Explore every episode of the podcast Unfolding Japan
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Curious History of Japanese Houses - Part 2 | 03 Sep 2026 | 01:29:56 | |
In this series Mat and Devin continue their voyeuristic journey into the houses and, a little smidgen, the minds of the Japanese people. We pick up from last episode with the beginning of modernity brought on by the Meiji restoration, continue on to the tabla rasa created by the destruction of WWII and the mad building rush that created the somewhat acquired taste of the modern eclectic residential areas found throughout Japan that continues to this day. Listen on if you want to discover about the shocking price differences between Japan and much of the West, have some of your preconceptions burst, and hear first hand about the joys of Japanese bathrooms. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| The Curious History of Japanese Houses - Part 1 | 18 Aug 2026 | 01:12:09 | |
In this series Mat and Devin sneak a peak under the stylish eaves of the Japanese house. If you've ever wondered 'how the other half live' in historic Japan, we have you covered in part one of the series. We travel all the way back into the mists of history to the ubiquitous pit houses, smattered here and there with stone age skyscrapers, and all the way to luxury palaces and street design that possibly inspired the modern supermarket! Listen on to hear about houses in Japan from pre-history to the mid 19th century. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japan - The Dutch Connection Part 2 | 30 Jul 2026 | 01:27:49 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin continue the deep dive into the long connection between the Netherlands and Japan. We reveal what exactly it was that made the dutch willing to sail around the world and endure the tiny claustrophobic prison island of Dejima. We also explore the unraveling of this relationship once Japan opened up, even to the point of open hostilities, and the more wholesome relationship they maintain to this day. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japan - The Dutch Connection Part 1 | 09 Jul 2026 | 01:15:10 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin , fresh from the disappointment of Japan's tragic loss in the world cup, bury themselves in the past, and explore the unique relationship between another unlucky team this year, the Netherlands. We detail the fateful early tragedy that first brought the Dutch to Japan, and how they eventually became the last men standing. Listen on to find out how, as Japan was famously closing their door to the Western world, they left that door ever so slightly ajar... As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japan - Football (Soccer) World Cup Edition! | 25 Jun 2026 | 01:15:17 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin lace up their football boots and seek the origins of the beautiful game in the land of the rising sun. From early signs of success to the doldrums of large company teams, we trace the revival under the suspiciously high salary of Gary Lineker, and recent near misses of the Samurai Blue. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| True Crime in Japan Part 2 - The Mystery SOS | 07 Jun 2026 | 00:55:57 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin keep riding the true crime band wagon, although this one is more of a mystery, you can decide if a crime was committed or not! For part two we explore the mystifying case of the giant SOS sign from the 80's which has a whole host of unanswered questions for you to ponder. Listen on to find out about one of Japan's most famous mysteries, involving missing persons, superhuman building skills, and some very strange goings on in the mountains of Northern Japan! As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| True Crime in Japan Part 1 - The 300 Million Yen Incident | 27 May 2026 | 00:49:38 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin jump on the true crime band wagon, if it ain't broke don't fix it as they say! Part 1 we delve into a mysterious unsolved robbery from the 60's which leaves people scratching their heads to this day. This story has it all, fake cops, cyanide, getaway cars and bucket loads of cash! listen on to find out about one of Japan's most famous heists. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japanese Meibutsu - Regional Specialities Taken to the Extreme Part 2 | 15 May 2026 | 01:13:56 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin continue on their whistle-stop tour of the regional specialities to be found in Japan. This time we veer off the comforting main island of Honshu and plunge into the icy waters of Hokkaido for King crab, take a peek at the prefecture with a frankly ludicrous love of Udon noodles, and head south, where you'll learn about the incongruous love of tiny shortbread cookies in Okinawa. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japanese Meibutsu - Regional Specialities Taken to the Extreme | 07 May 2026 | 01:16:57 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin, dip a toe into the world of Meibutsu, the regional specialities which define the identity of all the different regions and towns of Japan, creating a must eat, or must buy, product in basically every town or city in Japan! Listen on to hear about the prefecture that's gone all in on peanuts, or the practically violent rivalry for Japan's best Okonomiyaki - Japan's answer to the pizza, pancake, and lasagne rolled in to one. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japanese Politics - Fascinatingly boring, fiendishly complex | 02 Apr 2026 | 01:21:17 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin dive right in to the swirling mire of Japanese post war politics. Intended as an overview, we chart the early experimentation with democracy following the war,through decades of LDP dominance and how it came about, and check in on the state of play with Japan's very own Iron Lady. While Japanese politics can feel deliberately opaque, we hope the light of unfolding Japan is able to pierce the shroud and leave you with at least a glimmer of an insight! As always, if you want to get intouch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon orinstagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Edo Period Deep Dive - The Long Peace Part 3 | 13 Mar 2026 | 01:30:31 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin lift the lid on the state of Edo to peer into the lives of the ordinary city dwellers. We explore the flourishing of the printing industry, Tea Houses, Kabuki, Firemen and much more, discovering a slew of customs and traditions that remain vibrant to this day, and some very surprising modern cultural elements that started way back in Feudal Japan, including the first fan mail and shady backroom 'art' for sale! As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Edo Period Deep Dive - The Long Peace Part 2 | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:34:42 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin delve further into the governance of the Edo period, exploring how the families of the daimyos were kept as respected guests (ie hostages!) of the Shogun to keep them in line, the long biannual progressions to Edo draining time and resources to keep everyone compliant, and how 1,000 'policemen' managed to keep a city of 1 million under control. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Edo Period Deep Dive - The long Peace Part 1 | 02 Feb 2026 | 01:15:57 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin embark on another multi-part epic about everything Edo, the long period of peace and isolation that still in many ways defines Japan to this day. In part one we look at the bones of the system introduced by the shoguns to run society, from poor but proud samurai, the emperor shut up away in luxury, and power through land, and rice of course! As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreonor instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| New Year in Japan - Superstition, Family, and a lot of Firsts | 23 Jan 2026 | 01:15:13 | |
This week Mat and Devin have a miniature time traveling mission all the way to three weeks ago, as we delve into the traditions and history of New Year in Japan. We explain the entrenched TV traditions, the symbolic, traditional foods that suspiciously resemble dad jokes, and the most expensive fish in the world. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreonor instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japanese Castles - Stone, Wood, Violence and Aesthetics | 14 Jan 2026 | 01:16:42 | |
First of all apologies for the long delay! We had a busy run in to the Christmas/New year holidays with work and then family commitments, but we're back and we've got a special episode on castles to get right back into it! We take you through the history and design of these magnificent structures, from early simple hill forts to the majestic, later warring states beauties. Learn all about how and why they were constructed, and maybe gain a few tips on the best one's to go and visit if you come to Japan, including Devin's very own Matsumoto, barely a mediaeval cannon shot's distance from his house! As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Sex, Lies, and Geisha | 04 Dec 2025 | 01:12:06 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin prise themselves off the white sandy beaches of Okinawa and instead sit down to a performance of shamisen and sake, accompanied by a professional entertainer known as a Geisha. Or, we would if that was remotely feasible, so, in lieu of the real thing, we will take you through the origins and roles of the Geisha, the courtesans they are often confused with, and dispel a few myths along the way. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Okinawa - Japan's Tropical Paradise Part 3 | 19 Nov 2025 | 01:08:21 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin conclude the epic deep dive into all things Okinawa, we have giant fruit bats in downtown Naha, 'sea grapes', tips and favourite places to go, and the thorny issue of the continued American and Japanese military presence throughout the islands. As always, if you wantto get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Okinawa - Japan's Tropical Paradise Part 2 | 10 Nov 2025 | 01:06:31 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin are finally back podding together, and we ended up having so much fun that we went way over time, so we split it in half, this now being part 2 of 3 episodes on Okinawa! We begin by getting a little distracted by autumn in Japan from last episode, and a few recollections of his wedding, before picking up with the transfer of power from America to Japan, thoughts on the differences in personality and time-keeping culture of the Okinawans vs the Japanese, and a mini deep dive into the famous snake liquor! As always, if you wantto get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Autumn in Japan | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:38:54 | |
In this episode, Mat is forced to go solo due to Devin's recent nuptials, but do not be alarmed, he will be back and raring to go very soon! As it is, a shorter episode where Mat looked out of his window and gained inspiration from the season around him. We have fish guts, blood red leaves, and dangerously high festival floats to bring in the new season! As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Okinawa - Japan's Tropical Paradise Part 1 | 02 Oct 2025 | 01:34:53 | |
Many apologies for the delay for the latest episode, however, in partial recompense, we have the first bumper episode in a two part series on Japan's southern islands, the Okinawa island chain, in this episode Mat and Devin unfold the layers of Okinawa's unique history and geography, that have shaped its past and continue to mold its future, from it's pristine coral beaches to unfortunate attempts to woo the emperor of China. As always, feel free to get in touch or help support the show using the links below Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ | |||
| Unfolding Japanese | 08 Sep 2025 | 01:25:49 | |
In this weeks episode, Mat and Devin unfold the complexities of the Japanese language itself, learn all about the mysterious origins of the language, it's fiendishly complicated writing system, and even how the Japanese insult each other using different levels of politeness. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Japan - Bear Country | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:51:44 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin take on the bears of Japan (not literally of course!), they explore the different types of bears, where they are found, and why attacks are on the rise. More importantly, they have some tips on how to avoid having a dangerous encounter with a bear, and what Japan is trying to do about this growing problem. As always, if you want to get intouch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon orinstagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| The izakaya - Japan's answer to the pub? | 26 Aug 2025 | 01:01:03 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin, fresh from the chaos of 20th Century Japanese history (see last week if you're confused!) take on an altogether lighter topic, the ubiquitous Japanese drinking establishment known as the izakaya. They explore the origins, their place in society, and what and who you might find if you ever decided to go to one. And you'll find out if the izakaya really deserves the name Japanese pub or not! As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| A Brief History of Japan Part 3 | 14 Aug 2025 | 01:42:14 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin bring you all up to date on the history of Japan, in by far the longest episode yet (apologies!) We cover the end of the shogunate, the Meiji restoration, all the way through the various wars of expansion that culminates in the big one: WWII. Finally we briefly touch on Japan's remarkable economic recovery post war and the state of play as it is today. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| On The Road - North East Japan Part 2 | 06 Aug 2025 | 01:08:55 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin continue their discussion of the very first Unfolding Japan road trip! On this episode they move through Yamagata, visiting 'the greatest park in Japan' head to a village in the mountains frozen in time, and on to a holiday home in the mountains where the emperor himself has a pad, before finally visiting possibly the most beautiful river in all of Japan. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| On The Road - North East Japan Part 1 | 29 Jul 2025 | 01:04:35 | |
In this episode Mat and Devin recount their adventures on the very first, albeit accidental, Unfolding Japan road trip! Travel along as they devour various kinds of insect, do dangerous jumps from cliffs along the 'Amalfi Coast' of Japan in Niigata, and experience the emptying of Japan's countryside first hand. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| A Brief History of Japan Part 2 | 17 Jul 2025 | 01:26:23 | |
In this episode, Mat and Devin continue their foray into Japanese history, starting at the end of the Heian period and the decline of the emperor, moving on to the rise of the shogun, civil war, the closing off of Japan, and eventually the empire striking back with the Meiji Restoration. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| A Brief History of Japan Part 1 | 11 Jul 2025 | 01:08:54 | |
In this Episode, Mat and Devin take you on a whistle stop tour of Japan from the earliest prehistory all the way to the Heian Period of classical Japan. The first of two planned episodes to give listeners a little overview, before more in-depth history episodes in the future. As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well. Instagram: instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/ Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Fake Priests, Real Weddings | 02 Jul 2025 | 01:09:01 | |
In celebration of Devin's upcoming nuptials, this week Mat and Devin take a look at the weird and wonderful world of Japanese weddings, from their surprisingly recent history, the religious underpinnings, and the rise of the fake western style wedding. As always, if you like the show, check out our instagram page and Patreon for more information and ways to support us. Instagram: @unfoldingjapan_podcast Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Musings on Ramen | 23 Jun 2025 | 01:01:00 | |
Mat and Devin take a look at the super popular Ramen, delving a little into it's origins, major types and their own personal favourites. It's a huge topic that you can only scratch the surface of in an hour, but hopefully it will inspire you to go and slurp a bowl yourself! Please feel free to get in touch at the below addresses: Instagram: @unfoldingjapan_podcast Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com | |||
| Akiya - Japan's Empty Houses Explained | 16 Jun 2025 | 01:05:15 | |
For the first ever in depth episode of the Podcast, Mat and Devin take a closer look at the phenomenon of Akiya - empty houses. A growing phenomenon in Japan and one that has started to gain some international recognition, this week we dig down into what exactly is an Akiya, why there are so many of them and why they are increasing. We also take a look at some of the things being done to address the issue, as well as a tentative prognosis for the future. Our very first full length episode, so go easy on us! email us at: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com And find us on Patreon, if you'd like to support us. https://patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan | |||
| Introduction to Unfolding Japan | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:09:11 | |
Just a short introduction to us, and to the podcast, welcome to Unfolding Japan! Hosted by Mat Owens & Devin Hurt Theme by: shakuhachi stretching 29 by PhonosUPF --https://freesound.org/s/500725/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 | |||