Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Panty Town? Topics Discussed The town of Shimogigaoka (下木ヶ丘) and its plan to use panty vending machines for publicity The history of the town of Shimogigaoka What fundoshi are How rural towns across Japan are trying to both boost tourism and attract new residents through various headline-grabbing PR …

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 …

 Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was it like in Fukushima during the Tohoku earthquake? Note: This is part two of a two part series. If you have not listened to part one, you should go back and listen to it first. Topics Discussed What it was like being in Iwaki City, Fukushima in …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this special solo episode of the Japan Station podcast, I discuss being visually impaired and how my decision to study abroad in Japan helped me realize that I wasn’t limited by the loss of my eyesight. About Tony R. Vega Tony Dot Vega is a writer, editor, and podcaster. He has lived in …

 Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was it like in Fukushima during the Tohoku earthquake? Note: This is part one of a two part series. Topics Discussed A firsthand account of what the 2011 Tohoku earthquake felt like in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture The 2011 tsunami The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and concerns over …

 Today’s Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What’s the deal with “fish girl on a cliff?” And by “fish girl on a cliff” we mean the 2008 Studio Ghibli film Ponyo. Topics Discussed The general reception of Ponyo Whether Ponyo was better received in the West or in Japan The “catchiness” of the theme from Ponyo …

 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 …

http://media.blubrry.com/notwriting/s/mindrobber.net/podcasts/immunities/immunities-4t1goke.mp3 Download MP3 Japan Station host Tony Vega makes a guest appearance on this special episode of the Immunities podcast. On this episode Tony Vega, Immunities podcast creator/director Bob J. Koester, Maria Burnham, and Jacob Van Hoorn, discuss the 1968 classic (?) Japanese science fiction horror film Goke, Body Snatcher From Hell (吸血鬼ゴケミドロ, Kyūketsuki Gokemidoro) (lit. Vampire Gokemidoro). Questions are …

 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 …

 Today’s Question On this episode of chimon Japan we ask: What’s the deal with catgirls? Topics Discussed The history and origins of the trope of the catgirl What nekomimi (猫耳) means The existence of “catboys” (male nekomimi characters) Yōkai reminiscent of catgirls such as bakeneko nd nekomata The depiction of bakeneko women in Edo era ukiyo-e woodblock prints The …

 Today’s Question On this episode of chimon Japan we ask: Who are we? Topics Discussed Tony and Ryan’s interest in Japan and Japanese What “ichimon” means What Ichimon Japan is and what we hope to do on this podcast Listen to Ichimon Japan on Source, Links, Videos, Etc. Sorry, nothing this time! We Want Your Questions Is there something …

On This Episode of Japan Station On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we’re talking about “otaku,” the history of the anime “holy land” of Akihabara, and a whole lot more. 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 expert on the topic …