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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do you count that in Japanese?

• The counter system used in Japanese
• Japanese counter suffixes
• The sometimes confusing nature of Japanese counters
• The correct suffix for counting chopsticks in Japanese
• Various counters used with different kinds of chopsticks
• How to properly count squid in Japanese
• How the shape of a fish can affect what counter you use to count it
• The correct way to count gods (kami) in Japanese
• Counters in Chinese and English
• The various ways to count robots in Japanese
• How the speaker's intent can influence what counter they use to count something
• Using the counter -hiki as a way to insult someone or for comedic effect
• How you count UFOs in Japanese
• The many different things the counter -tai can be used for
• What counter you should use when counting centaurs and minotaurs in Japanese
• Counters used for counting fictional beings in Japanese
• Some of the factors that go into whether a fantastical creature should be counted using the counter suffix for humans or not
• What counter suffix should be used to count Doraemon
• Counting Pokemon
• 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.

• 350 JAPANESE COUNTERS GROUPED BY USEFULNESS DIVIDED INTO 2 ABSOLUTELY MUST-KNOW, 17 MUST-KNOW, 47 COMMON, AND SO ON
• The Japanese love to play number games
• Japanese counter word (Wikipedia)

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

• イカの数え方わかりますか？状態によって数え方が変わる！
• 「神」の数え方を教えてください。
• ことばと文化のミニ講座
• ロボット
• UFOの数え方の単位はなんですか？
• 鬼は1人？ 人魚は1匹？ ドラえもんは1体？ 想像上の生き物の数え方、知ってる？
• ポケモンの単位って何？１体？１匹？ふと気になって質問してみました。
• 助数詞「匹」と「頭」の用法考察
  • This is the Ritsumeikan article mentioned during the episode.

Here are some of the other Ichimon Japan episodes that were mentioned on this one.

• Was Momotarō a thief? (All About Peach Bob) | Ichimon Japan 09
• How do you create fake kanji? (From Ghost Kanji to Kokuji) | Ichimon Japan 22
• Are rabbits counted as birds because eating meat was taboo in japan? (About the History of Meat "Bans" & the Counter -wa) | Ichimon Japan 41

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station via the link below.

• Maiko Masquerade: Crafting Geisha Girlhood in Japan (Dr. Jan Bardsley) | Japan Station 65

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.

• (O)hashi
  • 箸 【はし】 (n) chopsticks
• Hitosoroi
  • 一揃い : 一揃い; 一そろい; ひと揃い 【ひとそろい】 (n) a set; a suit
• Ichigu
  • 一具 【いちぐ】 (n) one set
• Hitokumi
  • 一組 : 一組; １組; ひと組 【ひとくみ; いちくみ(一組,１組)】 (n) one class; one set; a pair; a suite; a series
• Ika
  • イカ : 烏賊(P); 鰞 【いか(P); イカ】 (n) (uk) cuttlefish; squid
• Tokkuri/Tokuri
  • 徳利 【とっくり; とくり】 (n) (1) sake bottle; tall and slender bottle with a narrow mouth made from ceramic, metal or glass that can be used for sake, shoyu or rice vinegar; (n) (2) turtleneck (sweater); (n) (3) non-swimmer; person who cannot swim
• Hai
  • 杯; 盃 【はい】 ; (n) (1) (See 杯・さかずき) sake cup; cup for alcoholic beverages; (ctr) (2) counter for cupfuls, bowlfuls, spoonfuls, etc.; (ctr) (3) counter for boats; (ctr) (4) counter for octopuses and squid; (n-suf) (5) (See アジア杯) cup (in sports); championship; : 坏; 杯
• Kami
  • 神 【かみ】 (n) (1) god; deity; divinity; spirit; kami; (n-pref,adj-na) (2) (sl) (See 神対応) incredible; fantastic; amazing; (n) (3) (hon) (arch) Emperor (of Japan); (n) (4) (arch) thunder; (P); : 神; 霊 【み】 ; (n) (arch) soul; spirit; divine spirit; 【かむ; かん】 ; (n-pref) (See 神主・かんぬし・1) divine; godly; 【しん; じん】 ; (n) (1) spirit; psyche; (n) (2) (See 神・かみ・1) god; deity; divinity; kami
• Za
  • 座 【ざ】 (n) (1) seat; place; (n) (2) position; status; (n) (3) gathering; party; company; atmosphere (of a gathering); (n) (4) stand; pedestal; platform; (n) (5) (historical) trade guild; (suf) (6) attaches to the names of constellations; (suf) (7) attaches to the names of theatres, cinemas and theatrical troupes; (suf,ctr) (8) (See 里神楽) counter for theatres, deities, Buddhist images, tall mountains, and satokagura songs
• Hashira
  • 柱 【はしら】 (n) (1) pillar; post; (n) (2) support; prop; mainstay; (suf,ctr) (3) counter for buddhas, gods, nobles, etc.; (P); 【じゅう】 ; (n) fret (of a biwa); 【ちゅう; じ】 ; (n,n-suf) (1) bridge (of a koto, etc.); (n,n-suf) (2) (ちゅう only) cylinder; prism
• Hitobashira
  • 人柱 【ひとばしら】 (n) human pillar; human sacrifice
• Dai
  • 台 【だい】 (n,n-suf) (1) stand; rack; table; bench; podium; pedestal; platform; stage; (n,n-suf) (2) support; holder; rack; (ctr) (3) counter for machines, incl. vehicles; (n) (4) setting (e.g. in jewellery); (n,n-suf,ctr) (5) (See 代・だい・2,代・だい・6) level (e.g. price level); range (e.g. after physical units); period (of time, e.g. a decade of one's life); (n) (6) elevated area; (n) (7) viewing platform; (n) (8) (See 台盤・1) dish tray; (n) (9) (arch) meal; (n) (10) (arch) (See 高殿) tall building; tower
• Ki
  • 機 【き】 (n) (1) chance; opportunity; (n,n-suf) (2) machine; (n,n-suf) (3) aircraft; (ctr) (4) counter for aircraft; (ctr) (5) counter for remaining lives (in video games)
• Tai
  • 体 : 体(P); 身体; 躰; 躯 【からだ】 (n) (1) (からだ is a gikun reading of 身体) (See 身体・しんたい) body; (n) (2) torso; trunk; (n) (3) build; physique; frame; figure; (n) (4) health; constitution; (n) (5) (arch) corpse; dead body; (P); : 体; 態 【てい】 ; (n) appearance; air; condition; state; form; 【たい】 ; (n,n-suf) (1) body; physique; posture; (n,n-suf) (2) shape; form; style; (n,n-suf) (3) substance; identity; reality; (n,n-suf) (4) {math} field; (ctr) (5) counter for humanoid forms (e.g. dolls, statues, corpses, etc.); (n,n-suf) (6) typeface; type
• Hiki
  • 匹 : 匹(P); 疋 【ひき(P); き】 (ctr) (1) (ひき only) counter for small animals; (ctr) (2) counter for rolls of cloth (two han in size); (ctr) (3) (き only) (arch) counter for horses; (n) (4) roll of cloth
• Tō
  • 頭【とう】 ; (ctr) counter for large animals (e.g. head of cattle); counter for insects in a collection; counter for helmets, masks, etc.

