On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re talking about depictions of Japan and Japanese people on popular American TV shows with Dr. Alisa Freedman. About Dr. Alisa Freedman Alisa Freedman is a Professor of Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender at the University of Oregon and the Editor-in-Chief of the U.S.–Japan Women’s Journal. Her books include Tokyo in Transit: Japanese …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Kansai-ben? Topics Discussed What the Kansai dilaect is The different that are found within the Kansai region of Japan Osaka-ben vs other dialects within the Kansai-ben umbrella The stereotype of the Ōsaka no obachan (older lady from Osaka) Leopard print clothing Who uses ōkini and where it is typically used …

Proof that Mario and Luigi live painful lives. Released in 1985 Super Mario Bros. is one of the most influential and important games in the history of video games. As such it should come as no surprise that even more than 35 years after its release the game continues to inspire people to create all sorts of content based on …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony has a chat with the owner of a voice that anyone who has ever ridden the Shinkansen (bullet train) will have heard numerous times: voice actor and singer Donna Burke. About Donna Burke Donna Burke is an Australian singer and voice actor based in Japan. Her voice can be heard in …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re joined by Stephen Tetsu to discuss the Japanese comedy & entertainment industry, as well as his life as a comedian in the largest talent agency in Japan: Yoshimoto Kōgyō. About Stephen Tetsu Stephen Tetsu is an owarai geinin (comedian) who is part of Yoshimoto Kōgyō, the largest …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re joined by master rakugo performer Shinoharu Tatekawa. About Shinoharu Tatekawa Shinoharu Tatekawa is a professional rakugo (traditional Japanese comedic storytelling) performer. He apprenticed under the well-known and highly respected rakugo master Shinosuke Tatekawa. In addition to performing rakugo in Japanese, Shinoharu also has extensive experience …

In this episode of the Japan Station podcast Tony has a fun chat with comedian Ollie Horn. Ollie Horn is a stand-up comedian from the United Kingdom who lived many years in Fukuoka, Japan. While there he attended graduate school and worked in the Japanese entertainment industry. In 2014 Ollie Horn came up with the idea that would evolve into …

Doing this in public will get you arrested. Like many Japanese comedians who get their big break Akira 100% suddenly popped onto Japanese mainstream media before mostly disappearing into obscurity. However, Akira’s true fans know that he never really disappeared. He’s been around on social media and YouTube coming up with new and increasingly ridiculous naked stunts to pull. In …

Hey, Akira, your ping pong balls are showing. The Japanese comedian Akira 100% has made a career for himself using little more than a metal tray – and that is no exaggeration. He doesn’t even wear clothes when he’s performing. All he does is use that metal tray (and occasionally other items) to keep his nether-regions covered as he engages …

 Episode five of the Japan Station podcast is here and this time I’m joined by comedian Showko Showfukutei. Originally from Kobe, Japan, Showko is a rakugo (Japanese traditional comic storytelling) performer, ventriloquist, and stand up comedian living in Melbourne, Australia. She is the only fully trained rakugo performer living outside of Japan and her unique brand of comedy has …

 Japan Station is back with episode 2 and this time I’m joined by owarai comedian Ann Lethin. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Ann moved to Japan to pursue a career in comedy after college. Ann discusses why she decided to do that, what comedy schools (yōseijo) are like, the challenges of being a comedian in Japan, a major reason why Japanese comedy …

 Celebrate the official start of the Japan Station podcast with not one, but two amazing guests! This episode I’m joined by filmmakers Dominic Pearce (left in top image) and Aaron McCann (right), the creators of the hilarious mockumentary Top Knot Detective. In the episode Aaron and Dominic talk about what inspired them to make Top Knot Detective and the …