Japanese futons are integral to Japanese culture. But they're not quite what you might be used to. Brent and Evan delve into the history and reality of futons.

Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

Anime presents college entrance exams as super-intense. Is it really like that? And why?

Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

Brent and Evan talk about the super-fast trains of Japan, the shinkansen.

Photo credits: Shinkansen, Shinkansen 400series, Shinkansen, Shinkansen

For more videos like this, go to https://geekspectrum.org

Brent and Evan talk about that icon of Japan, Mount Fuji.

Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/skyseeker/11061598174 https://www.flickr.com/photos/emrank/3170872652 https://www.flickr.com/photos/melanie-m/2219827045 https://www.flickr.com/photos/midorisyu/5315466701

You see them in anime frequently: the school has a cultural festival. But what is it? Where did it come from? Brent and Evan have the answers.

All images in this episode are from the anime series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Brent and Evan examine the Japanese phenomenon of cram schools. Are they really as common as they're portrayed in anime, manga, and film?

All images in this episode are from Let's Talk about Japanese Cram School

Where did samurai come from? How did they evolve over time? Why are there no more samurai? Brent and Evan explain.

Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/68532869@N08/14583360482/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/txarli/5349519709/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/zaffi/2423828136/

What are Japanese after-school clubs like, and how are they different than those found in other cultures?

Photos are from the anime series K-ON!, Shirobako, Kokoro Connect, and Higurashi: When They Cry.

Japanese love hotels cater to those who want to rent a room by the hour. But they're not as sordid as they initially appear!

Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/charlottemarillet/1446160772/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinpoh/4563388587/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/antoniotajuelo/14577536045/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/antoniotajuelo/14576747722/

For more videos like this, go to https://geekspectrum.org

Brent & Evan talk about host clubs and hostess clubs, where employees are paid to talk to you. But what are the downsides?

Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/69486985@N08/6429897879/ and Wikimedia Commons.