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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What annoys you about living in Japan?

• Some annoying things you might encounter while living in Japan
• The annoying practice of book stores in Japan sorting books by publisher rather than author
• Justifications for why bookstores in Japan arrange books by publishers instead of by the last name of the author like in the West
• The McDonald's ice cream float incident
• The good and bad of blindly following the rules
• The emotionless "zombie" greetings (like irasshaimase) that you hear in stores in Japan
• What the fake leaves in bento are called in Japanese
• Why fake plastic leaves are placed in bento in Japan
• Having shop clerks accompny you out the store
• Washiki (Japanese style) toilets
• One Reddit users complaint that Japanese people use certain adjectives like sugoi, kawaii, and oishii too much
• The many ways you can translate oishii
• The many ways you can add nuance and meaning to adjectives in Japanese
• Alternative ways to say oishii
• 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 the English-language sources used for this episode.

• Why this American can't stand Japanese bookstores
• Bento grass
• Things Foreigners Living in Japan Find Inconvenient/Annoying
  • This article is where the quote about the overuse of certain Japanese adjectives was taken. According to the article, the quote was originally found in a Reddit thread.

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

• 「おいしい」以外の言葉で美味しさを伝えられますか？全ライター必見「味を言語化するためのノウハウ」がすごすぎた
• なぜ、出版社別に本を並べる本屋があるのか？

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

• No Mask Required: A Chat with Comedian Kilara Sen | Japan Station 55

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• 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.

• Aisu
  • アイス (n) (1) ice (eng: ice, ger: Eis); (n) (2) (abbr) (See アイスクリーム) ice cream; icecream; (n) (3) (arch) (col) (Edo period pun on 高利貸し being homophonous to 氷菓子) (See 高利貸し・こうりがし,氷菓子・こおりがし) usurer; usury; loansharking
• Sofuto
  • ソフト (adj-na,adj-no) (1) (ant: ハード・1) soft; (n) (2) (abbr) {comp} (See ソフトウエア) software; (n) (3) (abbr) (See ソフト帽) soft hat; felt hat; (n) (4) (abbr) (See ソフトクリーム) soft serve ice cream; (n) (5) (abbr) (See ソフトボール) softball
• Irasshaimase
  • いらっしゃいませ (exp) welcome
• Haran/Baran
  • ハラン/バラン the leaf found in bentos that is used as decoration (though modern day haran/baran are made of plastic they people used to use real leaves)
• Eko
  • エコ (adj-na,pref) (abbr) (See エコロジカル) ecological; eco-
• Gizagiza
  • ギザギザ : 刻刻; 段段 【ぎざぎざ(P); ギザギザ】 (n) (1) (on-mim) (uk) notches; serration; indentation; jaggies (stair-step artifacts in computer images); (adj-na,adv,adv-to,vs) (2) (on-mim) (uk) notched; serrated; jagged; corrugated; milled
• Oshibori
  • おしぼり (n) wet towel (supplied at table)
• Washiki
  • 和式 【わしき】 (adj-no,n) Japanese-style (esp. in reference to squat toilets)
• Umai
  • うまい (adj) (1) delicious; appetizing; (2) skillful; clever; expert; wise; successful
• Bimi
  • 美味 【びみ】 (n,adj-na) good flavor; good flavour; delicacy; dainty
• Kawaii
  • 可愛い 【かわいい(P); かわゆい; カワイイ; カワイい】 (adj-i) (1) (uk) cute; adorable; charming; lovely; pretty; (adj-i) (2) (uk) dear; precious; darling; pet; (adj-i) (3) (uk) innocent; childlike; childish; lovable; (adj-i) (4) (uk) dainty; cute little; tiny
• Sugoi
  • すごい (adj-i) (1) terrible; dreadful; (adj-i) (2) (uk) amazing (e.g. of strength); great (e.g. of skills); wonderful; terrific; (adj-i) (3) (uk) to a great extent; vast (in numbers); (adv) (4) (uk) (col) awfully; very; immensely
• Oishii
  • おいしい (adj-i) (1) delicious; tasty; sweet; (adj-i) (2) (uk) attractive; appealing; convenient; favorable; desirable; profitable

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: Who got it more wrong: MatPat or Tony? (This episode is a follow up to episode 11 of Ichimon Japan which focused on the so-called Curse of the Colonel. The episode was recorded in order to address inaccuracies found in that episode.)

• A brief summary of the Curse of the Colonel
• The fact that Hanshin Tigers fans threw the statue of Colonel Sanders into the Dotonbori River after winning the Central League championship in October of 1985 and not after their November, 1985 Japan Series victory
• A recent video from the Food Theorists YouTube channel in which MatPat suggests that the Curse of the Colonel is invalid due to the Hanshin Tigers having won the Japan Series in 1985
• Whether MatPat's conclusions about the Curse of the Colonel are accurate or not
• When Japanese sources say that the Curse of the Colonel started taking effect on the Hanshin Tigers
• The idea that throwing a statue of Colonel Sanders into Dotonbori River was actually good luck for the Hanshin Tigers
• 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

Use the link below to check out episode 11 of Ichimon Japan in which we discuss the Curse of the Colonel in far more detail.

