japan tourism

In this week's episodes, the Krewe is exploring the sub-culture of themed cafes! Joined by fellow Krewe member Maddy & special returning guest/friend of the podcast/Japanese theme park expert Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer, the Krewe explores what makes a cafe a "themed cafe", what some popular cafes are, what to expect, why themed cafes are such a hit in Japan (and not so much elsewhere), & so much more! Let's go!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Chris Nilghe & TDR Explorer  ------

TDR Explorer on YouTube

TDR Explorer on Instagram

TDR Explorer of TikTok

TDR Explorer on Twitter

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe sits back down with returning guest & friend of the podcast, Shinichi Mine of TabiEats YouTube fame!  Together, we explore one of Japanese most hyped and popular dish... RAMEN! From the different types and regional delicacies to etiquette and manners and recent trends, we cover it all! Bust out those chopsticks & soup spoons... ITADAKIMASU! 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Shinichi & TabiEats ------

Shinichi on Instagram

Shinichi's World on Instagram

Shinichi on TikTok

TabiEats on Instagram

TabiEats YouTube Channel

Shinichi's World YouTube Channel

I Will Always Travel For Food YouTube Channel

Ever wonder what goes into the daily routine of a professional sumo wrestler? What kind of toll do tournaments take on the body? Well you're in luck! The Krewe sits down with 3-time Grand Champion & 1st foreign-born sumotori to reach the rank of Ozeki... Konishiki Yasokichi. In a candid conversation, Konishiki shares his origin story and discusses the day-to-day regiment of sumotori, the tournament lifestyle, how the pandemic impacted the sport, & so much more! Don't miss out on this massive episode!

Transition Sound Effects by Zapsplat

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram:@kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Konishiki ------

Konishiki Net

Sumo By Konishiki (Naro TV)

Konishiki on YouTube

Konishiki Shop

Konishiki's World (Facebook)

Konishiki on Twitter

Konishiki on Instagram

This week on Krewe of Japan... Jenn & Doug sit down with Chris Carlier of Mondo Mascots to explore the wide & wacky world of Japanese Mascots. Kumamon, Domo-Kun, Chiitan and so many others... Chris shares his expertise & passion for these lovable characters through stories about how they have evolved from marketing & branding tools to international sensations and cultural ambassadors, help drive tourism for small communities, & so much more. 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram:@kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Chris Carlier (Mondo Mascots) ------

Mondo Mascots on Twitter

Mondo Mascots on Instagram

Mondo Mascots Blog

This week on Krewe of Japan... Jenn & Doug sit down with Rin of Mainichi Kimono to better understand the intricate world of kimono. Rin shares so much knowledge about the rich history and culture surrounding one of Japan's most distinguished fashions, including the types of kimono, etiquette & accessories, & the training is involved in becoming a kimono stylist... among so much more! You won't want to miss out on this one!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram:@kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Rin (Mainichi Kimono) ------

Support and Commission Rin on Ko-fi

Mainichi Kimono Twitter

Mainichi Kimono Instagram

We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! The Krewe returns back from its off-season to make a special announcement! Season 4 will officially be launching March 31, 2023! Here are a few of our guests & topics for this new season:

- The Sounds of Shamisen ft. Norm Nakamura of Tokyo Lens

- The Evolution of Pokemania ft. Monster Kids author Daniel Dockery

-  Exploring Hiroshima ft. Seek Sustainable Japan's Joy Jarman-Walsh (aka jjwalsh)

- Henshin Talk with a Super Sentai ft. Gekiranger's Sotaro Yasuda

- The Intricate Culture of Kimono ft. J. Rin Shiroshita of Mainichi Kimono

- Remembering the Kanji ft. Dr. Jim Heisig

- Landscape Art in Japan ft. Rachel of TravelBug Art

- Japanese Mascot Mania ft. Chris Carlier of Mondo Mascots

- Themed Cafes in Japan ft. Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer

- Ramen Hunting ft. Shinichi Mine of TabiEats

... & so much more!

Get ready to pack your audio suitcases and join us once again on our weekly audio journeys into Japanese culture, history, pop-culture, and so much more! Subscribe today to stay up to date with the latest from the podcast!

Get ready to pack your audio suitcases and join us once again on our weekly audio journeys into Japanese culture, history, pop-culture, and so much more! Subscribe today to stay up to date with the latest from the podcast!

This podcast is brought to you by the Japan Society of New Orleans (JSNO)! For more on the JSNO or to become a member:

http://www.japansocietyofneworleans.org/

In this season finale episode, the Krewe look back on some of their favorite moments from the season, share the behind the scenes of the podcast, and look to the season ahead! It has truly been a pleasure! Thank you for joining us throughout season 3 on our weekly(-ish lol) audio journeys!  

