This episode is a re-broadcast of episode 61 of the Ichimon Japan podcast (originally released 6/21/22). 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 …

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about “May sickness” and “June sickness.” What are these sicknesses? Are they real? Should you be concerned? 👉Topics Discussed What is gogatsubyō (五津病) What is rokugatsubyō (六月病) The origin of “May sickness” Why April-June has a reputation for being a stressful time of year in Japan Why June sickness is stupid Why …

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the origins of the famous custom of Japanese World Cup soccer/football fans cleaning stadiums after a match is over. Where did this custom originate? Who started it? Why do they use blue garbage bags? We talk about all that and more! 👉Topics Discussed The history of the Japanese soccer/football fan cleaning …

On this episode of Japan Station, we’re joined by the first confirmed American to climb Japan’s “100 famous mountains” (hyakumēzan, 百名山): Wes Lang. We also talk about his experiences climbing Japan’s tallest mountains and more. 👉Topics Discussed About climbing Japan’s hundred famous mountains (hyakumēzan, 百名山) Animal encounters while climbing mountains in Japan Memorable experiences while hiking in Japan About getting …

On this episode of Japan Station, we’re talking about food you have to eat the next time you visit Fukushima. 👉Topics Discussed About the Grand Van Gogh Exhibit About the Pokemon Astronomical Observatory About Koriyama Black Ramen What a “cream box” is What is Fukushima Buruburu The history of Fukushima Buruburu And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: …

On this episode of Japan Station, we’re talking about Fukushima Prefecture! We’re focusing on the geography, cultural quirks, language and food. 👉Topics Discussed About the geography of Fukushima Prefecture Where Fukushima is located About the three regions of Fukushima: Aizu, Nakadōri, Hamadōri About the stereotypes of the people of the three regions of Fukushima What is Mamadōru About the Fukushima …

On this episode of Japan Station, filmmaker Cuauhtemoc Velazquez joins us to talk about Apparition, his new short film about a Tokyo izakaya that gets visited by the Virgin Mary. 👉Topics Discussed What Apparition is about What inspired Cuauhtemoc Velazquez to make Apparition Japan’s loose but respectful relationship with religion About making a short film in Japan About renting a film set in Japan …

On this episode of Japan Station, we’re talking about how there’s been an increase in the number of tourists from overseas who are dumping their suitcases in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo. We also talk about what you can do if you need to dispose of your suitcase when visiting Japan. 👉Topics Discussed Foreign tourists are dumping their suitcases illegally …

This is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 04 which originally was released on 2/12/2020. Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What’s it like being a fake priest in Japan? Topics Discussed What a nisebokushi is The different terminology for priests in Japanese (shinpu vs bokushi) The phenomenon of having foreigners dress as priests to officiate …

On this episode of Japan Station, we’re talking about Hanamaki and Tōno, two cities in Iwate prefecture known for being great places to visit if you’re a fan of the supernatural and fantastic. 👉Topics Discussed How to get to Hanamaki City from Tokyo Station How long the bullet train to Iwate from Tokyo takes About traveling by train from Hanamaki …

On this episode of Japan Station, we’re talking about Iwate Prefecture! We’re focusing on the geography, general stats, language and food. 👉Topics Discussed Where Iwate Prefecture is About Iwate Prefecture’s large size and sparse population About the weather of Iwate Prefecture About the dialects of Iwate Prefecture About Fukuda Pan/Fukuda Bread, it’s history and its many varieties About wanko soba …

On this episode of Japan Station, we’re joined by Jake Davies, a resident of Shimane Prefecture who has walked over 30,000 km in Japan. He talks about his experiences walking around Japan and what it’s like living in Shimane, one of Japan’s least populated prefecture. 👉Topics Discussed Why Jake Davies moved to Shimane Prefecture What it’s like living in rural …