On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we explore the history of modern Japan with Dr. Christopher Harding. About Dr. Christopher Harding Dr. Christopher Harding is a cultural historian of Japan and India, journalist, and a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. His latest book, published by Tuttle Publishing, was released …

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 …

This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 12. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are vegetables so unsulting in Japanese? On this episode we are honored to once again be joined by Kyle Broyles of the Tokyo Splosion podcast and Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed Some funny Japanese vegetable-based insults and their (supposed) etymologies …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re joined by master rakugo performer Shinoharu Tatekawa. About Shinoharu Tatekawa Shinoharu Tatekawa is a professional rakugo (traditional Japanese comedic storytelling) performer. He apprenticed under the well-known and highly respected rakugo master Shinosuke Tatekawa. In addition to performing rakugo in Japanese, Shinoharu also has extensive experience …

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 …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, comedian, TV personality, and co-host of the Japan By River Cruise podcast Bobby Judo stops by to chat about the Japanese river cruise industry, iguanas, working Japan’s entertainment industry, and more. About Bobby Judo Bobby Judo is a stand-up comedian and TV personality based in …

Recently, I (Tony Vega) was a guest on Tokyo Podcast. On the episode I was on I discuss how my interest in the Japanese language and Japan helped me overcome the mental blocks I had after losing most of my eyesight due to Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy at the end of high school. If you’re a listener of the Japan …

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 exploring the history of Japanese aidoru (idols) and discussing the dynamics behind one of Japan’s most popular idol groups: AKB48. About Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith is a lecturer at Senshu University in Tokyo. He is one of the world’s leading experts on the …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re joined by Anthony Joh of Tokyo Podcast. About Anthony Joh Anthony Joh is an entrepreneur, digital marketing consultant, and longtime podcaster. After moving to Thailand about a decade ago Anthony helped start The Bangkok Podcast. He then started the long-running Tokyo Podcast after relocating …