learningjapanese

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English)

Topics Discussed

• What wasei eigo is
• About English sounding words made in Japan
• tenshon ga takai
• pākā
• How SNS is not English
• arubaito
• nōtopasokon
• buraindotacchi
• misu
• misesu
• rippukurīmu
• hocchikisu
• OL
• sararīman (salaryman)
• shīchikin
• interi
• haiso
• furonto
• hōmu
• chakku
• majikkutēpu
• majikku
• majikkumirā
• Gpan
• jampāsukāto
• wagomu
• atakku
• faito
• charenji
• 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 Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Japanese women's language an illusion?

Topics Discussed

• About Japanese women's language
• About gendered language in Japanese
• How context affects people's speech in Japan
• Directness vs indirectness
• About politeness and "women's speech" in Japanese
• About steretypical speech styles in Japanese
• About direct and indirect indexicality
• About Japanese first person pronouns
• Constructing your identity via speech
• Third person pronouns in Japanese
• Avoiding third person pronouns in Japanese
• About kare & kanojo
• About sentence-final particles
• The importance of experimenting with language
• The relationship between intonation and sentence-final particles
• Gay male speech
• 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.

None

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: How do you say "trombone" in Japanese? The main topics for this episode include the many uses of katakana in Japanese and how nationalists in Japan appear to have wanted people to use less katakana words during World War II.

Topics Discussed

• About how the Japanese writing system works
• The many different uses of katakana
• The fact that words of foreign origin are not always written in katakana
• How much of Japanese uses words that originated in Chinese
• How the Japanese word for coffee has kanji
• How the scholar Utagawa Yōan assigned kōhī (coffee) its kanji
• How the code from The Matrix has katakana in it
• About ateji
• How there were efforts during World War II to eliminate the use of foreign/katakana words in Japan
• About Japan's unofficial World War II katakana word "ban"
• How baseball teams in Japan changed their names in an effort to not go against the nationalist sentiment around the time of World War II
• Some funny examples of needlessly long and complicated Japanese versions of foreign words
• The Japanese words for curry, korokke, cider, saxophone, violin, trombone

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.

Due to time constraints, no links for sources will be provided for this episode. All information mentioned in this episode can be found online from Japanese and English sources. If you would like a specific citation, please reach out and I can either provide you with the specific link or relevant information.

Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel.

• JapanKyo Docs

Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

• Uncovering the World’s Oldest Shark Attack: A Chat w. J. Alyssa White | Japan Station 87
• Digging Up Japanese Lost Media: Discussing Saki Sanobashi, the Mysterious Akihabara Tape & More (Alex from Sakura Stardust) | Japan Station 88

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.

• Rappa
  • ラッパ : 喇叭 【らっぱ; ラッパ】 (n) (uk) trumpet; horn; bugle
• Shiru
  • 汁 : 汁(P); 液 【しる(P); つゆ(液)】 (n,n-suf) (1) juice; sap
• Funshutsu
  • 噴出 【ふんしゅつ】 (n,vs,vt,vi) spewing; gushing; spouting; eruption; effusion

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, we're talking about translation, learning Japanese and more with translator/podcaster Jenn O'Donnell.

About Anna Lughezzani

Jenn O'Donnell is a Japanese to English translator and podcaster. She lives in Osaka where she works as a Localization Director for a video game company. She also produces the podcasts The Translation Chat and Otafu Susume.

Topics Discussed

• About how it was that Jenn began learning Japanese
• Working on farms in Fukuoka
• Learning Japanese as someone with dyslexia
• On the struggle to get work as a Japanese-English translator
• On becoming a freelance Japanese to English translator
• About some of the pitfalls often seen in media translation
• False friends in Japanese/English
• Denotation vs connotation
• Examples of some Japanese to English translations Jenn enjoys
• About the Miracles at the Namie General Store translation
• About the English translation of The Miracles at the Namiya General Store
• About the English translation of the All You Need Is Kill  novel
• About translating a novel vs manga/anime/light novels
• About The Translation Chat podcast
• About the Recommendation from My Otaku Spouse (Otafu Susume) podcast
• About The Faraway Paladin (Saihate no Paradin)
• 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.

• @JENTranslations

Check out the list below for links to the websites, podcats, and articles mentioned in this episode.

• Japanese Talk Online
  • Where Jenn writes about learning Japanese
• J-EN Translations
  • Where Jenn writes about translation
• An article about Jenn's experiences participating in WOOF/working in farms in Japan
• An article about the English translation of the All You Need Is Kill novel
• The Translation Chat Podcast
• Recommendation from My Otaku Spouse (Otafu Susume)

Check out the episode of Japan Station featuring Dr. Wesley Robertson.

• A Wonderful Mess: About the Japanese Writing System w. Dr. Wes Robertson | Japan Station 80

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

• What katakana words do you hate? (Funny/confusing/annoying katakana words) | Ichimon Japan 56
• Why is Argentina “Aruzenchin” in Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 57

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 Jenn O'Donnell

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 katakana words do you hate? Basically, we're talking about funny, quirky and annoying katakana words!

Topics Discussed

• Katakana-ified words that people hate
• Annoying katakana pronunciations
• Some possible reasons for why katakana words are pronounced in peculiar ways
• How katakana words are sometimes closer to the original pronunciation of the word they were adapted from than the English counterpart
• The use of the letter W in Japanese
• The puzzling way some Western names are transliterated into Japanese
• Paella in Japan
• How katakana can be helpful when reading foreign names
• Katakana words that sound like they are plural even though they may not be
• How the word "taco" is written both tako and takosu in Japanese
• 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.

To check out the tweet by Chris Walsh taht inspired this episode use the link below.

• Tweet by @chris_urorushu

Here's the latest JapanKyo Docs video. Please watch, subscribe, give it a like and comment!

• Inside Tokyo's Science Bar Incubator: A Shinjuku Bar Where Science and Alcohol Come Together

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

• Discussing Hiroshima, Hawaii, & Akiya (Abandoned Japanese Houses) w. J.J. Walsh of Seek Sustainable Japan | Japan Station 84

Here's a link for the "famous Japanese dogs" episode of Ichimon Japan.

• What are Japan’s most famous dogs? (5 Famous Japanese Dogs + an Afro Dog) Ichimon Japan 48

You can support JapanKyo by buying a shirt from Kimito Designs!

• 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.

• Kame
  • 亀 【かめ(P); カメ(P)】 (n) (1) tortoise; turtle
• Inu
  • 犬 : 犬(P); 狗 【いぬ(P); イヌ】 (n) (1) dog (Canis (lupus) familiaris)

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

This story is about my deceased grandma calling me back in my dream.
今回は、亡（な）くなった祖母（そぼ）が夢（ゆめ）の中で電話をしてくれたときのことです。

This podcast is made for Japanese and English language learners and people who are not necessarily learning either language.
このポッドキャストは、日本語をもしくは英語を学ばれている方用のポッドキャストです。また、どちらの言語も学んでいないという方にも楽しんでいただければ幸いです。

You can see how each episode is structured here. Also, you will see both English and Japanese transcripts.
それぞれのエピソードがどのような作り/流れになっているかは、こちらをご覧ください。ウェブサイトでは原文が日本語と英語の両方で読めるようになっています。

On YouTube, you can listen to each episode with subtitles if you like.
YouTubeでは字幕付きでポッドキャストをお聞きになることも可能です。

• Newsletter Sign Up
• Instagram
• Blog
• YouTube
• FB Page
• Twitter

------------------------------------
The beautiful intro and outro music was created by Joseph McDade.
私どものポッドキャストの始めと終わりに使わせていただいているピアノの音は、ジョセフ・マックデイドさんの作品です。

This story is about a phone call I had with my dad after my grandma passed away.
今回（こんかい）は、祖母（そぼ）が亡（な）くなったあとの父との電話（でんわ）のお話です。

This podcast is made for Japanese and English language learners and people who are not necessarily learning either language.
このポッドキャストは、日本語をもしくは英語を学ばれている方用のポッドキャストです。また、どちらの言語も学んでいないという方にも楽しんでいただければ幸いです。

You can see how each episode is structured here. Also, you will see both English and Japanese transcripts.
それぞれのエピソードがどのような作り/流れになっているかは、こちらをご覧ください。ウェブサイトでは原文が日本語と英語の両方で読めるようになっています。

On YouTube, you can listen to each episode with subtitles if you like.
YouTubeでは字幕付きでポッドキャストをお聞きになることも可能です。

• Newsletter Sign Up
• Instagram
• Blog
• YouTube
• FB Page
• Twitter

------------------------------------
The beautiful intro and outro music was created by Joseph McDade.
私どものポッドキャストの始めと終わりに使わせていただいているピアノの音は、ジョセフ・マックデイドさんの作品です。

This story is about my grandma.
今回は、私のおばあちゃんのことをお話しします。

When we hit our pinky toe against a corner of the furniture, we curl up, gasp for breath, and release the pain through the mind and body, right?
足の小指を家具の角などにぶつけたとき、体を丸めて呼吸に集中して、じーっと痛みを分散させようとしますよね。

Well, that's what I did for two weeks in June 2020 because my grandmother passed away.
2020年6月に祖母が亡くなったあと、2週間ほどそのようにして過ごしておりました。

This podcast is made for Japanese and English language learners and people who are not necessarily learning either language.
このポッドキャストは、日本語をもしくは英語を学ばれている方用のポッドキャストです。また、どちらの言語も学んでいないという方にも楽しんでいただければ幸いです。

You can see how each episode is structured here. Also, you will see both English and Japanese transcripts.
それぞれのエピソードがどのような作り/流れになっているかは、こちらをご覧ください。ウェブサイトでは原文が日本語と英語の両方で読めるようになっています。

On YouTube, you can listen to each episode with subtitles if you like.
YouTubeでは字幕付きでポッドキャストをお聞きになることも可能です。

• Newsletter Sign Up
• Instagram
• Blog
• YouTube
• FB Page
• Twitter

------------------------------------
The beautiful intro and outro music was created by Joseph McDade.
私どものポッドキャストの始めと終わりに使わせていただいているピアノの音は、ジョセフ・マックデイドさんの作品です。

Hi, everyone! Welcome to “Akariʼs Heart Read Aloud.”
みなさん、こんにちは。「Akariʼs Heart Read Aloud」へようこそ。

This is our very first episode, titled, “A New Beginning.”
このエピソードが、記念(きねん)する第一回となります。題して「新しい始まり。」

This podcast is made for Japanese and English language learners and people who are not necessarily learning either language.
このポッドキャストは、日本語をもしくは英語を学ばれている方用のポッドキャストです。また、どちらの言語も学んでいないという方にも楽しんでいただければ幸いです。

You can see how each episode is structured here. Also, you will see both English and Japanese transcripts.
それぞれのエピソードがどのような作り/流れになっているかは、こちらをご覧ください。ウェブサイトでは原文が日本語と英語の両方で読めるようになっています。

On YouTube, you can listen to each episode with subtitles if you like.
YouTubeでは字幕付きでポッドキャストをお聞きになることも可能です。

• Newsletter Sign Up
• Instagram
• Blog
• YouTube
• FB Page
• Twitter

------------------------------------
The beautiful intro and outro music was created by Joseph McDade.
私どものポッドキャストの始めと終わりに使わせていただいているピアノの音は、ジョセフ・マックデイドさんの作品です。

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 answers the question: How did you become so familiar with Japan?

About Tony Vega

Tony Vega is a writer, editor, and podcaster. He has lived in Japan as both a student and participant of the JET Programme. He possesses an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Tony is the creator of Japankyo.com and he produces both the Japan Station and Ichimon Japan podcasts. Aside from his work on JapanKyo.com, he is the editor in chief of Wasabi magazine and the producer of the Transmissions from Hawaii podcast. Tony enjoys pizza, sushi, burritos, puns, and overanalyzing absurd things.

Topics Discussed

• Learning about Japan and the Japanese language
• Tips for becoming knowledgeable about Japan and the Japanese language
• The importance of persistence and patience
• The importance of staying humble
• The importance of learning the Japanese language in order to better understand all aspects of Japan
• Graduate school
• 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.

If you enjoyed this solo episode, then you'll probably enjoy episode 33 of Japan Stationi.

• Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33

Here are the Japan Station episodes that were mentioned in this episode.

• The Japanese Intelligence Community & Espionage (Dr. Richard Samuels) | Japan Station 34
• Pregnancy & Marriage in Low-Fertility Japan (Dr. Amanda C. Seaman) | Japan Station 48

If you're interested in checking out Lang-8, you can use the link below.

• Lang-8.com

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: JapanKyo.com

Featured image: Courtesy of Romulus Hillsborough/Tuttle Publishing

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

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

Full Show Notes

• Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

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

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

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

Topics Discussed

• What Ikigai Connections is
• How you say "fart" in Japanese
• The tricky nature of the Japanese passive form
• Getting similar sounding Japanese words confused
• The confusion that can occur when you speak more than two languages
• The various ways gochisōsama can be used
• The difference between the words oppai and ippai
• The importance of learning things in context
• The many different counters used in Japanese
• How Japanese people make mistakes when using honorific language
• The confusion that can arise due to the Japanese language's long versus short vowel distinction
• The way the meaning of a kanji can change depending on whether you are reading it in Chinese or 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.

If you're interested in a career involving Japanese, then make sure to check out IkigaiConnections.com. All the relevant links are below.

• Ikigai Connections Website
• Ikigai Connections Facebook
• Ikigai Connections Twitter
• Ikigai Connections on Instagram

If you'd like to learn more about Kasia, then check out this episode of the Inside Japan podcast.

• Ep. 102 – Making it Happen w/Kasia from IkigaiConnections.com

If you would like to read more funny and/or embarrassing stories about mistakes made by people speaking Japanese, check out the link below to the Reddit thread that was mentioned during this episode.

• What's the funniest "mistake" you've ever made in speaking Japanese?

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

• The Inspiring Journey of Kofi Manga | Japan Station 53

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.

• Ikigai
  • 生きがい : 生き甲斐(P); 生きがい; 生甲斐 【いきがい】 (n) reason for living; something one lives for; purpose in life; raison d'être
• Onara
  • おなら (n) wind; gas; fart
• Eiga
  • 映画 【えいが】 (n,adj-no) movie; film
• Osou
  • 襲う 【おそう】 (v5u,vt) (1) to attack; to assail; to make an assault; to strike; to hunt down
• Osowaru
  • 教わる 【おそわる】 (v5r,vt) to be taught; to learn; to take lessons in
• Yōchien
  • 幼稚園 【ようちえん】 (n) kindergarten
• Yūenchi
  • 遊園地 【ゆうえんち】 (n) amusement park
• Kitte
  • 切手 【きって】 (n) stamp (postage); merchandise certificate
• Gochisōsama
  • ご馳走様 : ご馳走様(P); ご馳走さま(P); 御馳走様 【ごちそうさま】 (int) (1) (uk) thank you (for the meal); that was a delicious meal
• Ōyasan
  • 大家さん : 大家さん; 大屋さん 【おおやさん】 (n) (hon) (See 大屋・おおや) landlord; landlady
• Oya
  • 親 : 親(P); 祖 【おや】 (n) (1) (親 only) parent; parents; mother and father
• Shitagi
  • 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear
• Uwagi
  • 上着 : 上着(P); 上衣; 表着 【うわぎ(P); じょうい(上衣)】 (n) coat; tunic; jacket; outer garment
• Gomibako
  • ごみ箱 【ごみばこ】 (n) garbage can; rubbish bin; trash can; dustbin

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 the Japan Station podcast, manga creator and boxer Kofi Bazzell-Smith (a.k.a. Kofi Manga) stops by to discuss manga, the Japanese language, and the importance of perseverance.

About Kofi Manga

Kofi Bazzell-Smith is an American manga creator and boxer. He is active on YouTube and Instagram under the name Kofi Manga.

Topics Discussed

• The anime/manga Hajime no Ippo
• How it was that Kofi started studying Japanese
• How Kofi checks the Japanese that writes for his manga
• Lang-8 and HelloTalk
• The story of how Kofi was able to go to Japan for the first time
• Working as a video game tester for Deep Silver Volition
• Studying Japanese in Fukuoka for a month
• Getting one-on-one manga storytelling classes from a manga artist in Japan
• The importance of making mistakes when learning a new language
• How Kofi ended up going to Kansai Gaidai University
• How Kofi earned money in order to get back to Japan
• Kofi's quest to study at Kyoto Seika University
• Kansai Gaidai and its dorms
• Taking a manga production course at Kansai Gaidai University
• The time Kofi had his portfolio reviewed by professional manga editors at the Kyoto International Manga Museum
• The important advice that Kofi received from a Kodansha editor
• Why Kofi decided to draw a boxing manga
• Studying under Professor Akira Sasō at Kyoto Seika University
• Osamu Tezuka's old apartment Tokiwa-sō
• Getting accepted to participate in the Tokwa-sō Project
• The importance of perseverence and being a nice person
• What Kofi is currently working on and future plans
• 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.

Check out the links below to keep up with Kofi's work.

• Kofi Manga YouTube Channel
• Kofi Manga on Instagram
• Kofi Manga on Facebook

For more information on the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, the scholarships they offer or to donate, visit their website via the link below.

• United States-Japan Bridging Foundation Website

To learn more about Kansai Gaidai University, visit their website via the link below.

• Kansai Gaidai University Website

For more information on Professor Akira Sasō, visit the Wikipedia page below.

• About Akira Sasō (Wikipedia)

To watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams, use the link below. It will premiere on November 20th, 2020.

• Watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams

In case you missed it, here is a link for episode 33 of Japan Station.

• Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33

If you enjoyed this episode of Japan Station, then you'll also probably enjoy the episodes below.

• Manga Creator Minami Sakai | Japan Station 26
• Evangeline Neo of Evacomics | Japan Station 28

Also, don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.

• What is a kirakira name? | Ichimon Japan 29

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

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 Kofi Bazzell-Smith

Featured image: Courtesy of Kofi Bazzell-Smith

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

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

Full Show Notes

• Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

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.

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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

Max Whittle fell in love with Japan after a brief visit and vowed that he’d live there one day. He made good on his promise and within a couple of years he was a resident of the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. 

Max learned several profound lessons during his time immersed in the culture and his life was forever changed by the experience.

Nic and Max discuss what makes Japan so special, the far-reaching benefits of learning languages as an adult, neurobiology and kaizen.

Japanese Plus Alpha is the latest podcast in the JapanKyo Podcast Network. Produced by Tony Vega, Japanese Plus Alpha focuses on the Japanese language and its many fascinating quirks. The show is designed as a fun way to learn about the Japanese language while at the same time gaining insight into Japanese history, culture, linguistics, and more. In other words, Japanese Plus Alpha is great for both those studying the Japanese language and those who enjoy learning about the world through language.

Currently, Japanese Plus Alpha is available only via the JapanKyo.com Patreon. To get access to more episodes of Japanese Plus Alpha, just join the $3 a month Plus Alpha tier.

This is episode 2 of Japanese Plus Alpha. It focuses on the origins of the word "neko," which means cat in Japanese. Hope you enjoy it.

• Join the JapanKyo.com Patreon (@JapanKyo.com/Patreon)

Japanese Plus Alpha is the latest podcast in the JapanKyo Podcast Network. Produced by Tony Vega, Japanese Plus Alpha focuses on the Japanese language and its many fascinating quirks. The show is designed as a fun way to learn about the Japanese language while at the same time gaining insight into Japanese history, culture, linguistics, and more. In other words, Japanese Plus Alpha is great for both those studying the Japanese language and those who enjoy learning about the world through language.

Currently, Japanese Plus Alpha is available only via the JapanKyo.com Patreon. To get access to more episodes of Japanese Plus Alpha, just join the $3 a month Plus Alpha tier.

This is episode 2 of Japanese Plus Alpha. It focuses on the origins of the word "neko," which means cat in Japanese. Hope you enjoy it.

• Join the JapanKyo.com Patreon (@JapanKyo.com/Patreon)