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: What is Kansai-ben?

• What the Kansai dilaect is
• The different that are found within the Kansai region of Japan
• Osaka-ben vs other dialects within the Kansai-ben umbrella
• The stereotype of the Ōsaka no obachan (older lady from Osaka)
• Leopard print clothing
• Who uses ōkini and where it is typically used
• The characteristic intonation of the Kansai dialect
• Switching back and forth between the "standard" Japanese dialect and the Kansai dialect
• Vowel elongation in the Kansai dialect
• "S" sounds being switched out for "h" sounds in the Kansai dialect
• The Keihan train line
• The Keihan train line's Okeihan mascot character
• The -hen suffix
• How dialects from regions close in proximity to one another tend to share more similarities than dialects from regions far apart.
• About nandeyanen
• About aho and its usage
• Hard to believe theories about the etymology of aho
• About meccha
• The etymology of ōkini
• About shānai
• About akan
• The origin of akan
• What rachi ga akanai means
• About chau and the famous chow chow chau pun
• What bokobokoegui means
• What dabo means
• How many people perceive the Osaka and Kyoto dialects
• Usage of the Kansai dialect by yakuza
• Learning the Kansai dialect
• 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.

• Kansai-ben: b. Accent (Accentuation and pitch pattern)
• Kansai-Ben: 18 Fun Kansai Dialect Phrases To Use When Visiting Osaka!
• Intonation Differences between Common Phrases in Standard Japanese and Kansai-ben
• "Metcha suki ya nen": A sociolinguistic attitude survey concerning the Kansai dialect

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

• 関西弁は中国語？「無形文化遺産」と強調する北大教授の名物講義とは
• 日本の方言における最大の発明は「なんでやねん」
• 「おおきに」の意味｜方言や語源・「おおきに」の真逆使い方2例
• あかんの語源・由来
• 😲元男子の関西弁講座‼️『あかん』語源 由来知ってますか。。。？関西弁の歴史！関西弁『アカン』の意外な事実。。。言葉って面白い！方言は多様だから
• 阿呆・あほう・あほ
• 阿呆の意味とは?由来や類語・馬鹿との違いは?関西と関東で使われ方が違う?
• 面白い神戸弁★笑われちゃう方言のセリフ10選
• 大阪弁と京都弁の違いを1人の大阪人がざっくり解説［同じ関西弁でも微妙に違うところがある］

Check out the latest episode of Japan Station via the link below.

• Yuji Dreams of Noodles: Chatting About Ramen, Fish & Osakana w. Restaurant Owner & Fish Expert Yuji Haraguchi | Japan Station 64

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.

• Yaoya
  • 八百屋 【やおや】 (n) greengrocer; fruit and vegetable shop
• Nandedyanen
  • なんでやねん (exp,int) (ksb:) what the hell?; what are you going on about?; what the hell are you doing?; you've got to be kidding
• Meccha
  • めっちゃ (ateji) (adv) (sl) (ksb:) very; extremely; excessively
• Akan
  • あかん (exp) (ksb:) useless; no good; hopeless
• Rachi ga akanai
• Shaanai
  • しゃあない (exp) (ksb:) it can't be helped; so it goes; c'est la vie
• Chau
  • ちゃう (int) (1) (ksb:) no; that's wrong; it's not like that; (exp) (2) (ksb:) isn't it?; wasn't it?
• Chigau
  • 違う 【ちがう】 (v5u,vi) (1) to differ (from); to vary; (v5u,vi) (2) to not be in the usual condition; (v5u,vi) (3) to not match the correct (answer, etc.); (v5u,vi) (4) (See 話が違う) to be different from promised; (exp) (5) (ksb:) (at sentence-end; oft. as 〜のと違うか) isn't it?; wasn't it?; (P); 【たがう】 ; (v5u,vi) (1) to differ; to be different; (v5u,vi) (2) to run counter to; (v5u,vi) (3) to change (into something out of the ordinary)

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.

Illustration in featured image: By Rhama based on concept by Tony Vega

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

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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Are rabbits counted as birds because eating meat was taboo in Japan?

• The practice of counting rabbits as if they were birds in Japanese
• Whether Japanese people eat meat
• What exactly qualifies as meat
• The history of meats "bans" in Japan
• The hypocritical and dubious nature of meat "bans" in Japan
• What the earliest written Japanese records say about meat consumption in Japan
• The influence Buddhism had on the practice of eating meat in early Japanese history
• The declaration by Emperor Tenmu in April of 675 AD that prohibited people from eating meat in Japan
• How the consumption of wild game was tacitly permitted throughout much of Japanese history
• A description of a Heian era feast involving bear paws and rabbit spleens
• Possible penalties faced by those who ate meet
• Having to fast for eating meat
• The arrival of the Portuguese in Japan and the hard time they supposedly had adjusting to the Japanese diet
• The Tokugawa's promotion of Buddhist culture and ideas
• Meat bans and meat eating during the Edo Period
• Shops in Edo that sold the meat of wild game
• The discrimination faced by people who slaughtered animals and tanned hides
• Consuming meat for medicinal purposes
• How meat consumption was looked at in a much more positive light during the Meiji Period
• An incident in 1872 in which Buddhist priests broke into the Imperial Palace due to opposing the Emperor's promotion of meat consumption
• The death of the historical Buddha
• The counter system in Japanese
• What the Japanese counter -hiki (匹)is usually used for
• What the Japanese counter -tō (頭) is usually used for
• The supposed "correct" way to count rabbits in Japanese
• Various theories about why -wa, the counter that is normally used to count birds, is supposed to be used to count rabbits as well
• The rabbits are counted using -wa because their ears resemble wings theory
• The similar flavor and net theory
• A theory that says that -wa is supposed to be used to count rabbits because of the kanji used to write rabbit in Japanese
• The theory that people decided to count rabbits in the same way they count birds because they wanted to create a loophole in order to get away with eating meat
• An atypical reading of the kanji for rabbit
• How butterflies are counted using the same counter used for livestock in Japanese
• 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

For mroe information about Japan's relationship with so-called meat bans, you can check out the article below. This is the one that was found on the Kikkoman website.

• • Removal of the Ban on Meat: The Meat-Eating Culture of Japan at the Beginning of Westernization (Dr. Zenjiro Watanabe)

Here is another English-language reference.

• Why Eating Meat Was Banned in Japan for Centuries

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

• 肉食禁止の歴史
• 第２回 ウサギは鳥の一種？名前と数え方の由来の謎(なぞ)
• うさぎの数え方の謎！「匹」と「羽」どっちが正しいの？由来も併せて紹介！
• なんとなんとｍお以外で不思議な数え方鳥でもないのに、うさぎを「一羽、二羽」と数えるのはなぜ？
• "匹"や"頭"など、動物の助数詞の意味とは？
• 【日本の肉食禁止の歴史】約1200年に渡って肉食が禁止だった理由

To check out the two shirts inspired by today's episode, use the links below. Or you can just go to KimitoDesigns.com. Any purchases from KimitoDesigns.com will support this show.

• Cute & Yummy Rabbit Head Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt Heather Midnight Navy Cute & Yummy Rabbit Head Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt
• Rabbits Are Birds in Japan Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Here's some of the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned in this episode.

• Can sexy things give you anime style nosebleeds? (The Nosebleed Episode) | Ichimon Japan 16
• What's so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21
• What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33
• What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 2: Chinese Names, Short Sleeves, Bears, & More) | Ichimon Japan 34

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Japan Station podcast.

• The Truth About "Washoku": Addressing Japanese Cuisine and Washoku's UNESCO Classification (Dr. Katarzyna Cwiertka) | Japan Station 63

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.

• Usagi
  • うさぎ (n) rabbit; hare; coney; cony; lagomorph (esp. leporids)
• Hane, -wa, u
  • 羽 : 羽(P); 羽根(P) 【はね(P); は(羽)】 (n) (1) feather; plume; down; (n) (2) wing; (n) (3) (羽根 only) blade (of a fan, propeller, etc.); (n) (4) (はね only) (See シャトル・1) shuttlecock (in badminton); (n) (5) (羽根 only) (also written as 羽子) (See 羽子・はご) shuttlecock (in hanetsuki); (n) (6) (羽根 only) (See 矢羽・やばね) arrow feathers; (P); 【わ(P); ば; ぱ】 ; (ctr) counter for birds, rabbits, etc.; (P); 【う】 ; (n) (See 五音) fifth degree (of the Japanese and Chinese pentatonic scale)
• Umō
  • 羽毛 【うもう】 (n,adj-no) feathers; plumage; down
• -hiki
  • 匹 : 匹(P); 疋 【ひき(P); き】 (ctr) (1) (ひき only) counter for small animals; (ctr) (2) counter for rolls of cloth (two han in size); (ctr) (3) (き only) (arch) counter for horses; (n) (4) roll of cloth
• Atama, Kashira, -tō
  • 頭 【あたま(P); かしら(P)】 (n) (1) head; (n) (2) hair (on one's head); (n) (3) (あたま only) mind; brains; intellect; (n) (4) leader; chief; boss; captain; (n) (5) top; tip; (n) (6) beginning; start; (n) (7) (あたま only) (See 頭数) head; person; (n) (8) (あたま only) (abbr) (See 頭金) down payment; deposit; (n) (9) (かしら only) top structural component of a kanji; (n) (10) (あたま only) (col) {mahj} (See 雀頭・ジャントー) pair; (P); 【とう】 ; (ctr) counter for large animals (e.g. head of cattle); counter for insects in a collection; counter for helmets, masks, etc.

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.

Illustration in featured image: By Rhama based on concept by Tony Vega

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

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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do students in Saga Prefecture still have to wear white underwear?

• The decision by Saga Prefecture's Board of Education to get rid of an existing rule in some of its schools that made it mandatory for students to wear white underwear under their school uniforms
• The possibility that some school rules in Japan are human rights violations
• Whether ten pikachus count as one mascot or ten
• Japanese school rules regarding student hair color and hairstyles
• How it seems that there is an increasing push for public schools in Japan to reevaluate their rules and eliminate unnecessary/pointless ones
• 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 is an English-language article about the Saga Prefecture Board of Education's decision to eliminate rules such as the infamous white underwear one.

• Public schools in Japan's Saga Prefecture will no longer regulate/check students' underwear color

Here are some Japanese-language articles about the Saga Prefecture Board of Education's decision to reform its school rules.

• 「下着は白」の校則、全校で削除 ひざ掛け禁止も見直し
• 「下着は白」校則は人権侵害 「肩ひも出させて色確認」
• 「下着は白」の指定、全校で廃止https://this.kiji.is/747403814183649280?c=39546741839462401
• 佐賀県、「下着は白」とかいう意味不明な校則をようやく削除する

If you haven't listened to our previous episodes about Japanese school rules and regulations (a.k.a. kōsoku), then check them out via the links below.

• Why do students in Hamamatsu City have to wear white underwear? | Ichimon Japan 27
• Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

• KimitoDesigns.com

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.

• Kōsoku
  • 校則 【こうそく】 (n) school regulations
• Jinken shingai
  • 人権侵害 【じんけんしんがい】 (n) human rights violation
• Kurubushi
  • 踝 【くるぶし】 (n) (uk) {anat} ankle; malleolus; ankle bone
• Unaji
  • 項 【うなじ】 (n) (uk) nape (of the neck); nucha

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 should I know about Japan's Bubble Era?

• What was Japan's "Bubble Era"
• The Japanese bubble economy of the late '80s and early '90s
• Examples of some of the over the top ways people are said to have spent money during Japan's bubble economy era
• Golden Bomber's "Dance My Generation"
• Bubble Era fashion trends
• The colorful suits that were popular for men to wear during the late '80s and early '90s in Japan
• Popular female hairstyles of Japan's Bubble Era
• The bodikon dress and the wanren hairstyle
• What the tosakamaegami hairstyle is
• About the nightclub Juliana's Tokyo
• John Robinson's infamous "Tokyo" yell
• The trend of fake car phone antennas during Japan's Bubble Era
• Fake TV antennas for cars
• Trendy words from Japan's Bubble Era
• The phenomenon of asahan (morning shampoo)
• The release of Toto's shanpūdoressā in 1985
• Mitsubishi's Asashan Club
• How Italian food became popular during Japan's Bubble Era
• What itameshi is
• What an Obatarian is
• The etymology of obatarian
• The manga Obatarian by Katsuhiko Hotta
• What "soy sauce face" (shōyugao)
• What "sauce face" is (sōsugao)
• What "salt face" is (shiogao)
• What the "dry war" is (dorai sensō)
• What a dry beer is
• Living the bodikon fantasy
• 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

This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below.

• Kyle Broyles on Twitter

Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below.

• Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts
• Tokyo Splosion on Google Podcasts
• Tokyo Splosion on Spotify
• Tokyo Splosion on Twitter

To check out Kyle Broyles' previous appearances on the podcast, use the links below.

• Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese mistake stories? (Part 2) | Ichimon Japan 37
• What's life like in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic? (Uncovering the cute sneeze conspiracy) | Ichimon Japan 13
• Why are vegetables so insulting in Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 14

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

• バブルとは何か？わかりやすく簡単に解説！当時の生活から日本経済崩壊の原因までを10分でイッキに学ぼう！
• そもそも「ワンレングス」とはどういう意味？英語で「One length」と記述するとの事。
• ８０年代ファッション、ヘアスタイル！女性芸能人のワンレン、ボディコンスタイルなどバブル華やかりしころのファッションをチェック
• バブル時代のワンレンボディコンの意味は？バブリーな髪型やファッションも
• トサカ前髪が命!? 上司の時代遅れなバブルメイクの特徴5つと直し方
• トサカ前髪とすだれ前髪。バブル ８０年代の流行が進化して人気。
• バブル時のファッションといえば、肩パッドに太い眉毛！「あれ、もしかして？」
• バブルの時代に流行ったカーアイテム7選！今では見かけない懐かしのカーグッズ！
• 【死語】バブル時代に大流行した「ワカモノ言葉」20選
• 【朝シャンブームから30年】「ちゃん・リン・シャン」覚えてますか？
  • This article is all about the asahan trend. It has many photos of asashan sinks and related products/media.
• パスタとスパゲッティの違いと日本はパスタ＝スパゲッティな理由。
• 「イタめし」「ティラミスブーム」とは何だったのか？バブル時代に爆発的な流行を巻き起こした舞台裏
• 今や美魔女？オバタリアンいずこへ（平成のアルバム）
• ドライ戦争

Here is the music video of "Dance My Generation" by Golden Bomber.

• Dance My Generation by Golden Bomber Music Video

Here is the music video for "Tokyo Go" by Joh Robinson. In this song you can hear John Robinson do his trademark "Tokyo!" yell.

