In 1976, Hakodate airport had a very unexpected landing, one that would destroy the mystique of a new, still little known about plane. Listen to find out what happened on a cloudy day in September, 1976.

What does it mean to "graduate" or "卒業"? Let's talk about differences in how the words are used.

Do you know about Shirase Nobu? Yes? Well, you're either a liar or a total Japanese history otaku. Don't know who that is? Well, listen and find out about Japan's entry into the race for the South Pole. (Spoiler - they didn't win the race, but it was still a success.)

In 1998, an electricity transmission tower in Kagawa prefecture collapsed. What caused it? And what's up with the copycat crime? Listen to this shorty and find out.

What is university life like in Japan? Well, I'm not a university student, but as an instructor, I have at least a reasonable idea. Listen and find out some of the ways university life differs here in Japan.

Japan has two separate power grids, operating at two different frequencies. 50hz in the east, and 60hz in the west. How did that happen? And why won't anyone fix it?

Let's talk about the wide diversity of animals in Japan. Well, at least land and air based animals. No aquatic wildlife in this one. But Monkeys! And Bears! And wild boars! And others. Get outside of the big cities and find the wildlife. And maybe get chased by it.

On September 26, 1954, the train ferry Toya Maru capsized less than a kilometer off the coast near Hakodate, killing more than 1000 people. Listen to hear about what happened and the legacy of the disaster.The report I quoted from a couple of times: http://www.shippai.org/fkd/en/cfen/CA1000609.html

You might have seen something about Princess Mako's wedding in the news. I share some thoughts about the Japanese royal family and the whole situation. #Content

Find out some about the town of Kisakata. Why did Matsuo Basho go and visit? Check it out!