Episodes
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What is it actually like to attend school in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they examine everything from daily routines and school culture to uniforms, exams, and extracurricular activities.
Topics Covered:
Structure of Education System
The Average School Day
The School Year
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From hidden Christian history to international trade and atomic tragedy, Nagasaki has one of the most unique stories in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, culture, and modern atmosphere of this fascinating port city.
Topics Covered:
History
Peace Park Nagasaki / Hypocenter Park / Atomic Bomb Museum
Urakami Cathedral
Sanno Shrine One-Legged Torii Gate
Suwa Shrine
Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture
Megane Bridge
Kofukuji
Sofukuji
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
Dejima
Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China
Oura Cathedral
Glover Garden
Mt. Inasa
Huis Ten Bosch
Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)
Festivals: Lantern Festival — Nagasaki Kunchi
Local Specialties: Castella — Champon — Sara Udon — Toruko Rice
How to Get To/Around Nagasaki
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Missing episodes?
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From lakeside campsites to mountain forests, Japan offers some incredible places to reconnect with nature. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the culture, scenery, and practical side of camping in Japan.
Topics Covered:
Is Camping Popular in Japan?
When to Camp
What are Campgrounds Like in Japan?
Types of Camping
Best Places to Camp
Gear
What to Eat
Etiquette and Rules
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Japan’s nightlife is about more than just izakayas and whiskey bars. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the weird, immersive, and unforgettable world of themed bars in Japan!
Topics Covered:
Science Bar INCUBATOR
Deathmatch in Hell
8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button)
Record Bar Analog
The Whales of August
Planetarium Bar
Muscle Girls
Kiha (Train Bar)
Kaiju Sakaba Shimbashi
Axe Throwing Bar
Hunters Bar
Taishu Shusen Terumae
Dogenzaka Church
Bunny Bars
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Japan is often cited as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but what’s really behind that reputation? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the cultural, social, and systemic factors that help keep crime low in Japan.
Topics Covered:
Social Cohesion
Broken Windows Theory
Economic Factors
Legislation
Koban and Community Policing
Judicial System
Underreporting
Recent Trends
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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their third week of sightseeing!
Topics Covered:
Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping Arcade
Yamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao Onsen
Matsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightseeing Cruise — Zuiganji — Entsuin — Date Masamune Historical Museum — Fukuura Island — Matsushima Retro Museum — Matsushima Fish Market
Sendai: Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School — Daikannon — Rinnouji — Kirin Beer Factory
Tokyo: teamLab Planets — Small Worlds — Kokyo Gaien National Garden
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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their second week of sightseeing!
Topics Covered:
Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path Festival
Bibai
Asahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum
Biei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — Town of Hills Folk Museum Misora
Abashiri: Ice Breaker Aurora — Ryuhyo Glass Museum — Abashiri City Museum — Abashiri City Folk Museum — Abashiri-Jinja — Abashiri Prison Museum
Sendai: Tomizawa Site — AER Observation Terrace
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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their first week of sightseeing!
Topics Covered:
Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef Ono
Hakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples — Lucky Pierrot — Mt. Hakodate — Goryokaku — Okushiba Soup Curry
Noboribetsu: Jigokudani
Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Tsudome — Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo Factory — Nijo Market — Norbesa Ferris Wheel
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Famous for its onsen, museums, and Fuji views, Hakone has long been a retreat from city life. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to experience Hakone and what sets it apart from other destinations.
Topics Covered:
History
Hakone-Yumoto
Ryokan and Onsen
Sightseeing Train (Tozan Railway)
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Owakudani
Pirate Ship
Hakone Checkpoint
Best View of Fuji
Hakone Shrine
How to get to/around Hakone
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Designated national cycle routes are part of Japan’s push to make cycling more accessible for travelers. Join Jason and Paul as they break down the routes, the scenery, and what cyclists can expect along the way.
Topics Covered:
What is a “National Cycle Route”?
Shimanami Kaido
Biwa-Ichi
Pacific Cycling Road
Toyama Bay Cycling Route
Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road
Tokapuchi400
Tips for a Successful Ride
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Japanese pro wrestling has carved out its own distinct identity, blending athleticism, storytelling, and a passionate fan culture. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, styles, and stars that make puroresu so unique.
Topics Covered:
What is Japanese Pro Wrestling?
History
How Does Puroresu Work?
Major Promotions
Controversy
How to Attend
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Japan’s service culture sets a global standard, blending efficiency, politeness, and surprising little touches of care. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the roots of omotenashi and how it shapes everyday experiences.
Topics Covered:
What is Omotenashi?
History
Keigo
Examples of Omotenashi
The Dark Side of Customer Service
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From anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today.
Topics Covered:
History
How to Cosplay
Where to Cosplay
Are There Rules?
Controversies
Where to See Cosplay
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
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Soybeans are at the heart of Japanese cuisine, found in everything from tofu and miso to soy sauce and natto. Join Jason and Paul as they explore how this humble bean shaped Japan’s food, culture, and history!
Topics Covered:
History
Japan’s Soybean Industry
How Soybeans are Grown
How Soybeans are Consumed in Japan: Tofu — Miso — Soy Sauce — Natto — Edamame — Soy Milk — Yuba — Kinako — Kuromame
Types of Soybeans
Health Benefits
Where to get Soy Products
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
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Become a member on Patreon!
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Trying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.
Topics Covered:
Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — Incense
Modern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — Electronics
Collectibles: Gachapon — Goshuincho — Eki Stamps — Manhole Covers — Pins — Mascot Merch
Food: KitKats — Tea — Sake — Whisky — Wagashi — Omiyage — Plastic Food
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
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Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!
Topics Covered:
History
Tochoji Temple
Kushida Shrine
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Canal City
Nakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)
Tenjin Underground Mall
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
Ohori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art Museum
Mizuho PayPay Dome
Momochi Seaside Park
Fukuoka Tower
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Events: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata Dontaku
Local Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — Mizutaki
How to get to/around Fukuoka
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
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Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!
Topics Covered:
Yomi (Shinto Hell)
Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)
Hellish Places You Can Visit
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
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Become a member on Patreon!
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Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society!
Topics Covered:
History
Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume
Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats
Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
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Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!
Topics Covered:
Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)
Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)
Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)
Kofun Period (250 - 538)
Yamato Period (250 - 710)
Asuka Period (538 - 710)
Nara Period (710 - 794)
Heian Period (794 - 1185)
Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)
Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)
Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)
Edo Period (1600 - 1868)
Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)
Showa Period (1926 - 1989)
Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)
Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)
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Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a historic port city known for its scenic views, unique history, and fresh seafood. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this gateway to Japan’s northernmost island, from star-shaped forts to morning markets and sparkling nightscapes!
Topics Covered:
History
Morning Market
Goryokaku
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Motomachi
Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples
Mt. Hakodate
Yunokawa Onsen
Onuma Day Trip
Festivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — Illuminations — Hakodate Port Festival — Hakodate Goryokaku Festival
How to get to/around Hakodate
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