In this episode of the Japan Station podcast I sit down for a thrilling chat with author Barry Lancet. Barry Lancet is the award-winning author of the Jim Brodie series of books. After a long career as an editor at the international arm of one of Japan’s most prestigious publishers—Kodansha—Lancet made his debut as an author in 2013 with …

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 …

Perfect for coffee lovers who love to slurp. If you’ve ever been in Japan during the summer, then there’s a good chance you’ve come across “coffee jelly” (kōhī zerī). This chilled sweet coffee-flavored gelatin dessert is a staple of summer in Japan and no doubt a favorite treat of many coffee lovers. However, for the folks at Tanuki Coffee–a coffee …

The most lethal bowl of udon & rice you’ve ever eaten. These days it seems like everyone is talking about eating healthy and watching one’s calorie intake. This is the case even in Japan. However, it looks like one Japanese restaurant chain has decided to rebel against this trend because they have given birth to a new menu item which …

Which is your favorite? With all the excitement surrounding the April 1st press conference in which the name of Japan’s new Imperial era was announced–it’s going to be called Reiwa by the way–this year’s April Fools’ Day was definitely a bit overshadowed. However, just like every year, a long list of Japanese companies put out April Fools’ Day jokes in …

Become a holy rider. Shinto shrines can be found all over Japan and although most are dedicated to fairly universal things like good health, studies, and finding a romantic partner, others specialize in far more niche things. Take the case of a relatively new shrine located in the town of Miki (Miki-chō) in Kagawa Prefecture which is dedicated to keeping …

Is 2019 Tottori’s time to shine? When most people think of visiting Japan, they probably think of neon-lit, bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, or the old capital city of Kyoto. However, it was Japan’s most rural area—Tottori Prefecture—that was named the number one Japan place to visit in Japan  in 2019 by GajinPot Travel. GajinPot Travel is a popular …

The most delicious cover of “Smoke on the Water” ever. The humble Pocky is easily one of Japan’s most instantly recognizable and beloved snacks. And for good reason. Not only are these chocolate-coated biscuit sticks delicious, they’re fun to eat. However, did you know that aside from being a great snack, Pocky can also be used to play classic rock? …

No, the new flavor is unfortunately not Wasabi Cheese. In April Nestle Japan called on Kit Kat fans from around the world to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the introduction of this iconic chocolate in Japan by holding an online vote to select a new limited time Kit Kat flavor. And on Wednesday (Nov. 7), after many months of waiting, …

The most appetizing rhymes you’ve ever heard. Carefully preparing food in a kitchen is not something you normally associate with the world of rap. However, it looks like the Japanese female hip hop idol group Lyrical School is hoping to change that because they have just released a music video that goes in-depth into the process of making delicious and …

No free grapes here. Taking a single grape from the grocery store’s produce aisle without paying is one of those things many people do even though they know they’re not supposed to. It’s also one of those things that people rarely, if ever, get punished for. However, earlier this week a man in Fukuoka did just that and is now …

Time to eat some meat. The cat-eared idol group Wasuta (a.k.a. The World Standard) is back with an appetizing new music video for a love song that will make you want to stuff yourself full of yakiniku (Japan’s take on Korean barbecue). Set to release on October  31 as part of the group’s upcoming new mini-album, GIRLS,BE AMBITIOUS!, the new …