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

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By: JapanKyo.com

Japan Station helps you understand Japanese culture, language, and society on a deeper level. Hosted by The Anime Linguist, Tony R. Vega, the show features expert interviews and deep dives into topics you won't find anywhere else—sometimes with ridiculous tangents. Each episode dives into everything from Japanese language and linguistics to history, food, travel, and pop culture. You'll also hear stories from foreigners living in Japan, giving perspective on life in the country beyond the usual guidebook tips. Whether you're learning Japanese, planning a trip, or just passionate about Japan, each episode delivers insight, humor, and useful information. Topics we...

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The Kumamoto earthquake is HEARTBREAKING! How to help
The Kumamoto earthquake is HEARTBREAKING! How to help episode artwork
#224
Yesterday at 1:36 PM

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!

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Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

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Crazy ways to survive Japan's BRUTAL summer heat
Crazy ways to survive Japan's BRUTAL summer heat episode artwork
#221
Yesterday at 3:13 AM

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...


Inside an Intense Sushi Training Course in Tokyo
Inside an Intense Sushi Training Course in Tokyo episode artwork
#220
07/21/2026

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 sush...


What you need to know about FAMIRESU!
What you need to know about FAMIRESU! episode artwork
#219
07/14/2026

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...


Why life in Miyagi is DIFFERENT!
Why life in Miyagi is DIFFERENT! episode artwork
#217
07/07/2026

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...


What the hell is JUNE sickness? (rokugatsubyō, 六月病) | Japan Station 217
What the hell is JUNE sickness? (rokugatsubyō, 六月病) | Japan Station 217 episode artwork
#217
07/01/2026

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!

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Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.co...


Who started the Japanese soccer fan trash clean up custom?
Who started the Japanese soccer fan trash clean up custom? episode artwork
#214
06/24/2026

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...


He climbed Japan's 100 FAMOUS mountains
He climbed Japan's 100 FAMOUS mountains episode artwork
#215
06/21/2026

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...


The good and bad of the JET Program
The good and bad of the JET Program episode artwork
#214
06/15/2026

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...


Food you GOTTA try in Fukushima!
Food you GOTTA try in Fukushima! episode artwork
#213
06/07/2026

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!

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Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

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Why life in Fukushima is DIFFERENT!
Why life in Fukushima is DIFFERENT! episode artwork
#212
06/01/2026

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!

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Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/pod...


The Virgin Mary inspired him to make a film in Japan
The Virgin Mary inspired him to make a film in Japan episode artwork
#211
05/21/2026

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 Japan...


Tokyo is FED UP with tourists dumping their trash
Tokyo is FED UP with tourists dumping their trash episode artwork
#208
05/17/2026

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 you...


What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? | Japan Station 209/Ichimon Japan 04
What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? | Japan Station 209/Ichimon Japan 04 episode artwork
#209
05/14/2026

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...


Why fans of the supernatural should visit Iwate Prefecture | Japan Station 208
Why fans of the supernatural should visit Iwate Prefecture | Japan Station 208 episode artwork
#207
05/07/2026

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 Goemo...


Why life in Iwate is DIFFERENT! | Japan Station 207
Why life in Iwate is DIFFERENT! | Japan Station 207 episode artwork
#207
05/01/2026

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 Abou...


A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73
A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73 episode artwork
#206
04/23/2026

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...


He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205
He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205 episode artwork
#205
04/21/2026

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...


This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204
This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204 episode artwork
#204
04/15/2026

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) i...


The ORIGINS of "scammy" SAKURA | Japan Station 203
The ORIGINS of "scammy" SAKURA | Japan Station 203 episode artwork
#203
04/07/2026

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!

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Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

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Support for a...


Why breakfast deals in Japan are CRAZY now | Japan Station 202
Why breakfast deals in Japan are CRAZY now | Japan Station 202 episode artwork
#202
04/01/2026

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...


Akihabara is DYING? How Ikebukuro Became Japan's New Otaku Capital | Japan Station 201
Akihabara is DYING? How Ikebukuro Became Japan's New Otaku Capital | Japan Station 201 episode artwork
#201
03/21/2026

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 Tos...


Is Yamaguchi cursed to have"ugly" girls? (Places in Japan Known for "Beautiful" & "Ugly" Women) | Japan Station 200/Ichimon Japan 50
03/15/2026

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 (s...


