

Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
JapanKyo.com
Helping you understand everything you should know about Japan.
Interviews with Japan experts, deep dives into Japanese culture and society, and plenty of laughs; every episode host Tony R. Vega sheds light on a different aspect of Japan. Whether you're planning a visit to Japan, learning Japanese or just have a passion for all things Japan, we've got something for you!
Common topics include
・Japanese culture
・Deep dives into the Japanese language
・Japanese history
・Japanese food
・Japan travel tips
・Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, movies, etc
・The stories of foreigners living in Japan
・And more!
Episodes release on the 1st and 21st of the month.
You can reach us via email: mail@japankyo.com
About Tony R. Vega
Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com, creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel, professional MC, and lifelong Japan enthusiast. He has a particular passion for the Japanese language which led him to obtain an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii. Tony is also legally blind and dedicated to raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired, as well as the problems these individuals face.
Interviews with Japan experts, deep dives into Japanese culture and society, and plenty of laughs; every episode host Tony R. Vega sheds light on a different aspect of Japan. Whether you're planning a visit to Japan, learning Japanese or just have a passion for all things Japan, we've got something for you!
Common topics include
・Japanese culture
・Deep dives into the Japanese language
・Japanese history
・Japanese food
・Japan travel tips
・Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, movies, etc
・The stories of foreigners living in Japan
・And more!
Episodes release on the 1st and 21st of the month.
You can reach us via email: mail@japankyo.com
About Tony R. Vega
Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com, creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel, professional MC, and lifelong Japan enthusiast. He has a particular passion for the Japanese language which led him to obtain an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii. Tony is also legally blind and dedicated to raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired, as well as the problems these individuals face.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2025 • 31min
DON'T do these 8 things on trains in JAPAN! | Japan Station 170
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about train etiquette in Japan. We're covering a recent Japanese survey that lists the 8 most irritating things people do on trains in Japan. 👉Topics Discussed Eight things you shouldn't do on Japanese trains A survey indicating eight annoying things people do on Japanese trains How people in Japan deal with annoying things people do on Japanese trains And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Sources used for this episode The 8 most annoying things people do on Japanese trains, according to local commuters (SoraNews24) Biz Hits Career Japan blog 【電車通勤中にイラッとする人の特徴ランキング】男女500人アンケート調査 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 4min
Shikoku's 88 Temple Pligrimmage: What You Should KNOW (Kevin Tarpey) | Japan Station 169
On this episode of Japan Station, Kevin Tarpey joins us to talk about what it was like doing Shikoku's famous 88 Temple Pilgrimmage and why Japan is such a great place for long-distance walking. 👉Topics Discussed Why Japan is such a great place for long-distance walking About the famous Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimmage (Ohenro, お遍路) What it's like walking the 88 temple pilgrimmage How long it took to walk the 88 temple pilgrimmage in Shikoku How much distance Kevin covered per day while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage About getting blisters while walking the 88 temple pilgrimmage About the importance of pacing yourself while doing long-distance walks The customs surrounding the 88 temple pilgrimmage About the stampbook/passport used while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage About the "traditional" clothing pilgrims often wear while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage Why you should use the hakui/vest while doing the 88 temple pilgrimmage About the custom of Osettai About walking on roads in japan About walking the most rural area of the 88 temple pilgrimmage About the official English guidebook for the 88 temple pilgrimmage About the importance of preparing for a long-distance walk Memorable experiences on the 88 temple pilgrimmage About walking Cape Muroto About eating paella at the lodging on Cape Muroto About booking accomodations while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage What accomodations might cost while on the 88 temple pilgrimmage About "free lodging" on the 88 temple pilgrimmage About henro huts How knowing some Japanese can enrich your experience on the 88 temple pilgrimmage About the finishing the 88 temple pilgrimmage About th Hagi Okan and what it is like walking it About Kevin's upcoming walks About liquid intake and bathroom planning while on long-distance walking And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Don't forget to follow Kevin Tarpey on Instagram! @thegreenhoof (https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhoof/) 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

Jul 21, 2025 • 39min
She moved to this Japanese island to FARM INDIGO?! (Sally Hancox of AiAii) | Japan Station 168
On this episode of Japan Station, we learn about traditional Japanese indigo dyeing from Sally Hancox, one of the co-owners of AiAii Worshop & Shop on Awaji island. This is a conversation to dye for! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. 👉Topics Discussed About AiiAii Worshop & Shop About the aizome (indigo dyeing) process About farming and preparing indigo for dyeing Why Sally Hancox ended up farming and working with indigo What are the benefits of natural indigo dyeing About the workshops at AiAii About Awaji How to get to Awaji How to get in touch with Sally for scheduling indigo dyeing workshops, etc. And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more info an AiAii Workshop & Shop on Awaji, check out the links below AiAii Website: https://aiaii.blue/ AiAii Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiaii.blue/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

Jul 16, 2025 • 50min
How Japanese scandals EXPLODE! (Igor Prusa) | Japan Station 167
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about scandals in Japan. My guest Dr. Igor Prusa tells about how scandals in Japan work, how they surface and how entertainers/business people/politicians who get caught in scandals try to deal with them. This is a truly SCANDALOUS episode. Sorry, couldn't resist. 👉Topics Discussed The characteristics of a Japanese scandal About the Noriko Sakai scandal Why the Sakai Noriko scandal was such a big deal What celebrities caught in scandals are expected to do About the press conferences often seen after a scandal rises to the surface in Japan About scandals in the Japanese corporate world About political scandals in Japan About the Johnny's/Johnny & Associates scandal About the massive Fuji TV scandal About the infamous 10 hour Fuji TV press conference and why it was so long About why the Fuji TV scandal was such a big deal About the Nakai Masahiro scandal How outside pressure/foreign media/online media/weekly tabloids play an important role in the life cycle of a scandal And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the link to the article by dragoner that was mentioned in this episode Scandal in Japan: Transgression, Performance and Ritual (Japan Anthropology Workshop Series) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibHNq6ek6CI&list=RDibHNq6ek6CI&start_radio=1 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why do Japanese train stations do that? | Japan Station 166/Ichimon Japan 03
This episode was originally released as episode 3 of the Ichimon Japan podcast. Today's Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese train stations do that? Topics Discussed The train system in rural areas versus urban areas in Japan Trains in Kagoshima and Ishikawa What a Wanmanressha (one man trains) is Unmanned rural train stations Why Japanese train stations use cute songs to indicate a train is about to depart Hasshamero (train departure melodies) The use of Nogizaka46's song "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" as a train departure melody The logic behind train departure melodies A brief history of train departure melodies in Japan How the song "Yappa Sukiyanen" by Uashiki Takajin was adapted into a train departure melody after his death in 2014 How Osaka locals prefer to use "Umeda" when referring the the area in and around JR Osaka Station Why there are lines and numbers on the train platforms How to line up when waiting for a train Women only train cars The use of high-pitched noises (17 khz) to disperse people loitering at train stations in Japan Standing versus walking on escalators How Japanese railway companies are trying to get people to only walk on escalators Japanese people's reluctance to stop walking on escalators Why standing on escalators can be faster than walking Why Japanese train stations use blue LED lights on platforms The claim that blue LED lights are extremely effective at preventing suicide The role of seken no me (世間の目, the public gaze/the eye of society) on Japanese trains and at Japanese train stations Train etiquette The claim that cell phones interfere with pacemakers Putting on makeup on Japanese trains How there's a part-time job in Nagoya where people stand on the escalator all day in order to stop people from walking on escalators And more! Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. You can support the show by donating via Venmo or Paypal. Venmo (@TonyRVega): https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: http://paypal.me/tonyrvega You can check out the Citylab article that is mentioned multiple times during this episode via the link below. The Amazing Psychology of Japanese Train Stations As mentioned in this episode, Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line uses an adapted version of the Noguzaka46 song "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" (English translation: Your Name is Hope). You can listen to the original version of "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" via the YouTube video below. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E2OXutknVY[/embed] Another song mentioned in this episode is "Yappa Sukiyanen" by Yashiki Takajin. Following the death of Takajin in 2014, an adapted version of this song was used for a period of time as the departure melody of JR Osaka Station. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GrOq7VY7lM[/embed] The video below explores the question of whetherit is faster to stand or walk on an escalator. It finds that in theory about 80 people per minute can use an escalator when one side is reserved for walking. However, up to 112 people can use an escalator when people stand on both sides. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX11cxeW6hA[/embed] You can check out the 2012 study that sparked the "blue light prevents suicide" craze via the link below. Note: many articles written after the publication of this study cite a 2013 study. However, this appears to be the same study and it is dated as 2012. It is possible that this is a preliminary version. Does the installation of blue lights on train platforms prevent suicide? A before-and-after observational study from Japan (By Tetsuya Matsubayashi, Yasuyuki Sawada, Michiko Ueda) Numerous researchers have looked into the results of the 2012/2013 blue light study since it was originally plublished. In doing so, they have called into question its results. One such researcher is Masao Ichikawa of the University of Tsukuba. You can read his 2014 follow-up study via the link below. Reconsidering the effects of blue-light installation for prevention of railway suicides Here is the 2019 BBC article mentioned during this episode that helpsput into doubt the idea that blue lights prevent suicide. Japanese train companies appeared to have found that soothing blue lights could reduce the rate of suicides at station. But does the "nudge technique" really work? And if so, how? If you would like to check out episode 31 of the Japan Station podcast, which focuses on the skakuhachi, check out the link below. Japan Station 31: A Conversation with a Shakuhachi Master (Christopher Yohmei Blasdel) If you want to learn even more about Japanese tains, then you should check out the Japankyo article below. All About the Chūō Shinkansen and the History that Led to the Creation of the Fastest Train in the World 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 Instagram (@TonyRVega) X/Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Facebook (@JapankyoNews)

Jul 1, 2025 • 29min
WHICH is CORRECT? Funiki vs Fuinki (雰囲気) | Japan Station 165
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the Japanese word funiki (雰囲気) and other words that aren't read the way they are written. 👉Topics Discussed About the Japanese word funiki (雰囲気) What the correct way to read/pronounce funiki is Whether you should read funiki as fun'iki (ふんいき) or fuinki (ふいんき) Why so many people pronounce funiki incorrectly About words like manin (満員) and zenin (全員) and why people often pronounce them incorrectly/differently from how they are written in kana About 音位転換 (onitenkan)/metathesis in Japanese words About Akihabara vs Akibahara What a funiki ikemen (雰囲気イケメン) is And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo 👉Links, Videos, Etc. This is the 2021 article I mention in the update portion of this episode. 「雰囲気」←“ふいんき”と読む時代が来る? 大学教授が指摘 「秋葉原」や「山茶花」など前例に 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

Jun 24, 2025 • 56min
Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? | Japan Station 164/Ichimon Japan 02
This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of episode two of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? Topics Discussed Whether Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners The idea that longer intestines are a result of the Japanese people having a diet centering around rice, grains, and vegetables The inconsistent details surrounding the idea that Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners Andy Raskin's quest to determine if Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners The stealing of corpses in Meiji period Japan The idea that longer intestine length produces more excrement The connection between the length of one's intestines and the smelliness of one's poop How much longer the Japanese intestinal tract is said to be than that of Westerners What both Japanese sources and English-language sources have to say on the length of Japanese intestines The importance of skepticism The results of a large scale scientific study that compares the length of the intestines of Japanese people and Westerners The idea that intestine length is connected to the darkness of one's skin And more! Note: During the episode some information is attributed to a Reddit thread. This is inaccurate. The information attributed to said Reddit thread was instead found on news.ycominator.com. Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. You can check out the article by Andy Raskin via the link below. Are Japanese Intestines Longer? Here is the article published on World Projects Japan. This article is in Japanese 日本人は腸が長いか (Whether Japanese people have longer intestines) During the episode some information was attributed to a Reddit thread. However, this is wrong. Any information that was attributed to this nonexistent Reddit thread was actually from news.ycombinator.com. You can access this page via the link below. Are Japanese Intestines Longer? (news.combinator.com) The information regarding the idea that shortening one's intestines results in lighter skin also originated from the page above. The text below was posted to this page by someone using the name slyall on August 24, 2015. No other information was found to support this claim. "I remember reading a story (at least 20 years ago) that some women in Japan were getting their intestine shortened in order to lighten their skin. No ghits sorry but from memory once the intestine was shortened the skin started to magically lighten." The 2013 study titled "Colorectal Length in Japanese and American Asymptomatic Adults Based on CT Colonography" (Japanese: 日本人とアメリカ人の大腸の長さは違うのか? : 大腸3D-CT) can be accessed via the link below. The article is in Japanese. An English translation of the objectives and results of the study can be found here. Colorectal Length in Japanese and American Asymptomatic Adults Based on CT Colonography (Japanese: 日本人とアメリカ人の大腸の長さは違うのか? : 大腸3D-CT) If you would like to check out episode 30 of the Japan Station podcast, which focuses on the idea of "otaku" and the history of Akihabara, please check out the link below. Japan Station 30: Understanding “Otaku” and Akihabara w. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith 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 Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@tonyrvega)

Jun 21, 2025 • 47min
The REAL Reason Japan doesn't have public TRASH CANS! They're LYING TO YOU! | Japan Station 163
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about why there's so few trash cans in public places in Japan. Despite what many sources say the 1995 sarin gas attack in Tokyo is not the reason there are so few trash cans in public places in Japan. It's actually more complicated than that. While yes, it is true that there was a reduction in the amount of trash cans in some places in Japan--particularly the subway line targeted by Aum Shinrikyo during the sarin gas attack--many of these trash cans were reinstalled some time after the attack. Further trash cans were not used during the attack itself. So you simply cannot say that the sarin gas attack was the direct cause for Japan's lack of public trash cans. In reality, it's a combination of things that resulted in Japan severely reducing the amount of trash cans in public places. One reason is concerns over people dumping trash they aren't supposed to dump in public trash cans. Concerns over crows and other animals causing messes when they try to get food from public trash cans also played a role. In terms of security concerns, athough the sarin gas attack no doubt traised concerns it was the 2004 and 2005 terrorist attacks in London and Spain that actually had a direct impact on the number of public trash bins in Japan. Finally, efforts to cut costs on the part of Japanese railways and other private businesses also play a significant role in the disappearance of Japan's public garbage cans. We also discuss strategies for managing your trash while you are in Japan, where you can find trash cans in Japan and what people in Japan are doing to deal with the increase in trash and litter that has resulted from increased tourism. 👉Topics Discussed Why there aren't any trash cans in public places in Japan? Why it is not true that the 1995 sarin gas terrorist attack conducted by Aum Shinrikyo in Tokyo is not the reason Japan has so few trash cans in public places About the failed 1995 hygrogen cyanide gas attack in Shinjuku Station (新宿駅青酸ガス事件, Shinjuku eki seisan gasu jiken) which was also conducted by members of Aum Shinrikyo Whether trash cans were removed from Japanese train stations after the 1995 sarin gas attack Whether garbage cans in public places were common in Japan during the '90s and 2000s The fact taht trash cans were reinstalled some time after the 1995 sarin gas attack Why municipalities across Japan have been trying to reduce the number of trash cans in public since the '90s People dumping trash they shouldn't in public trash cans How concerns over crows have played a role in the disappearance of public trash cans in Japan How the 2004 and 2005 London and Madrid terrorist attacks played a role in the disappearance of Japan's public trash cans How efforts to cut costs played a role in Japan's trash cans being reduced in number What you should do with your trash when visiting Japan Where to find trash cans in Japan About Japanese trash culture and manners What people in Japan are doing in places where increased tourism has resulted in more trash and littering And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the link to the article by dragoner that was mentioned in this episode "Why did Japan's trash cans disappear?" 日本のゴミ箱、なぜ消えた? 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

Jun 16, 2025 • 55min
Why are vegetables so insulting in Japanese? | Japan Station 162/Ichimon Japan 14
