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 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 …