Épisodes

  • 153. The City of Fukuoka
    Nov 3 2025

    Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Tochoji Temple

    Kushida Shrine

    Sumiyoshi Shrine

    Canal City

    Nakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)

    Tenjin Underground Mall

    Fukuoka Castle Ruins

    Ohori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art Museum

    Mizuho PayPay Dome

    Momochi Seaside Park

    Fukuoka Tower

    Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

    Events: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata Dontaku

    Local Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — Mizutaki

    How to get to/around Fukuoka

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 h et 18 min
  • 152. 2025 Halloween Special - Hell
    Oct 20 2025

    Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!

    Topics Covered:

    Yomi (Shinto Hell)

    Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)

    Hellish Places You Can Visit

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 h et 13 min
  • 151. Cats
    Oct 6 2025

    Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume

    Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats

    Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 h et 41 min
  • 150. A Brief History of Japan
    Aug 11 2025

    Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!

    Topics Covered:

    Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)

    Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)

    Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)

    Kofun Period (250 - 538)

    Yamato Period (250 - 710)

    Asuka Period (538 - 710)

    Nara Period (710 - 794)

    Heian Period (794 - 1185)

    Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)

    Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)

    Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)

    Edo Period (1600 - 1868)

    Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

    Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

    Showa Period (1926 - 1989)

    Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)

    Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)

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    1 h et 15 min
  • 149. The City of Hakodate
    Jul 28 2025

    Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a historic port city known for its scenic views, unique history, and fresh seafood. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this gateway to Japan’s northernmost island, from star-shaped forts to morning markets and sparkling nightscapes!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Morning Market

    Goryokaku

    Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

    Motomachi

    Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples

    Mt. Hakodate

    Yunokawa Onsen

    Onuma Day Trip

    Festivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — Illuminations — Hakodate Port Festival — Hakodate Goryokaku Festival

    How to get to/around Hakodate

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    1 h et 1 min
  • 2026 Podcast Meetup Announcement
    Jul 14 2025

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Sapporo, Japan. (Venue TBD)

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    2 min
  • 148. Mascots
    Jul 14 2025

    Japan loves its mascots—from cuddly creatures promoting local towns to bizarre characters representing government agencies. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild, whimsical world of yuru-kyara and discover what makes these mascots such a beloved part of Japanese culture!

    Topics Covered:

    What are yuru-kyara?

    What do mascots do?

    Why are mascots so popular in Japan?

    Notable mascots: Hikonyan (Hikone) — Kumamon (Kumamoto) — Funassyi (Funabashi) — Melonkuma (Yubari) — Gajiro (Fukusaki) — Nyango Star (Kuroishi) — Annie (Kumamoto University anisakis research) — Matagi no Momiji-chan (Hokkaido)

    Controversy: Amazoness (Ama City) — Chiitan (Susaki) — Sento-kun (Nara) — Marimokkori (Hokkaido)

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    1 h et 19 min
  • 147. How to Buy a House in Japan (Akiya)
    Jun 30 2025

    Akiya are abandoned homes found all over Japan—some listed for shockingly low prices. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what it’s like to try to buy one, from navigating the listings to understanding the hidden challenges.

    Topics Covered:

    Why are there so many vacant houses?

    Can foreigners buy akiya?

    How to search for an akiya

    How to choose an akiya

    How to buy an akiya

    How to renovate an akiya

    Living in an akiya

    Is it worth it?

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    56 min