On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast we take a look at the fascinating intersection between Japanese culture, society, and video games. About Dr. Rachael Hutchinson Dr. Rachael Hutchinson is an associate professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Delaware. She has taught classes on Japanese language, film, anime, manga, and …

Pucker up. In anticipation of the release of their eighth single on January 16, the Japanese female idol group FES☆TIVE has released a music video, which is sure to put many of the group’s fans in a very festive mood. Titled “Yurayurayurari Koigokoro” (very loosely translates to “A Swaying Heart in Love”), the new song is a catchy and energetic …

It’s remix time, udon style. Udon is a wonderful and absolutely delicious type of Japanese noodles that is beloved by people around the world. However, udon also happens to be the name of an interesting Japanese composer/remixer who seems to have an affinity for store jingles, video game themes and the various sounds generated by many of today’s most popular …

A Japanese music producer/composer is starting to generate some buzz online thanks to a truly revolutionary product that he is trying to get made via Kickstarter. That product? An electronic crotch drum that will make you the envy of all your friends. Called Banggos, this unique little drum machine was posted to Kickstarter on July 13 by Japanese music producer …

The DJ, music producer and member of the Japanese hip hop group m-flo, ☆ Taku Takahashi has just released a song made using female pubic hair. Called “In Motion,” this new dance song was created using the pubic hairs of 15 women who participated in the “Pubic Hair Grooving” project, a promotional stunt sponsored by a Japanese hair removal website …

The “Electropop Visual Kei” Japanese band Metronome has released a music video for “Tsuyokute NEW GAME,” a song from their upcoming album CONTINUE, which is set to be released on March 15th. “Tsuyokute NEW GAME,” is an interesting blend of video game-inspired electronic sounds, rock elements, and vocals that might make you think you’re listening to a Vocaloid song. In …

Trance inducing electronic beats and psychedelic lights, two things that people wouldn’t normally associate with Buddhist temples. However, thanks to a former DJ turned Buddhist priest, that may be about to change. In an effort to attract more visitors and have people take an interest in Buddhism Shō-onji (照恩寺), a Pure Land Buddhism temple in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, has …