japanpodcasts

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why is Japanese TV so bad?

Topics Discussed

• Why Japanese TV is so "terrible"
• About Japanese variety TV shows
• How most TV around the world aren't remarkable
• How Japanese TV shows can be useful for watching TV
• How Japanese TV game shows are not crazy
• How the idea of Japanese game shows being crazy is not true
• About Takeshi's Castle
• How many Japanese TV shows are staged
• Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! 1989 ‧ Variety show ‧ 0 seasons
• About Downtown Matsumoto
• About Waratte wa Ikenai
• About telop (teroppu)
• About national news programs in Japan
• About late night radio in Japan
• About anime's popularity around the world
• About why some media from Japan does not get popular outside of Japan
• Anime localization
• About Hajimete no Tsukai
• About You wa Nani Shi Nippon e
• Movies in Japan
• 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

Links, Videos, Etc.

No links.

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 the Japan Station podcast, Winston Chu, CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer, talks about his interest in Japan and how

About Winston Chu

Winston Chu is the CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer. Wayfarer currently operates three hotels in Kyoto with plans to expand other cities, including Osaka and Tokyo.

Topics Discussed

• How Winston got interested in Japan and anime
• About watching anime and playing video games from Japan
• About traveling to Japan
• Why people become interested in Japan
• About Wayfarer Hotels
• About what distinguishes Wayfarer Hotels
• The story behind Wayfarer Hotels
• About Japanese hotels
• About Japan's archaic hotel infrastructure
• About the high turnover rate in Japan's hotel industry
• The impace of COVID on the travel industry
• About moving to Japan during the coronavirus pandemic
• About starting a hotel in Japan as the COVID19 pandemic began
• What it was like living and working in a hotel in Kyoto during the pandemic
• Ways to make running a hotel more efficiently
• Japan reopening its borders to foreing travelers
• About the city of Kyoto
• About learning Japanese
• 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 learn more about Wayfarer or to book a room, visit Wayfarer's website via the link below.

• Wayfarer Hotels

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

• What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai) | Ichimon Japan 64

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 the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by baseball historian and expert on all things Japanese baseball Robert Fits.

About Robert Fitts

Robert Fitts is a baseball historian and expert ont he history of Japanese baseball. He has written numerous books on Japanese baseball including Banzai Babe Ruth: Baseball, Espionage, and Assissination During the 1934 Tour of Japan.

Topics Discussed

• How Robert Fitts got interested in baseball
• How Robert Fitts became interested in Japanese baseball
• Robert Fitts' first trip to Japan and first experience at a Japanese baseball game
• About Remembering Japanese Baseball, Robert Fitts' first book on Japanese baseball
• About selling Japanese baseball cards on ebay in 1999
• About Wally Yonamine
• About the book Banzai Babe Ruth
• About Babe Ruth's 1934 18 game Japan tour and the history behind it
• About Moe Berg and the possibility that he was conducting espoionage during Babe Ruth's Japan tour
• About Babe Ruth's popularity in Japan
• About Babe Ruth's affinity for Japan
• About the history of Japanese baseball cards
• About the book An Illustrated Introduction to Japanese Baseball Cards
• About the baseball card market in Japan
• About the Japanese pitcher Eiji Sawamura
• About the upcoming book The Pioneers of Japanese American Baseball
• And much more!

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, music producer, rapper and artist Shing02 talks about his life, music and more.

About Shing02

Shing02 is a Japanese American music producer, rapper, and artist. Active since the '90s in both Japan and the U.S., Shing02 has produced numerous albums, collaborated with a long list of hip hop artists and he can even be heard along with Nujabes on "Battlecry," the opening song of the popular anime Samurai Champloo.

Topics Discussed

• The origin of the name Shing02
• The history and origin of Shing02's last name: Annen
• Shing02's childhood and the many places he lived
• How Shing02 got interested in art, graffiti, and hip hop/rap
• How Shing02 ended up performing in Japan
• About rapping in Japanese and in English
• About the songwriting process
• About Shing02's album 246911
• About Shing02's move to Hawaii
• About Shing02 & The Chee-Hoos
• About WabyShaka
• About good ramen and Mexican restaurants in Honolulu
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

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

Links, Videos, Etc.

