
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
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.
Latest episodes

Aug 1, 2021 • 48min
71 Down & Out in Japan: On Homelessnes and Life in Japan's Slums (Dr. Tom Gill)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're learning about homelessness in Japan and the life of Japanese day laborers. About Dr. Tom Gill Dr. Tom Gill is a professor of social anthropology at the Faculty of International Studies at Meiji Gakuin University in Yokohama. He is the author of the 2015 book Yokohama Street Life: The Precarious Career of a Japanese Day Laborer. Topics Discussed Dr. Tom Gill's first experience in Sanya in Tokyo Reporting on street riots in Sanya in 1986 About Sanya in Tokyo What a doyagai is About Japanese slum districts About Japanese day laborers Why Sanya is mainly populated by single men How the anime/manga Ashita no Joe is set in Sanya The aging population of Japan's slums What a doya is What a typical doya room is like Older doya versus newer doya What a deluxe doya is Why people might choose to stay in doya despite it being more expensive to ren than an apartment About Japanese welfare On talking to people in doyagai On collecting cans in Osaka On municipal homeless shelters in Japan The increasing number of doya in Kotobukicho About homeless women in Japan Why there are so few homeless women in Japan Whether Dr. Gill has had any dangerous experiences in Japanese slums 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 would like to purchase Dr. Gill's book--Yokohama Street Life: The Precarious Career of a Japanese Day Laborer--please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. Yokohama Street Life: The Precarious Career of a Japanese Day Laborer If you would like to read some of Dr. Gill's work, the best place to start is his Academia.edu page. Dr. Tom Gill on Academia.edu Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast. What are Japan’s most famous dogs? (5 Famous Japanese Dogs + an Afro Dog) Ichimon Japan 48 If you would like to support the show by picking up some merchandise, make sure to visit KimitoDesigns.com. KimitoDesigns.com Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Featured image: Courtesy of N/A Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

Jul 30, 2021 • 8min
ANNOUUNCEMENT I (Co)Created a Manga Crypto Universe (About B & B Bad Sisters)
For more information on B & B Bad Sisters, check out the official website. https://bbbadsisters.com/ Here's the link for the B & B Bad Sisters NFT shop. https://opensea.io/kazuomaekawa Follow B & B Bad Sisters on social media. Twitter https://twitter.com/bbbadsisters Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bbbadsisters Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bbbadsisters/ Here's affiliate links for cryptocurrency exchanges. If you use any of these links to purchase cryptocurrency you might get a sign up bonus. Typically, these sign up bonuses are free Bitcoin. However, each exchange does things a bit differently so you may want to check what is required in order to receive the sign up bonus. Also if you use these affiliate links and receive the bonus, then I would receive a small referral bonus as well. Gemini https://www.gemini.com/share/gkn57qfg Voyager https://voyager.onelink.me/WNly/referral?af_sub5=ANTB78 BlockFi https://blockfi.com/?ref=d7eef2f9

Jul 15, 2021 • 46min
70 Behold the Shamisen Powers of Mike Penny
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, shamisen performer and composer Mike Penny stops by to talk about Japan's famous three-stringed lute, the Mike Penny Orchestra (MPO), and more. About Mike Penny Mike Penny is a shamesen performer and composrer based in Los Angeles. He has performed throughout the U.S. and Japan. Aside from performing traditional Japanese shamisen music, Mike is also active on YouTube and enjoys experimenting with the shamisen in all sorts of creative ways via his personal project MPO. Topics Discussed Mike Penny's 2011 song "Leaving Forever" Mike Penny's work on the soundtrack of the popular PS4 game Ghosts of Tsushima How Mike Penny became interested in Japan and the shamisen The many musical instruments Mike Penny has played Making the transition from guitar to the shamisen On learning how to play the shamisen The challenges of learning how to play the shamisen On getting used to using the bachi (plectrum) The tsugaru shamisen style The fretless nature of the shamisen About MPO (Mike Penny Orchestra) About Mike Penny's 2020 song "Perfect Alley Rare" Feedback from Japanese people On Sasaki Mitsuru Sangenkai in Los Angeles About Kyle Abbot On shamisen for beginners, such as the shami buddy by Kyle Abbott 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 Mike Penny on YouTube and Bandcamp. Mike Penny YouTube Mike Penny Bandcamp Here is "Leaving Forever" by MPO. "Leaving Forever" by The Mike Penny Orchestra Here is the music video for "Perfect Alley Rare." "Perfect Alley Rare" by Mike Penny Orchestra (‘80s Shamisen Pop) And here's a fun shamisen cover that Mike did of "The 7th Element" by Vitas. Vitas “The 7th Element” ★ON SHAMISEN★ Use the link below to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast. Vitas “The 7th Element” ★ON SHAMISEN★ 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 Mike Penny Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

Jul 1, 2021 • 54min
69 What Is Pana-Wave Laboratory? (Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia talks about the religious group Pana-Wave Laboratory and shares some of what he experienced while in Japan researching it. About Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia is a professor of sociology at Taft College and the author of numerous books. He has conducted research on a wide variety of topics, including the sociology of religion, food studies, race & ethnicity, and popular culture. Dr. Jimenez Murguia has also written extensively about the Japanese religious group Pana-Wave Laboratory. Topics Discussed How Dr. Jimenez Murguia became interested in doing research related to Japan How it was that Dr. Jimenez Murguia began communicating with and doing research on Pana-Wave Laboratory What Pana-Wave Laboratory was How Pana-Wave Laboratory got started The teachings/beliefs of Chino Yuko About scalar wave energy attacks Why Pana-Wave Laboratory members dressed all in white Pana-Wave Laboratory's infamous 2003 caravan to Fukui Prefecture How Dr. Jimenez Murguia was able to make contact with Pana-Wave Laboratory Pana-Wave Laboratory's journal: L.R. On visiting Pana-Wave Laboratory at their base in Fukui Prefecture About the kinds of people that were part of Pana-Wave Laboratory On visiting the Pana-Wave Laboratory facility in Fukui after Chino Yuko's death How Pana-Wave Laboratory was sensationalized and misunderstood The misconception that Japan is a weird place On doing research on the topic of brown face 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. The title of the article by Dr. Jimenez Murguia that was referenced on this episode is Re-enchanting a Religio-Scientific Experience: Understanding the Extraordinary Within the Pana-Wave Laboratory. As of the time of this writing the link I used to download the article does not work. However, if you would like to try it out, click here. To listen to the Ichimon Japan episode that focuses on Pana-Wave Laboratory, check out the link below. Did Tama-chan the seal save the world and cause immigration reform? (About Pana-Wave Laboratory) | Ichimon Japan 46 To listen to the episode of Ichimon Japan about ushino koku mairi, use the link below. What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21 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 Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

Jun 15, 2021 • 57min
68 The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture (Justin McCurry)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, journalist Justic McCurry talks about his new book The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture. About Justin McCurry Justin McCurry is the Japan anc Korea correspondent for The Guardian. He is also the author of the new book The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture (Pegasus Books). Topics Discussed What it was like interviewing a senior member of the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza group in 2008 Justin McCurry's first visit to a velodrome About the velodrome in Tachikawa, Tokyo How keirin seems to be hidden away and gets little mainstream coverage in Japanese media The inescapable connection between keirin and gambling How keirin is different from other forms of competitive cycling The differences between the Olympic variety of keirin and the original Japanese keirin Group dynamics between keirin riders The brutal and violent side of keirin How you become a professional keirin cyclist About the Japan Institute of Keirin (formerly the Japan Keirin School) What it's like living at the Japan Keirin School The effort to modernize keirin The strict expectations and restrictions placed on keirin cyclists in Japan How cyclists must check in their mobile phones and disconnect from the outside world during race events What it was like riding a keirin bicycle on a real keirin track What keirin is doing to try to survive in present day Women in keirin The Nikkan Keirin Series The future of keirin in Japan 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. To pick up a copy of The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cylcing Subculture, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will not cost you anything extra and it will support the show. The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture by Justin McCurry (Amazon Affiliate) To follow Justin McCurry on Twitter, use the link below. Justic McCurry on Twitter Use the link below to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What is a yankī or furyō? (About Japanese Teenage Delinquent Culture) | Ichimon Japan 45 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 Dr. Rebecca Copeland Featured image: Courtesy of Pegasus Books Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

Jun 1, 2021 • 47min
67 The Kimono Tattoo: Discussing Kyoto, Kimono & More w. Dr. Rebecca Copeland
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about Kyoto, kimono and more with Dr. Rebecca Copeland. About Dr. Rebecca Copeland Dr. Rebecca Copeland is a professor of Japanese language and literature at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research specialties include modern and contemporary women's writing in Japan, modern literature, and translation studies. Dr. Copeland also writes fiction and just published her first novel called The Kimono Tattoo (Brother Mockingbird). Topics Discussed About Dr. Copeland's new novel The Kimono Tattoo Some of the aspects of Dr. Copeland's life that influenced and appear in The Kimono Tattoo On spending time in Kyoto Some of Dr. Copeland's favorite places in Kyoto About Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple Exploring Kyoto and going off the beaten path The canals that run along the Philosopher's Path What inspired the "cursed kimono" that is one of the focuses of The Kimono Tattoo The recycling of kimono fabric How valued items such as kimono are sometimes thought to be imbued with the spirit of its creators About studying traditional Japanese dance (Nihon Buyō) About the classic strict student-teacher dynamic often see in traditional Japanese arts On Dr. Copeland's transition to writing fiction The long process of writing The Kimono Tattoo On future plans for a sequel to The Kimono Tattoo that furthers the story of Ruth Bennett About Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch and Dr. Copeland's story Blue Ridge Yamamba What the yamamba is About the experience of teaching inmates at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center about Japan On how getting to learn about Japan and the Japanese language is a privilege 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. To pick up a copy of The Kimono Tattoo, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will not cost you anything extra and it will support the show. The Kimono Tattoo on Amazon To pick up a copy of Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch, consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. Yamamba: In Search of the Japanese Mountain Witch on Amazon To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan? (About Taketori Monogatari) | Ichimon Japan 44 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 Dr. Rebecca Copeland Featured image: Courtesy of Rebecca Copeland Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

May 15, 2021 • 49min
66 From YouTube to Oxford: Discussing Japanese, Gendered Speech & More w. YouTuber MissHanake (Hannah Kentridge)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by Hannah Kentridge of the popular YouTube channel MissHanake. About Hannah Kentridge Hannah Kentridge is a content creator with over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Known as MissHanake on YouTube, Hannah has spent over 10 years producing videos in Japanese about her life and the Japanese language. Topics Discussed Hannah's perennially popular "Hiragana Song" video The origins of the MissHanake YouTube channel How creating YouTube content in Japanese motivated Hannah to keep learning Japanese and improving Receiving constructive criticism via YouTube comments How listening to herself speak in Japanese helped Hannah keep improving her Japanese Hannah's time at Kobe University Hannah's decision to go to graduate school On learning the kind of advanced Japanese that is usually not taught in the classroom About the MPhil in Japanese Studies at Oxford University What onee kotoba is On doing research on the way some gay men speak in anonymous online situations Using language to construct one's identity Hannah's plans for her master's research Japanese internet slang Gendered language in Japanese Hannah's tentative plans for after completing her master's program 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. To check out Hannah on YouTube use the link below. MissHanake YouTube Channel You can watch Hannah's "Hiragana Song" video below. The Hiragana Song ★ ひらがなのうた To follow Hannah on Twitter use the link below. @misshanake on Twitter To listen to Hannah on the KoreKara Podcast see below. Talking with MissHanake - YouTuber Studying Japanese at Oxford University | KoreKara Podcast Use the link below to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. How do you count that in Japanese? (How to Count Chopsticks, UFOs, Centaurs & More in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 43 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 Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Featured image: Courtesy of Hannah Kentridge Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

May 1, 2021 • 59min
65 Maiko Masquerade: Crafting Geisha Girlhood in Japan (Dr. Jan Bardsley)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Jan Bardsley talks about the fascinating world of Japan's maiko and geisha. About Dr. Jan Bardsley Dr. Jan Bardsley is Professor Emerita of Asian Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is the author of Women and Democracy in Cold War Japan and the award-winning The Bluestockings of Japan: New Woman Essays and Fiction from Seito, 1911–1916. Her latest book is Maiko Masquerade: Creating Geisha Girlhood in Japan. Topics Discussed What a maiko is The difference between a maiko and a geiko/geisha The life of a maiko What maiko and geiko/geisha do The striking appearance of a maiko Transitioning from a maiko to a geiko The responsibilities of a geiko The elaborate hairstyle of the maiko The motivations of some girls who chose to become maiko The famed dance productions performed by Kyoto's geiko and maiko The Miyako Odori Marriage as it pertains to geiko How the maiko and geisha's connection to sexual labor has changed with the passing of time The maiko as a mascot of Japan and Kyoto The danna (patron) The financial burden of supporting geiko The Kyoto Traditional Music Foundation Eirakuya's tenugui (hand towel) that depict maiko playing sports The Kyoto International Manga Museum's maiko illustration exhibit Whether foreigners can become maiko Learning to become "Japanese" 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. To pick up a copy of Maiko Masquerade: Creating Geisha Girlhood in Japan, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. Maiko Masquerade: Creating Geisha Girlhood in Japan To check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. What is Kansai-ben? (All About the Kansai Dialect) | Ichimon Japan 42 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 Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Featured image: Courtesy of Jan Bardsley Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

Apr 15, 2021 • 49min
64 Yuji Dreams of Noodles: Chatting About Ramen, Fish & Osakana w. Restaurant Owner & Fish Expert Yuji Haraguchi
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Yuji Haraguchi--owner of multiple Japanese restaurants and the Osakana fish market in Brooklyn, New York--talks about his interest in food, his career, fish, ramen, and more. About Yuji Haraguchi Yuji Haraguchi has started and owned multiple Japanese restaurants in the United States and Japan. He is based in Brooklyn, New York where he owns and operates Okonomi/Yuji Ram and the popular Japanese-style fish market Osakana. Topics Discussed About Yuji Haraguchi's early life in Japan How Yuji became interested in cooking Leaving Japan for Boston How Yuji got into selling fish Learning about fish and the fish industry On selling and marketing Japanese fish and seafood to restaurants in Boston The rising popularity of Japanese food in the US through the 2000s Getting into the ramen business On trying to make ramen more appealing to Americans unfamiliar with ramen Creating Tuna-kotsu (tuna bone) ramen Opening Yuji Ramen in 2012 Creating a carbonara inspired bacon & egg mazemen (brothless ramen) Starting the Osakana fish market in Brooklyn The concept and motivation behind Osakama The success of Osakana The educational videos Yuji makes for the Osakana YouTube channel The misconception that wild fish is always better than farm raised fish Yuji's approach to teaching people about fish and how to handle fish The factors that distinguish "sushi grade fish" from non-sushi grade fish On opening restaurants in Japan The dangers of expanding a restaurant franchise too quickly The current potential of Japanese food in the United States The booming popularity of ramen in Southeast Asia On getting Japanese ingredients About Sun Noodle How Yuji adapted to doing business during the coronavirus pandemic 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. Below is a list of links for the websites and social media accounts of Yuji Haraguchi's businesses. Okonomi/Yuji Ramen Website Okonomi Instagram Yuji Ramen Online Shop Yuji Ramen Instagram Osakana Website Osakana on Instagram Below is the link to the Osakana YouTube channel. There you will find educational videos about how to handle and prepare fish, as well as other useful information about Japanese cuisine. Osakana YouTube Channel To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. Are rabbits counted as birds because eating meat was taboo in japan? (About the History of Meat “Bans” & the Counter -wa)) | Ichimon Japan 41 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 Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Featured image: Courtesy of Yuji Haraguchi Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

Apr 1, 2021 • 51min
63 The Truth About "Washoku": Addressing Japanese Cuisine and Washoku's UNESCO Classification (Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka stops by to discuss what exactly washoku (Japanese cuisine) is and how the term was redefined in an effort to get it registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). About Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka is Chair of Modern Japan Studies at Leiden University. She is an expert on food history of modern Japan and Korea. Dr. Cwiertka's latest book is titled Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku (University of Hawaii Press, 2021). Topics Discussed Washoku's (Japanese cuisine) classification as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2013 What exactly Intangible Cultural Heritage is according to UNESCO The application process washoku went through in order to be designated Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO How washoku was defined in the UNESCO application The original UNESCO application for washoku that Dr. Cwiertka found online How the committee behind the UNESCO application for washiku was originally trying to get kaiseki designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage Washoku vs nihon ryōri The meaning and usage of washoku throughout history The both vague and all-encompassing paradoxical nature of washoku's UNESCO characterization Edo era tourism and marketing And much more! Links, Videos, Etc. To pick up a copy of Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will support the show and it won't cost you anything extra. Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku You can learn more about Dr. Cwiertka and her work via her website. To pick up a copy of Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It will support the show and it won't cost you anything extra. Branding Japanese Food: From Meibutsu to Washoku To learn more about Dr. Cwiertka and her work,visit her website. Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Website To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. What should I know about Japan’s Bubble Era? (A Fun Look at Japan’s Infamous Era of Opulence) | Ichimon Japan 39 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 Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka Featured image: Courtesy of Katarzyna Cwiertka Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com