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

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony Vega talks to Kevin O'Shea, host of the Just Japan Podcast, about the unique experience he had in 2020 when he got stuck in Japan due to the coronavirus pandemic. About Kevin O'Shea Kevin O'Shea is a content creator, educator, and longtime resident of Japan. Aside from producing over 200 episodes of the Just Japan Podcast, Kevin is also known for his work on YouTube and various podcasts and blogs. His latest podcast is called the Munzee Maniacs Podcast and is about the mobile game Munzee. Topics Discussed When and why Kevin lived in Kobe Life on Kobe's Port Island Some places to visit in Kobe The nice and convenient aspects of living in Kobe Working at an international school in Japan Working as a teacher in Japan versus working in other countries How many international schools in Asia outside of Japan are offering better salaries and benefits than those in Japan The intangible allure of Japan Living in Beijing and having to deal with air pollution Living and working as a teacher in Shenzhen, China The benefits of lifing and working in rural Japan as opposed to cities Being in China during the start of the COVID19 global pandemic The regulations put in place in China during the beginning of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic Deciding to leave China and go back to Japan in February of 2020 Arriving in Japan during early 2020 before entry restrictions and quarantines were put into place The challenges Kevin faced when trying to get back to China during the pandemic What Kevin had to go through in order to enroll his kids in school in Osaka Arriving and quarantining in Shenzhen, China during the coronavirus pandemic Dealing with internet trolls Kevin's first podcast: Looks Like Canada Kevin's decision to start the Just Japan Podcast The Making Better Teachers Podcast Kevin's interest in geocaching and the mobile game Munzee What Munzee is The Munzee Maniacs Podcast Kevin's interest in nature photography 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. Here's all the social media channels you can find Kevin O'Shea on. Kevin O'Shea on Twitter ShizenWildlife on Instagram BusanKevin on YouTube To listen to the Munzee Maniacs Podcast, look it up on your podcast app of choice or use the links below. Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Apple Podcasts Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Google Podcasts Munzee Maniacs Podcast on Spotify You can find the Just Japan Podcast on just about any podcast platform. If you would like to check it out, you can use the links below. Just Japan Podcast on Apple Podcasts Just Japan Podcast on Google Podcasts Just Japan Podcast on Stitcher JustJapanStuff.com To check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. What is the best Japanese name for a bear that isn't actually a bear? (About Hole Bears, Bag Bears & More) | Ichimon Japan 35 To get your own "tree climbing bag bear" t-shirt, use the link below. T-shirt sales are used to help fund this show and other JapanKyo.com projects. Buy the Tree Climbing Bag Bear t-shirt from 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 Donna Burke Featured image: Courtesy of Kevin O'Shea Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony Vega talks to one of the world's leading scholars on Edo Period Japanese literature: Dr. Robert Campbell. About Dr. Robert Campbell Dr. Robert Campbell is a literary scholar specializing in the literature of Edo era Japan. Since 2017 Dr. Campbell has served as the Director-General of the National Institute of Japanese Literature (NIJL). Aside from his academic work, Dr. Campbell regularly appears on Japanese media and is the host of the NHK World show Face to Face. Topics Discussed How Dr. Campbell's interest in a certain piece of Japanese art led him to begin learning Japanese Dr. Campbell's time as an undergraduate and what he studied Discovering The Tale of Genji The first Japanese art class Dr. Campbell took Why Dr. Campbell's university professor told him that he had to study Japanese Studying Japanese in college Studying at the IUC (Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies) in Tokyo Meeting artists and writers during Dr. Campbell's first time in Tokyo Dr. Campbell's experiences as a dancer during high school How it was that Dr. Campbell decided to become a specialist in Japanese literature Some of Japanese literature's most notable aspects How Japanese literature was meant to be read aloud for most of its history The practice of voiced reading (ondoku) as opposed to silent reading (mokudoku) Japanese literature's connections to classic Chinese literature Dr. Campbell's experience reading the work of the poet Ihara Saikaku Dr. Campbell's iconic jackets The peaceful and relaxing nature of much of Japanese literature The practical lessons that Japanese literature teaches Dr. Campbell's interest in Japanese famine survival manuals from the 19th century Edo period famine survival strategies and recipes The diversity of topics and themes found within Japanese literature The comical nature of much of Japanese literature Dr. Campbell's recommended books for people wishing to read early modern Japanese literature Looking for and buying old books in Tokyo Book auctions in Japan Tracing the provenence of an old Japanese book through the stamps of its previous owners Japanese literature as a window into the past Working in the Japanese entertainment industry Working with Momoiro Clover Z on the internet show F no Idenshi Getting to be the Director-General of the National Institute of Japanese Literature (NIJL) 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. You can find Dr. Robert Campbell on Twitter. Robert Campbell on Twitter (@campbelltokyo) For more information about Dr. Campbell, you can visit his website. Robert Campbell Website To read the Wasabi Magazine article that was based on this interview, use the link below. A Journey into Words (October-November 2019) If you would like to watch F no Idenshi--the show that Dr. Campbell worked with the Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z--you can find it on YouTube. F no Idenshi YouTube Channel You can find Face to Face--Dr. Campbell's show on NHK World--on the NHK World website. Face to Face on NHK World Here is the list of books that Dr. Campbell recommended for people wishing to get into Edo period Japanese literature. The links are all Amazon affiliate links. If you use them to purchase anything on Amazon it will support the show but it won't cost you anything extra. The Tales of Moon and Rain by Ueda Akinari (Ugetsumonogatari) Dr. Campbell did not mention a specific translation so the link above takes you to the Amazon search results page An Edo Anthology: Literature from Japan's Mega-City, 1750-185, Edited by Sumie Jones Early Modern Japanese Literature: An Anthology, 1600-1900 (Translations from the Asian Classics), Edited by Haruo Shirane World Within Walls by Donald Keane To listen to the episode of Japan Station featuring Crystal Kay, use the link below. Japan Station 13: Crystal Kay To listen to the Barry Lancet interview (Japan Station episode 18), use the link below. Japan Station 18: How Jim Brodie Came to Be (Barry Lancet) And to listen to the two most recent episodes of Ichimon Japan, use th elinks below. What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33 What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 2: Chinese Names, Short Sleeves, Bears, & More) | Ichimon Japan 34 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Visit KimitoDesigns.com Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke Featured image: Courtesy of Wasabi Magazine Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony has a chat with the owner of a voice that anyone who has ever ridden the Shinkansen (bullet train) will have heard numerous times: voice actor and singer Donna Burke. About Donna Burke Donna Burke is an Australian singer and voice actor based in Japan. Her voice can be heard in numerous high profile projects, including major Japanese commercials and highly successful video games such as Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Donna is also widely known as the person who does the English language announcements for Japan's famous Shinkansen (bullet train). Topics Discussed How Donna uses her "Shinkansen voice" to surprise people in Japan How it was that Donna ended up living in Japan On being a wedding singer in Japan in the mid-90s Making the transition to doing songs for Japanese commercials What it was like producing demo tapes in the '90s and 2000s Donna's experience doing voice work for Shenmue The importance of getting a good recommendation as a voice actor Whether it has become more competitive to be a voice talent in the Japanese game industry in recent years Working on the Metal Gear Solid franchise Dealing with the success and fame that came with working on the Metal Gear Solid franchise "Glassy Sky 2020" Donna's drive to always be working on new projects and creating Working as a lyricist The importance of letting go of one's ego when creating and writing What it has been like working with the Tokyo Philharmonic and performing with orchestras in the U.S. How Donna started selling heat pads via her company Hotteeze Donna's ideas for an ad campaign to promote Hotteeze How freqyently Japan Railways has Donna do new recordings for the Shinkansen 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 stay up to date with all of Donna's projects, make sure to follow her on Twitter. Also, you can find more information about her on her official website. Donna Burke on Twitter (@DB_singer_actor) Donna Burke Website Donna regularly uploads videos to her YouTube channel, so don't forget to check it out. Donna Burke YouTube Channel If you'd like to learn more about Donna's kairo (heat pad) business, then check out the Hotteeze website via the link below. Hotteeze Website If this episode got you curious about what it's like being a fake priest in Japan, then you'r ein luck because there's an episode of Ichimon Japan exactly about that topic. The episode features an interview with a Canadian who has experience working as a fake priest at Japanese weddings. What's it like being a "fake priest" in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 04 Check out the two latest episodes of Ichimon Japan via the link below. Who got it more wrong: MatPat or Tony? (Revisiting the Curse of Colonel Sanders) | Ichimon Japan 32 What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Visit KimitoDesigns.com Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Featured image: Courtesy of Donna Burke Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, standup comedian Kilara Sen stops by to talk about comedy and the various projects About Kilara Sen Kilara Sen (a.k.a. Pink Unicorn) is a bilingual Japanese standup comedian, MC, and content creator. Apart from performing standup comedy in Japan, she has also performed in the United States and Europe, including at the Fringe festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Kilara also regularly releases videos via her YouTube channel Kilaracomedy. Topics Discussed Kilara's experiences giving motivational speeches to high school students in Japan Studying in the U.S. and learning English Comparing Japanese comedy to Western comedy Kilara's experiences in the Japanese comedy industry The moment when Kilara realized that she could be a solo comedian What Kilara has been doing during the coronavirus pandemic Japanese Whisky World, Kilara's YouTube show about whisky Appearing on Paul Hollywood Eats Japan Tracking down and meeting Conan O'Brien during his 2018 visit to Hokuei-chō in Tottori Prefecture 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. Follow Kilara Sen on YouTube and social media to keep up to date with all her projects. Kilara Sen on YouTube Kilara Sen on Twitter Kilara Sen on Facebook Kilara Sen on Instagram To watch episodes of Japanese Whisky World, Kilara's show about whisky, check out the link below. Japanese Whisky World A trailer for Paul Hollywood Eats Japan can be found via the link below. Paul Hollywood Eats Japan Check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan via the link below. What is yakitori? (All About Japan's Famous Chicken Skewers) | Ichimon Japan 31 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Visit KimitoDesigns.com Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Featured image: Courtesy of Ema Ryan Yamazaki Featured image: Courtesy of Kilara Sen Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki discusses being inspired by Ichiro Suzuki and her latest documentary Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams. About Ema Ryan Yamazaki Ema Ryan Yamazaki is a documentary filmmaker who has worked on several Japan-related projects. Her most recent feature-length documentary is titled Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams and focuses on the wildly popular National High School Baseball Championship (全国高等学校野球選手権大会, Zenkoku Kōtō Gakkō Yakyū Senshuken), popularly referred to as "Summer Koshien" (夏の甲子園, Natsu no Kōshien). Topics Discussed About growing up in Nishinomiya near Koshien Stadium The #dearICHIRO documentary series Being inspired by Ichiro Suzuki How Ema Ryan Yamazaki became interested in filmaking The success of Ichiro Suzuki and how he captured the imagination and attention of so many people in Japan and the United States Ichiro Suzuki's time playing with the Miami Marlins Deciding to go to university in New York How it was that Ema decided to focus on Japan-related projects How living abroad helped Ema better understand Japan and how it is perceived by people outside of Japan The emotionally riveting and exciting nature of the Koshien summer high school baseball championship How it was that the Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams project began Using the Koshien high school baseball tournament as a way to look back on a hundred years of Japan's history and how Japanese society has changed The challenges Ema faced when producing Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams and how working with NHK helped make the film possible Coach Fumiya Tsuta and his impressive record of victories at Koshien Viewing baseball as a martial art The early history of baseball in Japan How baseball is strongly tied to education in Japan Whether the strict culture found in the world of high school baseball in Japan should be rethought Why Ema decided to have Coach Mizutani of Yokohama Hayato High School be a main focus of Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams The all-consuming nature of work culture in Japan The idea of gaman (perseverence) and whether it is necessary in contemporary Japan The importance of thinking about which rules and societal norms are necessary and which are not Coming to terms with being mixed race/half Japanese in Japan How the coronavirus pandemic affected the release of Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams and the Koshien summer high school baseball championship How it was that Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams got to air on ESPN and in theaters across Japan Getting to reunite with some of the subjects of Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams in 2020 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 watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams, use the link below. It will premiere on November 20th, 2020. Watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams For information on Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams, visit the film's Facebook page. Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams on Facebook For more information on the #dearICHIRO documentary series, visit the link below. #dearICHIRO For more information on Ema's body of work, visit her website via the link below. Ema Ryan Yamazaki Website Check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan via the link below. Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories? | Ichimon Japan 30 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Visit KimitoDesigns.com Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Featured image: Courtesy of Ema Ryan Yamazaki Featured image: Courtesy of Ema Ryan Yamazaki Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, manga creator and boxer Kofi Bazzell-Smith (a.k.a. Kofi Manga) stops by to discuss manga, the Japanese language, and the importance of perseverance. About Kofi Manga Kofi Bazzell-Smith is an American manga creator and boxer. He is active on YouTube and Instagram under the name Kofi Manga. Topics Discussed The anime/manga Hajime no Ippo How it was that Kofi started studying Japanese How Kofi checks the Japanese that writes for his manga Lang-8 and HelloTalk The story of how Kofi was able to go to Japan for the first time Working as a video game tester for Deep Silver Volition Studying Japanese in Fukuoka for a month Getting one-on-one manga storytelling classes from a manga artist in Japan The importance of making mistakes when learning a new language How Kofi ended up going to Kansai Gaidai University How Kofi earned money in order to get back to Japan Kofi's quest to study at Kyoto Seika University Kansai Gaidai and its dorms Taking a manga production course at Kansai Gaidai University The time Kofi had his portfolio reviewed by professional manga editors at the Kyoto International Manga Museum The important advice that Kofi received from a Kodansha editor Why Kofi decided to draw a boxing manga Studying under Professor Akira Sasō at Kyoto Seika University Osamu Tezuka's old apartment Tokiwa-sō Getting accepted to participate in the Tokwa-sō Project The importance of perseverence and being a nice person What Kofi is currently working on and future plans And much more! Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance! Support Japan Station on Patreon Links, Videos, Etc. Check out the links below to keep up with Kofi's work. Kofi Manga YouTube Channel Kofi Manga on Instagram Kofi Manga on Facebook For more information on the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, the scholarships they offer or to donate, visit their website via the link below. United States-Japan Bridging Foundation Website To learn more about Kansai Gaidai University, visit their website via the link below. Kansai Gaidai University Website For more information on Professor Akira Sasō, visit the Wikipedia page below. About Akira Sasō (Wikipedia) To watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams, use the link below. It will premiere on November 20th, 2020. Watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams In case you missed it, here is a link for episode 33 of Japan Station. Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33 If you enjoyed this episode of Japan Station, then you'll also probably enjoy the episodes below. Manga Creator Minami Sakai | Japan Station 26 Evangeline Neo of Evacomics | Japan Station 28 Also, don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast. What is a kirakira name? | Ichimon Japan 29 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Featured image: Courtesy of Kofi Bazzell-Smith Featured image: Courtesy of Kofi Bazzell-Smith Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about the history and layout of Edo with one of the world's foremost experts on the subject: Dr. Timon Screech. About Dr. Timon Screech Dr. Timon Screech is a professor of the history of art at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. He is a specialist in the art and culture of the Edo period and has written extensively on the subject. His most recent book is titled Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City (Reaktion Books). Topics Discussed The story behind Dr. Screech's latest book Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City of Edo The history of Nihonbashi (日本橋) in Tokyo Nihonbashi as the city center of Edo The possible etymological origin of Nihonbashi What was in and around the original Nihonbashi bridge when it was built Nihonbashi's status as the start of the famous Tokaido highway The mountainous geography of Japan and how it made it challenging to keep the country united Edo era maps, their evolution, and how reliable they were Why certain areas of Edo's maps were often blocked out Early Edo Period maps and how usable they would have been The extensive documentation of urban ephemera of the Edo Period How folding screens intended for the elite would depict areas of Edo that commoners were not supposed to be able to see The amusing story of the peculiar way Emperor Go-Mizunoo is said to have had his portrait paited Portrait drawing customs in Japan versus the West The official name of Edo Castle Why Edo Castle was officially names Chiyoda Castle The location of Edo Castle The Shogunate's decision to not choose Kamakura as their base of power About the destruction of Chiyoda Castle/Edo Castle and reasons for why it was never reconstructed The recently restored paintings of Kyoto's Nijo Castle Edo's 40 meter tall Buddha made of wicker (Kappa Ōbotoke) Dr. Timon Screech's recommendations for temples to visit in Tokyo The story of the Octopus Medicine Buddha at Tako Yakushi Jōjuin Temple in Meguro The Temple of the 500 Arhats in Meguro (Gohyaku Rakanji) The deification of Tokugawa Ieyasu How Tokugawa Ieyasu's body was moved a year after his death Disagreement over where Tokugawa Ieyasu's body is today 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. You can use the link below to purchase Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City of Edo on Amazon. The link is an Amazon affiliate link so using it will support the show without costing you anything extra. Tokyo Before Tokyo: Power and Magic in the Shogun's City of Edo by Dr. Timon Screech You can use the Amazon affiliate link below to purchase The Shogun's Silver Telescope and the Cargo of the New Year's Gift: God, Art, and Money in the English Quest for Japan, 1600-1625. The Shogun's Silver Telescope and the Cargo of the New Year's Gift: God, Art, and Money in the English Quest for Japan, 1600-1625 by Dr. Timon Screech To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. How do Japanese names work? | Ichimon Japan 28 And here are the two episodes of Japan Station mentioned at the end of this episode. Japan Station 11: Sacred High City, Sacred Low City (Dr. Steven Heine) Japan Station 27: The Bells of Old Tokyo (Anna Sherman) If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Timon Screech Featured image: Courtesy of Dr. Timon Screech Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast two members of the Kyoto-based metal band Cosmic Earth stop by to talk about their new album inspired by the Tokyo Olympics, the Kyoto heavy metal scene, and more. About Cosmic Earth Cosmic Earth is a Kyoto-based doom metal/stoner rock/heavy blues rock band founded by guitarist Takuya Yada in 2017. Cosmic Earth is part of Cosmic Frequency Records and is in the process of writing original music to release an album in the near future. Topics Discussed Takuya Yada's decision to go to England to study English and become a guitarist How Takuya Yada managed to become a guitarist of the heavy metal band Stuka Squadron Joe's connection to music and how he became interested in metal How Takuya Yada and Joe met The formation of Cosmic Earth The story behind Takuya Yada's heavy metal album inspired by the Tokyo Olympics: Stonolympic Some of the concepts and themes explored in Stonolympic Rock Bar Crunch in Kyoto 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 support the Stonolympic album Kickstarter campaign, check out the link below. Production of Tokyo olympic metal compilation 'Stonolympic'. For more information on Takuya Yada's many projects, visit the Cosmic Frequency Records website. CosmicFrequencyRecords.com You can find Takuya Yada's solo album 7 Fragments of the Unconscious on both the Cosmic Frequency Records website and Bancamp (link below). Takuya Yada on Bandcamp You can follow Takuya Yada and Cosmic Frequency Records on social media. Takuya Yada on Twitter Cosmic Frequency Records on Facebook The name of the heavy metal/hard rock bar in Kyoto that was mentioned during this episode is Rock Bar Crunch. You can find their website here. The address for Rock Bar Crunch can be found below. Rock Bar Crunch Address138 Universe Kaikan (Yunibāsu Kaikan), Tominagacho, Higashiyama WardKyoto, 〒605-0078 For more information on BlueEyes Kyoto, you can visit their Facebook page. The address for BlueEyes Kyoto can be found below. BlueEyes Kyoto Address 93 Kyoto Wasō Bldg. B1F (京都和装ビル), Goboomiyacho, Shimogyo Ward Kyoto, 〒600-8385 To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, check out the link below. How do Japanese names work? | Ichimon Japan 28 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 Zack Davisson Featured image: Courtesy of Takuya Yada Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about creepy apartments and Japanese ghosts with Japanese folklore expert, writer, and translator Zack Davisson. About Zack Davisson Zack Davisson is an award-winning translator, writer, and lecturer whose work focuses primarily on Japanese folklore. Davisson has written extensively about yōkai and Japanese ghosts (yūrei), as well as translated the works of renowned Japanese writers and manga artists such as Shigeru Mizuki and Satoshi Kon. Topics Discussed Zack Davisson's time living at Kishigami Bunka in an apartment that was thought to be haunted The process you typically go through when trying to find an apartment in Japan What reikin is How Zack Davisson became interested in folklore and the supernatural Japan's relationship with the supernatural What Obon is and its connection to ghosts/spirits Zack Davisson's advice for those studying Japanese What reikan is What a yurei is Documenting yokai in early modern Japan Differing views on whether yūrei are a type of yōkai The English term "ghost" and how its meaning has changed The Japanese drama Yōkai Sharehouse (Yōkai Sheahausu) The characteristics that make yūrei distinct from other ghosts/sporits The historical origins of the visual characteristics of yūrei Maruyama Okyo's influential depiction of yūrei Kabuki's connection to and influence over the popular conception of what a yūrei looks like Unfulfilled desire as the fuel and reason for existence of a yurei The peace and prosperity of the Edo Period The boom in ghost stories during the Edo Period Cursed productions The updated edition of Yurei: The Japanese Ghost Recent projects that Zack Davisson has been working on Shigeru Mizuki's adaptation of Tono Monogatari by Yangagida Kunio The Amabie and its rise to prominence 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. You can use the link below to purchase Yurei: The Japanese Ghost on Amazon. The link is an Amazon affiliate link so using it will support the show without costing you anything extra. Yurei: The Japanese Ghost by Zack Davisson (2.d Edition) Follow Zack Davisson on Twitter. @ZackDavisson Read Zack Davisson's article about Shigeru Mizuki. The Life and Death of Shigeru Mizuki, 1922-2015 If you'd like to check out Kimito Designs, use the link below. Reminder: the 10% discount code is OPENING10 (valid until the end of 2020). KimitoDesigns.com To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. What is a tsuchinoko? (All About Japan's Most Famous Cryptid) | Ichimon Japan 26 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 Zack Davisson Featured image: Courtesy of Zack Davisson Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by Stephen Tetsu to discuss the Japanese comedy & entertainment industry, as well as his life as a comedian in the largest talent agency in Japan: Yoshimoto Kōgyō. About Stephen Tetsu Stephen Tetsu is an owarai geinin (comedian) who is part of Yoshimoto Kōgyō, the largest talent agency in Japan. Aside from performing manzai as part of his group Iruka Punch, Stephen has also worked on numerous projects for Yoshimoto, including translation and producing shows. Stephen produces and co-hosts the podcasts Small in Japan and Japanese History Junk Food. Topics Discussed The Netflix documentary What's Manzai?!!! and how Stephen got involved with it How it was that Stephen got into the comedy industry in Japan Stephen's life in comedy school in Japan The difficult life of a "young" comedian in Japan The challenge of finding the right comedy partner The good and bad of being a foreigner in the Japanese comedy industry The 2019 Yoshimoto scandal which involved comedians receiving under-the-table payments for performances they did for organized crime groups What manzai is The evolving nature of manzai How many Japanese comedians have been pushed to start producing content for YouTube due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic Takeshi Kitano's transition from comedian to movie director Comparing Japanese comedians to Western comedians What Stephen has enjoyed about being a comedian in Japan The frustration that comes with playing the stereotypical dumb foreigner character 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 listen to the Small in Japan podcast use the links below or look it up on your podcast app of choice. Small in Japan on Apple Podcasts Small in Japan on Google Podcasts Small in Japan on Libsyn To listen to the Japanese History Junk Food podcast use the links below or look it up on your podcast app of choice. Japanese History Junk Food on Apple Podcasts Japanese History Junk Food on Google Podcasts Japanese History Junk Food on Libsyn Check out Stephen's blog via the link below. Stephen Tetsu Blog Follow Stephen Tetsu on Twitter. @STEPHEN_TETSU To read Stephen's article about manzai, check out the link below. So What the Heck Is Manzai Anyways? To learn more about the massive yamieigyō scandal that rocked Yoshimoto in 2019, you may want to check out the article below. Five things to know about the scandal enveloping top Japanese comedy agency Yoshimoto Kogyo To listen to episode two of Japan Station, use the link below. How To Become A Comedian in Japan (Ann Lethin) | Japan Station 02 To listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. Why does to "nyan nyan" mean "to have sex" in Japanese? (Japanese Cat Idioms) | Ichimon Japan 25 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 Stephen Tetsu Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com