For more on the Japan Society of New Orleans: https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe is back full steam ahead on a travel train (plane?) and this time we are taking a more prefecture-specific approach like past seasons!  Joined by returning guests Kay Allen of Japan National Tourism Organization  & Megan DeVille of JETAA USA , we explore the prefecture of Aomori and everything it has to offer. From Hirosaki Castle & Nebuta Matsuri to apple cidre, Tsuruga Jamisen restaurants, & the tomb of Jesus Christ (what?), there's so much to learn and love about this prefecture! Bring your notebook, because this episode is jam-packed with ideas and travel tips for your next trip to Japan!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on JNTO ------

Japan National Travel Organizaiton's Website

JNTO on Instagram

JNTO on YouTube

JNTO on Twitter

Tohoku Kanko Website

------ More Info on JET Program ------

JET Program Website (Application Page)

JETAA (JET Program Alumni Association) USA Website

USJETAA Website

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... with the borders re-opened, the Krewe is on a travel kick lately (and is ALWAYS on a food kick)... so this week the Krewe put the two together!  Joined by Shinichi of TabiEats YouTube Channel fame, we explore Japan with a food-focused filter. From crazy vending machines to a cuisine breakdown by region, this episode will help you figure out how to plan your trips around your meals... and not the other way around! ITADAKIMASU! 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Shinichi & TabiEats ------

Shinichi on Instagram

Shinichi's World on Instagram

TabiEats on Instagram

TabiEats YouTube Channel

Shinichi's World YouTube Channel

I Will Always Travel For Food YouTube Channel

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... don your henro gear, grab your walking stick, & journey to Shikoku for an 800 mile, thousand year old 88 temple pilgrimage with Todd Wassel, author of the travel memoir Walking in Circles! The Krewe & Todd explore the history behind the pilgrimage, personal experiences traversing the island, some can't-miss tips for preparation, and just a general appreciation of the natural beauty of Shikoku as a whole. You don't want to miss this one! 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ More Info on Todd Wassel ------

Todd's Website

Walking in Circles (Amazon)

Todd on Twitter

Todd on Instagram

Shikoku Pilgrimage Website

Proof Doug Actually did this (Ehime Prefecture Blog)

We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! The Krewe returns back from its off-season to make a special announcement! Season 3 will officially be launching June 17, 2022! Here are a few of our guests & topics for this new season:

- Exploring Enka ft. ジェロ (Jerome White Jr./Jero)

- Drifting & Street Racing in Japan ft. Albo Agunday of Albo Media

-  Learning Japanese through Video Games ft. Matt of Game Gengo

- Japanese Pro Wrestling ft. Baliyan Akki of Gatoh Move

- Owning a Cajun/Creole Restaurant in Japan ft. C.C. Haydel of Bistro New Orleans (Osaka)

- Buying Real Estate in Japan ft. Ziv Nakajima-Magen of Nippon Tradings International

- A couple TOP SECRET interviews with some award-winning Japanese film directors

... & so much more!

Get ready to pack your audio suitcases and join us once again on our weekly audio journeys into Japanese culture, history, pop-culture, and so much more! Subscribe today to stay up to date with the latest from the podcast!

This podcast is brought to you by the Japan Society of New Orleans (JSNO)! For more on the JSNO or to become a member:

http://www.japansocietyofneworleans.org/

This episode I sit down with the ultimate Kagoshima spokesperson Alex Bradshaw. It's rare to meet a foreigner so personally invested in any specific region of Japan. His knowledge of history, traditions, and the ability to weave these stories into a tourism proposition is amazing! He is currently Head of Overseas Business for the award-winning, World Heritage site Sengan-en and an advisor to the Government of Kagoshima. How he manages these two roles make up the crux of our interesting conversation. If you have never visited Kagoshima before, you will definitely want to after listening to Alex! You're  guaranteed to hear a couple new thought-provoking perspectives on Japanese culture. We chat and share craft beers at Yona Yona Beerworks in Ebisu. Other topics we discuss: 

• Culturally, "Added-Value" is Japanese tourism USP
• Interesting backstory on Kiriko glassware
• How his current role was meant to be a kind of "wrecking ball"
• Introduces a hidden gem of travel destinations
• Why there are so many garish signs at tourism sites and his improvement advise
• Fascinating history lesson about Satsuma (Kagoshima)
• How Japan sells itself on "Mystery"
• Discuss Japanese artistic Bokashi and corporate Nemawashi 
• What he would implement to improve tourism, if he were in charge of the JNTO (Japan National Tourism Agency)
• Winning Best Attraction at the World Tourism Awards
• Interesting facts about the Kagoshima drinking culture

gugu Sleep Company: https://gugu.jp
SENGAN-EN: https://www.senganen.jp/en/
Alex Bradshaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bradshaw/