• What is the Curse of the Colonel? | Ichimon Japan 11

Here is the Food Theory video (from the Food Theorists YouTube channel) in which MatPat discusses the Curse of the Colonel.

• Food Theory: KFC and the Curse of Colonel Sanders)

If you enjoyed the video above, you may want to check out the Food Theorists YouTube channel.

• The Food Theory YouTube Channel

Here are the Japanese-language sources mentioned in this episode.

• Japanese Wikipedia entry for the Curse of the Colonel
• 2009 TV News Report filmed after the statue of Colonel Sanders was found in the Dotonbori River
• 「呪い」火付け役、救出喜ぶ 探偵！ナイトスクープ
  • This article is from the Asahi TV (ABC) website. Asahi is the producer and broadcaster of the Japanese variety show Tantei Naito Sukūpu. This article confirms that the story of the Curse of the Colonel was covered on the show's first episode in March of 1988. The article also explains that they produced three different episodes that covered the story either in part or from start to finish between the start of the show and March 11 of 2009 (when the article was published). The article adds that the show even had divers go into the Dotonbori River to look for the statue. This was shown on two of the three times they covered the story. Further, the article includes a quote by the producer of the show at the time in which he explains that the Curse of the Colonel's status as an urban legend (toshi densetsu) was cemented after the show covered the story since their efforts to find the statue were so thorough and yet they were unable to locate it.
• 【都市伝説 2019 最新】カーネルサンダース人形の呪い ケンタッキーおいしいです。
  • A Japanese YouTube video explaining the Curse of the Colonel. It describes it as an urban legend (toshi densetsu).
• 【都市伝説】プロ野球：カーネル・サンダースの呪い【東京ダグアウツ】
  • This is another Japanese YouTube video that explains the Curse of the Colonel. The person in the video also calls it an urban legend (toshi densetsu).

To listen to another Ichimon Japan episode about a Japanese curse, check out the link below.

• What's so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• 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.

• Noroi
  • 呪い : 呪い(P); 詛い; 咒い 【のろい】 (n) curse; spell; malediction; (P); : 呪い; 咒い 【まじない】 ; (n) (uk) charm; incantation; spell; curse; 《verb stem》 呪う : 呪う(P); 詛う 【のろう】 ; (v5u,vt) to curse; to put a curse on; to detest intensely; (P); 《verb stem》 呪う 【まじなう】 ; (v5u) (1) (arch) to pray that one avoids disaster or illness; to pray; (v5u) (2) to pray for the death or misfortune of another; to curse; (v5u) (3) to treat illness with prayer
• Yokunen/Yokutoshi
  • 翌年 【よくねん(P); よくとし】 (n-t) following year
• Toshi Densetsu
  • 都市伝説 【としでんせつ】 (n) urban legend

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: What is yakitori?

• What yakitori is
• The difference between yakitori when it is written using kanji and when it is written using only hiragana
• What qualifies as yakitori
• An overview of the history of yakitori
• The supposed origin story of the skewered sparrows that the area around Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is known for
• How eating meat was considered taboo throughout much of Japan's history
• Yakitori during the Meiji Period
• Yakitori shops
• The pros and cons of using charcoal as opposed to propane when grilling yakitori
• The specialized names used to refer to chicken parts
• The supposed origin of the term negima
• What part of a chicken the term bonjiri refers to and the etymology of the term
• The many meanings/usages of the term kimo
• What sunazuri is
• What part of the chicken is referred to as a mame (bean) at a yakitori shop
• What part of a chicken a chōchin/kinkan is
• The interesting history behind Higashi Matsuyama City' (Saitama Prefecture) pork "yakitori"
• A yakitori vending machine in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture

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 main Japanese-language sources used when preparing for this episode.

• 焼き鳥の定義
• 焼き鳥の歴史
• 焼き鳥の豆知識について
• 焼き鳥の「ぼんじり」とは？どこの部位？栄養素？気になるカロリーを解説
• 焼き鳥用語集
• 焼き鳥の部位いろいろ
• やきとりって何だ？ – やきとりの定義を辞書から探る
• 焼き鳥の定番ねぎまの「ま」の意味は？歴史や由来を紐解く
• 焼き鳥やさんの「ぼんじり」（「ぼんちり」「ぼんち」）という名前の由来
• 游氣風信 No.１５８ ２００３. ２. １ 肝のはなし
• ハツ
• コロナ禍で誕生した「焼き鳥無人販売機」が人気 宮城・石巻市
  • This is the news article about the yakitori vending machine in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. The article contains photos of the vending machine.

Here is the list of chicken parts we covered in this episode.