• Tokyo Go by John Robinson

Here is the Japanese trailer for Batarian (The Return of the Living Dead).

• Batarian/The Return of the Living Dead trailer

Here's the commercials mentioned during the dry beer portion of the episode.

• Kirin's 1988 commercial featuring Gene Hackman

Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of Japan Station.

• How did you become so familiar with Japan? | Japan Station 61 (Bonus Solo Episode)
• The Challenges of Post-Fukushima Japan: Immigration, Population Decline & Nuclear Safety (Dreux Richard) | Japan Station 62

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

• KimitoDesigns.com

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.

• Baburu
  • バブル (n) (1) bubble; (n) (2) (abbr) (See バブル経済) bubble economy
• Baburu keizai
  • バブル経済 【バブルけいざい】 (n) bubble economy
• Baburu jidai
  • バブル時代 【バブルじだい】 (n) (See バブル景気・バブルけいき) bubble era (of Japan, 1986-1991)
• Baburu keiki
  • バブル景気 【バブルけいき】 (n) bubble economy (of Japan, 1986-1991)
• Bodikon
  • ボディコン (adj-no,n) (abbr) (See ボディーコンシャス) body-conscious (look); tight-fitting (clothing)
• Wanren
  • ワンレン (n) (abbr) (See ワンレングス) haircut of uniform length
• Tosaka
  • とさか (n) cockscomb; crest
• Maegami
  • 前髪 【まえがみ】 (n) forelock; bangs
• Asashan
  • 朝シャン 【あさシャン】 (n,vs) shampooing in the morning
• Obatarian
  • オバタリアン : オバタリアン; おばたりあん (n) (col) (from おばさん and バタリアン (horror film)) obatarian; generally obnoxious pushy middle-aged woman
• Itameshi
  • イタ飯 【イタめし; イタメシ】 (n) (col) (See イタリア料理) Italian food
• Shōyugao
  • 醤油顔 : しょうゆ顔; 醤油顔 【しょうゆがお】 (n) (sl) (See ソース顔) typically Japanese face
• Sōsugao
  • ソース顔 【ソースがお】 (n) (sl) (See しょうゆ顔) typically Caucasian face
• Shiogao
  • 塩顔 【しおがお】 (n) (sl) fair and delicate features (of a man)
• Sensō
  • 戦争 【せんそう】 (n,vs) (1) war

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 first person pronoun should I use when speaking Japanese?

• The most common first person pronouns used in Japanese
• The tendency for Japanese speakers to avoid using pronouns
• The lack of true pronouns in Japanese
• How choosing which first person Japanese pronoun to use can be confusing even for native Japanese speakers
• Whether ore is only used by tough guys in Japanese
• Theories about the history and evolution of the first person Japanese pronoun ore
• Who uses ore
• The concept of direct index vs indirect index
• Whether ore is innately masculine
• What traits people associate with ore
• Whether women use ore
• The evolution and history of boku
• What traits are associated with boku
• Whether women use boku
• About watashi, watakushi, and atashi
• Using honorific language in Japanese as a way to scare or build a psychological wall with the listener
• A traumatic experience stemming from someone's reluctance to schoose a pronoun
• And much more!

To learn more about Shoe Murakami, check out episode 45 of Japan Station.

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

You can find Shoe Murakami on the following platforms.

• Standup Comedian Shoe Murakami YouTube Channel
• Shoe Murakami on Facebook

Here are some of the main English-language sources used while doing the research for this episode.

• Japanese Pronoun Adventure: a Japanese Language Learner's Exploration of His Japanese Gender Pronoun
  • This is the article that is about the individual who created an original kanji (that they would later discover existed in Chinese) in order to use it as the written form of their preferred first person pronoun.
• An 'I' for an 'I' The semantic development of the first person pronoun in Japanese

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used when doing the research for this episode.

• 「私」「俺」「僕」どれ使う？/Which Should You Use "私", "俺" or "僕"?
• 一人称は僕、オレ、私？ 彼が何を使うかで距離感がわかるかも
• 彼氏の一人称が「ワシ」！ 彼女になったらどうする？https://mdpr.jp/column/detail/2347950
• 「わたし」「うち」「わい」どれがNG？男性に「女性の一人称」の本音を聞いてみた
• 江戸時代は男女の言葉に差がなかった!?

Here is the Tofugu.com article about Japanese first person pronouns that is mentioned in this episode.

• JAPANESE FIRST-PERSON PRONOUNS: わたし, ぼく, おれ, and A WHOLE LOT MORE

Don't forget to check out the latest episode of Japan Station.

• What is the Shinsengumi? Examining the Shogun's Last Samurai Corps w. Romulus Hillsborough | Japan Station 60

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

• KimitoDesigns.com

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.

• Ore
  • 俺 : 俺(P); 己 【おれ(P); おらあ(俺)(ok); おり(俺)(ok)】 (pn) (male) (rough or arrogant) I; me
• Boku
  • 僕 【ぼく】 (pn) (1) (male) I; me; (pn) (2) (when addressing young boys) you; (pn) (3) (See しもべ) manservant
• Watashi/Watakushi/Atashi
  • 私 【あたし(P); あたくし; あたい; あて】 (pn) (fem) (uk) I; me; (P); 【わたし】 ; (pn) (slightly formal or feminine) I; me; (P); : 妾; 私 【わらわ】 ; (pn) (arch) (hum) (fem) I; me; : 儂; 私 【わし】 ; (pn) (uk) (male) (used by elderly) I; me; 【あっし; わっし】 ; (pn) (mainly used by working men) I; me; 【し】 ; (n) (See 公・こう・1) private affairs; personal matter; 【わい; わて】 ; (pn) (1) (arch) (ksb:) I; me; (pn) (2) (わい only) (used toward people of equal or lower status) you; 【わたい】 ; (pn) (arch) (ktb:) I; me; 【わたくし】 ; (pn) (1) (usu. more formal than わたし) (See 私・わたし) I; me; (adj-no,n) (2) (ant: 公・おおやけ・2) personal (affairs, etc.); private; (n) (3) selfishness; partiality; (n) (4) secrecy; confidentiality; 【わっち】 ; (pn) (used esp. by people of low status) I; me
• Chūboku
  • 忠僕 【ちゅうぼく】 (n) faithful servant
• Nōto
  • ノート (n) (1) (abbr) (See ノートブック) notebook; copy-book; exercise book

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

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.

• Ore
  • 俺 : 俺(P); 己 【おれ(P); おらあ(俺)(ok); おり(俺)(ok)】 (pn) (male) (rough or arrogant) I; me
• Boku
  • 僕 【ぼく】 (pn) (1) (male) I; me; (pn) (2) (when addressing young boys) you; (pn) (3) (See しもべ) manservant
• Watashi/Watakushi/Atashi
  • 私 【あたし(P); あたくし; あたい; あて】 (pn) (fem) (uk) I; me; (P); 【わたし】 ; (pn) (slightly formal or feminine) I; me; (P); : 妾; 私 【わらわ】 ; (pn) (arch) (hum) (fem) I; me; : 儂; 私 【わし】 ; (pn) (uk) (male) (used by elderly) I; me; 【あっし; わっし】 ; (pn) (mainly used by working men) I; me; 【し】 ; (n) (See 公・こう・1) private affairs; personal matter; 【わい; わて】 ; (pn) (1) (arch) (ksb:) I; me; (pn) (2) (わい only) (used toward people of equal or lower status) you; 【わたい】 ; (pn) (arch) (ktb:) I; me; 【わたくし】 ; (pn) (1) (usu. more formal than わたし) (See 私・わたし) I; me; (adj-no,n) (2) (ant: 公・おおやけ・2) personal (affairs, etc.); private; (n) (3) selfishness; partiality; (n) (4) secrecy; confidentiality; 【わっち】 ; (pn) (used esp. by people of low status) I; me
• Chūboku
  • 忠僕 【ちゅうぼく】 (n) faithful servant
• Nōto
  • ノート (n) (1) (abbr) (See ノートブック) notebook; copy-book; exercise book

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: Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese mistake stories?

• How "sayonara" is not used in most situations when saying "goodbye" in Japanese
• A mix up at a convenience store
• Getting used to referring to people in the Japanese language
• What exactly a rōtari is
• Being asian
• Dealing with people that want to speak English even when they're English ability is poor
• Mixing up yasui (cheap) with yasai)
• The tricky situation that people with Asian features who are not fluent speakers of Japanese often find themselves in Japan
• A peculiar usage of the term shikkari and shikkari shiro
• 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

This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below.

• Kyle Broyles on Twitter

Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below.

• Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts
• Tokyo Splosion on Google Podcasts
• Tokyo Splosion on Spotify
• Tokyo Splosion on Twitter

To listen to the other Ichimon Japan episodes that Kyle Broyles was a guest on, use the links below.

• What's life like in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic? (Uncovering the cute sneeze conspiracy) | Ichimon Japan 13
• Why are vegetables so insulting in Japanese? | Ichimon Japan 14

To listen to the first "Japanese mistakes" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below.

• Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories? | Ichimon Japan 30

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

• Obscenity, Censorship & Erotic Comics in Japan (Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 59

To pick up a t-shirt and support the show, check out KimotoDesigns.com

• KimitoDesigns.com

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.

• Onigiri
  • おにぎり (n) (pol) onigiri; rice ball (often triangular, sometimes with a filling and wrapped in nori)
• Rootari
  • ロータリ (n) traffic circle; circle; rotary; roundabout
• Yasai
  • 野菜 【やさい】 (n,adj-no) vegetable
• Yasui
  • 安い(P); 廉い 【やすい】 (adj-i) (1) cheap; inexpensive; (adj-i) (2) (安い only) calm; peaceful; quiet
• Tsumetai
  • 冷たい 【つめたい(P); つべたい】 (adj-i) (1) (ant: 熱い・1) cold (to the touch); chilly; icy; freezing
• Doobutsuen
  • 動物園 【どうぶつえん】 (n) zoo; zoological gardens
• Daibutsu
  • 大仏 【だいぶつ】 (n) large statue of Buddha (trad. at least 4.8m high)
• Shikkari
  • しっかり (adv,adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) tightly (holding on); firmly; securely; (adv,adv-to,vs) (2) (uk) (on-mim) strongly (built); solidly; sturdily; steadily; (adv,adv-to,vs) (3) (uk) (on-mim) properly; well; sufficiently; hard (working, etc.); fully; completely; (adv,adv-to,vs) (4) (uk) (on-mim) reliably; dependably; levelheadedly; shrewdly; wisely; cleverly
• Shikkari shiro
  • しっかりしろ (exp) pull yourself together; get a grip; get a hold of yourself; come on
• Ou
  • 負う 【おう】 (v5u,vt) (1) (See 背負う・1) to bear; to carry on one's back; (v5u,vt) (2) to take responsibility for; to accept a duty; (v5u,vt) (3) to receive (wound); to incur (damage); to be injured; (v5u,vt) (4) to owe

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

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why did samurai have such weird haircuts?

• What a chonmage is
• The Japanese people's pursuit of excellence of the hairstyle
• The historical origins of the topknots in Japan
• Hats and their connection to the topknot
• The supposed reason why samurai started using topknots and shaving the front of their heads
• The chonmage as a status symbol during the Edo Period
• The most well-known types of chonmage
• What an ichōmage is
• What a hondamage is
• What the sōhatsu style topknot looked like
• What a chasenmage/chasengami is
• The supposed etymology of the term chonmage
• An article stating that some men would pluck their hair and cause themselves to bleed
• A theory about chonmage as a way to hide baldness
• The Sanpatsudattōurei (散髪脱刀令) declaration of 1871
• The Meiji government's efforts to have men cut off their topknots and stop carrying swords
• How Iwakura Tomomi cut his hair in Chicago
• What a zangiriatama is
• The chonmage in modern times in Japan
• The use of chonmage by sumo wrestlers
• About tokoyama (床山), the hairstylists of sumo wrestlers
• How two top ranked tokoyama became tokoyama
• How much money a tokoyama might earn
• Topknots in modern day kabuki
• Whether there are any people in modern day Japan outside of sumo that wear their hair in the chonmage (topknot) style
• The TV personality Magehira
• The time consuming process it takes to get your hair in a proper chonmage
• What a danpatsushiki (散髪式) is (sumo hair cutting ceremony)
• Kisenosato's danpatsushiki
• 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 article.

• Which One is the Most Handsome!? Four Chonmage to Choose
  • This article has some very useful illustrations of the four types of topknots that were discussed in this episode. This is also the article that features the "excellence of the hairstyle" quote.
• How to tie Chonmage (Samurai Top Knot・Samurai hair)
  • This is a Japanese video but there is no spoken dialog.
• Sumo 101: Tokoyama (Hairdressers)
• The Sumo Top Knot Is the Original Man Bun

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

• 時代劇でお馴染み"ちょんまげ"。なぜこのような変わった髪形文化が日本に定着してたのでしょうか？
• 冠と烏帽子
• 衣服から見る日本
• 【 どのちょんまげが好き？ 】男っぷりをあげる！江戸の人気ヘアコレクション
• 江戸時代の髪型にはどのような特徴があったのでしょうか
• 丁髷 (Japanese Wikipedia)
• 【戦国小BANASHI】なぜ？江戸時代に大流行！「ちょんまげ」が誕生した理由は！？【髪型の歴史】
• ちょんまげは何故あの髪型？イケてるメンズの髪型文化
• 江戸時代とかは全国の農民の男性がちょんまげをしてたのですか？どのくらいの農民の男性がちょんまげをしてたのですか？ちょんまげ以外の男性の髪型はありましたか？
• 装束の持ち具
• 床山さんの仕事 2019年8月5日放送 「ハッキヨイ、ノコッタ！」／髙岡美樹のべっぴんラジオ
• 相撲の床山の仕事や給料、年収について。なり方も解説！
• 江戸時代の侍でハゲの侍はチョンマゲはどうしてましたか？
• ちょんまげほハゲを隠すために考えられた髪型ですか？

To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station check out the link below.

• Trapped in Japan: A Chat w. Kevin O'Shea of the Just Japan Podcast | Japan Station 58

If you're interested in getting the t-shirt inspired by this episode, then make sure to go to KimitoDesigns.com.

• MAGE: The Excellent Hairstyle of the Samurai Unisex T-Shirt

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.

• Mage
  • 髷 【まげ】 (n) bun (hairstyle); chignon; topknot
• Chonmage
  • 丁髷 【ちょんまげ】 (n) (uk) topknot (hair style)

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.

Episode artwork by @pradipta19.

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

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

What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we once again ask: What is the best Japanese name for a bear that isn't actually a bear?

• Japanese names of animals that have "kuma" in them but are not actually bears
• What an anaguma is
• How you say badger in Japanese
• What a mujina is
• What honey badger is in Japanese
• What fukuroguma are
• What the word fukuro means
• What "bag bears/pouch bears" are
• How you say marsupial in Japanese
• What a kinoborifukuroguma is
• How you say koala in Japanese
• What a "bag/pouch wolverine" is
• Japanese terms used to refer to the tasmanian devil
• What wolverine is in Japanese
• The 1984-85 spike in popularity that koalas experience in Japan (a.k.a. the Japanese koala boom of the mid-80s)
• The 1984 anime Fushigi na Koara Burinkī (ふしぎなコアラ ブリンキー, Noozles, The Wondrous Koala Blinky)
• The 1984 anime Koara Bōi Kokkī (コアラボーイコッキィ, Adverntures of the Little Koala)
• What a komoriguma is
• What a shirokuroguma is
• What the wamei (native Japanese term) for panda is
• Whether pandas are bears or raccoons
• Rilakkuma
• The theory that Rilakkuma is actually a man in a full body costume (kigurumi)
• How you say raccoon in Japanese
• What araiguma literally means
• Whether the name "washing bear" is an accurate name for a raccoon
• Do raccoons actually wash their food before they eat it?
• A funny Japanese video showing a raccoon trying to wash cotton conday only to see it dissolve in water
• What the earliest documented case of raccoons escaping activity in Japan appears to be
• The 1977 anime Araiguma Rasukaru (あらいぐまラスカル, Rascal the Raccoon) and the raccoon craze it helped spark in Japan
• The explosion in the raccoon population that happened as a consequence of Japanese people who tried to keep raccoons as pets realizing that raccoons do not make good pets
• The 1964 children's book Rascal: A Memoir Sterling North
• The irony of how Araiguma Rasukaru made people want to get pet raccoons
• The raccoon problem that Japan has been experiencing for the past few decades
• Raccoons damaging crops, temples, shrines and other property
• Efforts to get the raccoon population under control in Japan
• A recent team up between Araiguma Rasukaru and Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
• The best name for a non-bear bear
• How you say "procyonid family" in Japanese

Here's some of the English-language sources used in this episode.

• Japanese badger (Wikipedia)
• Carnivore - Classification
• Do raccoons wash their food before eating? 16 things you think you know about raccoons
• How a Cartoon Raccoon Started a Biological Invasion in Japan
• It's the 40th Anniversary of the Raccoon That Ate Japan
• Are pandas related to bears and are raccoons?

Here are the Japanese language sources used.

• アナグマって英語でなんて言うの？
• 袋熊 (Wikipedia)
• 7月26日*は、オーストラリアコアラ基金が制定した『世界コアラの日』です。
• コアラの減少防げ 人工授精で日豪協力へ
• コアラの日本名は、子守熊って聞きましたがホント？。
• "パンダ"は外国語。じゃあ和名はなんという？【動画】
• 「リラックマはきぐるみなんです」テーマ
• アライグマは食べ物を洗っているワケじゃなかった! その本当の理由は…
• アライグマの語源・由来
• アライグマ
• アライグマペットが捨てられ野生化
• アライグマ被害対策
• 10年で捕獲数10倍！ 被害額はなんと年間3億円！
• 可愛いけれど要注意！ 実は生態系にも影響を及ぼす危険動
• 10年で捕獲数10倍！ 被害額はなんと年間3億円！

If you would like to see images of the team-up between Demon Slayer and Rascal the Raccoon, click on the link below.

• Rascal the Raccoon Demon Slayer Strap Merchandise Press Release

You can listen to the original Japanese theme song of Koara Bōi Kokkī (Adventures of the Little Koala) here.

You can watch the raccoon trying to eat cotton candy video here.

To check out the episodes of Ichimon Japan that were mentioned in this episode, use the links below.

• Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories? | Ichimon Japan 30
• What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 2: Chinese Names, Short Sleeves, Bears, & More) | Ichimon Japan 34

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

• A Journey into Words: A Face to Face Chat w. Dr. Robert Campbell | Japan Station 57

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

Use the link below to get your very own Tree Climbing Bag Bear Koala shirt.

• Koala/Tree Climbing Bag Bear Unisex Shirt

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.

• Kuma
  • クマ : 熊 【くま(P); クマ(P)】 (n) bear (any mammal of family Ursidae)
• Anaguma
  • アナグマ : 穴熊; 貛 【あなぐま; あなくま; アナグマ】 (n) (1) (uk) badger
• Fukuro
  • 袋 : 袋(P); 嚢 【ふくろ】 (n) (1) bag; sack; pouch
• Kuzuri
  • クズリ : 屈狸; 貂熊 【くずり; クズリ】 (n) (uk) wolverine (Gulo gulo); glutton; carcajou
• Araiguma
  • アライグマ : 洗い熊; 洗熊; 浣熊 【あらいぐま; アライグマ】 (n) (uk) common raccoon (Procyon lotor)
• Komori
  • 子守 : 子守(P); 子守り 【こもり】 (n,vs) (1) nursemaid; nanny; babysitter; (n,vs) (2) child-minding; babysitting
• Komoriuta
  • 子守歌 : 子守唄; 子守歌(P) 【こもりうた】 (n) lullaby

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 once again ask: What annoys you about living in Japan?

• The frustratingly useless nature of many English-language versions of Japanese websites
• Booking hotels in Japan
• The frustrating but hilarious nature of bad English translations of Japanese (a.k.a. Engrish)
• Engrish t-shirts
• The practice of using Japanese readings for kanji when reading a Chinese name and the confusion it can cause for both Japanese and English learners
• Clothing sizes in Japan
• How Japanese shirts tend to have shorter sleeves and be shorter vertically than American made shirts of the corresponding letter size
• How getting your internet set up in Japan can sometimes be a slow and frustrating process
• Annoying noise in Japan
• Loud political speeches during election season in Japan
• Shop employees using megaphones to attract customers
• Bear attacks and sightings in Ishikawa Prefecture during the fall of 2020
• Teikyūbi
• Gender stereotypes regarding sweets and cakes
• 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 some of the English-language sources used in this episode.

• These Totally Lost in Translation English Signs in Japan Have us Scratching Our Heads
• Things that foreigners find annoying about life in Japan
• Do Women Have a Bigger Sweet Tooth?
• Why Women Crave Sugary Foods More Than Men

Here are the Japanese language sources used.

• 日本とアメリカのサイズ感の違い
  • This is the Japanese article that compares the measurements of Japanese shirts and shirts from the United States.
• 女性はなぜ甘い物が好きなの？その理由を徹底解説

If you missed part 1 of this episode, check it out via the link below.

• What annoys you about living in Japan? (Part 1: Bookstores, Ice Cream Floats, Repetitive Language, & More) | Ichimon Japan 33

The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below.

• The Woman Behind the Voice of the Shinkansen: A Chat w. Voice Actor & Singer Donna Burke | Japan Station 56

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below.

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

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.

• Teikyūbi
  • 定休日 【ていきゅうび】 (n) regular holiday; fixed day off; regular closing day

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