Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society

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 Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] 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! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off on your Mobal data & voice SIM plan. https://mobal.com/tonyjapan 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 Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

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 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jake Davis' blog to keep up to date with his adventures walking around Japan. ojisanjake.com: https://www.ojisanjake.com/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jennifer Bain's Japan articles. Why Women Who Love the Camino Should Walk Japan's Kumano Kodō: https://journeywoman.com/destinations/asia/japan/why-women-who-love-the-camino-should-walk-japans-kumano-kodo/ Footbathing And Flower Trekking In Northern Japan's National Parks: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/09/footbathing-and-flower-trekking-northern-japans-national-parks For more of Jennifer Bain's work: Website: https://jenniferbain.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaucylady/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 sakurasakura madorā 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 mōningukissaten mōningu sābisu 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's books about Akihabara and otaku culture. The Ethics of Affect: Lines and Life in a Tokyo Neighborhood: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/50996/1/9789176351567.pdf Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan: https://www.amazon.com/Otaku-Struggle-Imagination-Patrick-Galbraith/dp/1478006293 Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's other appearances on Japan Station. https://japankyo.com/2020/01/japan-station-podcast-about-akihabara-history-otaku/ AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38: https://japankyo.com/2020/05/japan-station-podcast-history-japanese-aidoru-akb48/Obscenity, Censorship & Erotic Comics in Japan (Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 59: https://japankyo.com/2021/02/eromanga-erotic-comics-japan/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 Sandaibijin motsunabe Sandaibusu (三大ブス Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] 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! Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off a voice & data SIM card plan by using my mobal affiliate link. https://mobal.com/tonyjapan Support the show by getting a t-shirt! https://mechanekosushi.com/ Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode. もっともブスな女性が多そうな街は…「日本三大ブス」説が崩壊？ 茨城ブスについて。 都市伝説をさらっと考えてみる。 石川県金沢市は美女が多いのでしょうか？日本三大美人の根拠＆美人が多いと思われている都道府県は？ 日本三大美人！なぜ、この三県が？その理由やいかに！ 秋田・京都・福岡が「日本三大美人」に選ばれた理由とは？ 様々な三大○○に面白おかしく迫る！ 山口ブス伝説【山口ブス伝説】女子にとっては超迷惑な「姫山伝説」知ってる？ 姫山のお万 月曜から夜更かし「山口呪われたブス伝説」 （山口姫山伝説）のルーツ？【ネタ】山口の女性はブスばかり？「呪われた山口県ブス伝説」に迫る Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below. Black Box: Discussing the Shiori Ito Story (Allison Markin Powell Part 1) | Japan Station 72 You Know What I Mean? On Translating Japanese Fiction (Allison Markin Powell Part 2) | Japan Station 73 Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com. Check out Kimito Designs Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. 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...

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about interesting words related to aging and shoulders and a weird ECC commercial. 👉Topics Discussed shijūkatagjūkataarasāarafōarafifu 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 toppinpararinopū 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the Kinman commercial featuring the foreign guy saying he ate 28 Kinman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8nf5qjaeGQ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapanSupport by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here are the links to Expedition Japan and Alex Litz's Instagram. Expedition Japan Website: https://expedition-japan.com/Alex Litz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldfisho/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 seimeihandanshiseimeihandanshitōriji 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 [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] 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! Support on PatreonMobal Link 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 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan Get a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode. 全国名字ランキング 【名字】風呂実在する珍しい名字 (5) 通字と偏諱日本人の苗字はこうしてつけられた 【CGS 日本の歴史 5-9】NHKネーミングバラエティー日本人のおなまえっ 日本一短い名字「井」名付けを神社にお願いするには？方法や金額相場や初穂料について解説名付けはどうやって決めた？先輩ママに聞いてみよう赤ちゃんの名付け！気をつけるポイントと名付け方法神社での命名にかかる料金はどれぐらい？手順や注意点を解説します！ Here are some of the main English-language sources used when doing the research for this episode. A Long History of Japanese Names The Japanese Naming System - Morphology and Semantics of Individual Names by Anja...

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 depakosupuchipuraOdd Taxi 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of the unique aspects of living in Aomori Prefecture. 👉Topics Discussed igirisu tōsuto, イギリストースト)igirisu tōsuto isigirisu tōsutosenbeijiru 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 moshi moshigomu geta musent 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. If you want to learn about Edo/Meiji period street merchant slang, check out the link below! Japanese Street Merchant Slang: 10 Words from Japan's Edo Merchants | Japan Station 158 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: 10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really? Topics Discussed shokupan Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] 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 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. The REAL Reason Japan doesn't have public TRASH CANS! They're LYING TO YOU! | Japan Station 163 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 Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Japan Station, I break down the two very different meanings of the word okuribito. 👉Topics Discussed Departuresokuribito okuribitookuribito 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Affiliate Links None this time 👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more info on what Ami is doing and Suzmizumi LLC, check out their Instagram page. Sumizumi LLC Instagram 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more info on what Ami is doing and Suzmizumi LLC, check out their Instagram page. Sumizumi LLC Instagram 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

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 Eight Million Ways to Happiness 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉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. Amazon Penguin House And here's some other relevant links. Hiroko Yoda's NewsletterHiroko Yoda's InstagramHiroko Yoda's BlueskyHiroko Yoda's X 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk all about Jaan's most famous "local mascot" Kumamon. We cover everything you should know about Kumamoto's most beloved bear. I also share an absolutely crazy story that happened to me when I went to see the Kumamon show in Kumamoto in the fall os 2025. 👉Topics Discussed 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on PatreonKo-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyoVenmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvegaPaypal.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. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is a screenshot of a photo of what the Kumamon suit looked like when it was first created. As you can see, the head appears to be mostly the same but the body is skinnier and has fur. The suit also appears to be baggier. As a result, this gives Kumamon a somewhat unsettling appearance. This image is from this Asahi Shinbun article. 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonewsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.socialTony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvegaThe Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistJapan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonewsWebsite: https://japankyo.com/Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

This is a re-broadcast of episode 65 of the Ichimon Japan podcast (originally published on 12/21/2022). On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Christmas like in Japan? (About Japanese Christmas) Topics Discussed Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] 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! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. None We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan