Culture Shock!

This week, Otalku #1 and Otalku #2 discuss a disturbing but real topic. "Lolicon" is drawn pornography involving very young characters. How likely are you to stumble across it? How can it even exist? Is it legal? Find out in this video.

Pachinko machines are a sort of cross between pinball game and slot machine, and they're massively popular in Japan. Why? And how do you gamble on them? Find out!

Japanese foxes, or "kitsune," have a long tradition in Japanese folkore. They trick humans, but not in the same way as Western tricksters. And they pop up in anime a lot, from Shippo in Inu Yasha to Renamon in Digimon Tamers. Find out more here.

Photo credits: Fushimi Inari taisha 04, Fushimi Inari taisha 44, Fushimi Inari taisha 50, and kitsune 2. Anime artwork are screenshots from Pom Poko and Inu Yasha and art from Digimon Tamers.

Kimono and yukata are classic Japanese clothes. What are they exactly, and do people even wear them in Japan anymore? Find out!

Photo credits: kimono at night, Girl in a Kimono, 3-5-7 Festiva in Asakusa, and Yukata trio.

Hundreds of fireworks shows fill the skies of Japan every summer. But why? And what are they for?

Photo credits: Edogawa hanabi taikai (fireworks show), DSC01638, Japan Fireworks, Hanabi Taikai Osaka 花火大会, Koto Ward Hanabi Taikai Fireworks Festival #1, and Koto Ward Hanabi Taikai Fireworks Festival #1

Japanese martial arts organizations are known for their dōjō, or training facilities. But it goes well beyond martial arts, and has an interesting history. Brent and Evan explain.

Photo credits: University Dojo, New Dojo, and Zen dojo.

Once a year, schools in Japan celebrate sports day, where the students engage in track and field competitions, human pyramids, and other, more unusual events. But why? And how did it start?

All images in this episode are from the TV series Japanology Plus, made by NHK World.

You may have seen these "raccoon dogs" in anime from Inu Yasha to Pom Poko. Tanuki are real animals with a rich mythological tradition.

Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

Brent and Evan explore the history of the famous Shinsengumi, the Wolves of Mibu who were central actors in the drama of Japan's opening to the West in the 1860's. Discover their doomed fate!

Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

There's so much more to ramen than Top Ramen! It's a full-scale gourmet dish; Brent and Evan explain the history and reality of ramen.

Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.