This is a re-release of Ichimon Japan episode 28. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do Japanese names work? Topics Discussed How people in Japan normally state their family name before their given name The complicated history of naming practices in Japan Commoners being prohibited from using family names during the Edo Period The Meiji era laws …

This is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 21. Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? Topics Discussed All about Japan’s old way of telling time that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac (eto) Which “animals” in the old Chinese Zodiac based way of …

This episode was originally released as episode 3 of the Ichimon Japan podcast. Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese train stations do that? Topics Discussed The train system in rural areas versus urban areas in Japan Trains in Kagoshima and Ishikawa What a Wanmanressha (one man trains) is Unmanned rural train stations Why Japanese train …

Today’s Question This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of episode two of Ichimon Japan. 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 …

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the importance of revitalizing rural Japan, the negative impact of the weak yen on Japan, and more with Dr. Robert D. Eldridge. 👉Topics Discussed What is chihō sōsei (地方創生)? About the importance of chihō sōsei Why it is important to preserve and revitalize rural areas of Japan About the weak yen (enyasu, …

On this episode of Japan Station, writer and Kyoto expert Phillip Jackson tells about some great walking areas in Japan’s ancient capital city. WARNING: This episode will make you want to go to Kyoto! 👉Topics Discussed About Phillip Jackson The fascinating history of Kyoto Lesser known places to visit in Kyoto A trail in Uji you should check out And …

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: 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 …

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Yamaguchi cursed to have “ugly” girls? We also discuss other places in Japan known for having many beautiful/ugly women. Topics Discussed The three most scenic views in Japan What the Sandaibijin (三大美人) is What places in Japan are most known for having beautiful women Fukuoka (Hakata), Akita, and Kyoto’s status as places in …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, translator Allison Markin Powell talks about translating Japanese fiction. About Allison Markin Powell Allison Markin Powell is a literary translator, editor, and publishing consultant. The most recently published book she translated is Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement (The Feminist Press at CUNY) by Shiori Ito. Topics Discussed How …

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, translator Allison Markin Powell discusses the story of Shiori Ito and the newly published English version of the book Black Box: The Memoir That Sparked Japan’s #MeToo Movement. About Allison Markin Powell Allison Markin Powell is a literary translator, editor, and publishing consultant. The most recently published book she translated is Black …

 On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Does “Your Name” live up to the hype? Topics Discussed Whether the movie Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) is as good as many people say it is The reception of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) within Japan and abroad The basic plot of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) Some potential …