ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Kansai-ben?

Topics Discussed

• What the Kansai dilaect is
• The different that are found within the Kansai region of Japan
• Osaka-ben vs other dialects within the Kansai-ben umbrella
• The stereotype of the Ōsaka no obachan (older lady from Osaka)
• Leopard print clothing
• Who uses ōkini and where it is typically used
• The characteristic intonation of the Kansai dialect
• Switching back and forth between the "standard" Japanese dialect and the Kansai dialect
• Vowel elongation in the Kansai dialect
• "S" sounds being switched out for "h" sounds in the Kansai dialect
• The Keihan train line
• The Keihan train line's Okeihan mascot character
• The -hen suffix
• How dialects from regions close in proximity to one another tend to share more similarities than dialects from regions far apart.
• About nandeyanen
• About aho and its usage
• Hard to believe theories about the etymology of aho
• About meccha
• The etymology of ōkini
• About shānai
• About akan
• The origin of akan
• What rachi ga akanai means
• About chau and the famous chow chow chau pun
• What bokobokoegui means
• What dabo means
• How many people perceive the Osaka and Kyoto dialects
• Usage of the Kansai dialect by yakuza
• Learning the Kansai dialect
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Kansai-ben: b. Accent (Accentuation and pitch pattern)
• Kansai-Ben: 18 Fun Kansai Dialect Phrases To Use When Visiting Osaka!
• Intonation Differences between Common Phrases in Standard Japanese and Kansai-ben
• ”Metcha suki ya nen”: A sociolinguistic attitude survey concerning the Kansai dialect

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 関西弁は中国語？「無形文化遺産」と強調する北大教授の名物講義とは
• 日本の方言における最大の発明は「なんでやねん」
• 「おおきに」の意味｜方言や語源・「おおきに」の真逆使い方2例
• あかんの語源・由来
• 😲元男子の関西弁講座‼️『あかん』語源 由来知ってますか。。。？関西弁の歴史！関西弁『アカン』の意外な事実。。。言葉って面白い！方言は多様だから
• 阿呆・あほう・あほ
• 阿呆の意味とは?由来や類語・馬鹿との違いは?関西と関東で使われ方が違う?
• 面白い神戸弁★笑われちゃう方言のセリフ10選
• 大阪弁と京都弁の違いを1人の大阪人がざっくり解説［同じ関西弁でも微妙に違うところがある］

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station via the link below.

• Yuji Dreams of Noodles: Chatting About Ramen, Fish & Osakana w. Restaurant Owner & Fish Expert Yuji Haraguchi | Japan Station 64

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Yaoya
  • 八百屋 【やおや】 (n) greengrocer; fruit and vegetable shop
• Nandedyanen
  • なんでやねん (exp,int) (ksb:) what the hell?; what are you going on about?; what the hell are you doing?; you've got to be kidding
• Meccha
  • めっちゃ (ateji) (adv) (sl) (ksb:) very; extremely; excessively
• Akan
  • あかん (exp) (ksb:) useless; no good; hopeless
• Rachi ga akanai
• Shaanai
  • しゃあない (exp) (ksb:) it can't be helped; so it goes; c'est la vie
• Chau
  • ちゃう (int) (1) (ksb:) no; that's wrong; it's not like that; (exp) (2) (ksb:) isn't it?; wasn't it?
• Chigau
  • 違う 【ちがう】 (v5u,vi) (1) to differ (from); to vary; (v5u,vi) (2) to not be in the usual condition; (v5u,vi) (3) to not match the correct (answer, etc.); (v5u,vi) (4) (See 話が違う) to be different from promised; (exp) (5) (ksb:) (at sentence-end; oft. as 〜のと違うか) isn't it?; wasn't it?; (P); 【たがう】 ; (v5u,vi) (1) to differ; to be different; (v5u,vi) (2) to run counter to; (v5u,vi) (3) to change (into something out of the ordinary)

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Illustration in featured image: By Rhama based on concept by Tony Vega

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Are rabbits counted as birds because eating meat was taboo in Japan?

Topics Discussed

• The practice of counting rabbits as if they were birds in Japanese
• Whether Japanese people eat meat
• What exactly qualifies as meat
• The history of meats "bans" in Japan
• The hypocritical and dubious nature of meat "bans" in Japan
• What the earliest written Japanese records say about meat consumption in Japan
• The influence Buddhism had on the practice of eating meat in early Japanese history
• The declaration by Emperor Tenmu in April of 675 AD that prohibited people from eating meat in Japan
• How the consumption of wild game was tacitly permitted throughout much of Japanese history
• A description of a Heian era feast involving bear paws and rabbit spleens
• Possible penalties faced by those who ate meet
• Having to fast for eating meat
• The arrival of the Portuguese in Japan and the hard time they supposedly had adjusting to the Japanese diet
• The Tokugawa's promotion of Buddhist culture and ideas
• Meat bans and meat eating during the Edo Period
• Shops in Edo that sold the meat of wild game
• The discrimination faced by people who slaughtered animals and tanned hides
• Consuming meat for medicinal purposes
• How meat consumption was looked at in a much more positive light during the Meiji Period
• An incident in 1872 in which Buddhist priests broke into the Imperial Palace due to opposing the Emperor's promotion of meat consumption
• The death of the historical Buddha
• The counter system in Japanese
• What the Japanese counter -hiki (匹)is usually used for
• What the Japanese counter -tō (頭) is usually used for
• The supposed "correct" way to count rabbits in Japanese
• Various theories about why -wa, the counter that is normally used to count birds, is supposed to be used to count rabbits as well
• The rabbits are counted using -wa because their ears resemble wings theory
• The similar flavor and net theory
• A theory that says that -wa is supposed to be used to count rabbits because of the kanji used to write rabbit in Japanese
• The theory that people decided to count rabbits in the same way they count birds because they wanted to create a loophole in order to get away with eating meat
• An atypical reading of the kanji for rabbit
• How butterflies are counted using the same counter used for livestock in Japanese
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

For mroe information about Japan's relationship with so-called meat bans, you can check out the article below. This is the one that was found on the Kikkoman website.

• • Removal of the Ban on Meat: The Meat-Eating Culture of Japan at the Beginning of Westernization (Dr. Zenjiro Watanabe)

Here is another English-language reference.

• Why Eating Meat Was Banned in Japan for Centuries

Here are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sources for this episode.

• 肉食禁止の歴史
• 第２回　ウサギは鳥の一種？名前と数え方の由来の謎(なぞ)
• うさぎの数え方の謎！「匹」と「羽」どっちが正しいの？由来も併せて紹介！
• なんとなんとｍお以外で不思議な数え方鳥でもないのに、うさぎを「一羽、二羽」と数えるのはなぜ？
• “匹”や“頭”など、動物の助数詞の意味とは？
• 【日本の肉食禁止の歴史】約1200年に渡って肉食が禁止だった理由

To check out the two shirts inspired by today's episode, use the links below. Or you can just go to KimitoDesigns.com. Any purchases from KimitoDesigns.com will support this show.

• Cute & Yummy Rabbit Head Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt Heather Midnight Navy Cute & Yummy Rabbit Head Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt
• Rabbits Are Birds in Japan Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Here's some of the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned in this episode.

• Can sexy things give you anime style nosebleeds? (The Nosebleed Episode) | Ichimon Japan 16
• What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21
• What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33
• What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 2: Chinese Names, Short Sleeves, Bears, & More) | Ichimon Japan 34

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast.

• The Truth About “Washoku”: Addressing Japanese Cuisine and Washoku’s UNESCO Classification (Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka) | Japan Station 63

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Usagi
  • うさぎ (n) rabbit; hare; coney; cony; lagomorph (esp. leporids)
• Hane, -wa, u
  •  
  • 羽 : 羽(P); 羽根(P) 【はね(P); は(羽)】 (n) (1) feather; plume; down; (n) (2) wing; (n) (3) (羽根 only) blade (of a fan, propeller, etc.); (n) (4) (はね only) (See シャトル・1) shuttlecock (in badminton); (n) (5) (羽根 only) (also written as 羽子) (See 羽子・はご) shuttlecock (in hanetsuki); (n) (6) (羽根 only) (See 矢羽・やばね) arrow feathers; (P); 【わ(P); ば; ぱ】 ; (ctr) counter for birds, rabbits, etc.; (P); 【う】 ; (n) (See 五音) fifth degree (of the Japanese and Chinese pentatonic scale)
• Umō
  • 羽毛 【うもう】 (n,adj-no) feathers; plumage; down
• -hiki
  • 匹 : 匹(P); 疋 【ひき(P); き】 (ctr) (1) (ひき only) counter for small animals; (ctr) (2) counter for rolls of cloth (two han in size); (ctr) (3) (き only) (arch) counter for horses; (n) (4) roll of cloth
• Atama, Kashira, -tō
  • 頭 【あたま(P); かしら(P)】 (n) (1) head; (n) (2) hair (on one's head); (n) (3) (あたま only) mind; brains; intellect; (n) (4) leader; chief; boss; captain; (n) (5) top; tip; (n) (6) beginning; start; (n) (7) (あたま only) (See 頭数) head; person; (n) (8) (あたま only) (abbr) (See 頭金) down payment; deposit; (n) (9) (かしら only) top structural component of a kanji; (n) (10) (あたま only) (col) {mahj} (See 雀頭・ジャントー) pair; (P); 【とう】 ; (ctr) counter for large animals (e.g. head of cattle); counter for insects in a collection; counter for helmets, masks, etc.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Illustration in featured image: By Rhama based on concept by Tony Vega

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do students in Saga Prefecture still have to wear white underwear?