• Momo (モモ、もも): Thigh meat
• Sasami (ささみ): Meat from the inner breast, chicken tenderloin
• Negima (ねぎま、葱鮪), Hasami (はさみ): In the context of yakitori this refers to a skewer of chicken and green onions
  • Note: This was not made clear in the episode but according to the sources we found the term negima came from the name of a stew made of green onions and tuna. This dish was called negimanabe (葱鮪鍋). As explained in the episode, eventually people started using chicken became more affordable than tuna and so the term negima came to be associated with chicken rather than tuna.
• Mune (むね): Chicken breast
• Bonjiri (ぼんじり): The meat at tail of the chicken
• Kimo (肝、きも), Rebā (レバー): Liver
• Zuri (ずり), Sunazuri (砂ずり), Sunagimo (砂肝): Gizzard
• Nankotsu (なんこつ、軟骨): Cartilage
• Yagen nankotsu (ヤゲン軟骨): Cartilage (connects to the breast bone)
• Hatsu (八ツ), Shinzō (心臓), Kokoro (こころ): Heart
• Mame (まめ), Mamegimo (まめぎも): Chicken pancreas
• Seseri (せせり), Soroban (そろばん), Nekku (ネック): Chicken neck meat
• Kinkan (キンカン): Chicken ovary
• Chōuchin (チョウチン): Chicken ovary with egg yolk
  • Note: Although in the episode we give the impression that kinkan and chōchin are the same, it seems that they are actually two different types of yakitori. However, there is a chance that some places may not distinguish so strictly between the two.

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

• Documenting the Intense World of Japanese High School Baseball (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 54

For even more information on the history of chickens and the chicken industry in Japan, check out the Japan Station episode below.

• Jidori and the Chicken Industry in Japan (Dr. Benjamin Schrager) | | Japan Station 35

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• 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.

• Tare
  • たれ (n) (1) sauce (esp. soy or mirin-based dipping sauce)
• Butabara
  • 豚バラ : 豚バラ; 豚ばら; 豚肋 【ぶたバラ(豚バラ); ぶたばら(豚ばら,豚肋)】 (n) (See バラ肉) boneless pork rib; boned pork rib
• Suzume
  • スズメ : 雀 【すずめ(P); スズメ】 (n) (1) tree sparrow (Passer montanus)
• Sasa
  • 笹 : 笹(P); 篠; 小竹 【ささ】 (n) bamboo grass; generally smaller species of running bamboo that do not shed their sheaths (e.g. Sasa spp.)
• Take
  • 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae)
• Negi
  • ネギ : 葱 【ねぎ(P); き(ok); ネギ】 (n) (uk) Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum); green onion; spring onion
• Maguro
  • マグロ : 鮪 【まぐろ(P); しび; マグロ】 (n) (1) (uk) tuna (edible fish, Thunnus spp.); tunny; (n) (2) (uk) Pacific bluefin tuna (edible fish, Thunnus orientalis); (n)
• Toro
  • トロ : とろ(P); トロ (n) fatty cut (esp. of tuna belly)
• Hasami
  • ハサミ : 鋏(P); 剪刀 【はさみ(P); ハサミ】 (n) (1) (uk) (See 螯) scissors; shears; clippers
• Bonbori
  • ぼんぼり (n) paper-covered lamp or lantern
• Shiri
  • 尻 : 尻(P); 臀; 後 【しり】 (n) (1) buttocks; behind; rump; bottom; hips
• Kimo
  • 肝 : 肝(P); 胆(P) 【きも(P); たん(胆)】 (n) (1) liver; innards; (n) (2) courage; spirit; pluck; guts; (n) (3) (きも only) crux; essential point
• Kimodameshi
  • 肝試し : 肝試し; 肝だめし; 胆試し 【きもだめし】 (n) test of courage (e.g. at a frightening place such as a graveyard); dare

• Kushi
  • 串 【くし】 (n) (1) spit; skewer
• Eko
  • エコ (adj-na,pref) (abbr) (See エコロジカル) ecological; eco-

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

• What Ikigai Connections is
• How you say "fart" in Japanese
• The tricky nature of the Japanese passive form
• Getting similar sounding Japanese words confused
• The confusion that can occur when you speak more than two languages
• The various ways gochisōsama can be used
• The difference between the words oppai and ippai
• The importance of learning things in context
• The many different counters used in Japanese
• How Japanese people make mistakes when using honorific language
• The confusion that can arise due to the Japanese language's long versus short vowel distinction
• The way the meaning of a kanji can change depending on whether you are reading it in Chinese or 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

If you're interested in a career involving Japanese, then make sure to check out IkigaiConnections.com. All the relevant links are below.

• Ikigai Connections Website
• Ikigai Connections Facebook
• Ikigai Connections Twitter
• Ikigai Connections on Instagram

If you'd like to learn more about Kasia, then check out this episode of the Inside Japan podcast.

• Ep. 102 – Making it Happen w/Kasia from IkigaiConnections.com

If you would like to read more funny and/or embarrassing stories about mistakes made by people speaking Japanese, check out the link below to the Reddit thread that was mentioned during this episode.

• What's the funniest "mistake" you've ever made in speaking Japanese?

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

• The Inspiring Journey of Kofi Manga | Japan Station 53

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• 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.

• Ikigai
  • 生きがい : 生き甲斐(P); 生きがい; 生甲斐 【いきがい】 (n) reason for living; something one lives for; purpose in life; raison d'être
• Onara
  • おなら (n) wind; gas; fart
• Eiga
  • 映画 【えいが】 (n,adj-no) movie; film
• Osou
  • 襲う 【おそう】 (v5u,vt) (1) to attack; to assail; to make an assault; to strike; to hunt down
• Osowaru
  • 教わる 【おそわる】 (v5r,vt) to be taught; to learn; to take lessons in
• Yōchien
  • 幼稚園 【ようちえん】 (n) kindergarten
• Yūenchi
  • 遊園地 【ゆうえんち】 (n) amusement park
• Kitte
  • 切手 【きって】 (n) stamp (postage); merchandise certificate
• Gochisōsama
  • ご馳走様 : ご馳走様(P); ご馳走さま(P); 御馳走様 【ごちそうさま】 (int) (1) (uk) thank you (for the meal); that was a delicious meal
• Ōyasan
  • 大家さん : 大家さん; 大屋さん 【おおやさん】 (n) (hon) (See 大屋・おおや) landlord; landlady
• Oya
  • 親 : 親(P); 祖 【おや】 (n) (1) (親 only) parent; parents; mother and father
• Shitagi
  • 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear
• Uwagi
  • 上着 : 上着(P); 上衣; 表着 【うわぎ(P); じょうい(上衣)】 (n) coat; tunic; jacket; outer garment
• Gomibako
  • ごみ箱 【ごみばこ】 (n) garbage can; rubbish bin; trash can; dustbin

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: What is a kirakira name?

• What a so-called kirakira nēmu is
• What kirakira means
• Five of the most difficult to read "kirakira names"
• The fact that many Japanese people seem to be unaware that Winnie the Pooh's name is Winnie and not Pooh
• The famous 1993 case of a baby who almost got named Akuma and the controversy that surrounded it
• The story of the boy named Ōjisama and how he changed his name
• How you legally change your name in Japan
• The difficulties that people with kirakira names might face in daily life
• The well known rakugo story of Jugemu
• The original much darker version of the story of Jugemu
• What shiwashiwa nēmu are
• Examples of shiwashiwa names
• The recent popularity of old-fashioned "classic" Japanese first names in Japan
• Restrictions on baby names in other countries such as the U.K., Germany, and Iceland
• 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 main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode.

• キラキラネーム
• キラキラネーム 誕生きっかけは『たまごクラブ』と教育専門家
• キラキラネームの語源とは何ですか？
• キラキラネーム (Japanese Wikipedia)
• "改名"100人～私が名前を変えたワケ～
• 「七音」は何と読む？難読キラキラネームでよかったこと・悪かったこと
• キラキラネーム難読ランキング100選！読めない順に紹介【2020最新版】
• 悪魔ちゃん命名騒動 (Japanese Wikipedia)
• テレビ・新聞が完全スルーした"悪魔ちゃんの父親"窃盗逮捕「覚せい剤の前科も……」
• 「王子様」というキラキラネームに苦しんだ高3、改名に成功。新しい名前は「肇」
• 名前を変えるのは意外と簡単？ 改名の手続き方法を専門家に聞いてみた
• 「じゅげむ」
• 「寿限無」の成立時期と、その名前の真偽について教えて下さい
• 「シワシワネーム」って何？ 男の子と女の子におすすめの古風な名前

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

• In Japan, Parents Play Devil's Advocate in Naming Child : Controversy: Couple fights authorities' ban on satanic moniker. Now the Cabinet has gotten involved
• UK couple win bid to name son Lucifer
• Lucifer not an acceptable baby name in this country

Just in case, here is the kanji for the "five hardest to read kirakira names" that were covered in this episode.

1. Shīzā: 皇帝
2. Doremi: 七音
3. Hīrō: 主人公 (normally read shujinkō)
4. Tiara: 愛羅
5. Pū: 黄熊

If you missed our first episode focusing on Japanese names, make sure to check it out. Juse use the link below.

• How do Japanese names work? | Ichimon Japan 28

Here is the two latest episodes of Japan Station.

• Kyoto Metal City (Takuya Yada & Joe of Cosmic Earth) | Japan Station 51
• Tokyo Before Tokyo: Exploring Edo w. Dr. Timon Screech | Japan Station 52

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• 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.

• Kirakira nēmu
  • キラキラネーム : キラキラネーム; キラキラ・ネーム (n) (derog) (See ＤＱＮネーム・ドキュンネーム) unconventional baby name
• Kirakira
  • キラキラ : きらきら(P); キラキラ (adv,adv-to,vs) (on-mim) glittering; sparkling; glistening; twinkling
• Shujinkō
  • 主人公 【しゅじんこう】 (n) (1) protagonist; main character; hero(ine) (of a story); (n) (2) head of household
• Kōtei
  • 皇帝 【こうてい(P); おうだい(ok)】 (n) (hon) emperor
• Akuma
  • 悪魔 【あくま】 (n) (1) devil; demon; fiend; (n) (2) (in Christianity and Judaism) (See サタン) Satan; the Devil; (n) (3) {Buddh} Māra; evil spirits or forces that hinder one's path to enlightenment; (P); ED Name(s): 【あくま】 (g) Akuma
• Jōyō kanji
  • 常用漢字 【じょうようかんじ】 (n) (See 当用漢字) kanji for common use; jōyō kanji; list of 2,136 kanji established in 2010, formerly a list of 1,945 established in 1981
• Kakuseizai
  • 覚せい剤 : 覚醒剤(P); 覚せい剤(P) 【かくせいざい】 (n) stimulant (e.g. psychoactive drugs like methamphetamine, ritalin, etc.)
• Ōji
  • 王子 【おうじ】 (n) (1) prince
• Koseki
  • 戸籍 【こせき】 (n) (1) family register
• Shiwa
  • 皺 : 皺(P); 皴 【しわ】 (n) (1) (uk) wrinkle; crease; (n) (2) (uk) ripple

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: How do Japanese names work?

• How people in Japan normally state their family name before their given name
• The complicated history of naming practices in Japan
• Commoners being prohibited from using family names during the Edo Period
• The Meiji era laws that mandated every Japanese person take a family name
• The reluctance of some people to take a family name during the Meiji Period
• The fact that many (most?) people with the surname Satō (佐藤) are probably not descended from samurai
• The fact that many commoners were given last names based on the geographical features of the area in which they lived
• The story of how the Furo (風呂) family supposedly got their family name from Minamoto no Yoshitsune
• The most common family names in Japan in 2019
• How many Japanese family names there are
• The prevalence of rare Japanese last names
• The regional nature of some Japanese family names
• The convention of naming boys based on their birth order
• How it's easy to forget people's first names in Japan
• Some of the factors people in Japan consider when naming a baby
• Asking people in Japan about the kanji they use for their given name as a way to spark conversation
• The phenomenon of siblings having related names
• Interesting names in anime
• The practice of picking a baby name based on the way a name is written
• How much it usually costs to have a shrine pick a baby name for you
• What a seimeihandanshi is
• What it might cost you to have a seimeihandanshi pick a baby name for you
• A list outlining the most popular baby names in Japan of 2019
• The Japanese naming convention of tōriji
• How shorter names have become common in Japan in recent years
• How female names that end in -ko used to be more common
• And much more!

Note: Just for the sake of clarity, I'd like to point out that the story of the Furo family name did not occur during the Meiji Period (actually it probably never even occurred in the way it is normally told). However, because the story was introduced alongside the changes of the Meiji Period it's possible to be left with the impression that there was a connection there. There is no direct connection. The story was simply brought up as an example of the many interesting ways in which people in Japan acquired last names.

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 main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode.

• 全国名字ランキング
• 【名字】風呂
• 実在する珍しい名字 (5)
• 通字と偏諱
• 日本人の苗字はこうしてつけられた 【CGS 日本の歴史 5-9】
• NHKネーミングバラエティー日本人のおなまえっ 日本一短い名字「井」
• 名付けを神社にお願いするには？方法や金額相場や初穂料について解説
• 名付けはどうやって決めた？先輩ママに聞いてみよう
• 赤ちゃんの名付け！気をつけるポイントと名付け方法
• 神社での命名にかかる料金はどれぐらい？手順や注意点を解説します！

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

• A Long History of Japanese Names
  • This is the Tofugu article mentioned during this episode.
• The Japanese Naming System - Morphology and Semantics of Individual Names by Anja Collazo
  • This is the thesis mentioned during this episode.
• Japan's Name Culture: The Significance of Names in a Religious, Political, and Social Context by Herbert Plutschow

Here are the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode.

• Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23
• What is seppuku? (The Basics of Samurai "Suicide") | Ichimon Japan18

Here is the latest episode of Japan Station.

• Yūrei, Ghosts & Yōkai, A Chat w. Zack Davisson | Japan Station 50

If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).

• 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.

• Myōji
  • 苗字 : 苗字(P); 名字(P) 【みょうじ】 (n) (See 名前・2) surname; family name
• Namae
  • 名前 : 名前(P); 名まえ 【なまえ】 (n) (1) name; (n) (2) (See 名字) given name; first name;
• Furo
  • 風呂 【ふろ】 (n) (1) (See お風呂) bath; bathing; bathtub; bathroom; (n) (2) bathhouse; public bath
• Kenkō
  • 健康 【けんこう】 (n) (1) health; (adj-na) (2) healthy; sound; fit; wholesome
• Futoi
  • 太い 【ふとい】 (adj-i) (1) fat; thick; (adj-i) (2) deep (of a voice); thick; sonorous; (adj-i) (3) daring; shameless; brazen; audacious
• Seimeihandan
  • 姓名判断 【せいめいはんだん】 (n) (yoji) fortunetelling based on writing or pronunciation of one's name
• Iemoto
  • 家元 【いえもと】 (n) head of a school (of music, dance); head family of a school
• Himawari
  • ひまわり (n) sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
• Tsumugi
  • 紬 : 紬; 紡ぎ 【つむぎ】 (n) pongee; soft thin cloth woven from raw silk
• Tsumugu
  • 紡ぐ 【つむぐ】 ; (v5g,vt) (1) to spin; to make yarn; (v5g,vt) (2) to spin (a tale); to assemble (e.g. words); to put together
• Kotoba o tsumugu
  • 言葉を紡ぐ : 言葉を紡ぐ; 言葉をつむぐ 【ことばをつむぐ】 (exp,v5g) (poet) to express in a refined fashion; to weave a web of words
• Wa
  • 和 : 和(P); 倭 【わ】 (n) (1) (和 only) {math} sum; (n) (2) (和 only) harmony; peace; (n,n-pref,adj-no) (3) Japan; Japanese-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.

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

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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do students in Hamamatsu City have to wear white underwear?

• School rules concerning the color of a student's underwear
• The story of one student who ended up having to go bra-less after it was found that she was not wearing white underwear during a school trip
• Some of the reasons given for why most junior high students in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture must wear white underwear in school
• The peculiar indoor/outdoor school uniform system used by most junior high schools in Hamamatsu
• The justifications offered by some proponents of strict school rules
• And much more!

Note: During the episode it is not made clear when exactly the inquiry into the school rules of Hamamatsu City's public junior high schools began According to this article this all seems to date back to December of 2019 when a local group focusing on issues affecting transgender individuals communicated with at least one city council member (a detailed timeline is not provided in the article). Also, it should be pointed out that the group focusing on transgender issues is called toransugendā kenkyū-kai in the article and not toransugendā-kai.

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 the two Japanese-language articles cited in this episode.

• Twitter禁止、彼氏がいたら先生に報告、白い下着以外禁止…時代錯誤な「ブラック校則」なぜ生まれる？ (June 2, 2020)
• 「下着は白限定」の理由は"体操着規定"にあった 浜松市立中学ブラック校則【現地取材】 (August 18, 2020)

Use the link below to listen to episode 23 of Ichimon Japan.

• Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23

Also, don't forget to stop by KimitoDesigns.com to see what's on sale. If you purchase anything, make sure to use the coupon code OPENING10 to receive 10% off your total (valid until the end of 2020)

• https://www.etsy.com/shop/KimitoDesignsKimitoDesigns.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
• 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
• Taisōfuku
  • 体操服 【たいそうふく】 (n) gym uniform; track suit
• Papakatsu
  • パパ活 【パパかつ】 (n) (sl) compensated dating; dating a sugar daddy

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 tsuchinoko?

• What a tsuchinoko is
• How you say "cryptid" in Japanese
• Tsuchinoko's status as a U.M.A. (Unidentified Mysterious Animal)
• What a tsuchinoko looks like
• Some of the abilities tsuchinoko are said to have
• The areas in Japan where tsuchinoko tend to live
• The sounds tsuchinoko are said to make
• The prevalence of tsuchinoko in the Kinki area
• The typical colors tsuchinoko are reported to be
• The many names used to refer to tsuchinokos
• What tsuchinoko literally translates to and how it is written
• The tsuchinoko's resemblance to a hammer
• The mythological creature kirin
• The oldest records found in Japan that depict something resembling a tsuchinoko
• The possible links between tsuchinoko and Japanese mythology
• The goddess Kayanohime
• Nodzuchi (野槌)
• The tsuchinoko's rise to promnence in the second half of the 20th century
• Soseki Yamamoto, the man who is responsible for kicking off the "Tsuchinoko Boom" of the '70s and '80s
• Soseki Yamamoto's journey to document the tsuchinoko
• Soseki Yamamoto's disillusionment with witht he tsuchinoko craze
• The town of Mikata in Hyogo Prefecuture's claim that they possessed a tsuchinoko
• Tsuchinoko bounties
• The tsuchinoko's connection to yokai
• Some of the many video games in which tsuchinoko appear
• The tsuchinoko shrine in Gifu Prefecture
• Tsuchinoko as a revered creature of the gods
• Tsuchinoko as a PR gimmick/cute mascot character
• Real animals that people may have seen and assumed were tsuchinoko
• The possibility that blue-tongued skinks are responsible for tsuchinoko sightings
• The yamanamekuji's resemblance to the typical tsuchinoko
• The tiger keelback's (yamakagashi) and its possible resemblance to tsuchinoko
• The story of a World War II soldier that thought he had caught a tsuchinoko
• And much more!

Note: Whether a tsuchinoko is classified as a yōkai or not depends on who you ask. While it certainly can be classified as such, it is also commonly referred to as as a cryptid (UMA, mikakunin dōbutsu). This peculiarity raises an interesting question: can a creature be both a cryptid and a yōkai? The answer to that question is probably: it depends who you ask.

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 articles that were used during the research for this episode.

• The Mysterious Tsuchinoko of Japan
• Tsuchinoko
• Kayanohime
• Tsuchinoko
• Town touting mythical snake find; is 'rare' creature really a cash cow? (The Japan Times)

These are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sorces for this episode.

• UMA
• ツチノコ (Japanese Wikipedia entry for Tsuchinoko)

To check out the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below.

• Behind the Yoshimoto Curtain: A Chat w. Comedian Stephen Tetsu | Japan Station 49

If you would like to check out the Kimito shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). And if you buy $25 or more you'll get another 10% off (valid until the end of October, 2020).

• 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.

• Tsuchinoko
  • ツチノコ : 槌の子 【つちのこ; ツチノコ】 (n) mythical snake-like creature; tsuchinoko
• Kirin
  • キリン : 麒麟(P); 騏驎 【きりん(P); キリン】 (n) (1) (uk) giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis); (n) (2) qilin (Chinese unicorn); (n) (3) (麒麟 only) Kirin (brand of beer); (n) (4) (騏驎 only) (arch) horse that can ride 1000 ri in a 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.

Original artwork in featured image: A tsuchinoko illustrated by Miko A.

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

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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why does to "nyan nyan" mean to "have sex" in Japanese?

• Japanese expressions/idioms related to cats
• What the Japanese expression neko no te mo karitai means and how it is used
• What pets are most popular in Japan
• The Japanese festival game of kingyosukui
• What the Japanese expression nekojita means
• What the Japanese expression nekobaba means
• What the Japanese expression nekoze means
• What the Japanese expression dorobōneko means
• Snakes falling from the ceiling of an old Japanese house
• The Sazae-san opening
• An experiment designed to find out how heavy a fish a stray cat is willing to carry
• What neko o kaburu means
• Theories about the origin of the expression neko o kaburu
• What the Japanese expression nyan nyan suru means
• The origin of the expression nyan nyan suru
• The story of Tomoko Takabe
• The Nyan Nyan Jiken (Nyan Nyan Scandal) of 1983 and its aftermath
• Erika Sawajiri
• What happened after Tomoko Takabe's photo was published in 1983
• Underage smoking in Japan
• Why Focus chose to use nyan nya to mean sex (according to one theory)
• What nyan nyan shashin are
• And much more!

Note: It is possible that nyan nyan as it was used by Focus in 1983 was not coined with the onomatopoeia for a cat crying in mind. In fact, the term appears to have been an allusion to something Tomoko Takabe used to say. It is not clear if this original nyan nyan was an allusion to cats. However, due to the fact that without any context a person hearing the term for the first time would likely assume that it is in some way connected to cats meowing, I decided to include nyannyan in this episode along with cat-related idioms.

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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

The English-language article about the story of Tomoko Takabe and Focus' coverage of the "Nyan Nyan Scandal" that was mentioned several times can be accessed via the link below. As mentioned in the episode it does have the pictures but none are explicit. That being said, the website that published the article does have a lot of explicit content that is NSFW.

• Story about Tomoko Takabe/Nyan Nyan on Tokyo Kinky

Here are a couple of Japanese-language sources used for this episode.

• 動物が使われている言葉
• ニャンニャン事件 (Wikipedia)

To listen to either of the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode, use the links below.

• Does "hai" mean "bye" in Japanese? (The many ways to say "goodbye" in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 24
• What's the deal with catgirls? (About nekomimi) | Ichimon Japan 01

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

• Pregnancy & Marriage in Low-Fertility Japan (Dr. Amanda C. Seaman) | Japan Station 48

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.

• Neko
  • 猫 【ねこ(P); ネコ】 (n) (1) cat (esp. the domestic cat, Felis catus)
• Te
  • 手 【て】 (n) (1) (occ. pronounced た when a prefix) (See お手・おて・1) hand; arm
• Neko no te mo karitai
  • 猫の手も借りたい 【ねこのてもかりたい】 (exp,adj-i) (id) extremely busy; wanting even the help of a cat
• Kingyo
  • 金魚 【きんぎょ】 (n) goldfish
• Kingyosukui
  • 金魚すくい : 金魚すくい; 金魚掬い 【きんぎょすくい】 (n) festival game in which participants try to catch goldfish in a shallow paper ladle
• Nekojita
  • 猫舌 【ねこじた】 (n) dislike of very hot food or drink; inability to take hot food; cat tongue
• Kuso/baba
  • 糞 : 糞(P); 屎 【くそ(P); クソ(P)】 (int) (1) (uk) (col) bullshit; shit; damn; (n) (2) (col) (uk) feces; excrement; dung; (adj-f) (3) (uk) (col) damn; damned; blasted; stupid; (4) (sl) (uk) very; extremely; (adv) (5) (sl) (uk) a lot; (exp) (6) (uk) (as ～もくそも（ない）) not at all; not even a little; (P); : 糞; 屎 【ばば】 ; (n) (1) (vulg) (uk) (osb:) shit; crap; (2) (chn) (uk) pooh-pooh; poop; something dirty; 【ふん; フン】 ; (n) (uk) feces (esp. animal); excrement; dung
• Babā
  • 婆 : 婆; 婆あ 【ばば(婆); ばばあ; ババ; ババア; ばばー; ババー】 (n) (1) (uk) (See 祖母) old woman
• Nekobaba
  • 猫ばば : 猫ばば; 猫糞 【ねこばば; ネコババ】 (n,vs) (uk) embezzlement; misappropriation; pocketing; stealing
• Nekoze
  • 猫背 【ねこぜ】 (n,adj-no,adj-na) bent back; hunchback; stoop
• Dorobōneko
  • 泥棒猫 : 泥棒猫; 泥棒ネコ; どろぼう猫 【どろぼうねこ(泥棒猫,どろぼう猫); どろぼうネコ(泥棒ネコ)】 (n) (1) thieving cat; (2) (derog) adulterer; homewrecker
• Neko o kaburu
  • 猫を被る : 猫をかぶる; 猫を被る 【ねこをかぶる】 (exp,v5r) (id) (See 猫被り) to feign friendliness; to play the hypocrite
• Mushiro
  • 蓆 : 筵; 蓆; 莚; 席 【むしろ; えん(筵)】 (n) (1) woven mat (esp. one made of straw); (2) (arch) seat
• Nyan Nyan Suru
  • にゃんにゃんする from にゃんにゃん (int) (1) (on-mim) meow; miaow; (n) (2) (chn) cat; (n,vs) (3) (sl) sexual intercourse; making out
• Jiken
  • 事件 【じけん】 (n) event; affair; incident; case; plot; trouble; scandal
• Raburabu
  • ラブラブ (adj-na,adj-no,n,vs) (col) lovey-dovey (wasei: love love); head-over-heels in love
• Koneko
  • 子猫 : 子猫(P); 仔猫; 子ネコ; 小猫; 子ねこ; 仔ネコ 【こねこ(子猫,仔猫,小猫,子ねこ)(P); こネコ(子ネコ,仔ネコ); コネコ】 (n) (1) kitten; (2) small cat

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: An original catgirl character named Hagenyan next to the Ichimon Japan logo. Hagenyan was drawn by rept_u (@rept_u on Twitter and @repp_u on Instagram) based on an original concept by Tony Vega. Check out rept_u on Fiverr, if yo too want some awesome artwork.

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)

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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Does "hai" mean "bye" in Japanese?

• How most people that don't speak Japanese would say "goodbye" in Japanese
• How sayonara/sayōnara is used fairly infrequently in Japanese
• Reasons why people in Japan tend not to use sayonara/sayōnara frequently
• The etymology of sayonara/sayōnara
• When the first written record of the term that would become sayonara dates to
• what the literal meaning of sayō dearu naraba is
• Common ways that people say "goodbye" in Japanese
• The usage of osaki ni shitsurei shimasu when leaving the workplace
• The literal meaning of osaki ni shitsurei shimasu
• The meaning of otsukaresama
• How friends in Japan miht say "goodbye" to each other
• The term baibai
• Ittekimasu and itterasshai
• Bubble-era Japanese slang
• The antiquated slang term baibī
• How baibī was translated into English when Pac-Man was localized for the U.S.
• What gyaru is
• Gyaru slang (gyarugo)
• Using baibaikīn to say goodbye
• All about Anpanman and Baikinman
• The massive popularity of Anpanman
• How Baikinman may be the first gyaru
• How "hai" can be used to end a verbal interaction (in other words say "goodbye") in Japanese
• How many people incorrectly assume that "hai" simply means "yes"
• The misconception that "iie" is simply the Japanese equivalent of "no"
• The strange way in which "iie" and Japanese in general was used in the old Marvel comics featuring Wolverine in Japan
• Using hai as a way to signal that you are listening
• How misunderstanding hai can make answering negative questions in Japanese confusing
• The importance of learning things in context when you are studying a foreign language
• 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude.

• Support on Patreon

Here are some of the English-language articles that were used during the research for this episode.

• Sayonara: One of the Most Japanese Words in the Dictionary
• What does the word Hai actually mean in Japanese???

These are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sorces for this episode.

• 「さようなら」の語源と由来
• 「さようなら」はもはや死語？関西では7割が「使わない」と回答

To listen to the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast, use the links below.

• How I Became a Voice Actor in Japan (Reina 麗) | Japan Station 46
• Working & Teaching in Japan (James from The Inside Japan Podcast) | Japan Station 47

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.

• Sayōnara
  • さようなら (int) farewell; adieu; goodbye; so long
• Kutabare
  • くたばれ (exp) (vulg) (ktb:) drop dead!; go to hell!; fuck you!; shove it!
• Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu
  • お先に失礼します 【おさきにしつれいします】 (exp) (used when leaving a workplace while others remain) pardon me for leaving (first)
• Otsukaresama
  • お疲れ様 : お疲れ様(P); お疲れさま(P); 御疲れ様 【おつかれさま】 (exp) (1) thank you; many thanks; much appreciated; (2) that's enough for today
• Ja ne
  • じゃね (int) (fam) see you then; bye; ciao
• Baibai
  • バイバイ (int) (1) bye-bye; good-bye; see you; so long; (n,vs) (2) saying goodbye; parting
• Ittekimasu
  • いってき (int) (col) bye; see ya (afterwards); have fun; get going, now
• Itterashai
  • いってらっしゃい (int) have a good day; take care; see you
• Mata na
  • またね (exp) good-bye; see you later
• Baibī
  • バイビー (int) (col) (See バイバイ・1) bye-bye; good-bye; see you; so long
• Gyaru
  • ギャル (n) (1) gyaru (eng: gal); (young) woman adhering to a fashion trend usually marked by brown or blond-dyed hair, gaudy clothes and accessories; (2) gal
• Baikin
  • 黴菌 : ばい菌(P); バイ菌; 黴菌 【ばいきん(ばい菌,黴菌)(P); バイきん(バイ菌)】 (n) (1) (col) germ; germs; bacteria; mold; mould; (2) (used figuratively) something harmful; vermin
• Kabi
  • カビ : 黴 【かび(P); カビ】 (n) (uk) mold; mould; mildew; (P); 《verb stem》 カビる : 黴びる; 黴る 【かびる; カビる】 ; (v1,vi) (uk) to get moldy (mouldy); to get musty; to develop mildew
• Iya
  • いや (int) (1) why; oh; (2) no!; quit it!; stop!
• Kya
  • キャー : きゃっ; キャー; ぎゃあ; キャッ; きゃあ; ギャー; ぎゃっ; ギャッ (int) (1) (expressing surprise, pain, fear, or disgust) yikes!; eek!; ouch!; blech; (adv) (2) (きゃあ only) (on-mim) (monkey screech) ook; eek

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