
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, 2022 • 44min
90 Big Hero 6, Anime, Marvel & More: A Chat w. Artist David Nakayama
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about Big Hero 6, anime, drawing comics, and more with artist David Nakayama. About David Nakayama David Nakayama is an artist known for his work on covers for Marvel Comics, video games and more. He is also known for having worked with Chris Claremont to relaunch Big Hero 6 comic book series in 2008. Topics Discussed David Nakayama's work on the 2008 relaunch of the Big Hero 6 comic book title David Nakayama's approach to redesigning Baymax for the 2008 relaunch of Big Hero 6 The Japanese influences on the 2008 redesign of the Big Hero 6 relaunch How David Nakayama got interested in anime Nintendo and old video games The anime inspired visual style of the 2008 Big Hero 6 relaunch How David got into American comic books Meeting Stan Lee How David began working in comics About penciling and the American comic book creation process How David was able to get into doing comic book covers for Marvel (Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe) The magic of art About making a compelling cover 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 David Nakayama's website or his social media accounts to see his amazing work. David Nakayama Website David Nakayama Instagram David Nakayama Twitter Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. How do you say trombone in Japanese? (About the World War II Katakana Word “Ban”) | Ichimon Japan 59 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. 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 15, 2022 • 1h 6min
89 J-Pop & the Eurobeat Boom: A High NRG Chat w Patrick St. Michel
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking with music journalist Patrick St. Michel. He'll be telling us about Japanese pop music, Perfume, the city pop boom and one of his latest articles which focuses on the rise and fall and rise of eurobeat. About Patrick St. Michel Patrick St. Michel is a music journalist who specializes in Japanese pop music. His articles appear regularly in publications such as The Japan Times and Pitchfork. Topics Discussed How it was that Patrick St. Michel got interested in Japanese pop music Discovering Perfume while on the JET Programme The appeal, image and sound of Perfume The influence of Yasutaka Nakata The explosion of popularity in K-pop around the world Comapring K-pop vs. J-pop How J-pop often ignores musical trends from the West How "City Pop" exploded in popularity online How Mariya Takeuchi's song "Plastic Love" went viral Interviewing Miriya Takeuchi How the internet has made it possible for niche music to succeed What eurobeat is How it was that Patrick St. Michel was able to interview DJ Boss in order to do a story about Super Eurobeat The resurgence in popularity the eaurobeat genre has seen in recent years How eurobeat has become a part of online/meme culture About visiting Tokyo's club Ageha The influence of Super Eurobeat on contemporary younger musical artists Da Pump's "U.S.A." How rock continues to be popular in Japan DJ Boss's views on Super Eurobeat and its evolution How Avex goes about producing songs for the Super Eurobeat series Patrick St. Michel's music recommendations: Hikaru Utada (Bad Mode), Soichi Terada (Asakusa Light), Star Kids, 4s4ki About the Make Believe Melodies blog and email newsletter 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. Follow Patrick St. Michel on Twitter, subscribe to his newsletter (Make Believe Melodies), and check out the Spotify playlist he mentioned with his music recommendations. Patrick St. Michel on Twitter Make Believe Melodies Newsletter Spotify Playlist To read the article Patrick wrote about Super Eurobeat based on his interview with DJ Boss, use the link below. The Eurobeat boom, boom, boom, boom means the '90s are back Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. How do you say trombone in Japanese? (About the World War II Katakana Word “Ban”) | Ichimon Japan 59 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. 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, 2022 • 45min
88 Digging Up Japanese Lost Media: Discussing Saki Sanobashi, the Mysterious Akihabara Tape & More (Alex from Sakura Stardust)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking with Alex from the Sakura Stardust YouTube channel. She tells us about Japanese lost media and digs into some specific examples like Saki Sanobashi and the mysterious Akihabara cassette tape. About Alex (Sakura Stardust) Alex runs the popular YouTube channel Sakura Stardust. In her videos Alex focuses primarily on Japanese lost media. She has covered everything from internet mysteries to lost anime and more. Topics Discussed How Alex from the Sakura Stardust became interested in Japan and the Japanese language The evolution of the Sakura Stardust YouTube channel The abundance of lost media videos and creators on YouTube About Japanese lost media The case of the mysterious Akihabara cassette tape Dealing with copyright issues as a YouTuber covering Japanese media About Totally Not Mark's copyright problems with Toei Animation About Saki Sanobashi (Go for a Punch) Whether we think Saki Sanobashi exists Finding a recording of the NHK show Monster School About Sazae-san Alex (Sakura Stardust)'s process for doing research in Japanese Japanese internet slang About visiting Japan Future plans for the Sakura Stardust 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. Subscribe to the Sakura Stardust YouTube channel for more content on Japanese lost media. You can also follow Alex on Twitter to stay up to date with what she is working on. Sakura Stardust YouTube Channel Alex on Twitter Here is the video about the mysterious Akihabara cassette tape. The Most Mysterious Song of Japan: The Akiba Tape (AKA "Fly Away") Alex covered Saki Sanobashi in this video. 16 MORE Lost Pieces of Japanese Media (REVISED & UPDATED) - Lost Media of Japan Episode 2 The popular YouTuber Whang covered Saki Sanobashi in this video. The Lost Deep Web Anime - Tales From the Internet Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast. Should you watch “In This Corner of the World?” (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) | Ichimon Japan 58 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. 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 15, 2022 • 54min
87 Uncovering the World's Oldest Shark Attack: A Chat w. J. Alyssa White
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about archaeology in Japan and the case of Tsukumo No. 24, the world's oldest known shark attack. Our guest for this episode is J. Alyssa White from the University of Oxford. About J. Alyssa White J. Alyssa White is a PhD candidate in Archaeology at the University of Oxford. Her research focuses on. Her research focuses on the trauma found in skeletal remains from the southwestern Japanese archipelago during the end of the Jōmon hunter-gatherer period through the early Yayoi agricultural period (ca. 2500 BC – 250 AD). She is also one of the researchers who worked ont he fascinatingly unique case of Tsukumo No. 24 (the world's oldest known shark attack). Topics Discussed How J. Alyssa White became interested in archaeology, Japan and the Japanese language Kyoto University's collection Jōmon era remains How J. Alyssa White got started in the fields of Japanese archaeology and biological anthropology About Japanese archaeological site reports Discovering the remains of Tsukumo No. 24 Archaeological sties in Japan Characteristics of archaeological sites in Kyushu Burial practices (pit burials, shell mounds) in prehistoric Japan Archaeology in Japan What we can learn from skeletal remains About the case of Tsukumo No. 24 How it was determined that Tsukumo No. 24 was likely killed by a shark attack What injuries the remains of Tsukumo No. 24 exhibits Jōmon era ritual tooth extraction J. Alyssa White's research on the changes and violent conflict seen during the transition from the Jōmon to the Yayoi periods 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. The original article about Tsukumo No. 24 can be found via the link below. Unfortunately, it is behind a pay wall. 3000-year-old shark attack victim from Tsukumo shell-mound, Okayama, Japan Here's a free article about Tsukumo No. 24 in case you would like to read more. Reconstruction of the oldest shark attack on a human, from Tsukumo shell-mound, Japan Reconstruction of the oldest shark attack on a human, from Tsukumo shell-mound, Japan Reconstruction of the oldest shark attack on a human, from Tsukumo shell-mound, Japan Use the link below to view the 3D model of Tsukumo No. 24. 3D Model of Tsukumo No. 24 Here is the episode of the Beyond Japan podcast in which J. Alyssa White is interviewed. Beyond Japan Ep. #44: Prehistoric Tragedy: The Oldest Shark Attack Victim with J. Alyssa White Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast. Should you watch “In This Corner of the World?” (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) | Ichimon Japan 58 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 J. Alyssa White 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, 2022 • 53min
86 J-EN Translations: Chatting About Learning Japanese, Translation & More w. Jenn O'Donnell
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about translation, learning Japanese and more with translator/podcaster Jenn O'Donnell. About Anna Lughezzani Jenn O'Donnell is a Japanese to English translator and podcaster. She lives in Osaka where she works as a Localization Director for a video game company. She also produces the podcasts The Translation Chat and Otafu Susume. Topics Discussed About how it was that Jenn began learning Japanese Working on farms in Fukuoka Learning Japanese as someone with dyslexia On the struggle to get work as a Japanese-English translator On becoming a freelance Japanese to English translator About some of the pitfalls often seen in media translation False friends in Japanese/English Denotation vs connotation Examples of some Japanese to English translations Jenn enjoys About the Miracles at the Namie General Store translation About the English translation of The Miracles at the Namiya General Store About the English translation of the All You Need Is Kill novel About translating a novel vs manga/anime/light novels About The Translation Chat podcast About the Recommendation from My Otaku Spouse (Otafu Susume) podcast About The Faraway Paladin (Saihate no Paradin) 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 keep up to date with Jenn and her projects, make sure to follow her on Twitter. @JENTranslations Check out the list below for links to the websites, podcats, and articles mentioned in this episode. Japanese Talk Online Where Jenn writes about learning Japanese J-EN Translations Where Jenn writes about translation An article about Jenn's experiences participating in WOOF/working in farms in Japan An article about the English translation of the All You Need Is Kill novel The Translation Chat Podcast Recommendation from My Otaku Spouse (Otafu Susume) Check out the episode of Japan Station featuring Dr. Wesley Robertson. A Wonderful Mess: About the Japanese Writing System w. Dr. Wes Robertson | Japan Station 80 Don't forget to listen to the latest episodes of Ichimon Japan. What katakana words do you hate? (Funny/confusing/annoying katakana words) | Ichimon Japan 56 Why is Argentina “Aruzenchin” in Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 57 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 Jenn O'Donnell 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 15, 2022 • 51min
85 The Japanese Job Hunt Grind: On Shūkatsu & Gender (Anna Lughezzani)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about Japan's stressful job hunting process (shūkatsu) and how it--along with work in general--can be even more stressful and difficult for women in Japan. About Anna Lughezzani Anna Lughezzani, PhD candidate in anthropology at University of Padova, Ca' Foscari University of Venice and University of Verona (Italy). Topics Discussed The stressful and rigid nature of the job hunting process (shūkatsu) for new graduates in Japan About group job interviews About why many traditional Japanese companies prefer hiring newly graduated university students rather than experienced workers About the hierarchical nature of many traditional Japanese companies About motherhood protection rhetoric (boseihogo) and its role in shaping Japan's dual career track system How Japanese companies used the dual career track system to discriminate against women How people in the managerial career track in Japan often have to endure getting relocated to different branches/offices of the company How overtime is often expected from those in the managerial career track in Japan How women in Japan are expected to abide by different rules when going through the job hunting process How women are expected to wear makeup in a particular way when going through the job hunting process and being interviewed About how some women navigate the job hunting process and white collar work in Japan About the idea that information about parental leave and childcare related matters is not relevant to men About researching setsumeikai and the job hunting process in Japan How foreign companies and start-ups are offering those seeking jobs in Japan a different and more progressive way of doing things 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 the video of Anna Lughezzani's presentation below. Skirts, Compulsory Makeup, and Maternity Leave Check out the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55 don't forget to subscribe! JapanKyo Docs YouTube Channel Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55 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) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

Feb 1, 2022 • 57min
84 Discussing Hiroshima, Hawaii, & Akiya (Abandoned Japanese Houses) w. J.J. Walsh of Seek Sustainable Japan
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're joined by J.J. Walsh of the Seek Sustainable Japan podcast/YouTube talk show and we're talking about Japanese influences in Hawaii, life in Hiroshima and the ever-popular topic of remodeling akiya (abondoned homes in Japan). About J.J. Walsh J.J. Walsh is the host of the podcast/YouTube talk show Seek Sustainable Japan. Along with her husband she also runs the website gethiroshima.com. J.J. is also known for her knowledge of abandoned Japanese homes (akiya) and what goes into remodeling them. Topics Discussed Life growing up in Hawaii On the Japanese influence present in Hawaii Why J.J. Walsh decided to go to Japan About gethiroshima.com About the Seek Sustainable Japan show On moving to Hiroshima About akiya and minka remodeling in Japan J.J.'s experiences remodeling her old Japanese home in Hiroshima How much abandoned houses in Japan can cost On buying a house in Japan as a foreign national Recommendation on where to visit in Hiroshima About Hiroshima's Rabbit Island About the history of Hiroshima 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 ou tthe Seek Sustainable Japan YouTube channel via the link below. Seek Sustainable Japan YouTube Channel Check out gethiroshima.com via the link below. Gethiroshima.com Follow J.J. Walsh on Twitter. J.J. Walsh on Twitter Don't forget to check out the episode of Seek Sustanable Japan where J.J. Walsh interviews Tony Vega. JapanKyo Founder Tony Vega - Japan Stories & Language Tips from Hawaii | 333 Please check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel and don't forget to subscribe! JapanKyo Docs YouTube Channel Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55 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 J.J. Walsh 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 15, 2022 • 57min
83 Japan on American TV: SNL, Sesame Street, Marie Kondo & More (Dr. Alisa Freedman)
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about depictions of Japan and Japanese people on popular American TV shows with Dr. Alisa Freedman. About Dr. Alisa Freedman Alisa Freedman is a Professor of Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender at the University of Oregon and the Editor-in-Chief of the U.S.–Japan Women’s Journal. Her books include Tokyo in Transit: Japanese Culture on the Rails and Road, an annotated translation of Kawabata Yasunari’s The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa, and co-edited volumes on Modern Girls on the Go: Gender, Mobility, and Labor in Japan, and Introducing Japanese Popular Culture. She has published widely on Japanese modernism, Tokyo studies, youth culture, gender, television, humor as social critique, teaching pedagogies, and digital media, along with publishing translations of Japanese literature. Alisa has been nationally recognized for excellence in mentoring and enjoys presenting at cultural events like anime cons and Japan festivals. Topics Discussed About Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost About depictions of Japan and Japanese people in American TV shows The taboo regarding the depiction of the Japanese royal family in Japanese media Self-censorship in Japan and Japanese media How Japanese mainstream media stays away from political topics About the Japanese version of SNL that aired in 2011 The variety show Pink Lady (and Jeff) How trends and tropes have shaped the depictions of Japan and Japanese people on American TV shows How Marie Kondo presents herself as both "Japanese" and "American" About Queer Eye: We're in Japan! About the SNL skit JPop America Fun Time Now The influence of Japanese pop culture on the generation that grew up consuming it About Big Bird in Japan 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 purchase a copy of X while at the same time supporting the show, please use the Amazon affiliate link below. Japan on American TV: Screaming Samurai Join Anime Clubs in the Land of the Lost Use the link below to check out the latest JapanKyo Docs video. Emus in Tokyo: Inside the Life of a Japanese Emu Rancher Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. What is that sound? (Funny/Wacky Japanese Onomatopoeia) | Ichimon Japan 55 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 Alisa Freedman 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, 2022 • 56min
82 Monstrous Wives, Murderous Lovers & Dead Wet Girls: Discussing Onryo w. Jennfer Yoo
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about the Japanese vengeful spirits known as onryō with Jennifer Yoo. About Jennifer Yoo Jennifer M. Yoo is a doctoral candidate in Japanese Theatre at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Topics Discussed On working as a food tour guide in Kyoto What tsunokakushi is and the origins of this custom About the term oni (demon) and its historical origins About Ushi no Koku Mairi and the link between oni and kimon What onryō (vengeful spirits/wrathful spirits) are Differences between male and female onryō How male onryō are often historically/politically important figures The difference between yūrei and onryō About Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin) Depictions of onryō in Japanese theater About modern onryō in Japanese horror films The impact of the original Ringu film The motivations of classic female onryō The lack of motive in modern female onryō depicted in Japanese horror films About Sadako from Ringu The prevalence of the Sadako style ghost in films About the term "dead wet girls" The role of water in Shinto and Buddhism, beliefs about death and onryō The long hair of onryō and its historical roots in kabuki theater About deadly hair in Japanese horror films About the 2007 Japanese horror film Exte (Ekusute) 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. Here is the video of the presentation Jennifer Yoo gave for the University of Hawaii. Monstrous Wives, Murderous Lovers, and Dead Wet Girls For even more ghost-related content, check out episode 50 of Japan Station. Yūrei, Ghosts & Yōkai, A Chat w. Zack Davisson | Japan Station 50 To learn even more about Ushino Koku Mairi (the curse of the hour of the ox), check out the Ichimon Japan episode below. What’s so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21 Use the link below to check out the latest JapanKyo Docs video. Emus in Tokyo: Inside the Life of a Japanese Emu Ranche Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan (USJ)? | Ichimon Japan 54 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 Jennifer Yoo 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/

Dec 15, 2021 • 52min
81 Shing02: Live from Hawaii
On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, music producer, rapper and artist Shing02 talks about his life, music and more. About Shing02 Shing02 is a Japanese American music producer, rapper, and artist. Active since the '90s in both Japan and the U.S., Shing02 has produced numerous albums, collaborated with a long list of hip hop artists and he can even be heard along with Nujabes on "Battlecry," the opening song of the popular anime Samurai Champloo. Topics Discussed The origin of the name Shing02 The history and origin of Shing02's last name: Annen Shing02's childhood and the many places he lived How Shing02 got interested in art, graffiti, and hip hop/rap How Shing02 ended up performing in Japan About rapping in Japanese and in English About the songwriting process About Shing02's album 246911 About Shing02's move to Hawaii About Shing02 & The Chee-Hoos About WabyShaka About good ramen and Mexican restaurants in Honolulu 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 Shing02 on social media. Shing02 on Instagram Shing02 on Facebook WabyShaka on Instagram Check out Shin02's website. Official Shing02 website Check out Shing02's album 246911. SPIN MASTER A-1 & Shing02 - 246911 Dr. Capital was mentioned during the conversation. Dr. Capital also was a guest on Japan Station. Check out the link below to listen to his episode. Japan Station 19: Deconstructing J-pop with Jonathan “Dr. Capital” Patterson Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of Ichimon Japan. Should I go to Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan (USJ)? | Ichimon Japan 54 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) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/