Every year watermelon lovers gather in Tomisato City in Chiba Prefecture to participate in an epic physical challenge knows as the Tomisato Suika Rōdo Rēsu (冨里すいかロードレース). This peculiar event involves people of all ages eating watermelon as they race to be the first to complete the 7 km course. This year the event was held on June 16th and featured …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Chris McMorran talks about what it’s like working at a rural ryokan (Japanese inn). About Dr. Chris McMorran Chris McMorran is Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore. He is a cultural geographer of contemporary Japan focusing on the geographies of home across scale, from the body …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks to John Davis, a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan. About John Davis John Davis is a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan. He operates okicheese.com. Topics Discussed About moving to Japan and trying to find a job teaching English in Japan About why John Davis started making cheese in Okinawa About …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kyle Broyles of Pintology in Tokyo tells us about the process of starting and running a craft beer in Tokyo. Plus we celebrate episode 100 of Japan Station! About Kyle Broyles Kyle Broyles helps his wife run Pintology, a craft beer bar near Shinjuku in Tokyo. Kyle is also known as one …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? Topics Discussed Some of the differences observed in East and West Japan (higashi and nishi nihon) Differences in culture and food seen in Kansai and Kanto Where the border between East and West Japan is The difference in how people from East vs West Japan …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Chef Brendan Liew talks about his experiences working as a chef in Japan, Japanese cuisine and his new cookbook Tokyo Up Late. About Brendan Liew Brendan Liew spent time at the three-Michelin-starred Nihonryori Ryugin in Roppongi, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and studied the art of ramen-making in Japan before delving into kappo …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re talking about life in rural Saga Prefecture and a new travel experience that allows people to experience some of the wonderful things rual Saga Prefecture has to offer. About Prairie Stuart Wolff Prairie Stuart Wolff is a photographer and writer living in the town of Mirukashi in Saga Prefecture. She runs …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (We’re especially focusing on why randoseru, fruit and delivery pizza are so expensive in Japan) Topics Discussed Whether living in Japan is expensive The cost of Japanese movie theaters What a randoseru is The expensive price of randoseru The average price of a randoseru …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Are Japanese…? (Stereotypes About Japan) Topics Discussed Japanese stereotypes Whether Japanese people are shy/quiet Whether Japanese people eat sushi everyday Whether all Japanese people love anime Anime as part of one’s identity Whether Japanese people are good at math Whether Japanese people work long hours Whether Japanese people can handle alcohol About …

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 …

We found emus in Tokyo, so we couldn’t help but investigate! Hiroshi Kato is from the city of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. However, one day he decided to relocate to a rural part of the Tokyo Metropolis and become an emu rancher. In this video, we go to the twon of Okutama in Western Tokyo and Kato tells us about …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan? Topics Discussed Whether we think it’s worth visiting Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan in Osaka About Ryan’s experience at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan About Universal Studios Japan’s Cool Japan special event About the appointment system used …