Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language

This episode of Japan Station is a re-broadcast of episode 52 of Ichimon Japan.   On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are gyaru? Topics Discussed What the term gyaru/gal means/refers to About the word gyaru How the word gyaru was used in Dragonball by Master Roshi What a kogyaru/kogal is About the singer Namie Amuro and her role in popularizing the gyaru subculture About Ayumi Hamasaki's influence on the gyaru subculture About the supposed but unconfirmed connection between the gyaru subculture and the American TV show Baywatch, as well as Pamela Anderson About the iconic "loose socks" (lūzusokkusu) About E.G. Smith, the supposed origin of loose socks An interesting linguistic quirk about the Japanese term for "loose socks" About ganguro and yamanba gyaru and their dark tans About ageha gyaru The connection between gyaru, eurobeat and parapara What eurobeat is What parapara is Contemporary gyaru What gyarugo is Examples of popular gyaru slang What karipaku means What MK5 means What ChōSW means What sumisu means What ATM means What gachi means What agepoyo/sagepoyo mean What doron means What tehepero means What gekiokopunpunmaru means And much 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.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/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://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Support on Patreon If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode. ヤマンバ、イベサー、ガングロ…ギャル・ギャル男はどこに消えたのか？ 【 「ギャル文化」と「渋谷」をめぐる歴史を紐解く】 ギャル文化特集～ギャルの歴史と生態～ This is the article that has the illustrations of the gyaru that Ryan mentions during the episode. ガングロ ギャル系ファッションとは。ブランドと歴史【イラスト＆図解 アラサーしかわからない！？90年代のギャル語クイズ 歴代ギャル流行語大賞／年代流行 Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode. Japanese Gal Language: What is “Agepoyo?” Here's a Japanese documentary about gyaru. Definitely worth a watch if you understand Japanese. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aunp-hOLNc In this video you can see the 150 cm long loose socks that were mentioned in the episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e-iaDIOpR8 Here's a TV from 1996 about loose socks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUiGLAXNamo Here is a video from 2020 in which a Japanese YouTuber tries to get girls in Shibuya to put on loose socks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DokhMaT3MeE To check out the "snakes in a well" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. Is Yamaguchi cursed to have”ugly” girls? (Places in Japan Known for “Beautiful” & “Ugly” Women) | Ichimon Japan 50 Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below. My Sumo Academia: Talking About Sumo Today and in the Heian Period (Colton Runyan) | Japan Station 76 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. Pichipichi ぴちぴち (adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) bursting with youth and energy (esp. young woman); vivaciously young; spunky; energetic; (adv-to) (2) (on-mim) (fish) jumping around energetically (e.g. when caught in a net); (adj-no) (3) (on-mim) bursting (e.g. seams); tight; (adv-to) (4) (on-mim) splattering (e.g. cooking oil) 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

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about vocabulary and phrases related to telling time during the Edo Period! This is a surprisingly deep and interesting topic no matter whether you're learning Japanese or not! 👉Topics Discussed What does oyatsu mean? (おやつ) What the origin of the word oyatsu is About the Edo Period time system How to tell time during Japan's Edo Period The names of the time divisions used during the Edo Period What does shirokujichū (四六時中) means The etymology/origin of the word shirokujichū (四六時中) What does asameshimae （朝飯前) mean? The origins/etymology of asameshimae And 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 👉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  

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about one of Japan's most iconic foods: mochi. Learn all about the history, lore and consumption practices of this important Japanese food! 👉Topics Discussed About the history and origins of mochi What mochi is About how people eat mochi in Japan About yukimi daifuku/ice cream mochi About kagami mochi Where the word mochi might have come from About mochi making practices Why it is said there is a rabbit making mochi on the moon Old versus modern ways of making mochi About mochi-related deaths About the New Years holiday and mochi About how many people die from eating mochi And 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 👉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  

On this episode of Japan Station, supernatural stories, Japanese folklore, Japanese urban legends and more with Kevin O'Shea, host of the Supernatural Japan podcast. 👉Topics Discussed About the Supernatural Japan podcast About Ikuta Shrine's ghost story About the forest behind Ikuta Shrine in Kobe About exploring spooky places in Japan About the Hakkoda Mountain incident About auspicious animals like swallows and owls About Japanese urban legends like Kuchisake Onna and Teketeke About Hibagon About Japanese cryptids About Mossie, Japan's Lochness monster And 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. Links for the Supernatural Japan podcast. Supernatural Japan Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498 Supernatural Japan Podcast Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/35FkGE7Kc9bXFGpt37ZF2y To listen to Kevin O'Shea's previous appreance on Japan Station, check out the link below. Trapped in Japan: A Chat w. Kevin O’Shea of the Just Japan Podcast | Japan Station 58 https://japankyo.com/2021/02/japan-china-covid19-experience/   If you'd like to listen to a full version of Saijo Hideki's 1983 song "Gyarandu" (ギャランドゥ) you can do so below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yXpgBUshz8 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony  

Originally released on 3/21/2024 as pisode 80 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about what the best kind of English teaching in Japan is: Eikaiwa, JET Programme (ALT) or university teacher. Topics Discussed What it is like working in an eikaiwa school in Japan What the salary is for an eikaiwa teacher The good and bad about working at an eikaiwa school (private language school) What it is like being an assistant language teacher (ALT) on the JET Programme How much you can earn while on the JET Program The good and bad about being on the JET Program What it is like teaching english at a college in Japan What the requirements are for becoming an English teacher at a university in Japan What the salary is like for an English teacher at a university in Japan Which job pays more: Eikaiwa, JET or university teacher What vacation is like for English teachers at Japanese univesities What the contract/term limits are like for English teaching positions at universities/colleges in Japan And much 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.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/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://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] 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. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show! Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo 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:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan  

On this episode of Japan Station, I dig into the history of a fascinating example of Japanese slang: gyarandu (ギャランドゥ). This is a Japanese word that means refers to the patch of hair some people have between their belly button and public area. Often called "happy trail" or "belly/stomach hair," in English, gyarandu has a really interesting history that goes back to one of Japan's most popular 1980s male pop stars: Hideki Saijo. Listen to the episode to learn more! 👉Topics Discussed What does gyarandu (ギャランドゥ) mean? About the meaning of the 1983 Hideki Saijo song "Gyarandu" What the 1983 Saijo Hideki song "Gyarandu" is about How Saijo Hideki's song "Gyarandu" resulted in the creation of the Japanese slang term gyarandu About the etymology/word origin of gyarandu Who coined the term gyarandu Who wrote the 1983 song "Gyarandu" About Monta Yoshinori and his explanation of what "Gyarandu" means And 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. If you'd like to listen to a full version of Saijo Hideki's 1983 song "Gyarandu" (ギャランドゥ) you can do so below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yXpgBUshz8 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony  

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to photographer and journalist Michael Magers. Michael has spent over a decade documenting shokunin (artisans/crafworkers) across Japan. During that time has has had many extremely unique expriences such as ama divers, participating in Osaka's infamous Danjiri Festival, and getting tattooed by a traditional Japanese tattoo artist. He talks about those experiences and much more in today's episode! 👉Topics Discussed About how Michael Magers started doing photography work in Japan About working on Rice, Noodlem Fish About shokunin culture in Japan What is shokunin culture About preserving shokunin culture About his most memorable food experiences in Japan About diving with ama About getting tattooed in Japan (irezumi) About participating in Osaka's infamous Danjiri Festival About efforts being made to preserve dying traditions in Japan About preserving the knowledge of Japan's aging shokunin/artisans And 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. For more about Michael Magers Mike Magers Website https://mpmagers.com/ Mike Magers on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mpmagers 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony  

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk to Kyle Broyles of Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky in Tokyo. In this interview we talk about what it's like running a bar in Tokyo, starting a business in Tokyo, Japanese craft beer and more. 👉Topics Discussed About Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky About running a craft beer bar in Tokyo Japanese craft beer in Tokyo Growing a business in Tokyo Organic marketing And 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's the Pintology Tokyo Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pintologytokyo/?hl=en 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

On this episode of Japan Station, I examine the mysterious origins of the Japanese word for cat: neko. Trust me, there's a whole lot more to say about the topic than you might think! 👉Topics Discussed The etymology of neko/cat Various theories that try to explain the origins of the Japanese word for cat Whether the Japanese word for cat traces its origins back to Chine/Chinese When cats first arrived in Japan What the onomatopoeia for a cat meowing was in The Tale of Genji About the song Neko Funjatta and what it is called in other countries/languages And 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's the video of Neko Funjatta by Ichigoclub15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpqGiKJt3cQ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony  

Marc Yamada, a Professor at Brigham Young University and author of "Murakami Haruki on Film," dives into the captivating world of Haruki Murakami's literary adaptations. He explores why Murakami's relatable characters resonate globally and discusses the nuances of magical realism in his stories. Topics like the impactful adaptation of "Drive My Car" and the intricate interpretation of works such as "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman" highlight the challenges filmmakers face. Yamada also shed light on Murakami's involvement in these adaptations, making for a fascinating conversation.