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

May 1, 2023 • 48min

Researching Forgotten Japanese Archives: Translator & Researcher Eric Shahan | Japan Station 108

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, independent researcher and translator Eric Shahan joins us to talk about his work translating forgotten Japanese books on topics like martial arts, tattoos, ropes, ninja and more. About Eric Shahan Eric Shahan is an independent translator of Japanese books on a variety of topics mainly Jujutsu, sword techniques, police manuals, Karate, Ninja related, travel guides, Edo Era Manga, rope binding, tattooing in all areas of Japan and Seppuku. Topics Discussed About how Eric learning Japanese Tips for people studying Japanese How Eric got started in translation The first book he translated About the history of tattoos in Okinawa About tattoos as punishment in Japan What it's like translating old Japanese books About Japanese rope techniques And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. If you are interested in Eric Shahan's work and would like to pick up any of the books mentioned in the episode today, please check out the link below. Eric Shahan on Amazon Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Apr 1, 2023 • 1h 4min

Working as an Animator in Japan's Anime Industry (Kushagra Kushwaha) | Japan Station 107

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kushwagra Kushwaha, an animator working in Japan's anime industry tells us how he got to Japan, how he got his break in the Japanese anime industry, what it's like working as an anime animator in Japan and more. About Kushagra Kushwaha Kushwagra Kushwaha is a professional animator working in the anime industry in Japan. He has worked on well known shows like Yowamushi Pedal, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Danmachi, YuGiOh and more. Topics Discussed Kushwagra's interest in animation and Japan How Kushawagra went about studying Japanese About how Kushwagra broke into the animation industry in Japan The low wages in the anime industry in Japan The challenges of working in the anime industry in Japan The various anime Kushwagra has worked on The changing style of anime in Japana nd it's trend towards uniformity About working on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure as an animator Advice for people hoping to work as animators in Japan's anime industry And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. All relted links are below. Behance Instagram Twitter Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Mar 1, 2023 • 50min

Extreme Weather in Japan (Storm Chaser James Reynolds) | Japan Station 106

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, James Reynolds tells us about documenting extreme weather in Japan and around the world.. About James Reynolds James Reynolds is a professional storm chaser who spends his days documenting extreme weather events in Japan and around the world. Topics Discussed About moving to Japan and learning Japanese How James Reynolds got started chasing storms and documenting extreme weather in Japan Extreme floods in Kyushu Typhoons in Japan Extreme weather in the Ryukyu Islands/Okinawa The architecture in Okinawa and how it holds up against in extreme weather Landslides and flash floods in Kyushu The extreme cold and snow conditions seen in Japan in January of 2023 The large amounts of snow some areas of Japan get Covering Japan's most active volcano Sakurajima in Kagoshima Covering volcanoes in Indonesia Covering the 2011 Tohoku earthquake & tsunami About traveling About James' YouTube channel And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. Check out James Reynolds' work on Twitter and YouTube. @EarnUncutTV on Twitter @EarthUncutTV on YouTube Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Feb 1, 2023 • 1h

Behind the Scenes at a Ryokan: Understanding Japanese Inns (Dr Chris McMorran | Japan Station 105

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Chris McMorran talks about what it's like working at a rural ryokan (Japanese inn). About Dr. Chris McMorran Chris McMorran is Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore. He is a cultural geographer of contemporary Japan focusing on the geographies of home across scale, from the body to the nation. He is the author of Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan (University of Hawai’i Press), an ethnography of a Japanese inn, based on twelve months spent scrubbing baths, washing dishes, and making guests feel at home in Kurokawa Onsen. He also researches tourism, disasters, gendered labor, area studies, field-based learning, and popular culture, including as co-editor of Teaching Japanese Popular Culture. Finally, Chris co-produces the Home on the Dot podcast with NUS students. The podcast explores the complex spaces and meanings of home in Singapore, through the lives of young people. Topics Discussed About Dr. Thomas Baudinette's interest in Japan and research About ryokan (Japanese inns) About what it's like to work at a ryokan About the tasks expected of a ryokan employee About who works at ryokans About genered labor at ryokan Whether you should leave a tip at a ryokan And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. To get a copy of Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan you can use the link below or check wherever books are sold. Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Jan 1, 2023 • 60min

Inside Shinjuku Ni-chōme, Japanese Gay Media & More (Dr. Thomas Baudinette) | Japan Station 104

Dec 1, 2022 • 43min

The Okinawa Cheese Guy: Discussing Cheesemaking w. John Davis | Japan Station 103

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks to John David, a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan. About John Davis John Davis is a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan. He operates okicheese.com. Topics Discussed About moving to Japan and trying to find a job teaching English in Japan About why John Davis started making cheese in Okinawa About the Okinawa inspired cheeses John Davis makes The weather in Sapporo Sapporo's milk A simple cheese recipe Experiences teaching Egnlish in Japan About learning the Japanese language The cost of milk in Okinawa About experimenting with cheese About finding good places to film in Japan About filming bears in Hokkaido About getting footage of the monkey queen in Oita Funny/memorable trail cam videos Places to hike in Fukuoka And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. If you're looking to pick up some of John's cheese, check out his website below. Okicheese.com Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Nov 15, 2022 • 41min

Japan Nature Caught On Camera! A Chat w Japan Trail Cam | Japan Station 102

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we talk to Wombat, one of the creators of Japan Trail Cam. About Wuon-Gean Ho Wombat spends his day in Kyushu hiking and setting trail cams in order to capture footage for the YouTube channle channel/Twitter/Instagram account Japan Trail Cam. Topics Discussed Wombats in Hawaii How Japan Trail Cam got started About capturing nature footage in Japan What animals tend to be roaming the wild in Japan About the process of leaving trail cams in the Japanese wilderness Where Japan Trail Cam places their cameras About finding good places to film in Japan About filming bears in Hokkaido About getting footage of the monkey queen in Oita Funny/memorable trail cam videos Places to hike in Fukuoka And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Japan Trail Cam below. Japan Trail Cam YouTube Japan Trail Cam Twitter Japan Trail Cam Instagram Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Nov 1, 2022 • 54min

How I Became a Printmaker: A Chat w. Wuon-Gean Ho | Japan Station 101

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, printmaker Wuon-Gean Ho joins us to talk about her time living and studying in Japan, printmaking, ukiyoe and more. About Wuon-Gean Ho Wuon-Gean Ho is an accomplished printmaker and is currently a Research Associate at the University of the West England's Center for Print Research. Topics Discussed About spending time in Kagoshima as part of the JET Programme Studying veterinary medicine Getting the Monbukagakusho Scholarship and studying in Japan Studying under printmaker Akira Kurosaki About making prints inspired by Wuon-Gean Ho's time studying verinarian medicine Learning how to make woodblock prints in Japan About learning Japanese while in Japan About the process of making a woodblock print About tacit knowledge as it relates to woodblock printmaking About the gomazuri technique in printmaking Documenting printmaking techniques About the bokashi effect in woodblock printmaking About some of Wuon-Gean Ho's favorite ukiyo-e woodblock print artists About the Honolulu Museum of Art's woodblcok print collection About Wuon-Gean Ho's printmaking workshops and general work And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. For more on Wuon-Gean Ho's work: Wuon-Gean Ho Website Twitter Instagram Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What's better:JET or Eikaiwa (Good & Bad of English Teaching in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 65 Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Oct 15, 2022 • 58min

100０He Started a Craft Beer Bar in Tokyo, Here's How (Kyle Broyles of Pintology)

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kyle Broyles of Pintology in Tokyo tells us about the process of starting and running a craft beer in Tokyo. Plus we celebrate episode 100 of Japan Station! About Kyle Broyles Kyle Broyles helps his wife run Pintology, a craft beer bar near Shinjuku in Tokyo. Kyle is also known as one of the guys behind the Tokyo Splosion podcast and the Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed About JapanKyo Docs About the recently opened craft beer bar Pintology in Sasazuka, Tokyo The story behind Pintology About the process of opening a bar in Tokyo About Tap & Growler in Shimokitazawa About building the interior of a craft beer bar About how easy and cheap it is to get a liquor license in Tokyo, Japan About getting a liquor serving license in Japan How people in Japan may be drinking less alcohol About cheese in Japan About John the cheese guy in Okinawa About events at Pintology About the Sasazuka area in Shibuya, Tokyo And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. You can find Pintology Craft Beer and Whisky at: 〒151-0073 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sasazuka, 1 Chome−33−10 You can also follow Pintology on Instagram. @pintologytokyo Check out JapanKyo Docs via the link below. JapanKyo Docs Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai) | Ichimon Japan 64 Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Oct 1, 2022 • 48min

99 How a Kyoto Hotel Survived Japan's Entry Ban: Winston Chu, Co-Founder of Wayfarer Hotels)

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Winston Chu, CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer, talks about his interest in Japan and how About Winston Chu Winston Chu is the CEO & co-founder of Wayfarer. Wayfarer currently operates three hotels in Kyoto with plans to expand other cities, including Osaka and Tokyo. Topics Discussed How Winston got interested in Japan and anime About watching anime and playing video games from Japan About traveling to Japan Why people become interested in Japan About Wayfarer Hotels About what distinguishes Wayfarer Hotels The story behind Wayfarer Hotels About Japanese hotels About Japan's archaic hotel infrastructure About the high turnover rate in Japan's hotel industry The impace of COVID on the travel industry About moving to Japan during the coronavirus pandemic About starting a hotel in Japan as the COVID19 pandemic began What it was like living and working in a hotel in Kyoto during the pandemic Ways to make running a hotel more efficiently Japan reopening its borders to foreing travelers About the city of Kyoto About learning Japanese And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi 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 You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi. Support us on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. To learn more about Wayfarer or to book a room, visit Wayfarer's website via the link below. Wayfarer Hotels Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What’s the difference: East vs West Japan? (Kanto vs Kansai) | Ichimon Japan 64 Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

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