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

41 Are rabbits counted as birds because eating meat was taboo in japan? (About the History of Meat "Bans" & the Counter -wa))07 Apr 202101:12:11

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Are rabbits counted as birds because eating meat was taboo in Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • The practice of counting rabbits as if they were birds in Japanese
  • Whether Japanese people eat meat
  • What exactly qualifies as meat
  • The history of meats "bans" in Japan
  • The hypocritical and dubious nature of meat "bans" in Japan
  • What the earliest written Japanese records say about meat consumption in Japan
  • The influence Buddhism had on the practice of eating meat in early Japanese history
  • The declaration by Emperor Tenmu in April of 675 AD that prohibited people from eating meat in Japan
  • How the consumption of wild game was tacitly permitted throughout much of Japanese history
  • A description of a Heian era feast involving bear paws and rabbit spleens
  • Possible penalties faced by those who ate meet
  • Having to fast for eating meat
  • The arrival of the Portuguese in Japan and the hard time they supposedly had adjusting to the Japanese diet
  • The Tokugawa's promotion of Buddhist culture and ideas
  • Meat bans and meat eating during the Edo Period
  • Shops in Edo that sold the meat of wild game
  • The discrimination faced by people who slaughtered animals and tanned hides
  • Consuming meat for medicinal purposes
  • How meat consumption was looked at in a much more positive light during the Meiji Period
  • An incident in 1872 in which Buddhist priests broke into the Imperial Palace due to opposing the Emperor's promotion of meat consumption
  • The death of the historical Buddha
  • The counter system in Japanese
  • What the Japanese counter -hiki (匹)is usually used for
  • What the Japanese counter - (頭) is usually used for
  • The supposed "correct" way to count rabbits in Japanese
  • Various theories about why -wa, the counter that is normally used to count birds, is supposed to be used to count rabbits as well
  • The rabbits are counted using -wa because their ears resemble wings theory
  • The similar flavor and net theory
  • A theory that says that -wa is supposed to be used to count rabbits because of the kanji used to write rabbit in Japanese
  • The theory that people decided to count rabbits in the same way they count birds because they wanted to create a loophole in order to get away with eating meat
  • An atypical reading of the kanji for rabbit
  • How butterflies are counted using the same counter used for livestock in Japanese
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

For mroe information about Japan's relationship with so-called meat bans, you can check out the article below. This is the one that was found on the Kikkoman website.

Here is another English-language reference.

Here are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sources for this episode.

To check out the two shirts inspired by today's episode, use the links below. Or you can just go to KimitoDesigns.com. Any purchases from KimitoDesigns.com will support this show.

Here's some of the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned in this episode.

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Usagi
    • うさぎ (n) rabbit; hare; coney; cony; lagomorph (esp. leporids)
  • Hane, -wa, u
    •  
    • 羽 : 羽(P); 羽根(P) 【はね(P); は(羽)】 (n) (1) feather; plume; down; (n) (2) wing; (n) (3) (羽根 only) blade (of a fan, propeller, etc.); (n) (4) (はね only) (See シャトル・1) shuttlecock (in badminton); (n) (5) (羽根 only) (also written as 羽子) (See 羽子・はご) shuttlecock (in hanetsuki); (n) (6) (羽根 only) (See 矢羽・やばね) arrow feathers; (P); 【わ(P); ば; ぱ】 ; (ctr) counter for birds, rabbits, etc.; (P); 【う】 ; (n) (See 五音) fifth degree (of the Japanese and Chinese pentatonic scale)
  • Umō
    • 羽毛 【うもう】 (n,adj-no) feathers; plumage; down
  • -hiki
    • 匹 : 匹(P); 疋 【ひき(P); き】 (ctr) (1) (ひき only) counter for small animals; (ctr) (2) counter for rolls of cloth (two han in size); (ctr) (3) (き only) (arch) counter for horses; (n) (4) roll of cloth
  • Atama, Kashira, -tō
    • 頭 【あたま(P); かしら(P)】 (n) (1) head; (n) (2) hair (on one's head); (n) (3) (あたま only) mind; brains; intellect; (n) (4) leader; chief; boss; captain; (n) (5) top; tip; (n) (6) beginning; start; (n) (7) (あたま only) (See 頭数) head; person; (n) (8) (あたま only) (abbr) (See 頭金) down payment; deposit; (n) (9) (かしら only) top structural component of a kanji; (n) (10) (あたま only) (col) {mahj} (See 雀頭・ジャントー) pair; (P); 【とう】 ; (ctr) counter for large animals (e.g. head of cattle); counter for insects in a collection; counter for helmets, masks, etc.
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Illustration in featured image: By Rhama based on concept by Tony Vega

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
40 Do students in Saga Prefecture still have to wear white underwear? (Japanese School Rules Update)02 Apr 202100:17:45

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do students in Saga Prefecture still have to wear white underwear?

Topics Discussed

  • The decision by Saga Prefecture's Board of Education to get rid of an existing rule in some of its schools that made it mandatory for students to wear white underwear under their school uniforms
  • The possibility that some school rules in Japan are human rights violations
  • Whether ten pikachus count as one mascot or ten
  • Japanese school rules regarding student hair color and hairstyles
  • How it seems that there is an increasing push for public schools in Japan to reevaluate their rules and eliminate unnecessary/pointless ones
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is an English-language article about the Saga Prefecture Board of Education's decision to eliminate rules such as the infamous white underwear one.

Here are some Japanese-language articles about the Saga Prefecture Board of Education's decision to reform its school rules.

If you haven't listened to our previous episodes about Japanese school rules and regulations (a.k.a. kōsoku), then check them out via the links below.

 

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Kōsoku
    • 校則 【こうそく】 (n) school regulations
  • Jinken shingai
    • 人権侵害 【じんけんしんがい】 (n) human rights violation
  • Kurubushi
    • 踝 【くるぶし】 (n) (uk) {anat} ankle; malleolus; ankle bone
  • Unaji
    • 項 【うなじ】 (n) (uk) nape (of the neck); nucha

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

Full Show Notes

39 What should I know about Japan's Bubble Era? (A Fun Look at Japan's Infamous Era of Opulence)21 Mar 202100:57:42

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What should I know about Japan's Bubble Era?

Topics Discussed
  • What was Japan's "Bubble Era"
  • The Japanese bubble economy of the late '80s and early '90s
  • Examples of some of the over the top ways people are said to have spent money during Japan's bubble economy era
  • Golden Bomber's "Dance My Generation"
  • Bubble Era fashion trends
  • The colorful suits that were popular for men to wear during the late '80s and early '90s in Japan
  • Popular female hairstyles of Japan's Bubble Era
  • The bodikon dress and the wanren hairstyle
  • What the tosakamaegami hairstyle is
  • About the nightclub Juliana's Tokyo
  • John Robinson's infamous "Tokyo" yell
  • The trend of fake car phone antennas during Japan's Bubble Era
  • Fake TV antennas for cars
  • Trendy words from Japan's Bubble Era
  • The phenomenon of asahan (morning shampoo)
  • The release of Toto's shanpūdoressā in 1985
  • Mitsubishi's Asashan Club
  • How Italian food became popular during Japan's Bubble Era
  • What itameshi is
  • What an Obatarian is
  • The etymology of obatarian
  • The manga Obatarian by Katsuhiko Hotta
  • What "soy sauce face" (shōyugao)
  • What "sauce face" is (sōsugao)
  • What "salt face" is (shiogao)
  • What the "dry war" is (dorai sensō)
  • What a dry beer is
  • Living the bodikon fantasy
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below.

Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below.

To check out Kyle Broyles' previous appearances on the podcast, use the links below.

Here are the main Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

Here is the music video of "Dance My Generation" by Golden Bomber.

Here is the music video for "Tokyo Go" by Joh Robinson. In this song you can hear John Robinson do his trademark "Tokyo!" yell.

Here is the Japanese trailer for Batarian (The Return of the Living Dead).

Here's the commercials mentioned during the dry beer portion of the episode.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Baburu
    • バブル (n) (1) bubble; (n) (2) (abbr) (See バブル経済) bubble economy
  • Baburu keizai
    • バブル経済 【バブルけいざい】 (n) bubble economy
  • Baburu jidai
    • バブル時代 【バブルじだい】 (n) (See バブル景気・バブルけいき) bubble era (of Japan, 1986-1991)
  • Baburu keiki
    • バブル景気 【バブルけいき】 (n) bubble economy (of Japan, 1986-1991)
  • Bodikon
    • ボディコン (adj-no,n) (abbr) (See ボディーコンシャス) body-conscious (look); tight-fitting (clothing)
  • Wanren
    • ワンレン (n) (abbr) (See ワンレングス) haircut of uniform length
  • Tosaka
    • とさか (n) cockscomb; crest
  • Maegami
    • 前髪 【まえがみ】 (n) forelock; bangs
  • Asashan
    • 朝シャン 【あさシャン】 (n,vs) shampooing in the morning
  • Obatarian
    • オバタリアン : オバタリアン; おばたりあん (n) (col) (from おばさん and バタリアン (horror film)) obatarian; generally obnoxious pushy middle-aged woman
  • Itameshi
    • イタ飯 【イタめし; イタメシ】 (n) (col) (See イタリア料理) Italian food
  • Shōyugao
    • 醤油顔 : しょうゆ顔; 醤油顔 【しょうゆがお】 (n) (sl) (See ソース顔) typically Japanese face
  • Sōsugao
    • ソース顔 【ソースがお】 (n) (sl) (See しょうゆ顔) typically Caucasian face
  • Shiogao
    • 塩顔 【しおがお】 (n) (sl) fair and delicate features (of a man)
  • Sensō
    • 戦争 【せんそう】 (n,vs) (1) war
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
38 What first person pronoun should I use when speaking Japanese?07 Mar 202101:08:17

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What first person pronoun should I use when speaking Japanese?

Topics Discussed
  • The most common first person pronouns used in Japanese
  • The tendency for Japanese speakers to avoid using pronouns
  • The lack of true pronouns in Japanese
  • How choosing which first person Japanese pronoun to use can be confusing even for native Japanese speakers
  • Whether ore is only used by tough guys in Japanese
  • Theories about the history and evolution of the first person Japanese pronoun ore
  • Who uses ore
  • The concept of direct index vs indirect index
  • Whether ore is innately masculine
  • What traits people associate with ore
  • Whether women use ore
  • The evolution and history of boku
  • What traits are associated with boku
  • Whether women use boku
  • About watashiwatakushi, and atashi
  • Using honorific language in Japanese as a way to scare or build a psychological wall with the listener
  • A traumatic experience stemming from someone's reluctance to schoose a pronoun
  • And much more!
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

To learn more about Shoe Murakami, check out episode 45 of Japan Station.

You can find Shoe Murakami on the following platforms.

Here are some of the main English-language sources used while doing the research for this episode.

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used when doing the research for this episode.

Here is the Tofugu.com article about Japanese first person pronouns that is mentioned in this episode.

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Ore
    • 俺 : 俺(P); 己 【おれ(P); おらあ(俺)(ok); おり(俺)(ok)】 (pn) (male) (rough or arrogant) I; me
  • Boku
    • 僕 【ぼく】 (pn) (1) (male) I; me; (pn) (2) (when addressing young boys) you; (pn) (3) (See しもべ) manservant
  • Watashi/Watakushi/Atashi
    • 私 【あたし(P); あたくし; あたい; あて】 (pn) (fem) (uk) I; me; (P); 【わたし】 ; (pn) (slightly formal or feminine) I; me; (P); : 妾; 私 【わらわ】 ; (pn) (arch) (hum) (fem) I; me; : 儂; 私 【わし】 ; (pn) (uk) (male) (used by elderly) I; me; 【あっし; わっし】 ; (pn) (mainly used by working men) I; me; 【し】 ; (n) (See 公・こう・1) private affairs; personal matter; 【わい; わて】 ; (pn) (1) (arch) (ksb:) I; me; (pn) (2) (わい only) (used toward people of equal or lower status) you; 【わたい】 ; (pn) (arch) (ktb:) I; me; 【わたくし】 ; (pn) (1) (usu. more formal than わたし) (See 私・わたし) I; me; (adj-no,n) (2) (ant: 公・おおやけ・2) personal (affairs, etc.); private; (n) (3) selfishness; partiality; (n) (4) secrecy; confidentiality; 【わっち】 ; (pn) (used esp. by people of low status) I; me
  • Chūboku
    • 忠僕 【ちゅうぼく】 (n) faithful servant
  • Nōto
    • ノート (n) (1) (abbr) (See ノートブック) notebook; copy-book; exercise book
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Ore
    • 俺 : 俺(P); 己 【おれ(P); おらあ(俺)(ok); おり(俺)(ok)】 (pn) (male) (rough or arrogant) I; me
  • Boku
    • 僕 【ぼく】 (pn) (1) (male) I; me; (pn) (2) (when addressing young boys) you; (pn) (3) (See しもべ) manservant
  • Watashi/Watakushi/Atashi
    • 私 【あたし(P); あたくし; あたい; あて】 (pn) (fem) (uk) I; me; (P); 【わたし】 ; (pn) (slightly formal or feminine) I; me; (P); : 妾; 私 【わらわ】 ; (pn) (arch) (hum) (fem) I; me; : 儂; 私 【わし】 ; (pn) (uk) (male) (used by elderly) I; me; 【あっし; わっし】 ; (pn) (mainly used by working men) I; me; 【し】 ; (n) (See 公・こう・1) private affairs; personal matter; 【わい; わて】 ; (pn) (1) (arch) (ksb:) I; me; (pn) (2) (わい only) (used toward people of equal or lower status) you; 【わたい】 ; (pn) (arch) (ktb:) I; me; 【わたくし】 ; (pn) (1) (usu. more formal than わたし) (See 私・わたし) I; me; (adj-no,n) (2) (ant: 公・おおやけ・2) personal (affairs, etc.); private; (n) (3) selfishness; partiality; (n) (4) secrecy; confidentiality; 【わっち】 ; (pn) (used esp. by people of low status) I; me
  • Chūboku
    • 忠僕 【ちゅうぼく】 (n) faithful servant
  • Nōto
    • ノート (n) (1) (abbr) (See ノートブック) notebook; copy-book; exercise book
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
37 Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese mistake stories? (Part 2)21 Feb 202100:51:45

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese mistake stories?

Topics Discussed
  • How "sayonara" is not used in most situations when saying "goodbye" in Japanese
  • A mix up at a convenience store
  • Getting used to referring to people in the Japanese language
  • What exactly a rōtari is
  • Being asian
  • Dealing with people that want to speak English even when they're English ability is poor
  • Mixing up yasui (cheap) with yasai)
  • The tricky situation that people with Asian features who are not fluent speakers of Japanese often find themselves in Japan
  • A peculiar usage of the term shikkari and shikkari shiro
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below.

Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below.

To listen to the other Ichimon Japan episodes that Kyle Broyles was a guest on, use the links below.

To listen to the first "Japanese mistakes" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Onigiri
    • おにぎり (n) (pol) onigiri; rice ball (often triangular, sometimes with a filling and wrapped in nori)
  • Rootari
    • ロータリ (n) traffic circle; circle; rotary; roundabout
  • Yasai
    • 野菜 【やさい】 (n,adj-no) vegetable
  • Yasui
    • 安い(P); 廉い 【やすい】 (adj-i) (1) cheap; inexpensive; (adj-i) (2) (安い only) calm; peaceful; quiet
  • Tsumetai
    • 冷たい 【つめたい(P); つべたい】 (adj-i) (1) (ant: 熱い・1) cold (to the touch); chilly; icy; freezing
  • Doobutsuen
    • 動物園 【どうぶつえん】 (n) zoo; zoological gardens
  • Daibutsu
    • 大仏 【だいぶつ】 (n) large statue of Buddha (trad. at least 4.8m high)
  • Shikkari
    • しっかり (adv,adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) tightly (holding on); firmly; securely; (adv,adv-to,vs) (2) (uk) (on-mim) strongly (built); solidly; sturdily; steadily; (adv,adv-to,vs) (3) (uk) (on-mim) properly; well; sufficiently; hard (working, etc.); fully; completely; (adv,adv-to,vs) (4) (uk) (on-mim) reliably; dependably; levelheadedly; shrewdly; wisely; cleverly
  • Shikkari shiro
    • しっかりしろ (exp) pull yourself together; get a grip; get a hold of yourself; come on
  • Ou
    • 負う 【おう】 (v5u,vt) (1) (See 背負う・1) to bear; to carry on one's back; (v5u,vt) (2) to take responsibility for; to accept a duty; (v5u,vt) (3) to receive (wound); to incur (damage); to be injured; (v5u,vt) (4) to owe
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

36 Why did samurai have such weird haircuts? (All About Topknots/Chommage)07 Feb 202101:08:34

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why did samurai have such weird haircuts?

Topics Discussed
  • What a chonmage is
  • The Japanese people's pursuit of  excellence of the hairstyle
  • The historical origins of the topknots in Japan
  • Hats and their connection to the topknot
  • The supposed reason why samurai started using topknots and shaving the front of their heads
  • The chonmage as a status symbol during the Edo Period
  • The most well-known types of chonmage
  • What an ichōmage is
  • What a hondamage is
  • What the sōhatsu style topknot looked like
  • What a chasenmage/chasengami is
  • The supposed etymology of the term chonmage
  • An article stating that some men would pluck their hair and cause themselves to bleed
  • A theory about chonmage as a way to hide baldness
  • The Sanpatsudattōurei (散髪脱刀令) declaration of 1871
  • The Meiji government's efforts to have men cut off their topknots and stop carrying swords
  • How Iwakura Tomomi cut his hair in Chicago
  • What a zangiriatama is
  • The chonmage in modern times in Japan
  • The use of chonmage by sumo wrestlers
  • About tokoyama (床山), the hairstylists of sumo wrestlers
  • How two top ranked tokoyama became tokoyama
  • How much money a tokoyama might earn
  • Topknots in modern day kabuki
  • Whether there are any people in modern day Japan outside of sumo that wear their hair in the chonmage (topknot) style
  • The TV personality Magehira
  • The time consuming process it takes to get your hair in a proper chonmage
  • What a danpatsushiki (散髪式) is (sumo hair cutting ceremony)
  • Kisenosato's danpatsushiki
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this article.

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station check out the link below.

If you're interested in getting the t-shirt inspired by this episode, then make sure to go to KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Mage
    • 髷 【まげ】 (n) bun (hairstyle); chignon; topknot
  • Chonmage
    • 丁髷 【ちょんまげ】 (n) (uk) topknot (hair style)
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Episode artwork by @pradipta19.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

35 What is the best Japanese name for a bear that isn't actually a bear? (About Hole Bears, Bag Bears & More)21 Jan 202100:48:21

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we once again ask: What is the best Japanese name for a bear that isn't actually a bear?

Topics Discussed
  • Japanese names of animals that have "kuma" in them but are not actually bears
  • What an anaguma is
  • How you say badger in Japanese
  • What a mujina is
  • What honey badger is in Japanese
  • What fukuroguma are
  • What the word fukuro means
  • What "bag bears/pouch bears" are
  • How you say marsupial in Japanese
  • What a kinoborifukuroguma is
  • How you say koala in Japanese
  • What a "bag/pouch wolverine" is
  • Japanese terms used to refer to the tasmanian devil
  • What wolverine is in Japanese
  • The 1984-85 spike in popularity that koalas experience in Japan (a.k.a. the Japanese koala boom of the mid-80s)
  • The 1984 anime Fushigi na Koara Burinkī (ふしぎなコアラ ブリンキー, Noozles, The Wondrous Koala Blinky)
  • The 1984 anime Koara Bōi Kokkī (コアラボーイコッキィ, Adverntures of the Little Koala)
  • What a komoriguma is
  • What a shirokuroguma is
  • What the wamei (native Japanese term) for panda is
  • Whether pandas are bears or raccoons
  • Rilakkuma
  • The theory that Rilakkuma is actually a man in a full body costume (kigurumi)
  • How you say raccoon in Japanese
  • What araiguma literally means
  • Whether the name "washing bear" is an accurate name for a raccoon
  • Do raccoons actually wash their food before they eat it?
  • A funny Japanese video showing a raccoon trying to wash cotton conday only to see it dissolve in water
  • What the earliest documented case of raccoons escaping activity in Japan appears to be
  • The 1977 anime Araiguma Rasukaru (あらいぐまラスカル, Rascal the Raccoon) and the raccoon craze it helped spark in Japan
  • The explosion in the raccoon population that happened as a consequence of Japanese people who tried to keep raccoons as pets realizing that raccoons do not make good pets
  • The 1964 children's book Rascal: A Memoir Sterling North
  • The irony of how Araiguma Rasukaru made people want to get pet raccoons
  • The raccoon problem that Japan has been experiencing for the past few decades
  • Raccoons damaging crops, temples, shrines and other property
  • Efforts to get the raccoon population under control in Japan
  • A recent team up between Araiguma Rasukaru and Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
  • The best name for a non-bear bear
  • How you say "procyonid family" in Japanese
Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here's some of the English-language sources used in this episode.

Here are the Japanese language sources used.

If you would like to see images of the team-up between Demon Slayer and Rascal the Raccoon, click on the link below.

You can listen to the original Japanese theme song of Koara Bōi Kokkī (Adventures of the Little Koala) here.

You can watch the raccoon trying to eat cotton candy video here.

To check out the episodes of Ichimon Japan that were mentioned in this episode, use the links below.

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.

Use the link below to get your very own Tree Climbing Bag Bear Koala shirt.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Kuma
    • クマ : 熊 【くま(P); クマ(P)】 (n) bear (any mammal of family Ursidae)
  • Anaguma
    • アナグマ : 穴熊; 貛 【あなぐま; あなくま; アナグマ】 (n) (1) (uk) badger
  • Fukuro
    • 袋 : 袋(P); 嚢 【ふくろ】 (n) (1) bag; sack; pouch
  • Kuzuri
    • クズリ : 屈狸; 貂熊 【くずり; クズリ】 (n) (uk) wolverine (Gulo gulo); glutton; carcajou
  • Araiguma
    • アライグマ : 洗い熊; 洗熊; 浣熊 【あらいぐま; アライグマ】 (n) (uk) common raccoon (Procyon lotor)
  • Komori
    • 子守 : 子守(P); 子守り 【こもり】 (n,vs) (1) nursemaid; nanny; babysitter; (n,vs) (2) child-minding; babysitting
  • Komoriuta
    • 子守歌 : 子守唄; 子守歌(P) 【こもりうた】 (n) lullaby
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

34 What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 2: Chinese Names, Short Sleeves, Bears, & More)07 Jan 202101:00:05

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we once again ask: What annoys you about living in Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • The frustratingly useless nature of many English-language versions of Japanese websites
  • Booking hotels in Japan
  • The frustrating but hilarious nature of bad English translations of Japanese (a.k.a. Engrish)
  • Engrish t-shirts
  • The practice of using Japanese readings for kanji when reading a Chinese name and the confusion it can cause for both Japanese and English learners
  • Clothing sizes in Japan
  • How Japanese shirts tend to have shorter sleeves and be shorter vertically than American made shirts of the corresponding letter size
  • How getting your internet set up in Japan can sometimes be a slow and frustrating process
  • Annoying noise in Japan
  • Loud political speeches during election season in Japan
  • Shop employees using megaphones to attract customers
  • Bear attacks and sightings in Ishikawa Prefecture during the fall of 2020
  • Teikyūbi
  • Gender stereotypes regarding sweets and cakes
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here's some of the English-language sources used in this episode.

Here are the Japanese language sources used.

If you missed part 1 of this episode, check it out via the link below.

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Teikyūbi
    • 定休日 【ていきゅうび】 (n) regular holiday; fixed day off; regular closing day
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleeping habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 7621 Nov 202300:53:08

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!

  • Support on Patreon
    https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi
    https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

No links this time.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

33 What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More)26 Dec 202001:01:22

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What annoys you about living in Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • Some annoying things you might encounter while living in Japan
  • The annoying practice of book stores in Japan sorting books by publisher rather than author
  • Justifications for why bookstores in Japan arrange books by publishers instead of by the last name of the author like in the West
  • The McDonald's ice cream float incident
  • The good and bad of blindly following the rules
  • The emotionless "zombie" greetings (like irasshaimase) that you hear in stores in Japan
  • What the fake leaves in bento are called in Japanese
  • Why fake plastic leaves are placed in bento in Japan
  • Having shop clerks accompny you out the store
  • Washiki (Japanese style) toilets
  • One Reddit users complaint that Japanese people use certain adjectives like sugoi, kawaii, and oishii too much
  • The many ways you can translate oishii
  • The many ways you can add nuance and meaning to adjectives in Japanese
  • Alternative ways to say oishii
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are the English-language sources used for this episode.

Here are the English-language sources used for this episode.

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Aisu
    • アイス (n) (1) ice (eng: ice, ger: Eis); (n) (2) (abbr) (See アイスクリーム) ice cream; icecream; (n) (3) (arch) (col) (Edo period pun on 高利貸し being homophonous to 氷菓子) (See 高利貸し・こうりがし,氷菓子・こおりがし) usurer; usury; loansharking
  • Sofuto
    • ソフト (adj-na,adj-no) (1) (ant: ハード・1) soft; (n) (2) (abbr) {comp} (See ソフトウエア) software; (n) (3) (abbr) (See ソフト帽) soft hat; felt hat; (n) (4) (abbr) (See ソフトクリーム) soft serve ice cream; (n) (5) (abbr) (See ソフトボール) softball
  • Irasshaimase
    • いらっしゃいませ (exp) welcome
  • Haran/Baran
    • ハラン/バラン the leaf found in bentos that is used as decoration (though modern day haran/baran are made of plastic they people used to use real leaves)
  • Eko
    • エコ (adj-na,pref) (abbr) (See エコロジカル) ecological; eco-
  • Gizagiza
    • ギザギザ : 刻刻; 段段 【ぎざぎざ(P); ギザギザ】 (n) (1) (on-mim) (uk) notches; serration; indentation; jaggies (stair-step artifacts in computer images); (adj-na,adv,adv-to,vs) (2) (on-mim) (uk) notched; serrated; jagged; corrugated; milled
  • Oshibori
    • おしぼり (n) wet towel (supplied at table)
  • Washiki
    • 和式 【わしき】 (adj-no,n) Japanese-style (esp. in reference to squat toilets)
  • Umai
    • うまい (adj) (1) delicious; appetizing; (2) skillful; clever; expert; wise; successful
  • Bimi
    • 美味 【びみ】 (n,adj-na) good flavor; good flavour; delicacy; dainty
  • Kawaii
    • 可愛い 【かわいい(P); かわゆい; カワイイ; カワイい】 (adj-i) (1) (uk) cute; adorable; charming; lovely; pretty; (adj-i) (2) (uk) dear; precious; darling; pet; (adj-i) (3) (uk) innocent; childlike; childish; lovable; (adj-i) (4) (uk) dainty; cute little; tiny
  • Sugoi
    • すごい (adj-i) (1) terrible; dreadful; (adj-i) (2) (uk) amazing (e.g. of strength); great (e.g. of skills); wonderful; terrific; (adj-i) (3) (uk) to a great extent; vast (in numbers); (adv) (4) (uk) (col) awfully; very; immensely
  • Oishii
    • おいしい (adj-i) (1) delicious; tasty; sweet; (adj-i) (2) (uk) attractive; appealing; convenient; favorable; desirable; profitable
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

32 Who got it more wrong: MatPat or Tony? (Revisiting the Curse of Colonel Sanders)21 Dec 202000:23:32

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Who got it more wrong: MatPat or Tony? (This episode is a follow up to episode 11 of Ichimon Japan which focused on the so-called Curse of the Colonel. The episode was recorded in order to address inaccuracies found in that episode.)

Topics Discussed
  • A brief summary of the Curse of the Colonel
  • The fact that Hanshin Tigers fans threw the statue of Colonel Sanders into the Dotonbori River after winning the Central League championship in October of 1985 and not after their November, 1985 Japan Series victory
  • A recent video from the Food Theorists YouTube channel in which MatPat suggests that the Curse of the Colonel is invalid due to the Hanshin Tigers having won the Japan Series in 1985
  • Whether MatPat's conclusions about the Curse of the Colonel are accurate or not
  • When Japanese sources say that the Curse of the Colonel started taking effect on the Hanshin Tigers
  • The idea that throwing a statue of Colonel Sanders into Dotonbori River was actually good luck for the Hanshin Tigers
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Use the link below to check out episode 11 of Ichimon Japan in which we discuss the Curse of the Colonel in far more detail.

Here is the Food Theory video (from the Food Theorists YouTube channel) in which MatPat discusses the Curse of the Colonel.

If you enjoyed the video above, you may want to check out the Food Theorists YouTube channel.

Here are the Japanese-language sources mentioned in this episode.

 

To listen to another Ichimon Japan episode about a Japanese curse, check out the link below.

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Noroi
    • 呪い : 呪い(P); 詛い; 咒い 【のろい】 (n) curse; spell; malediction; (P); : 呪い; 咒い 【まじない】 ; (n) (uk) charm; incantation; spell; curse; 《verb stem》 呪う : 呪う(P); 詛う 【のろう】 ; (v5u,vt) to curse; to put a curse on; to detest intensely; (P); 《verb stem》 呪う 【まじなう】 ; (v5u) (1) (arch) to pray that one avoids disaster or illness; to pray; (v5u) (2) to pray for the death or misfortune of another; to curse; (v5u) (3) to treat illness with prayer
  • Yokunen/Yokutoshi
    • 翌年 【よくねん(P); よくとし】 (n-t) following year
  • Toshi Densetsu
    • 都市伝説 【としでんせつ】 (n) urban legend
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

31 What is yakitori? (All About Japan's Famous Chicken Skewers)07 Dec 202001:14:05

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is yakitori?

Topics Discussed
  • What yakitori is
  • The difference between yakitori when it is written using kanji and when it is written using only hiragana
  • What qualifies as yakitori
  • An overview of the history of yakitori
  • The supposed origin story of the skewered sparrows that the area around Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is known for
  • How eating meat was considered taboo throughout much of Japan's history
  • Yakitori during the Meiji Period
  • Yakitori shops
  • The pros and cons of using charcoal as opposed to propane when grilling yakitori
  • The specialized names used to refer to chicken parts
  • The supposed origin of the term negima
  • What part of a chicken the term bonjiri refers to and the etymology of the term
  • The many meanings/usages of the term kimo
  • What sunazuri is
  • What part of the chicken is referred to as a mame (bean) at a yakitori shop
  • What part of a chicken a chōchin/kinkan is
  • The interesting history behind Higashi Matsuyama City' (Saitama Prefecture) pork "yakitori"
  • A yakitori vending machine in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used when preparing for this episode.

Here is the list of chicken parts we covered in this episode.

Yakitori Terminology List
  • Momo (モモ、もも): Thigh meat
  • Sasami (ささみ): Meat from the inner breast, chicken tenderloin
  • Negima (ねぎま、葱鮪), Hasami (はさみ): In the context of yakitori this refers to a skewer of chicken and green onions
    • Note: This was not made clear in the episode but according to the sources we found the term negima came from the name of a stew made of green onions and tuna. This dish was called negimanabe (葱鮪鍋). As explained in the episode, eventually people started using chicken became more affordable than tuna and so the term negima came to be associated with chicken rather than tuna.
  • Mune (むね): Chicken breast
  • Bonjiri (ぼんじり): The meat at tail of the chicken
  • Kimo (肝、きも), Rebā (レバー): Liver
  • Zuri (ずり), Sunazuri (砂ずり), Sunagimo (砂肝): Gizzard
  • Nankotsu (なんこつ、軟骨): Cartilage
  • Yagen nankotsu (ヤゲン軟骨): Cartilage (connects to the breast bone)
  • Hatsu (八ツ), Shinzō (心臓), Kokoro (こころ): Heart
  • Mame (まめ), Mamegimo (まめぎも): Chicken pancreas
  • Seseri (せせり), Soroban (そろばん), Nekku (ネック): Chicken neck meat
  • Kinkan (キンカン): Chicken ovary
  • Chōuchin (チョウチン): Chicken ovary with egg yolk
    • Note: Although in the episode we give the impression that kinkan and chōchin are the same, it seems that they are actually two different types of yakitori. However, there is a chance that some places may not distinguish so strictly between the two.

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

For even more information on the history of chickens and the chicken industry in Japan, check out the Japan Station episode below.

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Tare
    • たれ (n) (1) sauce (esp. soy or mirin-based dipping sauce)
  • Butabara
    • 豚バラ : 豚バラ; 豚ばら; 豚肋 【ぶたバラ(豚バラ); ぶたばら(豚ばら,豚肋)】 (n) (See バラ肉) boneless pork rib; boned pork rib
  • Suzume
    • スズメ : 雀 【すずめ(P); スズメ】 (n) (1) tree sparrow (Passer montanus)
  • Sasa
    • 笹 : 笹(P); 篠; 小竹 【ささ】 (n) bamboo grass; generally smaller species of running bamboo that do not shed their sheaths (e.g. Sasa spp.)
  • Take
    • 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae)
  • Negi
    • ネギ : 葱 【ねぎ(P); き(ok); ネギ】 (n) (uk) Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum); green onion; spring onion
  • Maguro
    • マグロ : 鮪 【まぐろ(P); しび; マグロ】 (n) (1) (uk) tuna (edible fish, Thunnus spp.); tunny; (n) (2) (uk) Pacific bluefin tuna (edible fish, Thunnus orientalis); (n)
  • Toro
    • トロ : とろ(P); トロ (n) fatty cut (esp. of tuna belly)
  • Hasami
    • ハサミ : 鋏(P); 剪刀 【はさみ(P); ハサミ】 (n) (1) (uk) (See 螯) scissors; shears; clippers
  • Bonbori
    • ぼんぼり (n) paper-covered lamp or lantern
  • Shiri
    • 尻 : 尻(P); 臀; 後 【しり】 (n) (1) buttocks; behind; rump; bottom; hips
  • Kimo
    • 肝 : 肝(P); 胆(P) 【きも(P); たん(胆)】 (n) (1) liver; innards; (n) (2) courage; spirit; pluck; guts; (n) (3) (きも only) crux; essential point
  • Kimodameshi
    • 肝試し : 肝試し; 肝だめし; 胆試し 【きもだめし】 (n) test of courage (e.g. at a frightening place such as a graveyard); dare
  • Kushi
    • 串 【くし】 (n) (1) spit; skewer
  • Eko
    • エコ (adj-na,pref) (abbr) (See エコロジカル) ecological; eco-
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

30 Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories?21 Nov 202001:00:18

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories?

Topics Discussed
  • What Ikigai Connections is
  • How you say "fart" in Japanese
  • The tricky nature of the Japanese passive form
  • Getting similar sounding Japanese words confused
  • The confusion that can occur when you speak more than two languages
  • The various ways gochisōsama can be used
  • The difference between the words oppai and ippai
  • The importance of learning things in context
  • The many different counters used in Japanese
  • How Japanese people make mistakes when using honorific language
  • The confusion that can arise due to the Japanese language's long versus short vowel distinction
  • The way the meaning of a kanji can change depending on whether you are reading it in Chinese or Japanese
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

If you're interested in a career involving Japanese, then make sure to check out IkigaiConnections.com. All the relevant links are below.

If you'd like to learn more about Kasia, then check out this episode of the Inside Japan podcast.

If you would like to read more funny and/or embarrassing stories about mistakes made by people speaking Japanese, check out the link below to the Reddit thread that was mentioned during this episode.

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Ikigai
    • 生きがい : 生き甲斐(P); 生きがい; 生甲斐 【いきがい】 (n) reason for living; something one lives for; purpose in life; raison d'être
  • Onara
    • おなら (n) wind; gas; fart
  • Eiga
    • 映画 【えいが】 (n,adj-no) movie; film
  • Osou
    • 襲う 【おそう】 (v5u,vt) (1) to attack; to assail; to make an assault; to strike; to hunt down
  • Osowaru
    • 教わる 【おそわる】 (v5r,vt) to be taught; to learn; to take lessons in
  • Yōchien
    • 幼稚園 【ようちえん】 (n) kindergarten
  • Yūenchi
    • 遊園地 【ゆうえんち】 (n) amusement park
  • Kitte
    • 切手 【きって】 (n) stamp (postage); merchandise certificate
  • Gochisōsama
    • ご馳走様 : ご馳走様(P); ご馳走さま(P); 御馳走様 【ごちそうさま】 (int) (1) (uk) thank you (for the meal); that was a delicious meal
  • Ōyasan
    • 大家さん : 大家さん; 大屋さん 【おおやさん】 (n) (hon) (See 大屋・おおや) landlord; landlady
  • Oya
    • 親 : 親(P); 祖 【おや】 (n) (1) (親 only) parent; parents; mother and father
  • Shitagi
    • 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear
  • Uwagi
    • 上着 : 上着(P); 上衣; 表着 【うわぎ(P); じょうい(上衣)】 (n) coat; tunic; jacket; outer garment
  • Gomibako
    • ごみ箱 【ごみばこ】 (n) garbage can; rubbish bin; trash can; dustbin
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

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Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

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