This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 12. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are vegetables so unsulting in Japanese? On this episode we are honored to once again be joined by Kyle Broyles of the Tokyo Splosion podcast and Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed Some funny Japanese vegetable-based insults and their (supposed) etymologies What the term daikon ashi means Why daikon ashi is so insulting and reserved only for use on women The usage of the term "dumpling legs" What the term daikon yakusha means Why daikon yakusha is considered an insult Why it's insulting to call someone a bean sprout (moyashi) in Japanese What it means to "stink of potatoes" (to be imokusai) What a "country milkboy" is What an "embankment pumpkin" is (dote kabocha) The most commonly cited story explaining the insulting meaning of the term dote kabocha A tip for training yourself to like vegetables Interesting Japanese slang involving the the Japanese word for eggplant (nasu) What the term bokenasu means Why it is insulting to be called a bokenasu What the heck an otankonasu is Two theories for where the "otanko" part of otankonasu derived from The most common etymologies of the term otankonasu The potential connection between otankonasu and Edo period pleasure districts Bubble era Japanese slang How pīman (green pepper) was used as an insult in Japan in the 1970s The difficulties localizers face when translating idioms from Japanese into English Whether the Japanese word for "vegetable" (yasai) totally overlaps in meaning with its English counterpart Why there seem to be more vegetable-related insults in Japanese than fruit-related insults And more! Note: All of the etymologies provided during this episode were found in Japanese language sources and are the most commonly cited. However, just because they are the most commonly cited etymologies that does not mean they are true, so please keep this in mind. 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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 Kyle Broyles Links 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 Libsyn Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts Tokyo Splosion on Twitter The latest episode of Tokyo Splosion as of the time of this posting can be found below. Tokyo Splosion Quarterly: Spring 2020 Kyle also produces the YouTube series Hard Officers. Check out the channel via the link below. Hard Officers YouTube Channel Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here's a link to the previous episode Kyle Broyles was a guest on. What's life like in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic? (Uncovering the cute sneeze conspiracy | Ichimon Japan 13 Just to review, here's a list of all the insults that were covered on this episode, including how you write them in Japanese. Daikon ashi 大根足 : 大根足; 大根脚 【だいこんあし】 (n) thick legs; fat legs; cankle; cankles (literally: daikon radish legs) Daikon yakusha 大根役者 【だいこんやくしゃ】 (n) (yoji) ham actor; hack actor (literally: daikon radish actor) Moyashi もやし (n) bean sprouts (in certain contexts it can also be used to mean as an insult meaning lanky, gangly or frail) Moyashikko もやしっ子 【もやしっこ】 (n) weak child; frail child; gangly child Imokusai イモくさい 【いもくさい】 (n) country bumpkin; unsophisticated; hick (literally to stink of potatoes) Dote kabocha どてかぼちゃ (n) incompetent person; halfwit; blockhead; fool (literally: embankment pumpkin) Bokenasu ぼけなす (n) (1) faded, dull-colored eggplant; (2) (derog) slow-witted, abstracted person; halfwit Otankonasu おたんこなす (n) fool; twit; idiot; bird-brain Atama ga pīman (Note: This term was popular in the 1970s and is rarely, if ever, used today.) 頭がピーマン 【あたまがぴーまん】 stupid; dumb (literally: your head is a green pepper) Hanashi ga pīman 話がピーマン 【はなしがぴーまん】 what you are saying is stupid/pointless (literally: what you are saying/your story is a green pepper.) If you'd like to check out episode 38 of Japan Station, you can do so via the link below. Understanding Idols and the Success of AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38 If you missed the Japanese study tips episode of Ichimon Japan, check out the article below. What are your Japanese studying tips? | Ichimon Japan 08 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. Yasai 野菜 【やさい】 (n,adj-no) vegetable Kudamono 果物 : 果物(P); 菓物 【くだもの(P); かぶつ(果物)】 (n) fruit Oden おでん (n) (food) oden; dish of various ingredients, e.g. egg, daikon, potato, chikuwa, konnyaku, etc. stewed in soy-flavored dashi Shokuatari 食あたり : 食あたり; 食中り 【しょくあたり】 (n) food poisoning Shokubutsu 植物 【しょくぶつ】 (n) plant; vegetation Emoi エモい (adj-i) (1) (sl) emo; sad; melancholic; (2) (sl) (pun on エロい and キモい) (See エロい,キモい) erotic in a disgusting way Inakakusai 田舎臭い : 田舎臭い; 田舎くさい 【いなかくさい】 (adj-i) rustic; unsophisticated; provincial; hick; cornball Ume 梅 : 梅(P); 楳 【うめ(P); むめ(ok); ウメ】 (n) (1) Japanese apricot (Prunus mume); Japanese plum; ume; Chinese plum Tnkō 炭坑 : 炭鉱(P); 炭坑; 炭礦 【たんこう】 (n) coal mine; coal pit 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:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

Jun 5, 2025 • 24min
What is "PLUS ALPHA?" The Meaning & Origin of the Japanese term purasu arufa/プラスアルファ | Japan Station 161
On this episode of Japan Station, I break down what the Japanese term "plus alpha" (purasu arufa/プラスアルファ) means and its possible origins. 👉Topics Discussed What does "plus alpha" (purasu arufa/プラスアルファ) mean? How you use the Japanese term purasu arufa プラスアルファ The most popular etymology of the term of purasu arufa Real world examples of purasu arufa in use About what puramaizero means (プラマイゼロ) And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None this time. 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony