Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are gyaru?

• What the term gyaru/gal means/refers to
• About the word gyaru
• How the word gyaru was used in Dragonball by Master Roshi
• What a kogyaru/kogal is
• About the singer Namie Amuro and her role in popularizing the gyaru subculture
• About Ayumi Hamasaki's influence on the gyaru subculture
• About the supposed but unconfirmed connection between the gyaru subculture and the American TV show Baywatch, as well as Pamela Anderson
• About the iconic "loose socks" (lūzusokkusu)
• About E.G. Smith, the supposed origin of loose socks
• An interesting linguistic quirk about the Japanese term for "loose socks"
• About ganguro and yamanba gyaru and their dark tans
• About ageha gyaru
• The connection between gyaru, eurobeat and parapara
• What eurobeat is
• What parapara is
• Contemporary gyaru
• What gyarugo is
• Examples of popular gyaru slang
• What karipaku means
• What MK5 means
• What ChōSW means
• What sumisu means
• What ATM means
• What gachi means
• What agepoyo/sagepoyo mean
• What doron means
• What tehepero means
• What gekiokopunpunmaru means
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

• ヤマンバ、イベサー、ガングロ…ギャル・ギャル男はどこに消えたのか？ 【 「ギャル文化」と「渋谷」をめぐる歴史を紐解く】
• ギャル文化特集～ギャルの歴史と生態～
  • This is the article that has the illustrations of the gyaru that Ryan mentions during the episode.
• ガングロ
• ギャル系ファッションとは。ブランドと歴史【イラスト＆図解
• アラサーしかわからない！？90年代のギャル語クイズ
• 歴代ギャル流行語大賞／年代流行

Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode.

• Japanese Gal Language: What is "Agepoyo?"

To check out the "snakes in a well" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.

• Is Yamaguchi cursed to have"ugly" girls? (Places in Japan Known for "Beautiful" & "Ugly" Women) | Ichimon Japan 50

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

• My Sumo Academia: Talking About Sumo Today and in the Heian Period (Colton Runyan) | Japan Station 76

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Pichipichi
  • ぴちぴち (adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) bursting with youth and energy (esp. young woman); vivaciously young; spunky; energetic; (adv-to) (2) (on-mim) (fish) jumping around energetically (e.g. when caught in a net); (adj-no) (3) (on-mim) bursting (e.g. seams); tight; (adv-to) (4) (on-mim) splattering (e.g. cooking oil)

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

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• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do hands come out of the toilet in Japan?

• Japanese stories/legends/folklore/urban legends (toshi densetsu) involving hands, toilets and hands coming out of toilets
• The hand in the bathroom/toilet from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• The story of Akai Kami Aoi Kami (Red Paper, Blue Paper) and its various versions
• The hilarious butt licking red/white variant of the Red Paper, Blue Paper urban legend
• The Akai Manto/Aka Manto story/urban legend/monster
• The urban legend/story of Yoji Baba
• The Sanji Baba
• About the yōkai kainade nad its love of butt touching
• The story of Toire no Hanako-san (Hanako of the Toilet)
• Hanako's appearance
• Different versions of the Hanako-san story
• The three headed lizard version of the Hanako story
• The supposed real story from Iwate Prefecture on which Hanako might have been based
• How according to somewhat dubious sources Hanako's real name might be Ikuko Hasegawa (emphasis on might)
• Why Hanako might be named Hanako
• Whether Hanako should be considered a yōkai or a yūrei
• About the website toiletmagazine.jp and the Japan Toilet Research Center
• Stories about kappa touching women's butts
• The yōkai known as Kanbari nyūdō and its habit of peeking on people in the bathroom
• Variations of the kanbari nyūdoō story/yōkai
• A theory for why there's so many yōkai and monsters that do stuff to people's butts while they are on the toilet
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

• 赤い紙、青い紙
  • This page has an illustration of the kainade.
• ヨジババ
• トイレの花子さん以外でトイレに出てくる幽霊を教えてください。
• トイレの花子さんのモデルになった昭和12年の悲しい事件。近年では妹・ブキミちゃんも登場
• トイレの花子さん
• 都市伝説「トイレの花子さん」って何なのか？伝えられている噂にはどんなものがある？？【アニメ風」
• 遠野小学校発祥「トイレの花子さん」
• トイレにおける怪異・妖怪伝承の整理
  • This is the article found on the Japan Toilet Research Center website.
• 【う〇こがお金に】トイレの日本史【お〇っこが大根に】

Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode.

• Aka manto
• Aka Manto | 赤マント (Listing on Steam)
• Kainade
• Terrifying Toilets: Japanese Toilet Ghosts and Sexual Liberation in the Postwar Period
• 'All About Mary': Children's use of the toilet ghost story as a mechanism for dealing with fear, but fear of what?
• What's the Difference Between Yokai and Yurei?
• Kanbari nyūdō
• The Legend Of Zelda's Toilet Hand Mystery EXPLAINED!

You can watch the full 1995 live action movie Toire no Hanako-san here.

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

• In Search of the Japanese Wolf (Alex K.T. Martin) | Japan Station 74

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Kami
  • 紙 【かみ】 (n) paper; (P); 【し】 ; (suf,ctr) (abbr) (See 新聞紙・1) newspaper
• Kawaya
  • 厠 【かわや】 (n) (dated) privy; toilet
• Massao
  • 真っ青 : 真っ青(P); まっ青; 真青 【まっさお】 (adj-na,n) (1) deep blue; bright blue; (adj-na,n) (2) ghastly pale; pallid; white as a sheet
• Washiki
  • 和式 【わしき】 (adj-no,n) Japanese-style (esp. in reference to squat toilets)
• Yōshiki
  • 洋式 【ようしき】 (adj-no,n) (1) Western-style; foreign; (n) (2) (abbr) Western-style toilet
• Naderu
  • 撫でる 【なでる】 (v1,vt) (1) to stroke; to caress; to brush gently; to pat; to rub; (v1,vt) (2) to comb (hair); to smooth down

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
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• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Yamaguchi cursed to have "ugly" girls? We also discuss other places in Japan known for having many beautiful/ugly women.

• The three most scenic views in Japan
• What the Sandaibijin (三大美人) is
• What places in Japan are most known for having beautiful women
• Fukuoka (Hakata), Akita, and Kyoto's status as places in Japan known for having many beautiful women
• How Kanazawa/Ishikawa/Kaga is known for having beautiful women
• Some theories about why Hakata, Akita and Kyoto (supposedly) have so many beautiful women
• The theory that short days and humid climate contributes to the white and moist skin of Akita's women
• How white/fair skin is considered beautiful by many in Japan
• The theory that the women of Kyoto are cultured and refined so that results in there being so many beautiful women in Kyoto
• The theory that collagen consumption via motsunabe and chicken helps produce the beautiful women of Hakata
• How pleasure districts might be connected to the impression that Akita, Fukuoka, and Kyoto have many beautiful women
• The idea that the Sea of Japan side of Japan is home to many beautiful women
• The theory that genetic mixing may be a reason for why the Sea of Japan side of Japan supposedly has so many beautiful women
• What the Sandaibusu (三大ブス) is
• The three places in Japan known for having "ugly women"
• Sendai, Nagoya, and Mito's status as the three places in Japan known for having many ugly women
• The theory that claims Tokugawa Yoshifusa sent groups of "ugly" women to Sendai, Nagoya, and Wakayama
• Nagoya's reputation as a boring place
• The so-called urban legend that women from Yamaguchi are all ugly
• The story of Oman's curse as a possible explanation for why women from Yamaguchi are supposedly ugly
• Throwing snakes at women
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

• もっともブスな女性が多そうな街は…「日本三大ブス」説が崩壊？
• 茨城ブスについて。 都市伝説をさらっと考えてみる。
• 石川県金沢市は美女が多いのでしょうか？
• 日本三大美人の根拠＆美人が多いと思われている都道府県は？
• 日本三大美人！なぜ、この三県が？その理由やいかに！
• 秋田・京都・福岡が「日本三大美人」に選ばれた理由とは？ 様々な三大○○に面白おかしく迫る！
• 山口ブス伝説
• 【山口ブス伝説】女子にとっては超迷惑な「姫山伝説」知ってる？
• 姫山のお万
• 月曜から夜更かし「山口呪われたブス伝説」 （山口姫山伝説）のルーツ？
• 【ネタ】山口の女性はブスばかり？「呪われた山口県ブス伝説」に迫る

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below.

• Black Box: Discussing the Shiori Ito Story (Allison Markin Powell Part 1) | Japan Station 72
• You Know What I Mean? On Translating Japanese Fiction (Allison Markin Powell Part 2) | Japan Station 73

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Bijin
• Busu

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
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• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Does "Your Name" live up to the hype?

• Whether the movie Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) is as good as many people say it is
• The reception of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) within Japan and abroad
• The basic plot of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
• Some potential problems with the plot of Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
• The work of Makoto Shinkai
• Theories about what Mitsuha was going to write on Taki's hand
• Possible loopholes and some possible explanations
• Mitsuha's name and one possible explanation for its origin
• The Radwimps music and how Radwimps collaborated with Makoto Shinkai
• Whether we like Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

To learn more about B & B Bad Sisters, check out the links below.

• B & B Bad Sisters Official Website
• B & B Bad Sisters NFT Shop

To listen to the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, use the link below.

• Down & Out in Japan: On Homelessnes and Life in Japan's Slums (Dr. Tom Gill) | Japan Station 71

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Kimi
  • 君 : 君(P); 公 【きみ】 (pn) (1) (male) (fam) (also used colloquially by young females) you; buddy; pal; (n)
• Na
  • 名 【な】 (n) (1) name; given name
• Gōkon
  • 合コン 【ごうコン】 (n,vs) (abbr) (See 合同コンパ) joint party (e.g. by students from several colleges); combined party; mixer; two or more groups, esp. female and male students, combining for a party

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Featured image: Press Release

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
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• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

For more information on B & B Bad Sisters, check out the official website.

• https://bbbadsisters.com/

Here's the link for the B & B Bad Sisters NFT shop.

• https://opensea.io/kazuomaekawa

Follow B & B Bad Sisters on social media.

• Twitter
  • https://twitter.com/bbbadsisters
• Facebook
  • https://www.facebook.com/bbbadsisters
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Here's affiliate links for cryptocurrency exchanges. If you use any of these links to purchase cryptocurrency you might get a sign up bonus. Typically, these sign up bonuses are free Bitcoin. However, each exchange does things a bit differently so you may want to check what is required in order to receive the sign up bonus. Also if you use these affiliate links and receive the bonus, then I would receive a small referral bonus as well.

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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are Japan's most famous dogs?

• Who Japan's most famous dogs are
• About Yukimaru, Prince Shotoku Taishi's beloved dog
• About Prince Shotoku Taishi
• Yukimaru's supposed ability to talk to Shotoku Taishi and chant Buddhist sutras
• The drone Nara made based on Yukimaru
• Sakhalin huskies/Karafuto-ken
• The story of Taro and Jiro
• The movie Nankyoku Monogatari (Antarctica)
• The character Afro Ken and the Afro Ken OVA
• Saigo Takamori's dog Tsun
• Tsun the dog's droopy ears
• Saigo Takamori's statue at Ueno Park
• The story of Hachiko the dog
• The argument over whether Hachiko's birthday was on November 10th, 14th, or 20th
• About Saito Hirokichi
• The Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station
• The history of the Hachiko statue
• Hachiko's droopy left ear and not curly tail
• How Hachiko's grandson Tetsu supposedly got eaten as sukiyaki
• Hachiko's death
• The yakitori skewers found in Hachiko's stomach after his death
• Utilizing Hachiko as a nationalistic symbol
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Prince Shotoku
• Antarctica (1983 film)
• Famous Dogs in History
• A Pointed Story – Saigo's dog's ears
• Japan: the history behind its love affair with dogs
• The incredible story of Hachikō, the loyal dog who waited almost ten years for his master's return.
• AN ANALYSIS OF THE AKITA DOG, PART 1 (AKITAINU KAISEKI, 1)

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 聖徳太子とお話できた犬、雪丸の不思議なエピソード。[#selfishな歴史犬聞録]
• 石造雪丸像（所在：達磨寺）
• 歴史上の有名なワンちゃんを調べてみよう！＜日本編＞
• ハチ公と上野博士の物語
• 秋田犬は本当に忠犬か？ハチ公の美談には裏話も
• カメ犬

To purchase Empire of Dogs: Canines, Japan and the Making of the Modern Imperial World please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below.

• Empire of Dogs: Canines, Japan, and the Making of the Modern Imperial World (Studies of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University)

Here are the videos of the theme songs of the Yukimaru mascot character.

• 聖徳太子の愛犬ゆきまる(歌:川本三栄子)
• ＬｏｖｅＬｏｖｅゆきまる！（歌入り）

Here is the video of the Afro-Ken OVA.

• Afro-Ken OVA

To watch the Japanese TV show about the story of Hachiko that was mentioned during this episode, use the links below. The episode is split up into multiple parts.

• 忠犬ハチ公 (1/4) 知ってるつもり
• 忠犬ハチ公 (2/4) 知ってるつもり
• 忠犬ハチ公 (3/4) 知ってるつもり
• 忠犬ハチ公 (4/4) 知ってるつもり

Here is the JapanKyo.com article about Nara's Yukimaru drone.

• Nara Unveils A Super Cute Drone Version Of Their Canine Mascot! (Video)

Here are the previous Ichimon Japan episodes that were mentioned during this one.

• What is the Curse of the Colonel? | Ichimon Japan 11
• What's so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21
• What is yakitori? (All About Japan's Famous Chicken Skewers) | Ichimon Japan 31

To listen to the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, use the link below.

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Kotowaza
  • ことわざ (n) proverb; saying; aphorism; maxim
• Inu
  • 犬 : 犬(P); 狗 【いぬ(P); イヌ】 (n) (1) dog (Canis (lupus) familiaris)
• Aiken
  • 愛犬 【あいけん】 (n) (1) pet dog; beloved dog
• Sōri
  • 総理 : 総理(P); 綜理 【そうり】 (n) (1) (abbr) (See 内閣総理大臣) prime minister (as the head of a cabinet government); premier; (n,vs) (2) (orig. meaning) leading; overseeing; leader; overseer; president

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was good and bad about your JET experience?

• What the JET Programme is
• The various positions available to JET applicants
• Some troubles experienced while on the JET Programme
• Rural placements
• Japan's shrinking population
• On getting placed in Yamagata Prefecture
• On the lack of privacy that comes with living in a rural place in Japan
• Positive experiences while on JET
• Unique tangential experiences
• How seeing example of bad teaching can be helpful
• On making friends while on JET
• On dealing with cold weather
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here's a few English language articles that I came across while preparing for this episode.

• As Japan's JET Programme hits its 30s, the jury's still out
• WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE PLACED IN A BAD SCHOOL: OVERCOMING HARDSHIPS AND BECOMING THE ALT YOU WANT TO BE
• JET-setting into the Deep Countryside of Japan: My Experience

Here is a link to the page containing the details about the Japanese survey mentioned in this episode.

• ALTがいる授業、子どもたちには人気？ 親は……!?

Use the link below to check out the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast.

• What Is Pana-Wave Laboratory? (Dr. Salvador Jimenez Murguia) | Japan Station 69

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Gaikokugoshidōjoshu
  • 外国語指導助手 【がいこくごしどうじょしゅ】 (n) assistant language teacher; ALT; foreign national serving as an assistant teacher of English in a Japanese classroom

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Did Tama-chan the seal save the world and cause immigration reform?

• The story of the famous seal that appeared in Tokyo's Tama River in the summer of 2002
• About Tama-chan the seal
• How Tama-chan being granted a jūminhyō (residency certificate) by Yokohama's Nishi Ward led to foreigners protesting this action
• The last sighting of Tama-chan
• About Pana-Wave Laboratory
• The GLA (God Light Association)
• How Yuko Chino splintered off from the GLA
• The creation of Chino Shōhō (True Law of Chino) and Pana-Wave Laboratory
• Pana-Wave Laboratory's caravan in 2003
• The extensive media coverage of the Pana-Wave Laboratory caravan in 2003
• The all white appearance of Pana-Wave Laboratory members
• Why Pana-Wave Laboratory members wore all white
• Chino Yuko's doomsday prophecies
• Chino Yuko's claim that a 10th planet called Nibiru would cause the end of the world
• Pana-Wave Laboratory's efforts to construct a UFO
• Salvador Jimenez Murguia's experiences in Fukui while researching Pana-Wave Laboratory members
• The attempted capture of Tama-chan the seal by Pana-Wave Laboratory members
• Other seals that appeared in the Tokyo river system after Tama-chan disappeared
• Whether Tama-chan could still be alive
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Bearded Seal
• Pana Wave Cult Raises Concern Among Japanese Authorities
• A nation's fate is sealed
• Doomsday cult makes waves in Japan

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• Pana-Wave Laboratory Photo Report
• GLA (宗教法人)
• パナウェーブ研究所
• 不気味な白装束集団を追っかけた異様なゴールデンウイーク
• 想う会"のタマちゃん用プール解体へ…白装束"パナウェーブ研究所"

The article by Salvador Jimenez Murguia that is mentioned multiple times during this episode is called Re-enchanting a Religio-Scientific Experience: Understanding the Extraordinary Within the Pana-Wave Laboratory. It used to be available for download via this link. However, as of late June 2021 the PDF of the article is no longer available via this page The reason for this is unclear so if you do want to read it, you may want to check the link in case it has become availalbe again.

Here is a video of Pana-Wave Laboratory shot during the infamous 2003 caravan.

• Pana-Wave Laboratory video (2003)

Here's a video of Tama-chan.

• Tama-chan Video

And here is a video of another seal hat showed up in Tokyo: Ara-chan.

• Ara-chan the Seal Video

For the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, see the link below.

• The War on Wheels: Inside the Keirin and Japan's Cycling Subculture (Justin McCurry) | Japan Station 68

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Azarashi
  • アザラシ : 海豹 【あざらし; かいひょう; アザラシ】 (n) (uk) (See 海驢) true seal (animal); earless seal
• Agohigeazarashi
  • アゴヒゲアザラシ 《顎鬚海豹》 【あごひげあざらし】 (n) (uk) bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus)
• Jūminhyō
  • 住民票 【じゅうみんひょう】 (n) certificate of residence

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a yankī or furyō?

• What a furyō is
• The literal meaning of furyō
• All about juvenile delinquent culture in Japan
• The possible origin of the term furyō
• What a yankī is
• The possible origins of the Japanese term yankī and its links to Osaka's Amemura area
• What a tsuppari is
• Classic furyo fashion
• About the rīzento (pompadour/duck's tail) hairstyle
• How furyō would alter their gakuran (school uniforms)
• About dokan and bontan pants
• What a sukeban is
• The stereotypical appearance of a sukeban
• About Sukeban Deka
• A theory about why furyo started shaving off their eyebrows
• Dying one's hair blonde and associations with juvenile delinquency in Japan
• Japanese school rules
• The "two block" (tsūburokku) hairstyle
• How the idea of a furyo has changed over time
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Pompadour (Wikipedia)

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 不良行為少年 (Wikipedia)
• ヤンキー
• 中井正広のブラックバラエティ20050508 ツッパリファッシ
• 【文化】日本の心？「ヤンキー」の歴史を知ることは若者の文化を知ることだった！前編
• スケバン (Wikipedia)
• レディース 女連 全日本女番連盟
• 不良のことをなんでヤンキーと呼ぶの？語源を調べてみたら興味深いことが分かった！
• ヤンキー (不良少年) (Wikipedia)
• 【Regent style】リーゼント歴８年 リーゼントのメリット、デメリットの紹介
• ヤンキーの足元を紹介するにあたり…
• ヤンキーはなぜサンダルやスウェットを着るのか？徹底考察！！
• なぜ昔のヤンキーはお母ちゃんのツッカケを履いてたのですか？
• なんで不良の人は眉毛剃る(薄くする)んでしょうか
• 昭和のヤンキーと平成のヤンキーを徹底的に比較してみた

Here is a link to a channel run by a guy who creates a lot of content about his life with a pompadour.

• Regent Times

Here is the video about Sukeban Deka.

• The Original Kill La Kill | Sukeban Deka (1991) | Anime Retrospective

Here's another related video about a sukeban shows that you might enjoy.

• When Delinquent Girls Ruled | Hana no Asuka-gumi! (1988) Sukeban Review

To learn more about Shoe Murakami, check out the Japan Station episode below.

• The Fascinating Life of Stand-Up Comedian Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami | Japan Station 45

Shoe also appears on episode 38 of Ichimon Japan.

• What first person pronoun should I use when speaking Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 38

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station, see the link below.

• The Kimono Tattoo: Discussing Kyoto, Kimono & More w. Dr. Rebecca Copeland | Japan Station 67

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Furyō
  • 不良 【ふりょう】 (adj-no,adj-na,n) (1) bad; poor; inferior; (n,adj-no,adj-na) (2) delinquent; hoodlum; hooligan
• Yankī
  • ヤンキー (n) (1) (col) delinquent (youth); delinquency; (n) (2) Yankee
• Tsuppari
  • ツッパリ (n) delinquent youth; delinquent youngster
• Furyōkōishōnen
  • 不良行為少年 【ふりょうこういしょうねん】 (n) (See 不良・2) juvenile delinquent
• Gakuran
  • 学ラン : 学ラン; 学らん; 学蘭 【がくラン(学ラン); がくらん(学らん,学蘭)】 (n) (col) school uniform for boys, often with stand-up collar, long jacket and loose trousers
• Bōsōzoku
  • 暴走族 【ぼうそうぞく】 (n) (See 珍走団) young motorcycle-riding delinquents; bōsōzoku;
• Rīzento
  • リーゼント (n) (abbr) (See リーゼントスタイル) Regent hairstyle; ducktail; Pompadour
• Tsūburokku
  • ツーブロック : ツーブロック; ツー・ブロック (n) undercut (hairstyle) (wasei: two block)

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is the story of Kaguya Hime proof that aliens have visited Japan?

• An overview of the story of Kaguya Hime (Taketori Monogatari, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter)
• The history of Taketori Monogatari
• How the tale of Kaguya Hime is sometimes called Japan's first science fiction story
• Peculiarities and confusing things found in the story of Kaguya Hime
• A breakdown of the part in Taketori Monogatari when the five suitors try to win Kaguya Hime's hand in marriage
• The epilogue of Taketori Monogatari and how it is used to explain the origins of the name of Mt. Fuji
• The 1987 film Princess from the Moon (Taktori Monogatari)
• Theories that say that Kaguya Hime is an alien from the moon
• The confusing and disjointed nature of the tale of Kaguya Hime
• How Taketori Monogatari appears to have no clear moral or lesson for the reader
• Interpretations of the meaning behind Taketori Monogatari
• Whether the story of Kaguya Hime is proof that aliens visited Japan
• And much more!

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Tennin (Wikipedia)
• Mount Fuji (Wikipedia)
• Apollo 20 hoax (Wikipedia)
• The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Wikipedia)
• The Tale of the bamboo cutter: a study in contextualization : an annotated translation and critical examination…

Here are some of the Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 日本最古の小説『竹取物語』を歴史マニアが5分で解説
• 『竹取物語』のかぐや姫はどんな罪を犯して地上に来たのですか？
• 『かぐや姫』のお話の教訓は何でしょうか？
• 雑談（おとぎ話と教訓）
• 竹取物語 (1987年の映画) (Wikipedia)
• 【宇宙】月で発見されたミイラ「モナリザ」隠蔽の真実とは
• 【竹取物語】謎だらけの魅力に迫る。
• 【都市伝説】なぜ竹から？竹取物語の本当の意味がヤバすぎた...【かぐや姫】
• 月の裏側で発見されたミイラ！！【やりすぎ都市伝説】
• 竹取物語⑦：ふじの山
• JTV定期テスト対策『竹取物語』かぐや姫の昇天
• 竹取物語①：竹取物語について

Here is the video that was produced for the Apollo 20 hoax.

• Apollo 20 - Alien Spaceship On The Moon and Ebe Mona Lisa

Check out the last scene of the 1987 science fiction adaptation of Kaguya Hime (Princess from the Moon).

• Last scene of the 1987 film Taketori Monogatari/Pricess from the Moon

If you'd like to listen to the episode of Ichimon Japan about the story of Momotaro, use the link below.

• Was Momotarō a thief? (All About Peach Bob) | Ichimon Japan 09

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

• From YouTube to Oxford: Discussing Japanese, Gendered Speech & More w. YouTuber MissHanake (Hannah Kentridge) | Japan Station 66

Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com.

• Check out Kimito Designs

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

• Monogatari
  • 物語 : 物語(P); 物語り 【ものがたり】 (n) story; tale; narrative; account; fable; legend
• Take
  • 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae)
• Tenjin
  • 天人 【てんじん】 (n) God and man; heaven and man; 【てんにん; あめひと(ok); あまびと(ok)】 ; (n) heavenly being; celestial being; celestial nymph; celestial maiden
• Tennyo
  • 天女 【てんにょ】 (n) (1) heavenly nymph; celestial maiden; (n) (2) beautiful and kind woman
• Hagoromo
  • 羽衣 【はごろも(P); うい】 (n) (1) angel's raiment; robe of feathers; (n) (2) wings of birds or insects; plumage of birds

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

• Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)

• https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan