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Explore every episode of the podcast Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society

Dive into the complete episode list for Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society. 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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1–50 of 249

TitlePub. DateDuration
Stories from Tokyo's Funniest Pirates01 nov. 202600:47:47

On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by the Pirates of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo's longest-running English and Japanese bilingual improv comedy group.

👉Topics Discussed

  • The origin story of Pirates of Tokyo Bay
  • The difficulties of doing an improv comedy show in Japan
  • About the audience make up of a typical Pirates of Tokyo Bay show
  • Funny mishaps and stories about doing improv comedy in Japan and around the world
  • About the 16th anniversary of Pirates of Tokyo Bay
  • Where and when you can attend a Pirates of Tokyo Bay show
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

To learn more and get a ticket for an upcoming show, visit the Pirates of Tokyo Bay website

 

 

 

👉Follow on Social Media
Stories from a real YŌKAI HUNTER!21 oct. 202600:55:42

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Japanese supernatural creatures with Dr. Michael Dylan Foster from the NHK World show YOKAI: Exploring Hidden Japanese Folklore.

ðŸ'‰Topics Discussed

  • How Dr. Michal Dylan Foster became interested in yÅkai
  • Dr. Foster's take on "What is yÅkai?"
  • The "practical" side of yÅkai
  • About researching the Gamishiro, an obscure yÅkai on an island in Kagoshima
  • About the Konaki-jiji
  • About the Yokai House in Tokushima
  • About visiting remote Mie Prefecture and interviewing Ama divers
  • About the Tomokazuki
  • About the origins of the Amabie
  • How Dr. Foster became the yÅkai navigator for the NHK World show YOKAI: Exploring Hidden Japanese Folklore
  • About working on Yokai: Exploring Hidden Japanese Folklore
  • About Japanese Supernatural Tales Encounters with Yokai, Ghosts, Demons, and Other Strange Phenomena, from the Kojiki and The Tale of Genji to Dazai and Murakami
  • And much more!
ðŸ'‰Subscribe to the Podcast!

ðŸ'‰Support on Patreon & Ko-fi ðŸ'‰Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

ðŸ'‰Get a T-Shirt!

ðŸ'‰Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are the relevant links:

ðŸ'‰Follow on Social Media
Overlooked Train Gems in Tokyo & Beyond14 oct. 202600:49:32

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about interesting trains and train stations in Tokyo and beyond with Adam from the AdamU YouTube channel.

👉Topics Discussed

  • The origin of AdamU's passion for trains
  • About Oigawa Railway
  • Oigawa Railway's recent price increase
  • How rual railways are closing down
  • About the Tokyo Adventure Line and exploring Okutama
  • About Takanawa Gateway
  • The history of the Takanawa Embankment
  • About the new Suica mascot candidates/contest
  • About the Hi no Tori train that connects Nagoya and Osaka
  • About luxury trains in Japan
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out AdamU's YouTube channel!

Check out some of the videos mentioned in this episode.

 

About the Oigawa Railway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7DlyMmLiYI

 

About Takanawa Gateway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAozBtz44-8

 

About the Hinotori train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW5jKzaw7IU

 

AdamU is raising funds for the Tokyo Yamathon 2026. Dante here: https://donorbox.org/tokyo-yamathon-2026-team-fundraising-challenge/fundraiser/saitama-pheasants

👉Follow on Social Media
Japan's (linguistic) harassment problem explained06 oct. 202600:41:22

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the ridiculous amount of terms for different types of "harassment" in Japanese.

👉Topics Discussed

  • We go over some well known and some very obscure "hara" (ハラ) words
  • What is sekuhara セクハラ
  • What is pawahara パワハラ
  • What is morahara モラハラ
  • What is harahara ハラハラ
  • What is manehara マネハラ
  • Why calling everything "harassment" can be problematic
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

👉Follow on Social Media
Why you GOTTA go to IZUMO TAISHA01 oct. 202600:45:34

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking all about one of Japan's most famous shirnes: Izumo Taisha.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About the history of Izumo Taisha
  • The origins of Izumo Taisha
  • The kuniyuzuri story
  • How tall Izumo Taisha is
  • How Izumo Taisha used to be the tallest building in Japan
  • About the Kamiari Festival
  • How archaelogical discoveries seem to confirm Izumo Taisha having once been 48 meters tall
  • About Izumo Taisha's status as one of Japan's most famous shrines for "matchmaking"
  • About the architecture of Izumo Taisha
  • About the Izumo Taisha curse/why it's said couples break up after visiting Izumo Taisha
  • Gods partying after going to Izumo Taisha
  • About Izumo Taishakyo Mission of Hawaii
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Sponsor

This episode was sponsored by PlayPodcast.net.

PlayPodcast.net is a free podcast player you can use on any device in your browser. You can listen to episodes from your favorite hosts. You do not need an account, an app, or to download anything to listen to the best free podcasts.

👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

👉Follow on Social Media
My Next Japan ADVENTURE & Tokyo Meet Up26 sept. 202600:21:43

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about my upcoming long distance walking challenges and the event I'll be holding at Pintology in Tokyo On November 15th, 2026.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About the Izumo Challenge
  • About the Chichibu 34 Challenge
  • About the Utsunomiya Challenge
  • About the sponsors and special supporters of my 2026 long distance walking challenges
  • About the get together happening on November 15th, 2026 at Pintology in Sasazuka, Tokyo
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

This year's sponsors:

Special supporters:

Pintology Craft Beer and Whisky Sasazuka

👉Follow on Social Media
EXTREME walkers in Japan have a new name?!23 sept. 202600:25:57

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the emergence of a new slang term used to describe people who walk abnormally long distances/long amounts of time.

👉Topics Discussed

  • What does Inō Tadataka kaiwai mean? (伊能忠敬界隈)
  • Who Inō Tadataka 伊能忠敬界隈 was
  • The origin of Inō Tadataka Kaiwai
  • About the "kaiwai" term trend
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

👉Follow on Social Media
She Recreated a 300-Year-Old Epic Journey in Northern Japan IN 198921 sept. 202600:53:37

On this episode of Japan Station, Lesley Chan Downer tells us about what it was like walking and hitchiking through the Tohoku area in the '80s while recreating Matsuo Basho's most famous journey.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About moving to Japan in the 1980s
  • About participating in the predecessor of the JET Program
  • About On the Narrow Road to the Deep North
  • Lesley's interest in Japanese poetry
  • Why Lesley decided to recreate Matsuo Basho's 1689 journey to the north of Japan
  • About hitchhiking in Japan
  • Visiting Hiraizumi
  • Exploring villages in the Tohoku area
  • The three sacred mountains
  • How to mummify yourself
  • About building a relationship with a family from a village in the Tohoku area
  • Working with NHK on films inspired by Lesley's journey
  • The reissue of One the Narrow Road to the Deep North
  • That time someone tried to sell Lesley a house in a village in Tohoku
  • About the Shogun Quartet of historical novels
  • About The Shortest History of Japan
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are links to Lesley Chan Downer:

👉Follow on Social Media
Rural Japan VS Urban Japan: Which is BETTER?14 sept. 202600:49:36

This is a rebroadcast of an episode of Ichimon Japan that was originally released 4/12/2020.

Today's Question

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's better: rural life or city life in Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • The pros and cons of living in rural Japan
  • The pros and cons of living in a big city in Japan
  • Life in Ishikawa Prefecture
  • Life in Kobe
  • Life in Osaka
  • Where Ishikawa Prefecture is located
  • Whether rural people are friendlier than city people in Japan
  • Eating udon meshi at Sururi in Shinjuku, Tokyo
  • Eating gator in Ueno, Tokyo
  • Magic: The Gathering in Japan
  • The not so great rainy wather of Ishikawa
  • Cheap and/or free housing in rural Japan
  • Ishikawa's delicious carrots
  • How Japan's declining population is affecting Japan's rual areas
  • The general lack of adults in their 20s and 30s in rual Japan
  • And more!

Note: This episode was recorded before the declaration of the global coronavirus pandemic. While you should visit Japan as Ryan suggests, obviously, April 2020 is a pretty bad time to try to do so.

Listen to Japan Station on

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Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

 

Get 10% off a Mobal voice & data plan!

Support the show, get a t-shirt!

The restaurant serving udon meshi that was referenced in this episode is called Sururi. You can find the location information for Sururi's Shinjuku location below.

Sururi Shinjuku Main Store (するり新宿本店, Sururi Shinjuku Honten)
1-2-9 Kabuki-cho, 2F Citadine Central Shinjuke Tokyo, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo

The Japankyo article on Sururi can be accessed via the link below.

During the episode a reference is made to a town in Japan that was giving houses to those who would agree to live in them for seven years. This was a mistake. It was actually 15 years. The name of the town is Okutama and you can find out more by watching the video below.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7iFZrhVKoQ&fbclid=IwAR3UQH_aozxbVc98fH_DcAgm6V64P2F0LM82Z0GhfdFiNJCpRnoZv6dm0xM[/embed]

If you'd like to find out more aboutthe differences in escalator etiquette that exist between the eastearn and western regions of Japan, then check out the Ichimon Japan episode 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.

  • Inaka
    • 田舎 【いなか(gikun)】 (n,adj-no) (1) (sens) rural area; countryside; the sticks; (2) hometown
  • Beddotaun
    • ベッドタウン : ベッドタウン; ベットタウン(ik); ベッド・タウン; ベット・タウン(ik) (n) commuter town (wasei: bed town); bedroom community; dormitory town
  • Kisha
    • 汽車 【きしゃ】 (n) (1) train (esp. long distance train); (2) (orig. meaning) steam train
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
DEAD Keitai Slang Only OLD People Remember EXPLAINED07 sept. 202600:52:40

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about dead slang from the heyday of Japanese cell pnones (ケータイ, kētai).

👉Topics Discussed

  • About the evolution of Japanese cell phones
  • Wha tis a shame 写メ
  • What is dekome デコメ
  • The origins of shame
  • About decorating Japanese cell phones keitai
  • The connection between gyaru and Japanese cell phones
  • About "straps" sutorappu 
  • What keitai is written in katakana
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

👉Follow on Social Media
Even Japanese Forget This Prefecture (But You Shouldn't!)01 sept. 202600:51:41

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about life in Shimane Prefecture.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About the unique cultural quirks of life in Shimane Prefecture
  • Where Shimane is located
  • How people often get Tottori and Shimane confused
  • A funny example of a dialect from Shimane Prefecture
  • About food in Shimane Prefecture
  • What is wariko soba?
  • About Izumo Time
  • What is shijimi?
  • Abut the famous story of The White Hare of Inaba
  • How wani are actually sharks and not crocodile in the Kojiki
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

👉Follow on Social Media
Japan's Most Scandalous Shorts EXPLAINED (ブルマ/buruma)27 août 202600:52:54

On this episode, we ask: Whar are buruma?

This is a rebroadcast of episode 53 of Ichimon Japan.

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!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on

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Support

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 Support the show by joining the Patreon, donating to Ko-fi or getting a t-shirt!

Mobal

Get 10% off the Mobal Voice & Data plan!

 

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.

Here's a video that shows the evolution of girls' school uniforms in Japan over the past 100 years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inJR23ik8CI

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

 

He Cycled the Length of Japan! Here's What Happened23 août 202600:49:50

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about what it's like to cycle the entire length of Japan with journalist Oscar Boyd.

👉Topics Discussed

  • Why Japan is so great for cycling
  • About transporting a bike from the UK to Japan
  • About biking from Kagoshima to the northernmostpoint of Japan over the course of 28 days
  • Why Oscar decided to start his cycling trip from Mount Kaimon in Kagoshima
  • About the route Oscar took when cycling the length of Japan
  • Why Oscar decided to avoid the Tokaido corridor
  • About visiting Mount Koya
  • About cycling through Shikoku
  • About the amazing breakfast at Dogoya in Matsuyama
  • Some of the best food Oscar experienced while cycling across Japan
  • The scariest part of cycling the length of Japan
  • Why you should cycle the Shimanami Kaido
  • Why you should cycle the Kiso Valley
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out Oscar Boyd's video about cycling the length of Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpH8vt5WLV0

In high latest video Oscar cycles the length of Italy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE78sSmO5Rg&t=5s

Follow Oscar Boyd on social media

👉Follow on Social Media
Japan TURNS ON Foreign Residents?! Jake Adelstein on Takaichi's Immigration Policies20 août 202600:29:53

On this episode of Japan Station, Jake Adelstein joins us to discuss immigration policy in Japan and why the Takaichi government has decided to make it more difficult for foreigners to get permanent residency.

👉Topics Discussed
  • Why you (probably) will never get permanent residence in Japan
  • The ill-defined changes to requirements for permanent residency in Japan
  • Why the changes to permanent residency requirements in Japan are so discouraging to foreign residents of Japan
  • Why Japan needs workers from other countries
  • The problem with retroactively changing requirements for permanent residency in Japan
  • The problem with the 30 years of payments to the national pension system requirement
  • The influence of the Sanseitō
  • And much more
  • Why the yen is so weak
  • How most people in Japan will never be full-fledged company employees (seishain)
  • How Japan hates and needs "overtourism"
  • How Japan is becoming less and less alluring as a place to live
  • How Japan has failed to innovate and take the lead in new industries
  • The problematic way Japan didn't allow foreign residents to reenter Japan during the COVID pandemic
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast! 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Mobal

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Get a T-Shirt! 👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Read Jake Adelstein's article

For more articles by Jake Adelstein, check out the Tokyo Paladin Substack.

👉Follow on Social Media
How to insult Japan's BRAIN ROT generation (ドパガキ)14 août 202600:27:53

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the recently created Japanese word dopagaki (ドパガキ). What does it mean and what are its origins? Listen to find out!

👉Topics Discussed

  • The meaning and origin of dopagaki
  • What does dopajita (ドパ舌) mean?
  • What does doparu mean?
  • What does zonbisukurōru (ゾンビスクロール) mean?
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

These English words CAN'T be translated into Japanese07 août 202600:49:36

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about English words that are tricky to translate into Japanese.

👉Topics Discussed

  • English words that are surprisingly difficult to translate into Japanese
  • How to say jaywalking in Japanese
  • How to say zesty in Japanese
  • How to say touch grass in Japanese
  • And much more
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

The Kumamoto earthquake is HEARTBREAKING! How to help01 août 202600:20:29

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the 2926 Kumamoto earthquake and how you can help.

👉Topics Discussed

  • The effects of the Reiwa Year 8 Kumamoto earthquake
  • How to help and where you can donate
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

How to help and where to donate to support the recovery efforts in Kumamoto:

Crazy ways to survive Japan's BRUTAL summer heat01 août 202600:43:21

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of the more creative ways people in Japan are battling the intense summer heat.

👉Topics Discussed

  • What is kokushōbi (酷暑日)
  • How kokushōbi was decided via a survey
  • About the Dohiemon Box/Human Refrigerator
  • About Mandom's "Sweat Management" seminars
  • About ice cream holders
  • About the parasol curtain from Three Coins that makes you look like a Heian Period princess
  • About Sofy Cool, the minty fresh cooling sanitary napkins that went viral
  • The controversy behind men wearing shorts in the workplace in Japan
  • The electric uchiwa fan machine
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the promotional video for the Dohiemon Box (human refrigerator).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nf9cN4wCBw

👉Follow on Social Media
Inside an Intense Sushi Training Course in Tokyo21 juil. 202601:27:18

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about what it's like doing an intensive sushi preparation course with Travin Keith, owner of Sushi Kita in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  

👉Topics Discussed

  • Where Miyagi Prefecture is located
  • What it was like trying to open a ramen shop in Kosovo
  • The problems with trying to open a ramen shop in Kosovo
  • Why Travin decided to learn how to prepare sushi in Japan
  • What to expect when taking a two month intensive sushi preparation course in Japan
  • What were the challenges of learning how to become a sushi chef
  • About cooking rice for the first time
  • Why Travin decided to open a sushi shop in Belfast, Northern Ireland
  • Travin's plans for Sushi Kita
  • About Ishinomori Shotaro's various museums
  • About "good morning socks"
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Links for Sushi Kita:

👉Follow on Social Media
What you need to know about FAMIRESU!14 juil. 202600:59:56

This episode is a re-broadcast of episode 61 of the Ichimon Japan podcast (originally released 6/21/22).

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

Topics Discussed
  • What famiresu are
  • The characteristics of famiresu (family restaurants)
  • About the history of famiresu in Japan
  • The first famiresu in Japan (Skylark)
  • Some of the most popular famiresu in Japan
  • About Big Boy and how it's an offshoot of Bob's Big Boy
  • About Jonathan's
  • About Bikkuri Donkey
  • About Saizeriya
  • Whether Sizzler is a famiresu
  • Whether TGIFriday's is a famiresu
  • Whether kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) should be considered famiresu
  • And much more!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on

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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

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

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

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

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Get 10% off on your Mobal voice & data plan via the affiliate 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.

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

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

Special Thanks

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

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

👉Follow on Social Media
Why life in Miyagi is DIFFERENT!07 juil. 202600:53:17

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the unique cultural and geographic quirks of life in Miyagi Prefecture.

👉Topics Discussed

  • Where Miyagi Prefecture is located
  • The population of Miyagi Prefecture
  • Miyagi's mild weather
  • What izui means
  • What is gyūtan (牛タン)
  • About Sada Keishiro and the origins of gyūtan (beef tongue)
  • How most people in Sendai rarely if ever eat gyūtan
  • What is zundamochi?
  • About Kessennuma and its fishing industry
  • About shark meat in Kessennuma
  • About Sendai's links to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Jujutsu Kaisen and other anime/manga
  • About Ishinomori Shotaro's various museums
  • About "good morning socks"
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

👉Follow on Social Media
What the hell is JUNE sickness? (rokugatsubyō, 六月病) | Japan Station 21701 juil. 202600:20:45

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about "May sickness" and "June sickness." What are these sicknesses? Are they real? Should you be concerned?

ðŸ'‰Topics Discussed

  • What is gogatsubyÅ (äº"津病)
  • What is rokugatsubyÅ (六月病)
  • The origin of "May sickness"
  • Why April-June has a reputation for being a stressful time of year in Japan
  • Why June sickness is stupid
  • Why June is thought to be a particularly stressful time of year in Japan
  • And much more!
ðŸ'‰Subscribe to the Podcast!

ðŸ'‰Support on Patreon & Ko-fi ðŸ'‰Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

ðŸ'‰Links, Videos, Etc.

None this time.

ðŸ'‰Follow on Social Media
Who started the Japanese soccer fan trash clean up custom?24 juin 202600:19:38

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the origins of the famous custom of Japanese World Cup soccer/football fans cleaning stadiums after a match is over. Where did this custom originate? Who started it? Why do they use blue garbage bags? We talk about all that and more!

👉Topics Discussed

  • The history of the Japanese soccer/football fan cleaning up trash custom
  • Why Korean soccer fans may be the origin of the Japanese soccer fan stadium clean up custom
  • How Tanabe Seiyaku fans clean up trash after their team lost the Emperor's Cup on January 1st, 1981
  • Japan's loss to Korea during the 1985 qualifiers for the 1986 Mexico World Cup
  • About Yoshizawa Koichi
  • How Korean soccer fans picked up their own trash after defeating Japan in 1985
  • Why Japanese soccer fans use blue garbage bags to cheer at soccer games
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are the sources I used for this episode:

Here is the Japan Station episode that digs into the origins of why Japan has so few trash cans in public:

👉Follow on Social Media
He climbed Japan's 100 FAMOUS mountains21 juin 202600:53:55

On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by the first confirmed American to climb Japan's "100 famous mountains" (hyakumēzan, 百名山): Wes Lang. We also talk about his experiences climbing Japan's tallest mountains and more.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About climbing Japan's hundred famous mountains (hyakumēzan, 百名山)
  • Animal encounters while climbing mountains in Japan
  • Memorable experiences while hiking in Japan
  • About getting lost during a winter hike in Shiga Prefecture
  • What to do if you get lost while hiking
  • About climbing the tallest mountain in each of Japan's 47 prefectures
  • Advice for hiking in Japan
  • About Wes Lang's work as a travel consultant
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Relevant Links:

👉Follow on Social Media
The good and bad of the JET Program15 juin 202601:01:59

This is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 47 (originally released 07/07/21).

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

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

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Support on Patreon

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

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

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

 

Food you GOTTA try in Fukushima!07 juin 202600:35:10

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about food you have to eat the next time you visit Fukushima.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About the Grand Van Gogh Exhibit
  • About the Pokemon Astronomical Observatory
  • About Koriyama Black Ramen
  • What a "cream box" is
  • What is Fukushima Buruburu
  • The history of Fukushima Buruburu
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None

👉Follow on Social Media
Why life in Fukushima is DIFFERENT!01 juin 202600:35:41

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Fukushima Prefecture! We're focusing on the geography, cultural quirks, language and food.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About the geography of Fukushima Prefecture
  • Where Fukushima is located
  • About the three regions of Fukushima: Aizu, Nakadōri, Hamadōri
  • About the stereotypes of the people of the three regions of Fukushima
  • What is Mamadōru
  • About the Fukushima dialect
  • The culture of eating ramen for breakfast (asarā)
  • About Kitakata ramen
  • About Shirakawa ramen
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None

👉Follow on Social Media
The Virgin Mary inspired him to make a film in Japan21 mai 202600:42:08

On this episode of Japan Station, filmmaker Cuauhtemoc Velazquez joins us to talk about Apparition, his new short film about a Tokyo izakaya that gets visited by the Virgin Mary.

👉Topics Discussed

  • What Apparition is about
  • What inspired Cuauhtemoc Velazquez to make Apparition
  • Japan's loose but respectful relationship with religion
  • About making a short film in Japan
  • About renting a film set in Japan
  • Whether Japan is a good place to shoot a film
  • Whether filmmaking is affordable in Japan
  • About finding a statue of the Virgin Mary in Japan and carrying it onto a Japanese subway
  • Plans for a release of Apparition
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the trailer for Apparition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAKwDm3W7PE

Here is Cuauhtemoc's website: https://www.cuauhtemocvelazquez.com/

👉Follow on Social Media
Tokyo is FED UP with tourists dumping their trash17 mai 202600:19:27

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about how there's been an increase in the number of tourists from overseas who are dumping their suitcases in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo. We also talk about what you can do if you need to dispose of your suitcase when visiting Japan.

👉Topics Discussed

  • Foreign tourists are dumping their suitcases illegally in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo
  • Japan's complicated trash system
  • How Toshima Ward's oversized trash collection system wdoes not serve foreign tourists
  • What you should do if you need to throw away your suitcase while in Japan
  • Options for suitcase disposal in Japan
  • How you can get hotels and/or stores to dispose suitcases for you
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the news report this episode was based on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP8DRGq6Qm0

👉Follow on Social Media
What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? | Japan Station 209/Ichimon Japan 0414 mai 202600:59:24

This is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 04 which originally was released on 2/12/2020.

Today's Question

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's it like being a fake priest in Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • What a nisebokushi is
  • The different terminology for priests in Japanese (shinpu vs bokushi)
  • The phenomenon of having foreigners dress as priests to officiate weddings in Japan
  • How most "fake priests" in Japan tend to be white men
  • The experiences of someone who worked as a fake priest in Japan
  • How much money one might expect to get paid when working as a fake priest
  • The job duties of a fake priest
  • What is rewarding about working as a fake priest
  • How it is common to see broccoli thrown instead of a bouquet of flowers at some weddings in Japan
  • The craziest thing one fake priest ever saw happen while on the job
  • A story involving someone's head catching on fire during a wedding
  • Whether Japanese people also throw rice at weddings
  • Whether Japanese rpiests might be resentful of foreign "fake priests" for monopolizing the wedding chapel side of the wedding market
  • And more!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on

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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

To read Daniel Legare's article in the December-January 2020 issue of Wasabi magazine, use the link below.

If you would like to get in touch with Daniel Legare in order to have him write an article or do Japanese to English translation you, can contact him via the email address below.

A few different Japanese-language terms got brought up in this episode, so here is list along with their possible translations.

  • Nisebokushi (ニセ牧師): literally translates to "fake priest"
  • Bokushi (牧師): pastor; minister; a Protestant priest
  • Shimpu (神父): Catholic priest; abbe; reverend father

For even more Japan-related contact check out the Japan Station podcast. All the episodes can be found using the link below.

Support

Get your Mecha Neko Sushi via the link below

Get 10% off when you purchase a Mobal Voice & Data SIM card by using my affiliate link below.

Support on Patreon.

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
Why fans of the supernatural should visit Iwate Prefecture | Japan Station 20807 mai 202600:40:32

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Hanamaki and Tōno, two cities in Iwate prefecture known for being great places to visit if you're a fan of the supernatural and fantastic.

👉Topics Discussed

  • How to get to Hanamaki City from Tokyo Station
  • How long the bullet train to Iwate from Tokyo takes
  • About traveling by train from Hanamaki to Tōno
    About Tōno City and its spooky/supernatural vibe
  • About Tōno Monogatari (The Tale of Tōno)

  • What to expect at the Tōno Folktale Museum
  • What Goemon ramen is
  • About Hanamaki City
  • The Marukan Daishokudō (Marukan Grand Cafeteria)
  • The famous Marukan soft serve ice cream
  • An overview of the Miyazawa Kenji Dōwa Mura park (Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village)
  • About yakiniku in Hanakami
  • Why you NEED to try Iwate beef
  • Whether reimen in Iwate is worth trying
  • What makes reimen in Iwate different
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is a picture of the infamously "long" Marukan soft-serve ice cream: https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1007880.html

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Why life in Iwate is DIFFERENT! | Japan Station 20701 mai 202600:39:45

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Iwate Prefecture! We're focusing on the geography, general stats, language and food.

👉Topics Discussed

  • Where Iwate Prefecture is
  • About Iwate Prefecture's large size and sparse population
  • About the weather of Iwate Prefecture
  • About the dialects of Iwate Prefecture
  • About Fukuda Pan/Fukuda Bread, it's history and its many varieties
  • About wanko soba
  • About the supposed origins of wanko soba
  • About Morioka's three famous noodles
  • About jajamen
  • About the other meaning of soba
  • About Morioka reimen
  • How reimen in Iwate is different
  • The popularity of reimen
  • About the origins of reimen in Iwate Prefecture
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None

👉Follow on Social Media
A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 7323 avr. 202600:47:42

This ia rebroadcast of epsode 73 of Ichimon Japan originally released on 7/21/23.

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is it like moving in Japan?

Topics Discussed
  • About what it's like moving in Japan
  • When people in Japan usually move
  • What it costs to move in Japan
  • Why people in Japan usually move in March
  • Expenses associated with moving in Japan
  • About rent prices in Japan
  • Rent subsidies for JET Program participants
  • Setting up internet in Japan
  • About finding an apartment in Japan
  • About reikin/key money
  • The cost of hiring a moving company in Japan
  • Disposing of large garbage in Japan
  • Noticing the government that you have moved
  • And much more!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on

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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

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

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

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

Links, Videos, Etc.

Get 10% off on your Mobal data & voice SIM plan.

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

 

He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 20521 avr. 202600:55:21

On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Jake Davies, a resident of Shimane Prefecture who has walked over 30,000 km in Japan. He talks about his experiences walking around Japan and what it's like living in Shimane, one of Japan's least populated prefecture.

👉Topics Discussed

  • Why Jake Davies moved to Shimane Prefecture
  • What it's like living in rural Shimane Prefecture
  • Why Jake Davies started doing long distance walks in Japan
  • How Jake Davies walked over 30,000 km in Japan
  • Where Jake Davis sleeps while doing long distance walks in Japan
  • About walking the Sea of Japan costline
  • About walking Shikoku's 88 temple pilgrimage (Ohenro)
  • About sleeping outside during a typhoon while doing the Shikoku pilgrimage
  • How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Shikoku
  • How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Kyushu
  • About walking across Shodoshima
  • About walking the Oki islands in Shimane
  • About walking the Kunisaki Peninsula
  • About Jakes blog, ojisanjake.com
  • About the different regions of Shimane
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out Jake Davis' blog to keep up to date with his adventures walking around Japan.

👉Follow on Social Media
This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 20415 avr. 202600:51:38

On this episode of Japan Station, travel writer Jennifer Bain joins us to talk about one of Japan's most ancient and famous pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道). We also talk about Japanese convenience stores and the famous conbini socks.

👉Topics Discussed

  • What the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is
  • How to get the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is
  • An example of a five day itinerary on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) pilgrimage
  • About Daimonzaka and Kumano Nachi Taisha
  • About mikan and oranges in the Kumano area
  • About lodging along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
  • How old empty schools have been converted into lodging on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
  • How to walk the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) in a faster and easier way
  • About the weather along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
  • A funny encounter with a local on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
  • About a custom convenience store tour in Osaka
  • Some recommendations for food to eat from Japanese convenience stores
  • About the famous Japanese convenience store socks people are going crazy for
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out Jennifer Bain's Japan articles.

For more of Jennifer Bain's work:

👉Follow on Social Media
The ORIGINS of "scammy" SAKURA | Japan Station 20307 avr. 202600:11:49

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the origins of the word sakura. No not that sakurai. The other sakura. The scammy kind of sakura. Also we're talking about madorā.

👉Topics Discussed

  • The possible origins of the word sakura (サクラ)
  • Why sakura means a fake "scammy" customer
  • What a madorā is
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None

👉Follow on Social Media
Why breakfast deals in Japan are CRAZY now | Japan Station 20201 avr. 202601:03:44

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the rise of Japan's $3.5 billion breakfast industry and why Japan is currently in the midst of it's 4th "breakfast boom."

👉Topics Discussed

  • What a typical Japanese breakfast consists of
  • The history of breakfast in Japan
  • Breakfast in the Edo Period
  • Breakfast in Edo vs Kansai during the Edo Period
  • Japan's four "Morning Booms"
  • What 'morning" (モーニング, mōningu) is
  • The origin of "morning" in Aichi Prefecture
  • The rise of kissaten (cafes) in 1950s Japan
  • About Rūe Burajiru (ルーエぶらじる), a restaurant in Hiroshima thought to have been the first to offer "morning service" (モーニングサービス, mōningu sābisu)
  • The rise of McDonald's breakfast in Japan
  • The rise of hotel breakfasts in Japan
  • Whether you should get breakfast in hotels
  • About Toyoko Inn's "free" breakfast
  • About the 2010 breakfast boom
  • About Japan's pancake boom
  • About the fourth morning boom going on now
  • Why more restaurants in Japan have started offering very cheap breakfast options
  • How restaurants in japan are trying to offer breakfast for 300 yen or less
  • About Saizeriya's breakfast service "Asasaize"
  • About KFC's breakfast options
  • Why breakfast options are so cheap in Japan
  • About service at gyudon places like Yoshinoya and Sukiya
  • About breakfast at Sakaba Fukuro in Ikebukuro
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None

👉Follow on Social Media
Akihabara is DYING? How Ikebukuro Became Japan's New Otaku Capital | Japan Station 20121 mars 202600:59:41

On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith to talk about the current status of Akihabara and the rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's newest capital of all things anime, manga and otaku culture.

👉Topics Discussed

  • Whether Akihabara is dying
  • The history of Akihabara
  • How Akihabara has evolved in recent years
  • What locals think of Akihabara today
  • How Mercari has impacted Akihabara
  • The price of anime figures/merch in Akihabara
  • The decline of AKB48
  • Why Akihabara has changed in recent years
  • The rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's new otaku capital
  • How the Toshima ward government is focusing on developing Ikebukuro as Japan's new anime/otaku capital
  • Neagtive attitudes towards otaku culture in Akihabara
  • How Akihabara paved the way for Ikebukuro's rise as an otaku center of Japan
  • The future of Akihabara
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's books about Akihabara and otaku culture.

Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's other appearances on Japan Station.

👉Follow on Social Media
Is Yamaguchi cursed to have"ugly" girls? (Places in Japan Known for "Beautiful" & "Ugly" Women) | Japan Station 200/Ichimon Japan 5015 mars 202600:53:58

This is a re-broadcast of an episode originally released on 8/21/21.

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

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

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Support on Patreon

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

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

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Get 10% off a voice & data SIM card plan by using my mobal affiliate link.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

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

 

What is a shijūkata? (Age related Japanese words) | Japan Station 19907 mars 202600:12:17

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about interesting words related to aging and shoulders and a weird ECC commercial.

👉Topics Discussed

  • 四十肩ō
  • And much more!
  • 👉Subscribe to the Podcast!
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  • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
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  • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
  • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
  • 👉Affiliate Links
  • Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
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  • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
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  • 👉Links, Videos, Etc.
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  • What shijūkata (ū四十肩) is
  • What gjūkata (五十肩) is
  • What arasā (アラサー) is
  • What arafō (アラフォー) is
  • What arafifu (アラフィフ) is
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

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👉Follow on Social Media
Why Akita women are so beautiful (and other info about life in Akita) | Japan Station 19801 mars 202601:01:10

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about what life in Akita Prefecture is like AND why women from Akita are (supposedly) so beautiful!

👉Topics Discussed

  • Where Akita Prefecture is in relation to other prefectures in the Tohoku region
  • About Akita's famous Kinman
  • Why people in Akita like to say they've eaten 28 Kinman
  • About how rural Akita is
  • About the high number of bear attacks and fatalities in Akita Prefecture
  • About Akita's status as one of Japan's highest rice producers
  • About the Akita Komachi rice brand
  • About Akita bijin
  • About Akita's "beautiful women"
  • Theories explaining why Akita is known for having beautiful women
  • Whether the story saying that Satake clan took all of Ibaraki's beautiful women to Akita is plasuible
  • The less sunlight and good water theories explaining Akita women's beautiful skin
  • Kawahata geisha
  • What the heck toppinpararinopū
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the Kinman commercial featuring the foreign guy saying he ate 28 Kinman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8nf5qjaeGQ

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👉Follow on Social Media
Why you should visit YAMAGATA! | Japan Station 19721 févr. 202600:58:31

On this episode of Japan Station, Alex Litz of Expedition Japan joins us to talk about tourism in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture and places/events to check out during a visit to Yamagata.

👉Topics Discussed

  • How Alex ended up in Yamagata Prefecture
  • About studying abroad in Yamagata Prefecture
  • About tourism in Japan
  • What's so great about Yamagata?
    Places to visit in Yamagata
  • Yamagata food
  • Events and festivals in Yamagata
  • The dialects of Yamagata
  • Getting around in Yamagata
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are the links to Expedition Japan and Alex Litz's Instagram.

👉Follow on Social Media
How do Japanese names work? | Japan Station 196/Ichimon Japan 2815 févr. 202601:13:55

This is a re-release of Ichimon Japan episode 28.

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do Japanese names work?

Topics Discussed
  • How people in Japan normally state their family name before their given name
  • The complicated history of naming practices in Japan
  • Commoners being prohibited from using family names during the Edo Period
  • The Meiji era laws that mandated every Japanese person take a family name
  • The reluctance of some people to take a family name during the Meiji Period
  • The fact that many (most?) people with the surname Satō (佐藤) are probably not descended from samurai
  • The fact that many commoners were given last names based on the geographical features of the area in which they lived
  • The story of how the Furo (風呂) family supposedly got their family name from Minamoto no Yoshitsune
  • The most common family names in Japan in 2019
  • How many Japanese family names there are
  • The prevalence of rare Japanese last names
  • The regional nature of some Japanese family names
  • The convention of naming boys based on their birth order
  • How it's easy to forget people's first names in Japan
  • Some of the factors people in Japan consider when naming a baby
  • Asking people in Japan about the kanji they use for their given name as a way to spark conversation
  • The phenomenon of siblings having related names
  • Interesting names in anime
  • The practice of picking a baby name based on the way a name is written
  • How much it usually costs to have a shrine pick a baby name for you
  • What a seimeihandanshi is
  • What it might cost you to have a seimeihandanshi pick a baby name for you
  • A list outlining the most popular baby names in Japan of 2019
  • The Japanese naming convention of tōriji
  • How shorter names have become common in Japan in recent years
  • How female names that end in -ko used to be more common
  • And much more!

Note: Just for the sake of clarity, I'd like to point out that the story of the Furo family name did not occur during the Meiji Period (actually it probably never even occurred in the way it is normally told). However, because the story was introduced alongside the changes of the Meiji Period it's possible to be left with the impression that there was a connection there. There is no direct connection. The story was simply brought up as an example of the many interesting ways in which people in Japan acquired last names.

Listen to Ichimon Japan on

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Support on Patreon

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

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

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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

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

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

Here are the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode.

Here is the latest episode of Japan Station.

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.

  • Myōji
    • 苗字 : 苗字(P); 名字(P) 【みょうじ】 (n) (See 名前・2) surname; family name
  • Namae
    • 名前 : 名前(P); 名まえ 【なまえ】 (n) (1) name; (n) (2) (See 名字) given name; first name;
  • Furo
    • 風呂 【ふろ】 (n) (1) (See お風呂) bath; bathing; bathtub; bathroom; (n) (2) bathhouse; public bath
  • Kenkō
    • 健康 【けんこう】 (n) (1) health; (adj-na) (2) healthy; sound; fit; wholesome
  • Futoi
    • 太い 【ふとい】 (adj-i) (1) fat; thick; (adj-i) (2) deep (of a voice); thick; sonorous; (adj-i) (3) daring; shameless; brazen; audacious
  • Seimeihandan
    •  
    • 姓名判断 【せいめいはんだん】 (n) (yoji) fortunetelling based on writing or pronunciation of one's name
  • Iemoto
    • 家元 【いえもと】 (n) head of a school (of music, dance); head family of a school
  • Himawari
    • ひまわり (n) sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
  • Tsumugi
    • 紬 : 紬; 紡ぎ 【つむぎ】 (n) pongee; soft thin cloth woven from raw silk
  • Tsumugu
    • 紡ぐ 【つむぐ】 ; (v5g,vt) (1) to spin; to make yarn; (v5g,vt) (2) to spin (a tale); to assemble (e.g. words); to put together
  • Kotoba o tsumugu
    • 言葉を紡ぐ : 言葉を紡ぐ; 言葉をつむぐ 【ことばをつむぐ】 (exp,v5g) (poet) to express in a refined fashion; to weave a web of words
  • Wa
    • 和 : 和(P); 倭 【わ】 (n) (1) (和 only) {math} sum; (n) (2) (和 only) harmony; peace; (n,n-pref,adj-no) (3) Japan; Japanese-style
We Want Your Questions

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

Special Thanks

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

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

 

What the hell does "depakosu" mean? | Japan Station 19507 févr. 202600:16:10

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about two peculiar words depakosu and puchipura. Also i talk a bit about the origin of the name of the anime Odd Taxi.

👉Topics Discussed

  • What depakosu (デパコス) means
  • What puchipura (プチプラ) means
  • The origin of the name of the anime Odd Taxi (オッドタクシー)
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None

👉Follow on Social Media
Why life in Aomori is so DIFFERENT | Japan Station 19401 févr. 202601:03:05

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of the unique aspects of living in Aomori Prefecture.

👉Topics Discussed

  • What it's like living in Aomori Prefecture
  • About the Shimokita Peninsula
  • Why life in Aomori can be so inconvenient
  • What "English Toast" is (igirisu tōsuto, イギリストースト)
  • What igirisu tōsuto is
  • About the history of igirisu tōsuto
  • Why people in Aomori throw peanuts at oni on Setsubun instead of soybeans
  • The dialects of Aomori
  • How Aomori became one of Japan's biggest centers for apple production
  • About senbeijiru (rice cracker soup)
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

None

👉Follow on Social Media
The CRAZIEST Taishō era slang EXPLAINED! | Japan Station 19321 janv. 202601:04:20

On this episode of Japan Station, we go through a list of some of the most unique and interesting slang of Japan's Taishō period (1912-1926).

👉Topics Discussed

  • Popular Taishō era slang
  • How polie during the Taishō era used to say moshi moshi
  • Why it was an insult to call someone Mitsukoshi during the Taishō era
  • What it was like during the Taishō era
  • Taishō era youth culture
  • What a gomu geta was
  • What musen meant during the Taishō era
  • Taishō era opera otaku
  • What SS meant during the Taishō period
  • The sexy meaning of tōchaku (到着)
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

If you want to learn about Edo/Meiji period street merchant slang, check out the link below!

 

👉Follow on Social Media
10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really? | Japan Station 19214 janv. 202601:14:31

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: 10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really?

Topics Discussed
  • Reasons why you may hate living in Japan
  • No trash cans
  • Why there are few public trash cans in Japan
  • Where to find trash cans in Japan
  • Whether it's rude to walk while eating or drinking in public in Japan
  • Lack of soap in public restrooms
  • Individually wrapped items
  • About not being able to have tattoos in Japan
  • Working conditions in Japan
  • About salaries in Japan
  • About the weird way Japan slices loaves of bread (shokupan)
  • About the annoying nature of streets in Japan
  • The size of streets in Japan
  • Street signs in Japan
  • Cheese in Japan
  • How difficult it can be to find authentic food and cuisine from other countries
  • You you will stand out if you don't look Asian in Japan
  • How it will be annoying to live in Japan if you look Asian but don't speak Japanese
  • And much more!
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Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

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

To learn more about how the Tokyo sarin gas attack is not the direct cause for there being so few public trash cans in Japan, check out the episode of Japan Station linked below.

To learn more about the MAJISON Tokaido Challenge, check out the latest episode of Japan Station. See the link below

https://japankyo.com/2023/08/im-walking-from-kyoto-to-tokyo-and-im-legally-blind-japan-station-majison-tokaido-challenge/

We Want Your Questions

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

Special Thanks

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

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes

 

Okuribito: Mortician or millionaire? What does it mean? | Japaan Station 19107 janv. 202600:14:46

On this episode of Japan Station, I break down the two very different meanings of the word okuribito.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About the 2008 Japanese film Departures (Okuribito)
  • What does okuribito mean?
  • What does おくりびと mean?
  • What does okuribito 億り人 mean?
  • The Japanese slang term okuribito
  • Why it is more difficult to become an "okuribito" in Japan now
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

None this time

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

For more info on what Ami is doing and Suzmizumi LLC, check out their Instagram page.

👉Follow on Social Media
How charcoal is saving this rural Japanese town (Ami Eldridge of Sumizumi LLC) | Japan Station 19005 janv. 202600:32:32

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to Ami Eldridge, the co-founder of Sumizumi LLC, a company in rural Kochi Prefecture trying to revitalize the area through charcoal production.

👉Topics Discussed

  • About Ami Eldridge's efforts to revitalize rural Kochi Prefecture
  • About the Niyodo Town and Niyodogawa River area
  • About how Sumizumi LLC is using charcoal and akiya (abandoned houses) to revitalize the Niyodogawa area
  • The many uses of charcoal
  • The intricacies of making charcoal
  • About turning akiya (abandoned houses into airbnb
  • How many people Ami has gotten to relocate to Niyodogawa
  • How people in Niyodogawa are creating new businesses like skate parks, curry shops and tea shops
  • How to access the Niyodogawa area
  • About the new lie flat overnight bus that runs from Tokyo to Kochi
  • How airbnb's can be used to help revitalize rural communities
  • When the best time to visit Niyodogawa is
  • What foods to eat in Niyodogawa
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

For more info on what Ami is doing and Suzmizumi LLC, check out their Instagram page.

👉Follow on Social Media
Why "religion" in Japan doesn't make sense (to Westerners): A Talk with Hiroko Yoda | Japan Station 18931 déc. 202500:57:14

On this episode of Japan Station, author Hiroko Yoda joins us to talk about the complexities of religious and spirituality in Japan, a topic she covers in her new book Eight Million Ways to Happiness.

👉Topics Discussed

  • Why Hiroko Yoda was told to tell people she's Buddhist before going to the U.S. to study abroad
  • About "Yaoyorozu no kami"
  • About the history of the word for religion (shūkyō, 宗教) in Japanese
  • About the wide variety of Japan's "eight million gods"
  • Why Japanese people say they are not "religious"
  • The problem with surveys that ask Japanese people whether they are "religious"
  • About why Japanese people get married in the "Christian" style
  • Why Hiroko Yoda decided to write Eight Million Ways to Happiness
  • What Shugendō (修験道) is
  • About Shugendō practice
  • About the connection between Buddhism and funerals
  • Why funerals in Japan can be so expensive
  • About post-death Buddhist names
  • And much more!
👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 👉Affiliate Links

Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

👉Links, Videos, Etc.

Eight Million Ways to Happiness： Wisdom for Inspir by Hiroko Yoda is available now wherever you get your books. You can also use the links below to get a copy.

And here's some other relevant links.

👉Follow on Social Media
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