Topics Discussed

• The decision by Saga Prefecture's Board of Education to get rid of an existing rule in some of its schools that made it mandatory for students to wear white underwear under their school uniforms
• The possibility that some school rules in Japan are human rights violations
• Whether ten pikachus count as one mascot or ten
• Japanese school rules regarding student hair color and hairstyles
• How it seems that there is an increasing push for public schools in Japan to reevaluate their rules and eliminate unnecessary/pointless ones
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is an English-language article about the Saga Prefecture Board of Education's decision to eliminate rules such as the infamous white underwear one.

• Public schools in Japan’s Saga Prefecture will no longer regulate/check students’ underwear color

Here are some Japanese-language articles about the Saga Prefecture Board of Education's decision to reform its school rules.

• 「下着は白」の校則、全校で削除　ひざ掛け禁止も見直し
• 「下着は白」校則は人権侵害　「肩ひも出させて色確認」
• 「下着は白」の指定、全校で廃止https://this.kiji.is/747403814183649280?c=39546741839462401
• 佐賀県、「下着は白」とかいう意味不明な校則をようやく削除する

If you haven't listened to our previous episodes about Japanese school rules and regulations (a.k.a. kōsoku), then check them out via the links below.

• Why do students in Hamamatsu City have to wear white underwear? | Ichimon Japan 27
• Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23

 

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

• KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Kōsoku
  • 校則 【こうそく】 (n) school regulations
• Jinken shingai
  • 人権侵害 【じんけんしんがい】 (n) human rights violation
• Kurubushi
  • 踝 【くるぶし】 (n) (uk) {anat} ankle; malleolus; ankle bone
• Unaji
  • 項 【うなじ】 (n) (uk) nape (of the neck); nucha

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What first person pronoun should I use when speaking Japanese?

Topics Discussed

• The most common first person pronouns used in Japanese
• The tendency for Japanese speakers to avoid using pronouns
• The lack of true pronouns in Japanese
• How choosing which first person Japanese pronoun to use can be confusing even for native Japanese speakers
• Whether ore is only used by tough guys in Japanese
• Theories about the history and evolution of the first person Japanese pronoun ore
• Who uses ore
• The concept of direct index vs indirect index
• Whether ore is innately masculine
• What traits people associate with ore
• Whether women use ore
• The evolution and history of boku
• What traits are associated with boku
• Whether women use boku
• About watashi, watakushi, and atashi
• Using honorific language in Japanese as a way to scare or build a psychological wall with the listener
• A traumatic experience stemming from someone's reluctance to schoose a pronoun
• And much more!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

To learn more about Shoe Murakami, check out episode 45 of Japan Station.

• The Fascinating Life of Stand-Up Comedian Shuhei “Shoe” Murakami | Japan Station 45

You can find Shoe Murakami on the following platforms.

• Standup Comedian Shoe Murakami YouTube Channel
• Shoe Murakami on Facebook

Here are some of the main English-language sources used while doing the research for this episode.

• Japanese Pronoun Adventure: a Japanese Language Learner's Exploration of His Japanese Gender Pronoun
  • This is the article that is about the individual who created an original kanji (that they would later discover existed in Chinese) in order to use it as the written form of their preferred first person pronoun.
• An 'I’ for an 'I' The semantic development of the first person pronoun in Japanese

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used when doing the research for this episode.

• 「私」「俺」「僕」どれ使う？/Which Should You Use "私", "俺" or "僕"?
• 一人称は僕、オレ、私？　彼が何を使うかで距離感がわかるかも
• 彼氏の一人称が「ワシ」！ 彼女になったらどうする？https://mdpr.jp/column/detail/2347950
• 「わたし」「うち」「わい」どれがNG？男性に「女性の一人称」の本音を聞いてみた
• 江戸時代は男女の言葉に差がなかった!?

Here is the Tofugu.com article about Japanese first person pronouns that is mentioned in this episode.

• JAPANESE FIRST-PERSON PRONOUNS: わたし, ぼく, おれ, and A WHOLE LOT MORE

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

• What is the Shinsengumi? Examining the Shogun’s Last Samurai Corps w. Romulus Hillsborough | Japan Station 60

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

• KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Ore
  • 俺 : 俺(P); 己 【おれ(P); おらあ(俺)(ok); おり(俺)(ok)】 (pn) (male) (rough or arrogant) I; me
• Boku
  • 僕 【ぼく】 (pn) (1) (male) I; me; (pn) (2) (when addressing young boys) you; (pn) (3) (See しもべ) manservant
• Watashi/Watakushi/Atashi
  • 私 【あたし(P); あたくし; あたい; あて】 (pn) (fem) (uk) I; me; (P); 【わたし】 ; (pn) (slightly formal or feminine) I; me; (P); : 妾; 私 【わらわ】 ; (pn) (arch) (hum) (fem) I; me; : 儂; 私 【わし】 ; (pn) (uk) (male) (used by elderly) I; me; 【あっし; わっし】 ; (pn) (mainly used by working men) I; me; 【し】 ; (n) (See 公・こう・1) private affairs; personal matter; 【わい; わて】 ; (pn) (1) (arch) (ksb:) I; me; (pn) (2) (わい only) (used toward people of equal or lower status) you; 【わたい】 ; (pn) (arch) (ktb:) I; me; 【わたくし】 ; (pn) (1) (usu. more formal than わたし) (See 私・わたし) I; me; (adj-no,n) (2) (ant: 公・おおやけ・2) personal (affairs, etc.); private; (n) (3) selfishness; partiality; (n) (4) secrecy; confidentiality; 【わっち】 ; (pn) (used esp. by people of low status) I; me
• Chūboku
  • 忠僕 【ちゅうぼく】 (n) faithful servant
• Nōto
  • ノート (n) (1) (abbr) (See ノートブック) notebook; copy-book; exercise book

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Ore
  • 俺 : 俺(P); 己 【おれ(P); おらあ(俺)(ok); おり(俺)(ok)】 (pn) (male) (rough or arrogant) I; me
• Boku
  • 僕 【ぼく】 (pn) (1) (male) I; me; (pn) (2) (when addressing young boys) you; (pn) (3) (See しもべ) manservant
• Watashi/Watakushi/Atashi
  • 私 【あたし(P); あたくし; あたい; あて】 (pn) (fem) (uk) I; me; (P); 【わたし】 ; (pn) (slightly formal or feminine) I; me; (P); : 妾; 私 【わらわ】 ; (pn) (arch) (hum) (fem) I; me; : 儂; 私 【わし】 ; (pn) (uk) (male) (used by elderly) I; me; 【あっし; わっし】 ; (pn) (mainly used by working men) I; me; 【し】 ; (n) (See 公・こう・1) private affairs; personal matter; 【わい; わて】 ; (pn) (1) (arch) (ksb:) I; me; (pn) (2) (わい only) (used toward people of equal or lower status) you; 【わたい】 ; (pn) (arch) (ktb:) I; me; 【わたくし】 ; (pn) (1) (usu. more formal than わたし) (See 私・わたし) I; me; (adj-no,n) (2) (ant: 公・おおやけ・2) personal (affairs, etc.); private; (n) (3) selfishness; partiality; (n) (4) secrecy; confidentiality; 【わっち】 ; (pn) (used esp. by people of low status) I; me
• Chūboku
  • 忠僕 【ちゅうぼく】 (n) faithful servant
• Nōto
  • ノート (n) (1) (abbr) (See ノートブック) notebook; copy-book; exercise book

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese mistake stories?

Topics Discussed

• How "sayonara" is not used in most situations when saying "goodbye" in Japanese
• A mix up at a convenience store
• Getting used to referring to people in the Japanese language
• What exactly a rōtari is
• Being asian
• Dealing with people that want to speak English even when they're English ability is poor
• Mixing up yasui (cheap) with yasai)
• The tricky situation that people with Asian features who are not fluent speakers of Japanese often find themselves in Japan
• A peculiar usage of the term shikkari and shikkari shiro
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below.

• Kyle Broyles on Twitter

Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below.

• Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts
• Tokyo Splosion on Google Podcasts
• Tokyo Splosion on Spotify
• Tokyo Splosion on Twitter

To listen to the other Ichimon Japan episodes that Kyle Broyles was a guest on, use the links below.

• What’s life like in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic? (Uncovering the cute sneeze conspiracy) | Ichimon Japan 13
• Why are vegetables so insulting in Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 14

To listen to the first "Japanese mistakes" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.

• Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories? | Ichimon Japan 30

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

• Obscenity, Censorship & Erotic Comics in Japan (Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 59

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

• KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Onigiri
  • おにぎり (n) (pol) onigiri; rice ball (often triangular, sometimes with a filling and wrapped in nori)
• Rootari
  • ロータリ (n) traffic circle; circle; rotary; roundabout
• Yasai
  • 野菜 【やさい】 (n,adj-no) vegetable
• Yasui
  • 安い(P); 廉い 【やすい】 (adj-i) (1) cheap; inexpensive; (adj-i) (2) (安い only) calm; peaceful; quiet
• Tsumetai
  • 冷たい 【つめたい(P); つべたい】 (adj-i) (1) (ant: 熱い・1) cold (to the touch); chilly; icy; freezing
• Doobutsuen
  • 動物園 【どうぶつえん】 (n) zoo; zoological gardens
• Daibutsu
  • 大仏 【だいぶつ】 (n) large statue of Buddha (trad. at least 4.8m high)
• Shikkari
  • しっかり (adv,adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) tightly (holding on); firmly; securely; (adv,adv-to,vs) (2) (uk) (on-mim) strongly (built); solidly; sturdily; steadily; (adv,adv-to,vs) (3) (uk) (on-mim) properly; well; sufficiently; hard (working, etc.); fully; completely; (adv,adv-to,vs) (4) (uk) (on-mim) reliably; dependably; levelheadedly; shrewdly; wisely; cleverly
• Shikkari shiro
  • しっかりしろ (exp) pull yourself together; get a grip; get a hold of yourself; come on
• Ou
  • 負う 【おう】 (v5u,vt) (1) (See 背負う・1) to bear; to carry on one's back; (v5u,vt) (2) to take responsibility for; to accept a duty; (v5u,vt) (3) to receive (wound); to incur (damage); to be injured; (v5u,vt) (4) to owe

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

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What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why did samurai have such weird haircuts?

Topics Discussed

• What a chonmage is
• The Japanese people's pursuit of  excellence of the hairstyle
• The historical origins of the topknots in Japan
• Hats and their connection to the topknot
• The supposed reason why samurai started using topknots and shaving the front of their heads
• The chonmage as a status symbol during the Edo Period
• The most well-known types of chonmage
• What an ichōmage is
• What a hondamage is
• What the sōhatsu style topknot looked like
• What a chasenmage/chasengami is
• The supposed etymology of the term chonmage
• An article stating that some men would pluck their hair and cause themselves to bleed
• A theory about chonmage as a way to hide baldness
• The Sanpatsudattōurei (散髪脱刀令) declaration of 1871
• The Meiji government's efforts to have men cut off their topknots and stop carrying swords
• How Iwakura Tomomi cut his hair in Chicago
• What a zangiriatama is
• The chonmage in modern times in Japan
• The use of chonmage by sumo wrestlers
• About tokoyama (床山), the hairstylists of sumo wrestlers
• How two top ranked tokoyama became tokoyama
• How much money a tokoyama might earn
• Topknots in modern day kabuki
• Whether there are any people in modern day Japan outside of sumo that wear their hair in the chonmage (topknot) style
• The TV personality Magehira
• The time consuming process it takes to get your hair in a proper chonmage
• What a danpatsushiki (散髪式) is (sumo hair cutting ceremony)
• Kisenosato's danpatsushiki
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this article.

• Which One is the Most Handsome!? Four Chonmage to Choose
  • This article has some very useful illustrations of the four types of topknots that were discussed in this episode. This is also the article that features the "excellence of the hairstyle" quote.
• How to tie Chonmage (Samurai Top Knot・Samurai hair)
  • This is a Japanese video but there is no spoken dialog.
• Sumo 101: Tokoyama (Hairdressers)
• The Sumo Top Knot Is the Original Man Bun

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 時代劇でお馴染み”ちょんまげ”。なぜこのような変わった髪形文化が日本に定着してたのでしょうか？
• 冠と烏帽子
• 衣服から見る日本
• 【 どのちょんまげが好き？ 】男っぷりをあげる！江戸の人気ヘアコレクション
• 江戸時代の髪型にはどのような特徴があったのでしょうか
• 丁髷 (Japanese Wikipedia)
• 【戦国小BANASHI】なぜ？江戸時代に大流行！「ちょんまげ」が誕生した理由は！？【髪型の歴史】
• ちょんまげは何故あの髪型？イケてるメンズの髪型文化
• 江戸時代とかは全国の農民の男性がちょんまげをしてたのですか？どのくらいの農民の男性がちょんまげをしてたのですか？ちょんまげ以外の男性の髪型はありましたか？
• 装束の持ち具
• 床山さんの仕事 2019年8月5日放送 「ハッキヨイ、ノコッタ！」／髙岡美樹のべっぴんラジオ
• 相撲の床山の仕事や給料、年収について。なり方も解説！
• 江戸時代の侍でハゲの侍はチョンマゲはどうしてましたか？
• ちょんまげほハゲを隠すために考えられた髪型ですか？

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station check out the link below.

• Trapped in Japan: A Chat w. Kevin O’Shea of the Just Japan Podcast | Japan Station 58

If you're interested in getting the t-shirt inspired by this episode, then make sure to go to KimitoDesigns.com.

• MAGE: The Excellent Hairstyle of the Samurai Unisex T-Shirt

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Mage
  • 髷 【まげ】 (n) bun (hairstyle); chignon; topknot
• Chonmage
  • 丁髷 【ちょんまげ】 (n) (uk) topknot (hair style)

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Episode artwork by @pradipta19.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

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What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we once again ask: What annoys you about living in Japan?

Topics Discussed

• The frustratingly useless nature of many English-language versions of Japanese websites
• Booking hotels in Japan
• The frustrating but hilarious nature of bad English translations of Japanese (a.k.a. Engrish)
• Engrish t-shirts
• The practice of using Japanese readings for kanji when reading a Chinese name and the confusion it can cause for both Japanese and English learners
• Clothing sizes in Japan
• How Japanese shirts tend to have shorter sleeves and be shorter vertically than American made shirts of the corresponding letter size
• How getting your internet set up in Japan can sometimes be a slow and frustrating process
• Annoying noise in Japan
• Loud political speeches during election season in Japan
• Shop employees using megaphones to attract customers
• Bear attacks and sightings in Ishikawa Prefecture during the fall of 2020
• Teikyūbi
• Gender stereotypes regarding sweets and cakes
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here's some of the English-language sources used in this episode.

• These Totally Lost in Translation English Signs in Japan Have us Scratching Our Heads
• Things that foreigners find annoying about life in Japan
• Do Women Have a Bigger Sweet Tooth?
• Why Women Crave Sugary Foods More Than Men

Here are the Japanese language sources used.

• 日本とアメリカのサイズ感の違い
  • This is the Japanese article that compares the measurements of Japanese shirts and shirts from the United States.
• 女性はなぜ甘い物が好きなの？その理由を徹底解説

If you missed part 1 of this episode, check it out via the link below.

• What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

• The Woman Behind the Voice of the Shinkansen: A Chat w. Voice Actor & Singer Donna Burke | Japan Station 56

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Teikyūbi
  • 定休日 【ていきゅうび】 (n) regular holiday; fixed day off; regular closing day

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What annoys you about living in Japan?

Topics Discussed

• Some annoying things you might encounter while living in Japan
• The annoying practice of book stores in Japan sorting books by publisher rather than author
• Justifications for why bookstores in Japan arrange books by publishers instead of by the last name of the author like in the West
• The McDonald's ice cream float incident
• The good and bad of blindly following the rules
• The emotionless "zombie" greetings (like irasshaimase) that you hear in stores in Japan
• What the fake leaves in bento are called in Japanese
• Why fake plastic leaves are placed in bento in Japan
• Having shop clerks accompny you out the store
• Washiki (Japanese style) toilets
• One Reddit users complaint that Japanese people use certain adjectives like sugoi, kawaii, and oishii too much
• The many ways you can translate oishii
• The many ways you can add nuance and meaning to adjectives in Japanese
• Alternative ways to say oishii
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Why this American can’t stand Japanese bookstores
• Bento grass
• Things Foreigners Living in Japan Find Inconvenient/Annoying
  • This article is where the quote about the overuse of certain Japanese adjectives was taken. According to the article, the quote was originally found in a Reddit thread.

Here are the English-language sources used for this episode.

• 「おいしい」以外の言葉で美味しさを伝えられますか？全ライター必見「味を言語化するためのノウハウ」がすごすぎた
• なぜ、出版社別に本を並べる本屋があるのか？

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

• No Mask Required: A Chat with Comedian Kilara Sen | Japan Station 55

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Aisu
  • アイス (n) (1) ice (eng: ice, ger: Eis); (n) (2) (abbr) (See アイスクリーム) ice cream; icecream; (n) (3) (arch) (col) (Edo period pun on 高利貸し being homophonous to 氷菓子) (See 高利貸し・こうりがし,氷菓子・こおりがし) usurer; usury; loansharking
• Sofuto
  • ソフト (adj-na,adj-no) (1) (ant: ハード・1) soft; (n) (2) (abbr) {comp} (See ソフトウエア) software; (n) (3) (abbr) (See ソフト帽) soft hat; felt hat; (n) (4) (abbr) (See ソフトクリーム) soft serve ice cream; (n) (5) (abbr) (See ソフトボール) softball
• Irasshaimase
  • いらっしゃいませ (exp) welcome
• Haran/Baran
  • ハラン/バラン the leaf found in bentos that is used as decoration (though modern day haran/baran are made of plastic they people used to use real leaves)
• Eko
  • エコ (adj-na,pref) (abbr) (See エコロジカル) ecological; eco-
• Gizagiza
  • ギザギザ : 刻刻; 段段 【ぎざぎざ(P); ギザギザ】 (n) (1) (on-mim) (uk) notches; serration; indentation; jaggies (stair-step artifacts in computer images); (adj-na,adv,adv-to,vs) (2) (on-mim) (uk) notched; serrated; jagged; corrugated; milled
• Oshibori
  • おしぼり (n) wet towel (supplied at table)
• Washiki
  • 和式 【わしき】 (adj-no,n) Japanese-style (esp. in reference to squat toilets)
• Umai
  • うまい (adj) (1) delicious; appetizing; (2) skillful; clever; expert; wise; successful
• Bimi
  • 美味 【びみ】 (n,adj-na) good flavor; good flavour; delicacy; dainty
• Kawaii
  • 可愛い 【かわいい(P); かわゆい; カワイイ; カワイい】 (adj-i) (1) (uk) cute; adorable; charming; lovely; pretty; (adj-i) (2) (uk) dear; precious; darling; pet; (adj-i) (3) (uk) innocent; childlike; childish; lovable; (adj-i) (4) (uk) dainty; cute little; tiny
• Sugoi
  • すごい (adj-i) (1) terrible; dreadful; (adj-i) (2) (uk) amazing (e.g. of strength); great (e.g. of skills); wonderful; terrific; (adj-i) (3) (uk) to a great extent; vast (in numbers); (adv) (4) (uk) (col) awfully; very; immensely
• Oishii
  • おいしい (adj-i) (1) delicious; tasty; sweet; (adj-i) (2) (uk) attractive; appealing; convenient; favorable; desirable; profitable

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

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What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Who got it more wrong: MatPat or Tony? (This episode is a follow up to episode 11 of Ichimon Japan which focused on the so-called Curse of the Colonel. The episode was recorded in order to address inaccuracies found in that episode.)

Topics Discussed

• A brief summary of the Curse of the Colonel
• The fact that Hanshin Tigers fans threw the statue of Colonel Sanders into the Dotonbori River after winning the Central League championship in October of 1985 and not after their November, 1985 Japan Series victory
• A recent video from the Food Theorists YouTube channel in which MatPat suggests that the Curse of the Colonel is invalid due to the Hanshin Tigers having won the Japan Series in 1985
• Whether MatPat's conclusions about the Curse of the Colonel are accurate or not
• When Japanese sources say that the Curse of the Colonel started taking effect on the Hanshin Tigers
• The idea that throwing a statue of Colonel Sanders into Dotonbori River was actually good luck for the Hanshin Tigers
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Use the link below to check out episode 11 of Ichimon Japan in which we discuss the Curse of the Colonel in far more detail.

• What is the Curse of the Colonel? | Ichimon Japan 11

Here is the Food Theory video (from the Food Theorists YouTube channel) in which MatPat discusses the Curse of the Colonel.

• Food Theory: KFC and the Curse of Colonel Sanders)

If you enjoyed the video above, you may want to check out the Food Theorists YouTube channel.

• The Food Theory YouTube Channel

Here are the Japanese-language sources mentioned in this episode.

• Japanese Wikipedia entry for the Curse of the Colonel
• 2009 TV News Report filmed after the statue of Colonel Sanders was found in the Dotonbori River
• 「呪い」火付け役、救出喜ぶ　探偵！ナイトスクープ
  • This article is from the Asahi TV (ABC) website. Asahi is the producer and broadcaster of the Japanese variety show Tantei Naito Sukūpu. This article confirms that the story of the Curse of the Colonel was covered on the show's first episode in March of 1988. The article also explains that they produced three different episodes that covered the story either in part or from start to finish between the start of the show and March 11 of 2009 (when the article was published). The article adds that the show even had divers go into the Dotonbori River to look for the statue. This was shown on two of the three times they covered the story. Further, the article includes a quote by the producer of the show at the time in which he explains that the Curse of the Colonel's status as an urban legend (toshi densetsu) was cemented after the show covered the story since their efforts to find the statue were so thorough and yet they were unable to locate it.
• 【都市伝説 2019 最新】カーネルサンダース人形の呪い　ケンタッキーおいしいです。
  • A Japanese YouTube video explaining the Curse of the Colonel. It describes it as an urban legend (toshi densetsu).
• 【都市伝説】プロ野球：カーネル・サンダースの呪い【東京ダグアウツ】
  • This is another Japanese YouTube video that explains the Curse of the Colonel. The person in the video also calls it an urban legend (toshi densetsu).

 

To listen to another Ichimon Japan episode about a Japanese curse, check out the link below.

• What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Noroi
  • 呪い : 呪い(P); 詛い; 咒い 【のろい】 (n) curse; spell; malediction; (P); : 呪い; 咒い 【まじない】 ; (n) (uk) charm; incantation; spell; curse; 《verb stem》 呪う : 呪う(P); 詛う 【のろう】 ; (v5u,vt) to curse; to put a curse on; to detest intensely; (P); 《verb stem》 呪う 【まじなう】 ; (v5u) (1) (arch) to pray that one avoids disaster or illness; to pray; (v5u) (2) to pray for the death or misfortune of another; to curse; (v5u) (3) to treat illness with prayer
• Yokunen/Yokutoshi
  • 翌年 【よくねん(P); よくとし】 (n-t) following year
• Toshi Densetsu
  • 都市伝説 【としでんせつ】 (n) urban legend

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

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What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is yakitori?

Topics Discussed

• What yakitori is
• The difference between yakitori when it is written using kanji and when it is written using only hiragana
• What qualifies as yakitori
• An overview of the history of yakitori
• The supposed origin story of the skewered sparrows that the area around Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is known for
• How eating meat was considered taboo throughout much of Japan's history
• Yakitori during the Meiji Period
• Yakitori shops
• The pros and cons of using charcoal as opposed to propane when grilling yakitori
• The specialized names used to refer to chicken parts
• The supposed origin of the term negima
• What part of a chicken the term bonjiri refers to and the etymology of the term
• The many meanings/usages of the term kimo
• What sunazuri is
• What part of the chicken is referred to as a mame (bean) at a yakitori shop
• What part of a chicken a chōchin/kinkan is
• The interesting history behind Higashi Matsuyama City' (Saitama Prefecture) pork "yakitori"
• A yakitori vending machine in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used when preparing for this episode.

• 焼き鳥の定義
• 焼き鳥の歴史
• 焼き鳥の豆知識について
• 焼き鳥の「ぼんじり」とは？どこの部位？栄養素？気になるカロリーを解説
• 焼き鳥用語集
• 焼き鳥の部位いろいろ
• やきとりって何だ？ – やきとりの定義を辞書から探る
• 焼き鳥の定番ねぎまの「ま」の意味は？歴史や由来を紐解く
• 焼き鳥やさんの「ぼんじり」（「ぼんちり」「ぼんち」）という名前の由来
• 游氣風信 No.１５８　２００３. ２. １　　肝のはなし
• ハツ
• コロナ禍で誕生した「焼き鳥無人販売機」が人気　宮城・石巻市
  • This is the news article about the yakitori vending machine in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. The article contains photos of the vending machine.

Here is the list of chicken parts we covered in this episode.

Yakitori Terminology List

• Momo (モモ、もも): Thigh meat
• Sasami (ささみ): Meat from the inner breast, chicken tenderloin
• Negima (ねぎま、葱鮪), Hasami (はさみ): In the context of yakitori this refers to a skewer of chicken and green onions
  • Note: This was not made clear in the episode but according to the sources we found the term negima came from the name of a stew made of green onions and tuna. This dish was called negimanabe (葱鮪鍋). As explained in the episode, eventually people started using chicken became more affordable than tuna and so the term negima came to be associated with chicken rather than tuna.
• Mune (むね): Chicken breast
• Bonjiri (ぼんじり): The meat at tail of the chicken
• Kimo (肝、きも), Rebā (レバー): Liver
• Zuri (ずり), Sunazuri (砂ずり), Sunagimo (砂肝): Gizzard
• Nankotsu (なんこつ、軟骨): Cartilage
• Yagen nankotsu (ヤゲン軟骨): Cartilage (connects to the breast bone)
• Hatsu (八ツ), Shinzō (心臓), Kokoro (こころ): Heart
• Mame (まめ), Mamegimo (まめぎも): Chicken pancreas
• Seseri (せせり), Soroban (そろばん), Nekku (ネック): Chicken neck meat
• Kinkan (キンカン): Chicken ovary
• Chōuchin (チョウチン): Chicken ovary with egg yolk
  • Note: Although in the episode we give the impression that kinkan and chōchin are the same, it seems that they are actually two different types of yakitori. However, there is a chance that some places may not distinguish so strictly between the two.

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

• Documenting the Intense World of Japanese High School Baseball (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 54

For even more information on the history of chickens and the chicken industry in Japan, check out the Japan Station episode below.

• Jidori and the Chicken Industry in Japan (Dr. Benjamin Schrager) | | Japan Station 35

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Tare
  • たれ (n) (1) sauce (esp. soy or mirin-based dipping sauce)
• Butabara
  • 豚バラ : 豚バラ; 豚ばら; 豚肋 【ぶたバラ(豚バラ); ぶたばら(豚ばら,豚肋)】 (n) (See バラ肉) boneless pork rib; boned pork rib
• Suzume
  • スズメ : 雀 【すずめ(P); スズメ】 (n) (1) tree sparrow (Passer montanus)
• Sasa
  • 笹 : 笹(P); 篠; 小竹 【ささ】 (n) bamboo grass; generally smaller species of running bamboo that do not shed their sheaths (e.g. Sasa spp.)
• Take
  • 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae)
• Negi
  • ネギ : 葱 【ねぎ(P); き(ok); ネギ】 (n) (uk) Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum); green onion; spring onion
• Maguro
  • マグロ : 鮪 【まぐろ(P); しび; マグロ】 (n) (1) (uk) tuna (edible fish, Thunnus spp.); tunny; (n) (2) (uk) Pacific bluefin tuna (edible fish, Thunnus orientalis); (n)
• Toro
  • トロ : とろ(P); トロ (n) fatty cut (esp. of tuna belly)
• Hasami
  • ハサミ : 鋏(P); 剪刀 【はさみ(P); ハサミ】 (n) (1) (uk) (See 螯) scissors; shears; clippers
• Bonbori
  • ぼんぼり (n) paper-covered lamp or lantern
• Shiri
  • 尻 : 尻(P); 臀; 後 【しり】 (n) (1) buttocks; behind; rump; bottom; hips
• Kimo
  • 肝 : 肝(P); 胆(P) 【きも(P); たん(胆)】 (n) (1) liver; innards; (n) (2) courage; spirit; pluck; guts; (n) (3) (きも only) crux; essential point
• Kimodameshi
  • 肝試し : 肝試し; 肝だめし; 胆試し 【きもだめし】 (n) test of courage (e.g. at a frightening place such as a graveyard); dare

• Kushi
  • 串 【くし】 (n) (1) spit; skewer
• Eko
  • エコ (adj-na,pref) (abbr) (See エコロジカル) ecological; eco-

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

---

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a kirakira name?

Topics Discussed

• What a so-called kirakira nēmu is
• What kirakira means
• Five of the most difficult to read "kirakira names"
• The fact that many Japanese people seem to be unaware that Winnie the Pooh's name is Winnie and not Pooh
• The famous 1993 case of a baby who almost got named Akuma and the controversy that surrounded it
• The story of the boy named Ōjisama and how he changed his name
• How you legally change your name in Japan
• The difficulties that people with kirakira names might face in daily life
• The well known rakugo story of Jugemu
• The original much darker version of the story of Jugemu
• What shiwashiwa nēmu are
• Examples of shiwashiwa names
• The recent popularity of old-fashioned "classic" Japanese first names in Japan
• Restrictions on baby names in other countries such as the U.K., Germany, and Iceland
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode.

• キラキラネーム
• キラキラネーム　誕生きっかけは『たまごクラブ』と教育専門家
• キラキラネームの語源とは何ですか？
• キラキラネーム (Japanese Wikipedia)
• “改名”100人～私が名前を変えたワケ～
• 「七音」は何と読む？難読キラキラネームでよかったこと・悪かったこと
• キラキラネーム難読ランキング100選！読めない順に紹介【2020最新版】
• 悪魔ちゃん命名騒動 (Japanese Wikipedia)
• テレビ・新聞が完全スルーした“悪魔ちゃんの父親”窃盗逮捕「覚せい剤の前科も……」
• 「王子様」というキラキラネームに苦しんだ高3、改名に成功。新しい名前は「肇」
• 名前を変えるのは意外と簡単？　改名の手続き方法を専門家に聞いてみた
• 「じゅげむ」
• 「寿限無」の成立時期と、その名前の真偽について教えて下さい
• 「シワシワネーム」って何？　男の子と女の子におすすめの古風な名前

Here are some of the main English-language sources used when doing the research for this episode.

• In Japan, Parents Play Devil’s Advocate in Naming Child : Controversy: Couple fights authorities’ ban on satanic moniker. Now the Cabinet has gotten involved
• UK couple win bid to name son Lucifer
• Lucifer not an acceptable baby name in this country

Just in case, here is the kanji for the "five hardest to read kirakira names" that were covered in this episode.

1. Shīzā: 皇帝
2. Doremi: 七音
3. Hīrō: 主人公 (normally read shujinkō)
4. Tiara: 愛羅
5. Pū: 黄熊

If you missed our first episode focusing on Japanese names, make sure to check it out. Juse use the link below.

• How do Japanese names work? | Ichimon Japan 28

Here is the two latest episodes of Japan Station.

• Kyoto Metal City (Takuya Yada & Joe of Cosmic Earth) | Japan Station 51
• Tokyo Before Tokyo: Exploring Edo w. Dr. Timon Screech | Japan Station 52

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Kirakira nēmu
  • キラキラネーム : キラキラネーム; キラキラ・ネーム (n) (derog) (See ＤＱＮネーム・ドキュンネーム) unconventional baby name
• Kirakira
  • キラキラ : きらきら(P); キラキラ (adv,adv-to,vs) (on-mim) glittering; sparkling; glistening; twinkling
• Shujinkō
  • 主人公 【しゅじんこう】 (n) (1) protagonist; main character; hero(ine) (of a story); (n) (2) head of household
• Kōtei
  • 皇帝 【こうてい(P); おうだい(ok)】 (n) (hon) emperor
• Akuma
  • 悪魔 【あくま】 (n) (1) devil; demon; fiend; (n) (2) (in Christianity and Judaism) (See サタン) Satan; the Devil; (n) (3) {Buddh} Māra; evil spirits or forces that hinder one's path to enlightenment; (P); ED Name(s): 【あくま】 (g) Akuma
• Jōyō kanji
  • 常用漢字 【じょうようかんじ】 (n) (See 当用漢字) kanji for common use; jōyō kanji; list of 2,136 kanji established in 2010, formerly a list of 1,945 established in 1981
• Kakuseizai
  • 覚せい剤 : 覚醒剤(P); 覚せい剤(P) 【かくせいざい】 (n) stimulant (e.g. psychoactive drugs like methamphetamine, ritalin, etc.)
• Ōji
  • 王子 【おうじ】 (n) (1) prince
• Koseki
  • 戸籍 【こせき】 (n) (1) family register
• Shiwa
  • 皺 : 皺(P); 皴 【しわ】 (n) (1) (uk) wrinkle; crease; (n) (2) (uk) ripple

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

---

 

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 that mandated every Japanese person take a family name
• The reluctance of some people to take a family name during the Meiji Period
• The fact that many (most?) people with the surname Satō (佐藤) are probably not descended from samurai
• The fact that many commoners were given last names based on the geographical features of the area in which they lived
• The story of how the Furo (風呂) family supposedly got their family name from Minamoto no Yoshitsune
• The most common family names in Japan in 2019
• How many Japanese family names there are
• The prevalence of rare Japanese last names
• The regional nature of some Japanese family names
• The convention of naming boys based on their birth order
• How it's easy to forget people's first names in Japan
• Some of the factors people in Japan consider when naming a baby
• Asking people in Japan about the kanji they use for their given name as a way to spark conversation
• The phenomenon of siblings having related names
• Interesting names in anime
• The practice of picking a baby name based on the way a name is written
• How much it usually costs to have a shrine pick a baby name for you
• What a seimeihandanshi is
• What it might cost you to have a seimeihandanshi pick a baby name for you
• A list outlining the most popular baby names in Japan of 2019
• The Japanese naming convention of tōriji
• How shorter names have become common in Japan in recent years
• How female names that end in -ko used to be more common
• And much more!

Note: Just for the sake of clarity, I'd like to point out that the story of the Furo family name did not occur during the Meiji Period (actually it probably never even occurred in the way it is normally told). However, because the story was introduced alongside the changes of the Meiji Period it's possible to be left with the impression that there was a connection there. There is no direct connection. The story was simply brought up as an example of the many interesting ways in which people in Japan acquired last names.

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode.

• 全国名字ランキング
• 【名字】風呂
• 実在する珍しい名字 (5)
• 通字と偏諱
• 日本人の苗字はこうしてつけられた 【CGS 日本の歴史 5-9】
• NHKネーミングバラエティー日本人のおなまえっ　日本一短い名字「井」
• 名付けを神社にお願いするには？方法や金額相場や初穂料について解説
• 名付けはどうやって決めた？先輩ママに聞いてみよう
• 赤ちゃんの名付け！気をつけるポイントと名付け方法
• 神社での命名にかかる料金はどれぐらい？手順や注意点を解説します！

Here are some of the main English-language sources used when doing the research for this episode.

• A Long History of Japanese Names
  • This is the Tofugu article mentioned during this episode.
• The Japanese Naming System - Morphology and Semantics of Individual Names by Anja Collazo
  • This is the thesis mentioned during this episode.
• Japan's Name Culture: The Significance of Names in a Religious, Political, and Social Context by Herbert Plutschow

Here are the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode.

• Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23
• What is seppuku? (The Basics of Samurai “Suicide”) | Ichimon Japan18

Here is the latest episode of Japan Station.

• Yūrei, Ghosts & Yōkai, A Chat w. Zack Davisson | Japan Station 50

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Myōji
  • 苗字 : 苗字(P); 名字(P) 【みょうじ】 (n) (See 名前・2) surname; family name
• Namae
  • 名前 : 名前(P); 名まえ 【なまえ】 (n) (1) name; (n) (2) (See 名字) given name; first name;
• Furo
  • 風呂 【ふろ】 (n) (1) (See お風呂) bath; bathing; bathtub; bathroom; (n) (2) bathhouse; public bath
• Kenkō
  • 健康 【けんこう】 (n) (1) health; (adj-na) (2) healthy; sound; fit; wholesome
• Futoi
  • 太い 【ふとい】 (adj-i) (1) fat; thick; (adj-i) (2) deep (of a voice); thick; sonorous; (adj-i) (3) daring; shameless; brazen; audacious
• Seimeihandan
  •  
  • 姓名判断 【せいめいはんだん】 (n) (yoji) fortunetelling based on writing or pronunciation of one's name
• Iemoto
  • 家元 【いえもと】 (n) head of a school (of music, dance); head family of a school
• Himawari
  • ひまわり (n) sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
• Tsumugi
  • 紬 : 紬; 紡ぎ 【つむぎ】 (n) pongee; soft thin cloth woven from raw silk
• Tsumugu
  • 紡ぐ 【つむぐ】 ; (v5g,vt) (1) to spin; to make yarn; (v5g,vt) (2) to spin (a tale); to assemble (e.g. words); to put together
• Kotoba o tsumugu
  • 言葉を紡ぐ : 言葉を紡ぐ; 言葉をつむぐ 【ことばをつむぐ】 (exp,v5g) (poet) to express in a refined fashion; to weave a web of words
• Wa
  • 和 : 和(P); 倭 【わ】 (n) (1) (和 only) {math} sum; (n) (2) (和 only) harmony; peace; (n,n-pref,adj-no) (3) Japan; Japanese-style

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do students in Hamamatsu City have to wear white underwear?

Topics Discussed

• School rules concerning the color of a student's underwear
• The story of one student who ended up having to go bra-less after it was found that she was not wearing white underwear during a school trip
• Some of the reasons given for why most junior high students in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture must wear white underwear in school
• The peculiar indoor/outdoor school uniform system used by most junior high schools in Hamamatsu
• The justifications offered by some proponents of strict school rules
• And much more!

Note: During the episode it is not made clear when exactly the inquiry into the school rules of Hamamatsu City's public junior high schools began According to this article this all seems to date back to December of 2019 when a local group focusing on issues affecting transgender individuals communicated with at least one city council member (a detailed timeline is not provided in the article). Also, it should be pointed out that the group focusing on transgender issues is called toransugendā kenkyū-kai in the article and not toransugendā-kai.

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are the two Japanese-language articles cited in this episode.

• Twitter禁止、彼氏がいたら先生に報告、白い下着以外禁止…時代錯誤な「ブラック校則」なぜ生まれる？ (June 2, 2020)
• 「下着は白限定」の理由は”体操着規定”にあった　浜松市立中学ブラック校則【現地取材】 (August 18, 2020)

Use the link below to listen to episode 23 of Ichimon Japan.

• Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23

Also, don't forget to stop by KimitoDesigns.com to see what's on sale. If you purchase anything, make sure to use the coupon code OPENING10 to receive 10% off your total (valid until the end of 2020)

• https://www.etsy.com/shop/KimitoDesignsKimitoDesigns.com

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Kōsoku
  • 校則 【こうそく】 (n) school regulations
• Gakuran
  • 学ラン : 学ラン; 学らん; 学蘭 【がくラン(学ラン); がくらん(学らん,学蘭)】 (n) (col) school uniform for boys, often with stand-up collar, long jacket and loose trousers
• Taisōfuku
  • 体操服 【たいそうふく】 (n) gym uniform; track suit
• Papakatsu
  •  
  • パパ活 【パパかつ】 (n) (sl) compensated dating; dating a sugar daddy

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a tsuchinoko?

Topics Discussed

• What a tsuchinoko is
• How you say "cryptid" in Japanese
• Tsuchinoko's status as a U.M.A. (Unidentified Mysterious Animal)
• What a tsuchinoko looks like
• Some of the abilities tsuchinoko are said to have
• The areas in Japan where tsuchinoko tend to live
• The sounds tsuchinoko are said to make
• The prevalence of tsuchinoko in the Kinki area
• The typical colors tsuchinoko are reported to be
• The many names used to refer to tsuchinokos
• What tsuchinoko literally translates to and how it is written
• The tsuchinoko's resemblance to a hammer
• The mythological creature kirin
• The oldest records found in Japan that depict something resembling a tsuchinoko
• The possible links between tsuchinoko and Japanese mythology
• The goddess Kayanohime
• Nodzuchi (野槌)
• The tsuchinoko's rise to promnence in the second half of the 20th century
• Soseki Yamamoto, the man who is responsible for kicking off the "Tsuchinoko Boom" of the '70s and '80s
• Soseki Yamamoto's journey to document the tsuchinoko
• Soseki Yamamoto's disillusionment with witht he tsuchinoko craze
• The town of Mikata in Hyogo Prefecuture's claim that they possessed a tsuchinoko
• Tsuchinoko bounties
• The tsuchinoko's connection to yokai
• Some of the many video games in which tsuchinoko appear
• The tsuchinoko shrine in Gifu Prefecture
• Tsuchinoko as a revered creature of the gods
• Tsuchinoko as a PR gimmick/cute mascot character
• Real animals that people may have seen and assumed were tsuchinoko
• The possibility that blue-tongued skinks are responsible for tsuchinoko sightings
• The yamanamekuji's resemblance to the typical tsuchinoko
• The tiger keelback's (yamakagashi) and its possible resemblance to tsuchinoko
• The story of a World War II soldier that thought he had caught a tsuchinoko
• And much more!

Note: Whether a tsuchinoko is classified as a yōkai or not depends on who you ask. While it certainly can be classified as such, it is also commonly referred to as as a cryptid (UMA, mikakunin dōbutsu). This peculiarity raises an interesting question: can a creature be both a cryptid and a yōkai? The answer to that question is probably: it depends who you ask.

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language articles that were used during the research for this episode.

• The Mysterious Tsuchinoko of Japan
• Tsuchinoko
• Kayanohime
• Tsuchinoko
• Town touting mythical snake find; is 'rare' creature really a cash cow? (The Japan Times)

These are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sorces for this episode.

• UMA
• ツチノコ (Japanese Wikipedia entry for Tsuchinoko)

To check out the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

• Behind the Yoshimoto Curtain: A Chat w. Comedian Stephen Tetsu | Japan Station 49

If you would like to check out the Kimito shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). And if you buy $25 or more you'll get another 10% off (valid until the end of October, 2020).

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Tsuchinoko
  • ツチノコ : 槌の子 【つちのこ; ツチノコ】 (n) mythical snake-like creature; tsuchinoko
• Kirin
  • キリン : 麒麟(P); 騏驎 【きりん(P); キリン】 (n) (1) (uk) giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis); (n) (2) qilin (Chinese unicorn); (n) (3) (麒麟 only) Kirin (brand of beer); (n) (4) (騏驎 only) (arch) horse that can ride 1000 ri in a day

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Original artwork in featured image: A tsuchinoko illustrated by Miko A.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why does to "nyan nyan" mean to "have sex" in Japanese?

Topics Discussed

• Japanese expressions/idioms related to cats
• What the Japanese expression neko no te mo karitai means and how it is used
• What pets are most popular in Japan
• The Japanese festival game of kingyosukui
• What the Japanese expression nekojita means
• What the Japanese expression nekobaba means
• What the Japanese expression nekoze means
• What the Japanese expression dorobōneko means
• Snakes falling from the ceiling of an old Japanese house
• The Sazae-san opening
• An experiment designed to find out how heavy a fish a stray cat is willing to carry
• What neko o kaburu means
• Theories about the origin of the expression neko o kaburu
• What the Japanese expression nyan nyan suru means
• The origin of the expression nyan nyan suru
• The story of Tomoko Takabe
• The Nyan Nyan Jiken (Nyan Nyan Scandal) of 1983 and its aftermath
• Erika Sawajiri
• What happened after Tomoko Takabe's photo was published in 1983
• Underage smoking in Japan
• Why Focus chose to use nyan nya to mean sex (according to one theory)
• What nyan nyan shashin are
• And much more!

Note: It is possible that nyan nyan as it was used by Focus in 1983 was not coined with the onomatopoeia for a cat crying in mind. In fact, the term appears to have been an allusion to something Tomoko Takabe used to say. It is not clear if this original nyan nyan was an allusion to cats. However, due to the fact that without any context a person hearing the term for the first time would likely assume that it is in some way connected to cats meowing, I decided to include nyannyan in this episode along with cat-related idioms.

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

The English-language article about the story of Tomoko Takabe and Focus' coverage of the "Nyan Nyan Scandal" that was mentioned several times can be accessed via the link below. As mentioned in the episode it does have the pictures but none are explicit. That being said, the website that published the article does have a lot of explicit content that is NSFW.

• Story about Tomoko Takabe/Nyan Nyan on Tokyo Kinky

Here are a couple of Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 動物が使われている言葉
• ニャンニャン事件 (Wikipedia)

To listen to either of the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode, use the links below.

• Does “hai” mean “bye” in Japanese? (The many ways to say “goodbye” in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 24
• What’s the deal with catgirls? (About nekomimi) | Ichimon Japan 01

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

• Pregnancy & Marriage in Low-Fertility Japan (Dr. Amanda C. Seaman) | Japan Station 48

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Neko
  • 猫 【ねこ(P); ネコ】 (n) (1) cat (esp. the domestic cat, Felis catus)
• Te
  • 手 【て】 (n) (1) (occ. pronounced た when a prefix) (See お手・おて・1) hand; arm
• Neko no te mo karitai
  • 猫の手も借りたい 【ねこのてもかりたい】 (exp,adj-i) (id) extremely busy; wanting even the help of a cat
• Kingyo
  • 金魚 【きんぎょ】 (n) goldfish
• Kingyosukui
  • 金魚すくい : 金魚すくい; 金魚掬い 【きんぎょすくい】 (n) festival game in which participants try to catch goldfish in a shallow paper ladle
• Nekojita
  • 猫舌 【ねこじた】 (n) dislike of very hot food or drink; inability to take hot food; cat tongue
• Kuso/baba
  • 糞 : 糞(P); 屎 【くそ(P); クソ(P)】 (int) (1) (uk) (col) bullshit; shit; damn; (n) (2) (col) (uk) feces; excrement; dung; (adj-f) (3) (uk) (col) damn; damned; blasted; stupid; (4) (sl) (uk) very; extremely; (adv) (5) (sl) (uk) a lot; (exp) (6) (uk) (as ～もくそも（ない）) not at all; not even a little; (P); : 糞; 屎 【ばば】 ; (n) (1) (vulg) (uk) (osb:) shit; crap; (2) (chn) (uk) pooh-pooh; poop; something dirty; 【ふん; フン】 ; (n) (uk) feces (esp. animal); excrement; dung
•  Babā
  • 婆 : 婆; 婆あ 【ばば(婆); ばばあ; ババ; ババア; ばばー; ババー】 (n) (1) (uk) (See 祖母) old woman
• Nekobaba
  • 猫ばば : 猫ばば; 猫糞 【ねこばば; ネコババ】 (n,vs) (uk) embezzlement; misappropriation; pocketing; stealing
• Nekoze
  • 猫背 【ねこぜ】 (n,adj-no,adj-na) bent back; hunchback; stoop
• Dorobōneko
  • 泥棒猫 : 泥棒猫; 泥棒ネコ; どろぼう猫 【どろぼうねこ(泥棒猫,どろぼう猫); どろぼうネコ(泥棒ネコ)】 (n) (1) thieving cat; (2) (derog) adulterer; homewrecker
• Neko o kaburu
  • 猫を被る : 猫をかぶる; 猫を被る 【ねこをかぶる】 (exp,v5r) (id) (See 猫被り) to feign friendliness; to play the hypocrite
• Mushiro
  • 蓆 : 筵; 蓆; 莚; 席 【むしろ; えん(筵)】 (n) (1) woven mat (esp. one made of straw); (2) (arch) seat
• Nyan Nyan Suru
  • にゃんにゃんする from にゃんにゃん (int) (1) (on-mim) meow; miaow; (n) (2) (chn) cat; (n,vs) (3) (sl) sexual intercourse; making out
• Jiken
  • 事件 【じけん】 (n) event; affair; incident; case; plot; trouble; scandal
• Raburabu
  • ラブラブ (adj-na,adj-no,n,vs) (col) lovey-dovey (wasei: love love); head-over-heels in love
• Koneko
  • 子猫 : 子猫(P); 仔猫; 子ネコ; 小猫; 子ねこ; 仔ネコ 【こねこ(子猫,仔猫,小猫,子ねこ)(P); こネコ(子ネコ,仔ネコ); コネコ】 (n) (1) kitten; (2) small cat

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Featured image: An original catgirl character named Hagenyan next to the Ichimon Japan logo. Hagenyan was drawn by rept_u (@rept_u on Twitter and @repp_u on Instagram) based on an original concept by Tony Vega. Check out rept_u on Fiverr, if yo too want some awesome artwork.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Does "hai" mean "bye" in Japanese?

Topics Discussed

• How most people that don't speak Japanese would say "goodbye" in Japanese
• How sayonara/sayōnara is used fairly infrequently in Japanese
• Reasons why people in Japan tend not to use sayonara/sayōnara frequently
• The etymology of sayonara/sayōnara
• When the first written record of the term that would become sayonara dates to
• what the literal meaning of sayō dearu naraba is
• Common ways that people say "goodbye" in Japanese
• The usage of osaki ni shitsurei shimasu when leaving the workplace
• The literal meaning of osaki ni shitsurei shimasu
• The meaning of otsukaresama
• How friends in Japan miht say "goodbye" to each other
• The term baibai
• Ittekimasu and itterasshai
• Bubble-era Japanese slang
• The antiquated slang term baibī
• How baibī was translated into English when Pac-Man was localized for the U.S.
• What gyaru is
• Gyaru slang (gyarugo)
• Using baibaikīn to say goodbye
• All about Anpanman and Baikinman
• The massive popularity of Anpanman
• How Baikinman may be the first gyaru
• How "hai" can be used to end a verbal interaction (in other words say "goodbye") in Japanese
• How many people incorrectly assume that "hai" simply means "yes"
• The misconception that "iie" is simply the Japanese equivalent of "no"
• The strange way in which "iie" and Japanese in general was used in the old Marvel comics featuring Wolverine in Japan
• Using hai as a way to signal that you are listening
• How misunderstanding hai can make answering negative questions in Japanese confusing
• The importance of learning things in context when you are studying a foreign language
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the English-language articles that were used during the research for this episode.

• Sayonara: One of the Most Japanese Words in the Dictionary
• What does the word Hai actually mean in Japanese???

These are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sorces for this episode.

• 「さようなら」の語源と由来
• 「さようなら」はもはや死語？関西では7割が「使わない」と回答

To listen to the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast, use the links below.

• How I Became a Voice Actor in Japan (Reina 麗) | Japan Station 46
• Working & Teaching in Japan (James from The Inside Japan Podcast) | Japan Station 47

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Sayōnara
  • さようなら (int) farewell; adieu; goodbye; so long
• Kutabare
  • くたばれ (exp) (vulg) (ktb:) drop dead!; go to hell!; fuck you!; shove it!
• Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu
  • お先に失礼します 【おさきにしつれいします】 (exp) (used when leaving a workplace while others remain) pardon me for leaving (first)
• Otsukaresama
  • お疲れ様 : お疲れ様(P); お疲れさま(P); 御疲れ様 【おつかれさま】 (exp) (1) thank you; many thanks; much appreciated; (2) that's enough for today
• Ja ne
  • じゃね (int) (fam) see you then; bye; ciao
• Baibai
  • バイバイ (int) (1) bye-bye; good-bye; see you; so long; (n,vs) (2) saying goodbye; parting
• Ittekimasu
  • いってき (int) (col) bye; see ya (afterwards); have fun; get going, now
• Itterashai
  • いってらっしゃい (int) have a good day; take care; see you
• Mata na
  • またね (exp) good-bye; see you later
• Baibī
  • バイビー (int) (col) (See バイバイ・1) bye-bye; good-bye; see you; so long
• Gyaru
  • ギャル (n) (1) gyaru (eng: gal); (young) woman adhering to a fashion trend usually marked by brown or blond-dyed hair, gaudy clothes and accessories; (2) gal
• Baikin
  • 黴菌 : ばい菌(P); バイ菌; 黴菌 【ばいきん(ばい菌,黴菌)(P); バイきん(バイ菌)】 (n) (1) (col) germ; germs; bacteria; mold; mould; (2) (used figuratively) something harmful; vermin
• Kabi
  • カビ : 黴 【かび(P); カビ】 (n) (uk) mold; mould; mildew; (P); 《verb stem》 カビる : 黴びる; 黴る 【かびる; カビる】 ; (v1,vi) (uk) to get moldy (mouldy); to get musty; to develop mildew
• Iya
  • いや (int) (1) why; oh; (2) no!; quit it!; stop!
• Kya
  • キャー : きゃっ; キャー; ぎゃあ; キャッ; きゃあ; ギャー; ぎゃっ; ギャッ (int) (1) (expressing surprise, pain, fear, or disgust) yikes!; eek!; ouch!; blech; (adv) (2) (きゃあ only) (on-mim) (monkey screech) ook; eek

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are school rules in Japan so strict?

Topics Discussed

• Experiences working at and attending Japanese schools
• A selection of "weird" school rules (kōsoku) from across Japan
• The history behind why school rules became strict in Japan
• The case of a female high school student who filed a lawsuit after her school did not allow her to attend classes due to her refusal to dye her hair black
• The paradoxes surrounding rules restricting dying and perming one's hair
• Mandatory hair drying
• Mandatory perms for students with naturally curly hair
• Students having to prove that they were not born with black hair
• A survey that sheds light on what some students and teachers think of Japan's school rules
• The justifications behind the strict school rule "mentality" that is often seen in Japan
• Trying to protect girls through the implementation of rules that shame and blame them
• And much more!

Note: As always, there are many more aspects to this topic that we could have covered, including how modern day schools in Japan have been shaped by policies implemented during the Meiji and early Showa (before and during WWII) eras. However, addressing that aspect of this topic would have led to a far lengthier discussion and thus it was decided to focus only on recent history for this episode.

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the main English-language articles that served as references for this episode.

• School rules in Japan offer harsh lessons in mindless assimilation (The Japan Times)
• Lawsuit over student's dyed hair confronts outdated thinking in Japan (The Japan Times)
• Tokyo public schools will stop forcing students to dye their hair black, official promises (Japan Today)
• Osaka surveys schools over hair-color rules after lawsuit (The Japan Times)

To listen to the Kamon Tatsuo song mentioned in this episode, use the link below. The song is titled "Hontō ni Atta Kowai Kōsoku," which means "Scary School Rules that Actually Existed."

• Hontō ni Atta Kowai Kōsoku

These are the main Japanese-language articles used as sources for this episode.

• 思わず笑っちゃう！ ウチの学校のおもしろ校則
• 全国の変な校則

The Japanese-language article containing the information about the Procter & Gamble Japan survey that asked teachers and students about school regulations can be found below.

• 校則見直し、悩む教育現場　「すさまじい同調圧力」も

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

• The Fascinating Life of Stand-Up Comedian Shuhei “Shoe” Murakami | Japan Station 45

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Kōsoku
  • 校則 【こうそく】 (n) school regulations
• Hizakake
  • ひざ掛け 【ひざかけ】 (n) lap blanket
• Rappanomi
  • らっぱ飲み : 喇叭飲み; らっぱ飲み; ラッパ飲み 【らっぱのみ(喇叭飲み,らっぱ飲み); ラッパのみ(ラッパ飲み)】 (n,vs) drinking straight from a bottle
• Tai'ikukai
  • 体育会系に from 体育会系 【たいいくかいけい】 (adj-no) sports-minded; sports-oriented
• Bunkasai
  • 文化祭 【ぶんかさい】 (n) school festival; cultural festival; arts festival
•  Geta
  • 下駄 【げた】 (n) (1) geta; Japanese wooden clogs
• Yukata
  • 浴衣 【ゆかた(P); よくい】 (n) (See 湯帷子) yukata (light cotton kimono worn in the summer or used as a bathrobe)
• Fundoshi
  • ふんどし (n) (1) fundoshi; loincloth; traditional Japanese men's undergarment made from a length of cotton
• Tennen-pāama
  • 天然パーマ 【てんねんパーマ】 (n) naturally curly hair
• Rīzento
  • リーゼント (n) (abbr) (See リーゼントスタイル) Regent hairstyle; ducktail; Pompadour
• Furyō
  • 不良 【ふりょう】 (adj-no,adj-na,n) (1) bad; poor; inferior; (n,adj-no,adj-na) (2) delinquent; hoodlum; hooligan

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do you create fake kanji?

Topics Discussed

• Kanji radicals
• The composition of kanji
• Kanji reading strategies
• The "Original Kanji Contest" (Sōsaku Kanji Kontesuto)
• What yūrei-moji (ghost kanji/characters) are
• Why the kanji character for rice (米) is used to mean "meter" in Japanese
• The kanji based system used for measurements (metric and Imperial)
• What kokuji (国字) are
• What "made in Japan kanji" (和製漢字, wasei kanji) are
• Some of our favorite kanji made in Japan
• The fabulous dolphin-like creature that is Shachihoko
• How to write gomi (trash, garbage) in kanji
• The many ways you can write "sleigh" in kanji
• And more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

If you would like to learn more about kanji radicals, one good place to start might be the Wikipedia page linked below.

• List of kanji radicals by frequency

The 23 kanji radicals below are the ones mentioned by Christine in this episode. The on-yomi (Chinese reading) of a jōyō kanji will always have the same reading. The on-yomi for each of these radicals is provided as well.

• 長 chō
• 義 gi
• 亢 kō
• 章 shō
• 尞 ryō
• 曹 sō
• 巨 kyo
• 𢦏 sai
• 冓 kō
• 㐮 jō
• 旨 shi
• 氐 tei
• 呉 go
• 求 kyū
• 兪 yu
• 麻 ma
• 五 go
• 侵 shin
• 奴 do
• 喿 sō
• 喿 sō
• 及 kyu
• 賁 fun
• 旦 tan

The list above is from the article below. If you are interested in learning more bout which kanji radicals have more or less readings, then the article is definitely worth a look.

• Toyoda, Etsuko & Firdaus, Arief & Kano, Chieko. (2013). Identifying Useful Phonetic Components of kanji for Learners of Japanese. Japanese Language and Literature. 47. 235-272.

The Japan Times article on "ghost kanji" (yūrei-moji ) that was mentioned in this episode can be accessed via the link below.

• 'Ghost kanji' lurk in the Japanese lexicon

The kanji that Christine gives as an example of a ghost kanj can be seen below.

• 妛: According to the Japan Times, some dictionaries give akebi as the reading of this character. However, it is believed that this character was accidentally created as a result of a mistake when creating computer fonts in the 1970s. This character (妛) is thought to derive from the real character 𡚴, which can be found in 𡚴原 (Akenbara), a name used for a small district in Shiga Prefecture. The extra horizontal line in the ghost kanji is believed to have been caused by a photocopying error.

The website for the "Original Kanji Contest" (Sōsaku Kanji Kontesuto) can be accessed via the link below.

• Sōsaku Kanji Contest Website

Source: Sōsaku Kanji Contest Website

To look at the full list of made in Japan kanji/kokuji, check out the page linked to below.

• A list of kokuji (国字)

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

• From Nintendo to Hello Kitty, Chatting About Japanese Pop Culture w. Matt Alt | Japan Station 44

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Bushu
  • 部首 【ぶしゅ】 (n) radical (of a kanji character)
• Tōge
  • 峠 【とうげ】 (n,n-suf) (1) (mountain) pass; ridge; peak; (n) (2) peak (e.g. of summer); worst (e.g. of an illness); crisis; critical point; most difficult part
• Sori
  • 轌 : 橇; 轌 【そり; ソリ】 (n) (uk) sleigh; sled; sledge
• Shachihoko
  • 鯱 : 鯱; 鯱鉾 【しゃちほこ; しゃっちょこ(鯱); さちほこ(鯱)】 (n) mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish (auspicious protectors of well-being); 【しゃち; シャチ】 ; (n) (1) (uk) orca (Orcinus orca); killer whale; grampus; (2) (しゃち only) (abbr) (See 鯱・しゃちほこ) mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish (auspicious protectors of well-being); ED Name(s): 【しゃちほこ】 (s) Shachihoko
• Konoshiro
  • 鮗 【このしろ; コノシロ】 (n) (uk) konoshiro gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus)
• Ebi
  • エビ : 海老(P); 蝦; 蛯; 鰕 【えび(P); エビ(P)】 (n) prawn; shrimp; lobster; crayfish
• Hataraku
  • 働く 【はたらく】 (v5k,vi) (1) to work; to labor; to labour; (2) to function; to operate; to be effective; to work (i.e. ... works); to come into play; (3) to commit (e.g. a crime); to perpetrate; to do; to act; to practise; to practice; (4) {ling} to be conjugated
• Heibei
  • 平米 【へいべい】 (n) square metre; square meter

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

 

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 telling time correspond to which hours in the modern way of telling time
• Why the "hour of the ox" (ushi no koku) was thought to have associations with demons and inauspicious things
• What a "demon gate" (kimon) is
• In which direction you would find a kimon (demon gate)
• What ushimitsudoki is and what time it corresponds to
• The punctual nature of demons
• What ushi no koku mairi is
• How people performing ushi no koku mairi are typically depicted today
• The historical origins of ushi no koku mairi
• The story of Uji no Hashihime
• The various tools involved when placing a curse on someone ushi no koku mairi style
• The potentially deadly consequences of catching someone in the act of performing ushi no koku mairi
• Websites/companies that offer to places curses on your behalf
• Whether performing ushi no koku mairi or cursing someone is illegal in Japan
• Two actual cases of people threatening others using straw dolls (wara ningō)
• Why you could get arrested if you were to perform a full ushi no koku mairi ceremony
• How you can purchase ushi no koku mairi kits from online retailers like Amazon Japan
• One man's attempt to curse the coronavirus ushi no koku mairi style
• And more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

There are various ways of referring to the old way of telling time used in Japan that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The two most common terms are kojikoku (古時刻) and jūnijishin (十二時辰). Much of the information this episode was based on was gathered from the Japanese-language sources below.

• Jūnijishin (十二時辰)
  • This is the Japanese-language Wikipedia entry.
• 昔の時間の古時刻・十二時辰とは？初刻や正刻の鐘の意味は
  • This is an in-depth article focusing on the old system used in Japan for telling time.

Although it is not as thorough as the Japanese language articles above, the Japan Times article below does give some general information on the old Chinese Zodiac based system of telling the time that Japan used to use.

• Telling time with animals

In the Chinese Zodiac-based way of telling time the day would start with the hour of the rat (ne no koku) and end with the hour of the boar (i no koku). Below you can see the terms used for all 12 animals/time divisions) and what two hour block each corresponds to. Also it should be noted that both English and Japanese-language sources are unclear on when exactly each two hour block of time begins. In general sources go with wording like "between 11 and 1," thus I have been unable to determine with 100% certainty if, for example,  the last minute of the hour of the rat is 12:59 (which seems more likely) or 1:00. While this degree of precision was likely not a matter of concern for most people when this method of telling time was still being used, the question of when exactly each block of time ends is nevertheless one that remains and is unfortunately not solved in the information below.

• 11:00 p.m - 1:00 a.m. Rat 子 (鼠) ne
• 1:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. Ox 丑 (牛) ushi
• 3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. 寅 (虎) tora
• 5:0 am. - 7:00 a.m. Rabbit 卯 (兎) u
• 7:00 a.m.  - 9:00 a.m. Dragon 辰 (竜) tatsu
• 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Snake 巳 (蛇) mi
• 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Horse 午 (馬) uma
• 1:00 p.m.  -3:00 p.m. Sheep 未 (羊) hitsuji
• 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monkey 申 (猿) 酉 saru
• 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Rooster 酉 (鳥) tori
• 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Dog 戌 (犬) inu
• 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Boar 亥 (猪) i

Information about the two articles by Salvador Jimenez Murguia that were mentioned in this episode can be found below. Only the second article is accessible for free.

• The Cursing Kit of Ushi no Koku Mairi
• Cyber Execration: A Case Study of Ushi No Koku Mairi

The link below is for a video about the "Curse Demon Association" (呪鬼会, Jujikai), which is, according to the video, a group of Shinto priests that will curse people for you in exchange for money.

• Video About the Curse Demon Association

The link below will take you to the Nikkan Spa article mentioned in this episode. The article describes one person's attempt to curse the coronavirus using ushi no koku mairi in order to stop the pandemic. Although the article is in Japanese, it's worth a look even if can't read Japanese since he pictures are pretty amusing.

• コロナを呪って終息へ！ リモート丑の刻参りに挑戦

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

• Talking Translation w. Sarah Moon | Japan Station 43

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Eto
  • 干支 【えと; かんし】 (n) (1) sexagenary cycle (60-year cycle of 12 animal zodiac and 5 elements in the traditional Chinese calendar); (2) 12-year Chinese zodiac
•  Ushi no koku mairi
  • 丑の刻参り 【うしのこくまいり】 (exp,n) cursing ritual where one visits a shrine at 2am and nails a doll representing a person to a tree, praying for said person's death
• Hakamairi
  • 墓参り : 墓参り(P); 墓参(P) 【はかまいり(P); ぼさん(墓参)】 (n,vs) visit to a grave
• Ushimitsudoki
  • 丑三つ時 【うしみつどき】 (n) (1) dead of night; middle of the night; midnight; (2) (See 丑の刻) third quarter of the hour of the ox
• Wara ningyō
  • 藁人形 : 藁人形; わら人形; ワラ人形 【わらにんぎょう(藁人形,わら人形); ワラにんぎょう(ワラ人形)】 (n) straw doll; straw figure; straw effigy
• Kyōhaku
  • 脅迫 【きょうはく】 (n,vs) threat; menace; coercion; terrorism

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are your favorite places to visit in Osaka?

Topics Discussed

• A basic overview of the main areas of Osaka
• Osaka's best burrito place: El Zocalo
• Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park
• The Umeda Area
• Yodobashi Camera
• The Minami area
• Universal Studios Japan and its Cool Japan special events/rides
• Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
• Shinsaibashi and Namba
• The city of Minoh/Minō and its famous autumn foliage
• Minoh's Momoji Tempura (deep fried and battered maple leaves)
• The Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses
• The Nipponbashi/Den-Den Town area
• Kushikatsu
• The Shinsekai area
• Osaka's famous symbol: Tsūtenkaku
• The tallest building in Japan: Abeno Harukas
• The Tsuruhashi area
• The Japan Mint (Dokuritsu Gyōsei Hōjin Zōheikyoku) and its annual cherry blossom event
• The Round One chain of amusement centers
• And more!

Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is some extra information about the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses.

• Osaka Info

Here is some more information on Minoh.

• Minoh Park

For more information on Tsuruhashi (Osaka's "Korea Town"), you can check out the link below.

• Korea Town (Tsuruhashi)

The article below discusses the delay of the opening of Super Nintendo World.

• Super Nintendo World Japan’s opening indefinitely delayed

The name of the burrito shop mentioned in today's episode is El Zocalo Burrito. You canf ind the address below.

• 1-9-6 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku 1f-b, Osaka 550-0014 Osaka Prefecture

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Momiji
  • 紅葉 : 紅葉(P); 黄葉; 椛 【こうよう(紅葉,黄葉)(P); もみじ(P)】 (n,vs) (1) autumn colours; fall colors; leaves changing color (colour); (2) (紅葉, こうよう only) leaves turning red; red leaves; (3) (黄葉, こうよう only) leaves turning yellow; yellow leaves; (n) (4) (もみじ only) (See 以呂波紅葉) (Japanese) maple (Acer japonicum); (5) (もみじ only) (col) venison; (6) (See 紅葉襲) layered colors in garments, resembling autumn colors

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)

Full Show Notes

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan