Episódios

  • 157. Service Culture
    Dec 29 2025

    Japan’s service culture sets a global standard, blending efficiency, politeness, and surprising little touches of care. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the roots of omotenashi and how it shapes everyday experiences.

    Topics Covered:

    What is Omotenashi?

    History

    Keigo

    Examples of Omotenashi

    The Dark Side of Customer Service

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    1 hora e 15 minutos
  • 156. Cosplay
    Dec 15 2025

    From anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today.

    Topics Covered:

    History

    How to Cosplay

    Where to Cosplay

    Are There Rules?

    Controversies

    Where to See Cosplay

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 hora e 26 minutos
  • 155. Soybeans
    Dec 1 2025

    Soybeans are at the heart of Japanese cuisine, found in everything from tofu and miso to soy sauce and natto. Join Jason and Paul as they explore how this humble bean shaped Japan’s food, culture, and history!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Japan’s Soybean Industry

    How Soybeans are Grown

    How Soybeans are Consumed in Japan: Tofu — Miso — Soy Sauce — Natto — Edamame — Soy Milk — Yuba — Kinako — Kuromame

    Types of Soybeans

    Health Benefits

    Where to get Soy Products

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 hora e 27 minutos
  • 154. Souvenirs
    Nov 17 2025

    Trying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.

    Topics Covered:

    Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — Incense

    Modern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — Electronics

    Collectibles: Gachapon — Goshuincho — Eki Stamps — Manhole Covers — Pins — Mascot Merch

    Food: KitKats — Tea — Sake — Whisky — Wagashi — Omiyage — Plastic Food

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 hora e 34 minutos
  • 153. The City of Fukuoka
    Nov 3 2025

    Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Tochoji Temple

    Kushida Shrine

    Sumiyoshi Shrine

    Canal City

    Nakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)

    Tenjin Underground Mall

    Fukuoka Castle Ruins

    Ohori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art Museum

    Mizuho PayPay Dome

    Momochi Seaside Park

    Fukuoka Tower

    Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

    Events: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata Dontaku

    Local Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — Mizutaki

    How to get to/around Fukuoka

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 hora e 18 minutos
  • 152. 2025 Halloween Special - Hell
    Oct 20 2025

    Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!

    Topics Covered:

    Yomi (Shinto Hell)

    Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)

    Hellish Places You Can Visit

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 hora e 13 minutos
  • 151. Cats
    Oct 6 2025

    Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume

    Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats

    Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 hora e 41 minutos
  • 150. A Brief History of Japan
    Aug 11 2025

    Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!

    Topics Covered:

    Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)

    Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)

    Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)

    Kofun Period (250 - 538)

    Yamato Period (250 - 710)

    Asuka Period (538 - 710)

    Nara Period (710 - 794)

    Heian Period (794 - 1185)

    Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)

    Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)

    Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)

    Edo Period (1600 - 1868)

    Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

    Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

    Showa Period (1926 - 1989)

    Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)

    Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)

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    1 hora e 15 minutos