Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we finish off the discussion on seppuku that we started in episode 18 with two very interesting examples of people cutting themselves open. Topics Discussed General Maresuke Nogi The death by (kind of sanctioned?) seppuku of General Nogi Maresuke The cork-sized plugs found in General Nogi’s rectum Nogi Shrine in Tokyo …

 Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is seppuku? Topics Discussed A breakdown of the word seppuku A breakdown of the word hara-kiri Whether “hara-kiri” is a term used only by foreigners The glorification and beautification of seppuku The history and origin of seppuku/belly cutting The differences between the terms seppuku and hara-kiri, and which …

 Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese people love Hawaii so much? Topics Discussed Why Hawaii is such a popular travel destination among Japanese travelers How many Japanese people came to Hawaii in 2019 How the amount of Japanese travelers to Hawaii compares to the amount of travelers from other places How many …

Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Can sexy things give you anime style nosebleeds? Topics Discussed Whether getting sexually aroused causes nosebleeds What it would be like if people in the real world had explosive nosebleeds like in anime The idea that eating large amounts of chocolate causes nosebleeds The idea that eating large amounts of …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, award-winning author Peter Tieryas talks about his alternate history book series, United States of Japan, as well as answers many of the lingering questions at the end of his most recent book, Cyber Shogun Revolution. About Peter Tieryas Peter Tieryas is the award-winning author of the United …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re talking about the fascinating history and culture of soba noodles. About Dr. Lorie Brau Dr. Lorie Brau is an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico where she teaches courses on Japanese literature and culture. Dr. Brau has conducted research on a variety of …

 On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re exploring the history of chicken production in Japan and the fascinating world of artisan jidori chicken. About Dr. Benjamin Schrager Dr. Benjamin Schrager is an expert on Japanese food systems and heritage cuisine. He completed his PhD at the University of Hawaii at Manoa …

Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Was Momotarō a thief? Topics Discussed The folktale/fairy tale of Momotarō Whether Peach Boy is a good English title for Momotarō How old the story of Momotarō is Kunio Yanagita The most common motifs of the Momotarō story Some of the many variations that exist of the story of Momotarō …

 On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re digging into the world of Japanese spycraft and the history of Japan’s intelligence community with one of the world’s leading experts on the subject: Dr Richard Samuels. About Dr. Richard Samuels Richard Samuels is Ford International Professor of Political Science and director of the …

 On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re talking about ninjas, the judicial system of 16th century Japan, and more with Susan Spann, author of the Hiro Hattori “shinobi mystery” series of books. About Susan Spann Susan Spann is the award-winning author of the Hiro Hattori series of mystery books. The novels …

 Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? Topics Discussed Whether Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners The idea that longer intestines are a result of the Japanese people having a diet centering around rice, grains, and vegetables The inconsistent details surrounding the idea that Japanese people have …

 On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re exploring the world of the bamboo flute known as the shakuhachi.. About Christopher Yohemei Blasdel Christopher Yohmei Blasdel is a master of the shakuhachi, an educator, and an award-winning author. He began instruction in the instrument in Japan in 1972 and has spent almost …