Follow Shing02 on social media.

• Shing02 on Instagram
• Shing02 on Facebook
• WabyShaka on Instagram

Check out Shin02's website.

• Official Shing02 website

Check out Shing02's album 246911.

• SPIN MASTER A-1 & Shing02 - 246911

Dr. Capital was mentioned during the conversation. Dr. Capital also was a guest on Japan Station. Check out the link below to listen to his episode.

• Japan Station 19: Deconstructing J-pop with Jonathan “Dr. Capital” Patterson

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

• Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan (USJ)? | Ichimon Japan 54

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 N/A

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: 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 the Japan Station podcast, Tony  Vega talks to Kevin O'Shea, host of the Just Japan Podcast, about the unique experience he had in 2020 when he got stuck in Japan due to the coronavirus pandemic.

About Kevin O'Shea

Kevin O'Shea is a content creator, educator, and longtime resident of Japan. Aside from producing over 200 episodes of the Just Japan Podcast, Kevin is also known for his work on YouTube and various podcasts and blogs. His latest podcast is called the Munzee Maniacs Podcast and is about the mobile game Munzee.

Topics Discussed

• When and why Kevin lived in Kobe
• Life on Kobe's Port Island
• Some places to visit in Kobe
• The nice and convenient aspects of living in Kobe
• Working at an international school in Japan
• Working as a teacher in Japan versus working in other countries
• How many international schools in Asia outside of Japan are offering better salaries and benefits than those in Japan
• The intangible allure of Japan
• Living in Beijing and having to deal with air pollution
• Living and working as a teacher in Shenzhen, China
• The benefits of lifing and working in rural Japan as opposed to cities
• Being in China during the start of the COVID19 global pandemic
• The regulations put in place in China during the beginning of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic
• Deciding to leave China and go back to Japan in February of 2020
• Arriving in Japan during early 2020 before entry restrictions and quarantines were put into place
• The challenges Kevin faced when trying to get back to China during the pandemic
• What Kevin had to go through in order to enroll his kids in school in Osaka
• Arriving and quarantining in Shenzhen, China during the coronavirus pandemic
• Dealing with internet trolls
• Kevin's first podcast: Looks Like Canada
• Kevin's decision to start the Just Japan Podcast
• The Making Better Teachers Podcast
• Kevin's interest in geocaching and the mobile game Munzee
• What Munzee is
• The Munzee Maniacs Podcast
• Kevin's interest in nature photography
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

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

Links, Videos, Etc.

Here's all the social media channels you can find Kevin O'Shea on.

• Kevin O'Shea on Twitter
• ShizenWildlife on Instagram
• BusanKevin on YouTube

To listen to the Munzee Maniacs Podcast, look it up on your podcast app of choice or use the links below.

• Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Google Podcasts
• Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Spotify

You can find the Just Japan Podcast on just about any podcast platform. If you would like to check it out, you can use the links below.

• Just Japan Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Just Japan Podcast on Google Podcasts
• Just Japan Podcast on Stitcher
• JustJapanStuff.com

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

• What is the best Japanese name for a bear that isn’t actually a bear? (About Hole Bears, Bag Bears & More) | Ichimon Japan 35

To get your own "tree climbing bag bear" t-shirt, use the link below. T-shirt sales are used to help fund this show and other JapanKyo.com projects.

• Buy the Tree Climbing Bag Bear t-shirt from 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 Donna Burke

Featured image: Courtesy of Kevin O'Shea

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

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

Full Show Notes

• Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

 

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, comedian, TV personality, and co-host of the Japan By River Cruise podcast Bobby Judo stops by to chat about the Japanese river cruise industry, iguanas, working Japan's entertainment industry, and more.

About Bobby Judo

Bobby Judo is a stand-up comedian and TV personality based in Fukuoka Prefecture. Originally from South Florida, Bobby moved to Japan as part of the JET Program to teach English in Saga Prefecture. After building a following through his YouTube channel, Bobby began working in the Japanese entertainment industry. Aside from his regular cooking segment that airs on television in the Kyushu area, Bobby also has experiece acting, doing voice overs, and performing stand up comedy in both Japanese and English. In 2019, Bobby and comedian Ollie Horn launched Japan By River Cruise, a podcast in which they discuss Japanese current events, Japanese river cruises, and engage in soap talk.

Topics Discussed

• The wonder of Japanese river cruises
• The Japan By River Cruise podcast
• The origin of the name Bobby Judo
• The meaning of the Spanish term papichulo
• The Morikami Museum and Gardens in Delray Beach, FLorida
• Iguana hunting in South Florida
• Bobby Judo's decision to go to Japan
• How Bobby Judo started studying Japanese
• Life in Saga Prefecture while working as an English teacher as part of the JET Program
• Working in Japanese restaurants and learning honorific language while on the job
• How tricky it is to manage politeness levels in the Japanese language
• Working in the Japanese entertainment industry as a foreigner (foreign tarento)
• Thoughts on playing the stereotypical gaijin (foreigner) character
• Addressing problematic usages of the term hāfu (mixed race Japanese)
• How Bobby Judo started doing stand up comedy
• The challenges of doing stand up comedy in Japanese
• Tokyo Roast Battle
• And much more!

Support on Patreon

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 access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

Links, Videos, Etc.

The Japan By River Cruise podcast can be found on all the major podcast apps. Below is a list of links you can use check it out and subscribe.

• Japan By River Cruise Website
• Japan By River Cruise on Apple Podcasts
• Japan By River Cruise on Google Podcasts
• Japan By River Cruise on Spotify
• Japan By River Cruise on Stitcher

Follow Bobby Judo on social media.

• Bobby Judo on Twitter
• Bobby Judo on Instagram

You can also find Bobby Judo on YouTube.

• Bobby Judo on YouTube

For more information on the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida you can visit their website via the link below.

• Morikami Museum and Gardens

If you haven't listened to the episode of Japan Station featuring Ollie Horn (Bobby Judo's co-host on Japan By River Cruise), then you should. Just use the link below.

• Japan Station 17: Comedian Ollie Horn

To listen to the episode of Japan Station featuring Anne Crescini, use the link below.

• Japan Station 21: Exploring Made in Japan English (Wasei Eigo) w. Anne Crescini

To listen to episode 17 of the Ichimon Japan podcast, use the link below.

• Can sexy things give you anime style nosebleeds? (The Nosebleed Episode) | Ichimon Japan 16

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 Bobby Judo

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

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

Full Show Notes

• Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

 

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by Anthony Joh of Tokyo Podcast.

About Anthony Joh

Anthony Joh is an entrepreneur, digital marketing consultant, and longtime podcaster. After moving to Thailand about a decade ago Anthony helped start The Bangkok Podcast. He then started the long-running Tokyo Podcast after relocating to Japan. He recently started releasing episodes of Tokyo Podcast again after an extended hiatus.

Topics Discussed

• Some of the most memorable episodes of Tokyo Podcast
• How and why Anthony decided to start podcasting while living in Thailand
• What led Anthony to move to Japan
• What frustrated Anthony about working in Japan
• Why Anthony decided to move back to Canada
• Life in Victoria, Canada
• Why Anthony decided to go back to Japan
• Anthony's plans for Tokyo Podcast
• And much more!
• Note: The conversation on this episode was recorded on April 20, 2020 (JST).

Note: The conversation on this episode was recorded on April 20, 2020 (JST)

Support on Patreon

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 access to extra blog posts and additional input on future content. You'd also receive Tony's eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

Links, Videos, Etc.

To listen to Tokyo Podcast, check out the links below

• Tokyo Podcast Website
• Tokyo Podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Tokyo Podcast on Spotify
• Tokyo Podcast on Stitcher

Here are the episodes of Tokyo Podcast that were mentioned during this episode.​

• Photographing the Japanese Yakuza with Anton Kusters
• How the Shinkansen Rebuilt Japan with Christopher Hood
• Cycling Across Japan with Sachi Takao
• From Classical to Bluegrass with Leona Tokutake
• Why I Left and then Moved Back to Japan

Follow Tokyo Podcast on Twitter.

• Tokyo Podcast on Twitter

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 Anthony Joh

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

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

Full Show Notes

• Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com