What is a shijūkata? (Age related Japanese words) | Japan Station 199
03/07/2026

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! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal...


Why Akita women are so beautiful (and other info about life in Akita) | Japan Station 198
#198
03/01/2026

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" The...


Why you should visit YAMAGATA! | Japan Station 197
#197
02/21/2026

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!

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How do Japanese names work? | Japan Station 196/Ichimon Japan 28
#196
02/15/2026

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...


What the hell does "depakosu" mean? | Japan Station 195
#195
02/07/2026

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!

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Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

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Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versi...


Why life in Aomori is so DIFFERENT | Japan Station 194
#194
02/01/2026

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!

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The CRAZIEST Taishō era slang EXPLAINED! | Japan Station 193
#193
01/21/2026

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...


10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really? | Japan Station 192
#192
01/14/2026

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...


Okuribito: Mortician or millionaire? What does it mean? | Japaan Station 191
#191
01/07/2026

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!

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Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

Supp...


How charcoal is saving this rural Japanese town (Ami Eldridge of Sumizumi LLC) | Japan Station 190
#190
01/05/2026

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...


Why "religion" in Japan doesn't make sense (to Westerners): A Talk with Hiroko Yoda | Japan Station 189
#189
12/31/2025

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 wh...


What you should know about KUMAMON (+ my CRAZY Kumamon story) | Japan Station 188
#188
12/20/2025

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

About Kumamon How Kumamon was created The history of Kumamon Who created Kumamon How Kumamon used to look quite different when he was first unveiled How Kumamon's appearance changed About Kumamon's creepy appearance About the Osaka press conference that introduced Kumamon to the...


Understanding Christmas in Japan (About Japanese Christmas) | Japan Station 187/Ichimon Japan 67
#187
12/09/2025

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 All about Christmas in Japan Japanese Christmas customs in Japan All about fried chicken and Christmas in Japan Why KFC is the thing to eat during Christmas in Japan How Christmas is seen as a romantic holiday in Japan Christmas light displays About reserving KFC fried chicken for Christmas About KFC's Premium Roast About Christmas cake in Japan The first Christmas in Japan...


Hanakin: What does it mean? (Dead Japanese Slang) | Japan Station 186
#186
12/02/2025

On this episode of Japan Station, I dig into the world of dead Japanese Bubble Era slang. Specifically, I talk about the term hanakin (花金). Also I talk about the days of the week during World War II in Japan.

👉Topics Discussed

What is hanakin What hanakin means About the kanji used to write hanakin How I learned the days of the week in Japanese How there were no weekends during World War II in Japan And much more!

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He WALKED 3200 km across ALL of JAPAN! (Sensei Martian) | Japan Station 185
#185
11/28/2025

On this episode of Japan Station, Sensei Martian talks about what it was like walking 3200 km from Cape Sata, the southernmost point on mainland Japan, to Cape Soya, the northernmost point on mainland Japan.

👉Topics Discussed

About the Kyushu Challenge Why Sensei Martian decided to walk 3200 km/3000 miles+ across Japan About walking the old Tokaido Road About walking from the southern end of Japan to the northern end About encounters Sensei Martian had with people while walking across Japan About booking lodging while walking across Japan About getting injured while walking across Japan About the...


I walked across KYUSHU! Here's what happened (Kyushu Challenge Wrap Up) | Japan Station 184
#184
11/20/2025

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the Kyushu Challenge, my recent 558 km walk from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi to Sakurajima, Kagoshima.

👉Topics Discussed

About the Kyushu Challenge The route I took to walk from Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture to Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture About how a restaurant owner gave me money How I appeared on TV in Yamaguchi Prefecture About kawara soba About okonomiyaki About the scariest tunnel I ever had to walk through About walking through rural southern Kumamoto and Kagoshima About the Hisatsu Orange Railway The benefit of regional JR rail pas...


How I got my CHEAPEST Japan ticket EVER! | Japan Station 183
#183
11/14/2025

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about how I was able to save money on airfare for my latest trip to Japan. I also share how I almost lost money due to a luggage issue and I talk about why regional JR passes can save you lots of money while traveling in Japan.

👉Topics Discussed

How I get the cheapest plane ticket to Japan ever About smartfares.com Why you should check how many bags you are allowed to check in on a flight About regional JR passes and why they can be...