japanpodcast

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about depictions of Japan and Japanese people on popular American TV shows with Dr. Alisa Freedman.

About Dr. Alisa Freedman

Alisa Freedman is a Professor of Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender at the University of Oregon and the Editor-in-Chief of the U.S.–Japan Women’s Journal. Her books include Tokyo in Transit: Japanese Culture on the Rails and Road, an annotated translation of Kawabata Yasunari’s The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa, and co-edited volumes on Modern Girls on the Go: Gender, Mobility, and Labor in Japan, and Introducing Japanese Popular Culture. She has published widely on Japanese modernism, Tokyo studies, youth culture, gender, television, humor as social critique, teaching pedagogies, and digital media, along with publishing translations of Japanese literature. Alisa has been nationally recognized for excellence in mentoring and enjoys presenting at cultural events like anime cons and Japan festivals.

Topics Discussed

• About Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost
• About depictions of Japan and Japanese people in American TV shows
• The taboo regarding the depiction of the Japanese royal family in Japanese media
• Self-censorship in Japan and Japanese media
• How Japanese mainstream media stays away from political topics
• About the Japanese version of SNL that aired in 2011
• The variety show Pink Lady (and Jeff)
• How trends and tropes have shaped the depictions of Japan and Japanese people on American TV shows
• How Marie Kondo presents herself as both "Japanese" and "American"
• About Queer Eye: We're in Japan!
• About the SNL skit JPop America Fun Time Now
• The influence of Japanese pop culture on the generation that grew up consuming it
• About Big Bird in Japan 
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

To purchase a copy of X while at the same time supporting the show, please use the Amazon affiliate link below.

• Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost

Use the link below to check out the latest JapanKyo Docs video.

• Emus in Tokyo: Inside the Life of a Japanese Emu Rancher

Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan.

• What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55

If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com.

• KimitoDesigns.com

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.

Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.

Featured image: Courtesy of Alisa Freedman

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan?

Topics Discussed

• Whether we think it's worth visiting Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
• About Ryan's experience at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan
• About Universal Studios Japan's Cool Japan special event
• About the appointment system used for Super Nintendo World
• The anime themed rides at Universal Studios Japan (Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and others)
• The size, scope, design and rides of Super Nintendo World
• The wristbands at Super Nintendo World
• Ryan's overview of the Mario Kart ride at Super Nintendo World
• About the Yoshi's Adventure ride
• The size of Universal Studios Japan
• Christmas churros
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

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

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

• Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

For more information on Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan, visit the official website below.

• Super Nintendo World | USJ

Check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

• JapanKyo Docs

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

• The Green Tea History You Didn’t Know: About the History of Green Tea in Japan & the U.S. (Dr. Robert Hellyer) | Japan Station 79
• A Wonderful Mess: About the Japanese Writing System w. Dr. Wes Robertson | Japan Station 80

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.

• Shodoku
  • 消毒 【しょうどく】 (n,vs,vt) disinfection; sterilization; sterilisation

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)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do hands come out of the toilet in Japan?

Topics Discussed

• Japanese stories/legends/folklore/urban legends (toshi densetsu) involving hands, toilets and hands coming out of toilets
• The hand in the bathroom/toilet from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• The story of Akai Kami Aoi Kami (Red Paper, Blue Paper) and its various versions
• The hilarious butt licking red/white variant of the Red Paper, Blue Paper urban legend
• The Akai Manto/Aka Manto story/urban legend/monster
• The urban legend/story of Yoji Baba
• The Sanji Baba
• About the yōkai kainade nad its love of butt touching
• The story of  Toire no Hanako-san (Hanako of the Toilet)
• Hanako's appearance
• Different versions of the Hanako-san story
• The three headed lizard version of the Hanako story
• The supposed real story from Iwate Prefecture on which Hanako might have been based
• How according to somewhat dubious sources Hanako's real name might be Ikuko Hasegawa (emphasis on might)
• Why Hanako might be named Hanako
• Whether Hanako should be considered a yōkai or a yūrei
• About the website toiletmagazine.jp and the Japan Toilet Research Center
• Stories about kappa touching women's butts
• The yōkai known as Kanbari nyūdō and its habit of peeking on people in the bathroom
• Variations of the kanbari nyūdoō story/yōkai
• A theory for why there's so many yōkai and monsters that do stuff to people's butts while they are on the toilet
• 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 Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

• 赤い紙、青い紙
  • This page has an illustration of the kainade.
• ヨジババ
• トイレの花子さん以外でトイレに出てくる幽霊を教えてください。
• トイレの花子さんのモデルになった昭和12年の悲しい事件。近年では妹・ブキミちゃんも登場
• トイレの花子さん
• 都市伝説「トイレの花子さん」って何なのか？伝えられている噂にはどんなものがある？？【アニメ風」
• 遠野小学校発祥「トイレの花子さん」
• トイレにおける怪異・妖怪伝承の整理
  • This is the article found on the Japan Toilet Research Center website.
• 【う〇こがお金に】トイレの日本史【お〇っこが大根に】

Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode.

• Aka manto
• Aka Manto | 赤マント (Listing on Steam)
• Kainade
• Terrifying Toilets: Japanese Toilet Ghosts and Sexual Liberation in the Postwar Period
• ‘All About Mary’: Children’s use of the toilet ghost story as a mechanism for dealing with fear, but fear of what?
• What’s the Difference Between Yokai and Yurei?
• Kanbari nyūdō
• The Legend Of Zelda’s Toilet Hand Mystery EXPLAINED!

You can watch the full 1995 live action movie Toire no Hanako-san here.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

• In Search of the Japanese Wolf (Alex K.T. Martin) | Japan Station 74

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.

• Kami
  • 紙 【かみ】 (n) paper; (P); 【し】 ; (suf,ctr) (abbr) (See 新聞紙・1) newspaper
• Kawaya
  • 厠 【かわや】 (n) (dated) privy; toilet
• Massao
  • 真っ青 : 真っ青(P); まっ青; 真青 【まっさお】 (adj-na,n) (1) deep blue; bright blue; (adj-na,n) (2) ghastly pale; pallid; white as a sheet
• Washiki
  • 和式 【わしき】 (adj-no,n) Japanese-style (esp. in reference to squat toilets)
• Yōshiki
  • 洋式 【ようしき】 (adj-no,n) (1) Western-style; foreign; (n) (2) (abbr) Western-style toilet
• Naderu
  • 撫でる 【なでる】 (v1,vt) (1) to stroke; to caress; to brush gently; to pat; to rub; (v1,vt) (2) to comb (hair); to smooth down

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

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

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

This Week In Japan, At Least 60 Dead as a result of Record Flooding in Kyushu, Former Japanese Idol Gains Over 1 Million Followers in Record Time, Fujitsu to Half It's Office Space, Robotic Employees Are Coming to Japanese Conbini, and App Used to Pinpoint Corona Victims Faces Problems. Word of the Week: “Earthquake, Thunder, Fire, and Father (地震雷火事親父)"

[Japanese Explanation] 

This Week In Japanでは毎週、日本で話題になっているニュースについて、イギリス人アーティストのJulianと日本人起業家のYasuが英語で意見を交わしています。他にも日本文化や、面白い日本語のフレーズも紹介しています。 

(Recorded on July 10th, 2020, in Roppongi, Tokyo) 

This week in Japan, the classic series Ghost in the Shell makes a comeback in the form of a new Netflix series. Companies and comedians face criticism for their mistreatment of people. Lastly, college students contemplate quitting school due to Corona virus. Word of the week: Black Company (ブラック企業)

[Japanese Explanation]
This Week In Japanでは毎週、日本で話題になっているニュースについて、イギリス人アーティストのJulianと日本人起業家のYasuが英語で意見を交わしています。他にも日本文化や、外国人にとっては不思議な日本語のフレーズ等も紹介しています。

(Recorded on April 30th, 2020, in Roppongi, Tokyo)

This week in Japan, following the national declaration of a state of emergency, persistent pachinko players and imaginative creators are responding differently to the news.

- Play as Governor Koike in The Social Distancing Game (Mitsu-desu Game)

- Government Declares Nation-wide State of Emergency

- Abe Shinzo and his 10man Plan

- Popular Anime Series One Punch Man is Potentially Getting a Hollywood Movie

- Pachinko Industry Under Fire

- Word of the week: Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク)

[Japanese Explanation]
This Week In Japanでは毎週、日本で話題になっているニュースについて、イギリス人アーティストのJulianと日本人起業家のYasuが英語で意見を交わしています。他にも日本文化や、外国人にとっては不思議な日本語のフレーズ等も紹介しています。

(Recorded on April 24th, 2020, in Roppongi, Tokyo) 

Thanks for checking out the podcast. This week...

•  Impeachment
• Lamar Jackson
• Michael Vick
• Starting Life In Japan

Thanks for listening tell a friend to tell a friend. Peace!

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