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/
Patreon: patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan
Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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