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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are school rules in Japan so strict?

• Experiences working at and attending Japanese schools
• A selection of "weird" school rules (kōsoku) from across Japan
• The history behind why school rules became strict in Japan
• The case of a female high school student who filed a lawsuit after her school did not allow her to attend classes due to her refusal to dye her hair black
• The paradoxes surrounding rules restricting dying and perming one's hair
• Mandatory hair drying
• Mandatory perms for students with naturally curly hair
• Students having to prove that they were not born with black hair
• A survey that sheds light on what some students and teachers think of Japan's school rules
• The justifications behind the strict school rule "mentality" that is often seen in Japan
• Trying to protect girls through the implementation of rules that shame and blame them
• And much more!

Note: As always, there are many more aspects to this topic that we could have covered, including how modern day schools in Japan have been shaped by policies implemented during the Meiji and early Showa (before and during WWII) eras. However, addressing that aspect of this topic would have led to a far lengthier discussion and thus it was decided to focus only on recent history for this episode.

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 main English-language articles that served as references for this episode.

• School rules in Japan offer harsh lessons in mindless assimilation (The Japan Times)
• Lawsuit over student's dyed hair confronts outdated thinking in Japan (The Japan Times)
• Tokyo public schools will stop forcing students to dye their hair black, official promises (Japan Today)
• Osaka surveys schools over hair-color rules after lawsuit (The Japan Times)

To listen to the Kamon Tatsuo song mentioned in this episode, use the link below. The song is titled "Hontō ni Atta Kowai Kōsoku," which means "Scary School Rules that Actually Existed."

• Hontō ni Atta Kowai Kōsoku

These are the main Japanese-language articles used as sources for this episode.

• 思わず笑っちゃう！ ウチの学校のおもしろ校則
• 全国の変な校則

The Japanese-language article containing the information about the Procter & Gamble Japan survey that asked teachers and students about school regulations can be found below.

• 校則見直し、悩む教育現場 「すさまじい同調圧力」も

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

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

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
• Hizakake
  • ひざ掛け 【ひざかけ】 (n) lap blanket
• Rappanomi
  • らっぱ飲み : 喇叭飲み; らっぱ飲み; ラッパ飲み 【らっぱのみ(喇叭飲み,らっぱ飲み); ラッパのみ(ラッパ飲み)】 (n,vs) drinking straight from a bottle
• Tai'ikukai
  • 体育会系に from 体育会系 【たいいくかいけい】 (adj-no) sports-minded; sports-oriented
• Bunkasai
  • 文化祭 【ぶんかさい】 (n) school festival; cultural festival; arts festival
• Geta
  • 下駄 【げた】 (n) (1) geta; Japanese wooden clogs
• Yukata
  • 浴衣 【ゆかた(P); よくい】 (n) (See 湯帷子) yukata (light cotton kimono worn in the summer or used as a bathrobe)
• Fundoshi
  • ふんどし (n) (1) fundoshi; loincloth; traditional Japanese men's undergarment made from a length of cotton
• Tennen-pāama
  • 天然パーマ 【てんねんパーマ】 (n) naturally curly hair
• Rīzento
  • リーゼント (n) (abbr) (See リーゼントスタイル) Regent hairstyle; ducktail; Pompadour
• Furyō
  • 不良 【ふりょう】 (adj-no,adj-na,n) (1) bad; poor; inferior; (n,adj-no,adj-na) (2) delinquent; hoodlum; hooligan

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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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do you create fake kanji?

• Kanji radicals
• The composition of kanji
• Kanji reading strategies
• The "Original Kanji Contest" (Sōsaku Kanji Kontesuto)
• What yūrei-moji (ghost kanji/characters) are
• Why the kanji character for rice (米) is used to mean "meter" in Japanese
• The kanji based system used for measurements (metric and Imperial)
• What kokuji (国字) are
• What "made in Japan kanji" (和製漢字, wasei kanji) are
• Some of our favorite kanji made in Japan
• The fabulous dolphin-like creature that is Shachihoko
• How to write gomi (trash, garbage) in kanji
• The many ways you can write "sleigh" in kanji
• And 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

If you would like to learn more about kanji radicals, one good place to start might be the Wikipedia page linked below.

• List of kanji radicals by frequency

The 23 kanji radicals below are the ones mentioned by Christine in this episode. The on-yomi (Chinese reading) of a jōyō kanji will always have the same reading. The on-yomi for each of these radicals is provided as well.

• 長 chō
• 義 gi
• 亢 kō
• 章 shō
• 尞 ryō
• 曹 sō
• 巨 kyo
• 𢦏 sai
• 冓 kō
• 㐮 jō
• 旨 shi
• 氐 tei
• 呉 go
• 求 kyū
• 兪 yu
• 麻 ma
• 五 go
• 侵 shin
• 奴 do
• 喿 sō
• 喿 sō
• 及 kyu
• 賁 fun
• 旦 tan

The list above is from the article below. If you are interested in learning more bout which kanji radicals have more or less readings, then the article is definitely worth a look.

• Toyoda, Etsuko & Firdaus, Arief & Kano, Chieko. (2013). Identifying Useful Phonetic Components of kanji for Learners of Japanese. Japanese Language and Literature. 47. 235-272.

The Japan Times article on "ghost kanji" (yūrei-moji ) that was mentioned in this episode can be accessed via the link below.

• 'Ghost kanji' lurk in the Japanese lexicon

The kanji that Christine gives as an example of a ghost kanj can be seen below.

• 妛: According to the Japan Times, some dictionaries give akebi as the reading of this character. However, it is believed that this character was accidentally created as a result of a mistake when creating computer fonts in the 1970s. This character (妛) is thought to derive from the real character 𡚴, which can be found in 𡚴原 (Akenbara), a name used for a small district in Shiga Prefecture. The extra horizontal line in the ghost kanji is believed to have been caused by a photocopying error.

The website for the "Original Kanji Contest" (Sōsaku Kanji Kontesuto) can be accessed via the link below.

• Sōsaku Kanji Contest Website

Source: Sōsaku Kanji Contest Website

To look at the full list of made in Japan kanji/kokuji, check out the page linked to below.

• A list of kokuji (国字)

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

• From Nintendo to Hello Kitty, Chatting About Japanese Pop Culture w. Matt Alt | Japan Station 44

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.

• Bushu
  • 部首 【ぶしゅ】 (n) radical (of a kanji character)
• Tōge
  • 峠 【とうげ】 (n,n-suf) (1) (mountain) pass; ridge; peak; (n) (2) peak (e.g. of summer); worst (e.g. of an illness); crisis; critical point; most difficult part
• Sori
  • 轌 : 橇; 轌 【そり; ソリ】 (n) (uk) sleigh; sled; sledge
• Shachihoko
  • 鯱 : 鯱; 鯱鉾 【しゃちほこ; しゃっちょこ(鯱); さちほこ(鯱)】 (n) mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish (auspicious protectors of well-being); 【しゃち; シャチ】 ; (n) (1) (uk) orca (Orcinus orca); killer whale; grampus; (2) (しゃち only) (abbr) (See 鯱・しゃちほこ) mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish (auspicious protectors of well-being); ED Name(s): 【しゃちほこ】 (s) Shachihoko
• Konoshiro
  • 鮗 【このしろ; コノシロ】 (n) (uk) konoshiro gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus)
• Ebi
  • エビ : 海老(P); 蝦; 蛯; 鰕 【えび(P); エビ(P)】 (n) prawn; shrimp; lobster; crayfish
• Hataraku
  • 働く 【はたらく】 (v5k,vi) (1) to work; to labor; to labour; (2) to function; to operate; to be effective; to work (i.e. ... works); to come into play; (3) to commit (e.g. a crime); to perpetrate; to do; to act; to practise; to practice; (4) {ling} to be conjugated
• Heibei
  • 平米 【へいべい】 (n) square metre; square meter

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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Japanese Plus Alpha is the latest podcast in the JapanKyo Podcast Network. Produced by Tony Vega, Japanese Plus Alpha focuses on the Japanese language and its many fascinating quirks. The show is designed as a fun way to learn about the Japanese language while at the same time gaining insight into Japanese history, culture, linguistics, and more. In other words, Japanese Plus Alpha is great for both those studying the Japanese language and those who enjoy learning about the world through language.

Currently, Japanese Plus Alpha is available only via the JapanKyo.com Patreon. To get access to more episodes of Japanese Plus Alpha, just join the $3 a month Plus Alpha tier.

This is episode 2 of Japanese Plus Alpha. It focuses on the origins of the word "neko," which means cat in Japanese. Hope you enjoy it.

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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's so scary about the hour of the ox?

• All about Japan's old way of telling time that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac (eto)
• Which "animals" in the old Chinese Zodiac based way of telling time correspond to which hours in the modern way of telling time
• Why the "hour of the ox" (ushi no koku) was thought to have associations with demons and inauspicious things
• What a "demon gate" (kimon) is
• In which direction you would find a kimon (demon gate)
• What ushimitsudoki is and what time it corresponds to
• The punctual nature of demons
• What ushi no koku mairi is
• How people performing ushi no koku mairi are typically depicted today
• The historical origins of ushi no koku mairi
• The story of Uji no Hashihime
• The various tools involved when placing a curse on someone ushi no koku mairi style
• The potentially deadly consequences of catching someone in the act of performing ushi no koku mairi
• Websites/companies that offer to places curses on your behalf
• Whether performing ushi no koku mairi or cursing someone is illegal in Japan
• Two actual cases of people threatening others using straw dolls (wara ningō)
• Why you could get arrested if you were to perform a full ushi no koku mairi ceremony
• How you can purchase ushi no koku mairi kits from online retailers like Amazon Japan
• One man's attempt to curse the coronavirus ushi no koku mairi style
• And 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.

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There are various ways of referring to the old way of telling time used in Japan that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The two most common terms are kojikoku (古時刻) and jūnijishin (十二時辰). Much of the information this episode was based on was gathered from the Japanese-language sources below.

• Jūnijishin (十二時辰)
  • This is the Japanese-language Wikipedia entry.
• 昔の時間の古時刻・十二時辰とは？初刻や正刻の鐘の意味は
  • This is an in-depth article focusing on the old system used in Japan for telling time.

Although it is not as thorough as the Japanese language articles above, the Japan Times article below does give some general information on the old Chinese Zodiac based system of telling the time that Japan used to use.

• Telling time with animals

In the Chinese Zodiac-based way of telling time the day would start with the hour of the rat (ne no koku) and end with the hour of the boar (i no koku). Below you can see the terms used for all 12 animals/time divisions) and what two hour block each corresponds to. Also it should be noted that both English and Japanese-language sources are unclear on when exactly each two hour block of time begins. In general sources go with wording like "between 11 and 1," thus I have been unable to determine with 100% certainty if, for example, the last minute of the hour of the rat is 12:59 (which seems more likely) or 1:00. While this degree of precision was likely not a matter of concern for most people when this method of telling time was still being used, the question of when exactly each block of time ends is nevertheless one that remains and is unfortunately not solved in the information below.

• 11:00 p.m - 1:00 a.m. Rat 子 (鼠) ne
• 1:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. Ox 丑 (牛) ushi
• 3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. 寅 (虎) tora
• 5:0 am. - 7:00 a.m. Rabbit 卯 (兎) u
• 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Dragon 辰 (竜) tatsu
• 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Snake 巳 (蛇) mi
• 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Horse 午 (馬) uma
• 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Sheep 未 (羊) hitsuji
• 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monkey 申 (猿) 酉 saru
• 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Rooster 酉 (鳥) tori
• 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Dog 戌 (犬) inu
• 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Boar 亥 (猪) i

Information about the two articles by Salvador Jimenez Murguia that were mentioned in this episode can be found below. Only the second article is accessible for free.

• The Cursing Kit of Ushi no Koku Mairi
• Cyber Execration: A Case Study of Ushi No Koku Mairi

The link below is for a video about the "Curse Demon Association" (呪鬼会, Jujikai), which is, according to the video, a group of Shinto priests that will curse people for you in exchange for money.

• Video About the Curse Demon Association

The link below will take you to the Nikkan Spa article mentioned in this episode. The article describes one person's attempt to curse the coronavirus using ushi no koku mairi in order to stop the pandemic. Although the article is in Japanese, it's worth a look even if can't read Japanese since he pictures are pretty amusing.

• コロナを呪って終息へ！ リモート丑の刻参りに挑戦

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

• Talking Translation w. Sarah Moon | Japan Station 43

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.

• Eto
  • 干支 【えと; かんし】 (n) (1) sexagenary cycle (60-year cycle of 12 animal zodiac and 5 elements in the traditional Chinese calendar); (2) 12-year Chinese zodiac
• Ushi no koku mairi
  • 丑の刻参り 【うしのこくまいり】 (exp,n) cursing ritual where one visits a shrine at 2am and nails a doll representing a person to a tree, praying for said person's death
• Hakamairi
  • 墓参り : 墓参り(P); 墓参(P) 【はかまいり(P); ぼさん(墓参)】 (n,vs) visit to a grave
• Ushimitsudoki
  • 丑三つ時 【うしみつどき】 (n) (1) dead of night; middle of the night; midnight; (2) (See 丑の刻) third quarter of the hour of the ox
• Wara ningyō
  • 藁人形 : 藁人形; わら人形; ワラ人形 【わらにんぎょう(藁人形,わら人形); ワラにんぎょう(ワラ人形)】 (n) straw doll; straw figure; straw effigy
• Kyōhaku
  • 脅迫 【きょうはく】 (n,vs) threat; menace; coercion; terrorism

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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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are your favorite places to visit in Osaka?

• A basic overview of the main areas of Osaka
• Osaka's best burrito place: El Zocalo
• Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park
• The Umeda Area
• Yodobashi Camera
• The Minami area
• Universal Studios Japan and its Cool Japan special events/rides
• Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
• Shinsaibashi and Namba
• The city of Minoh/Minō and its famous autumn foliage
• Minoh's Momoji Tempura (deep fried and battered maple leaves)
• The Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses
• The Nipponbashi/Den-Den Town area
• Kushikatsu
• The Shinsekai area
• Osaka's famous symbol: Tsūtenkaku
• The tallest building in Japan: Abeno Harukas
• The Tsuruhashi area
• The Japan Mint (Dokuritsu Gyōsei Hōjin Zōheikyoku) and its annual cherry blossom event
• The Round One chain of amusement centers
• And 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 is some extra information about the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses.

• Osaka Info

Here is some more information on Minoh.

• Minoh Park

For more information on Tsuruhashi (Osaka's "Korea Town"), you can check out the link below.

• Korea Town (Tsuruhashi)

The article below discusses the delay of the opening of Super Nintendo World.

• Super Nintendo World Japan's opening indefinitely delayed

The name of the burrito shop mentioned in today's episode is El Zocalo Burrito. You canf ind the address below.

• 1-9-6 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku 1f-b, Osaka 550-0014 Osaka Prefecture

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.

• Momiji
  • 紅葉 : 紅葉(P); 黄葉; 椛 【こうよう(紅葉,黄葉)(P); もみじ(P)】 (n,vs) (1) autumn colours; fall colors; leaves changing color (colour); (2) (紅葉, こうよう only) leaves turning red; red leaves; (3) (黄葉, こうよう only) leaves turning yellow; yellow leaves; (n) (4) (もみじ only) (See 以呂波紅葉) (Japanese) maple (Acer japonicum); (5) (もみじ only) (col) venison; (6) (See 紅葉襲) layered colors in garments, resembling autumn colors

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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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we finish off the discussion on seppuku that we started in episode 18 with two very interesting examples of people cutting themselves open.

• General Maresuke Nogi
• The death by (kind of sanctioned?) seppuku of General Nogi Maresuke
• The cork-sized plugs found in General Nogi's rectum
• Nogi Shrine in Tokyo
• The story of Matsudaira Tadaaki, a samurai who should not have fallen asleep near his swords
• And more!

Note/Kind of a spoiler: In the episode Ryan asks if the two plugs General Nogi used to prevent anal leakage were used only by General Nogi or by General Nogi and his wife. The footnote in Seppuku by Andrew Rankin makes it clear that two plugs were found in General Nogi's rectum. It makes no mention of what was found in General Nogi's wife's rectum.

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 vast majority of the information cited during this episode came from the book Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin. It is a very well-researched, informative, and fun to read book that has a whole lot more information than what we were able to cover in this episode. If you would like to get a copy of the book for yourself, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it will help support what we're doing here at Japankyo.com.

• Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin

You can also just use the link below to do your shopping on Amazon, while at the same time supporting Japankyo.

• https://www.japankyo.com/amazon

A few more details about Matsudaira Tadaaki can be found in his Japanese language Wikipedia entry.

• About Matsudaira Tadaaki (Japanese Wikipedia)

Just in case you read Japanese and would like more information on Nogi Shrine, you can check out the shrine's website via the link below.

• Nogi Shrine/Jinja Website.

If you haven't gotten your fill of disembowelment and are curious about the "intestines episode" that was mentioned during this episode, then check out episode two of Ichimon Japan.

• Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? | Ichimon Japan 02

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.

• Seppuku
  • 切腹 【せっぷく】 (n,vs) seppuku; harakiri; ritual suicide by disembowelment
• Hara-kiri
  • 腹切り : 腹切り; 腹切 【はらきり】 (n,vs) (See 切腹) harakiri; seppuku; ritual suicide by disembowelment
• Utatane
  • うたた寝 【うたたね】 (n,vs) doze; nap; snooze
• Majime
  • 真面目 : 真面目(ateji)(P); 眞面目 【まじめ(P); マジメ(P)】 (adj-na,n) serious; honest; sober; grave; earnest; steady
• Shōki
  • 正気 【しょうき】 (n,adj-no) (See 狂気) sanity; consciousness; soberness

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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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is seppuku?

• A breakdown of the word seppuku
• A breakdown of the word hara-kiri
• Whether "hara-kiri" is a term used only by foreigners
• The glorification and beautification of seppuku
• The history and origin of seppuku/belly cutting
• The differences between the terms seppuku and hara-kiri, and which is more commonly used in Japan
• The earliest known Japanese story involving belly cutting
• Harasaki marsh
• Minamoto no Tmetomo
• The "Golden Age" of seppuku
• Seppuku as a symbol of the elite
• Who was allowed to commit sanctioned seppuku
• The end of officially sanctioned seppuku
• Whether seppuku should really be considered suicide
• Why seppuku involves cutting open the belly rather than other body parts such as the wrists
• The discrepancies found in seppuku manuals
• The steps and rules of a formal Edo period seppuku ceremony
• What a kaishakunin is
• What dakikubi is
• The usage of paper fans rather than swords during seppuku
• Children committing seppuku
• The seppuku of the famed 47 ronin
• The places where formal seppuku ceremonies would be held and why seppuku would not normally be done at shrines
• The different types of cuts used when belly cutting (jūmonji, ichimonji, hachimonji, sanmonji)
• Oibara
• How a retainer of Oda Nobunaga's father guilt tripped Oda Nobunaga by commiting seppuku
• The anime style "concealed belly cut"
• Seppuku as murder
• Seppuku caused by depression
• The over-the-top nature of kabuki
• Junshi
• Seppuku as a way to preserve the honor and status of one's family
• And 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

The vast majority of the information cited during this episode came from the book Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin. It is a very well-researched, informative, and fun to read book that has a whole lot more information than what we were able to cover in this episode. If you would like to get a copy of the book for yourself, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it will help support what we're doing here at Japankyo.com.

• Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin

You can also just use the link below to do your shopping on Amazon, while at the same time supporting Japankyo.

• https://www.japankyo.com/amazon

If you haven't gotten your fill of disembowelment and are curious about the "intestines episode" that was mentioned during this episode, then check out episode two of Ichimon Japan.

• Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? | Ichimon Japan 02

Use the link below to check out the episode of Japan Station that was mentioned during the commercial break in this episode.

• Rakugo Performer Shinoharu Tatekawa | Japan Station 41

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.

• Seppuku
  • 切腹 【せっぷく】 (n,vs) seppuku; harakiri; ritual suicide by disembowelment
• Hara-kiri
  • 腹切り : 腹切り; 腹切 【はらきり】 (n,vs) (See 切腹) harakiri; seppuku; ritual suicide by disembowelment
• Junshi
  • 殉死 【じゅんし】 (n,vs) following one's master into the grave; committing suicide after one's lord has died
• Kaishakunin
  • 介錯人 【かいしゃくにん; かいしゃくじん】 (n) (1) (See 介錯・1) person who beheads somebody to end a seppuku; (2) assistant; helper

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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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese people love Hawaii so much?

• Why Hawaii is such a popular travel destination among Japanese travelers
• How many Japanese people came to Hawaii in 2019
• How the amount of Japanese travelers to Hawaii compares to the amount of travelers from other places
• How many Japanese people went to Guam and Okinawa in 2019
• The surge in popularity of Guam among Japanese tourists
• A brief look at the history of Hawaii and how it may have helped make Hawaii so popular among Japanese travelers
• The 1948 song "Akogare no Hawaii Kōro" ("The Hawaii Cruise I Long For," 憧れのハワイ航路)
• How much it would have cost someone from Japan to purchase a package tour to Hawaii in 1964
• What year the average Japanese salary rose above the cost of a package tour from Japan to Hawaii
• How pancakes from Hawaii became so popular in Japan
• The connection between Hawaiian pizza and Canada
• What loco moco is
• Eggs n' Things
• The aggressive sales tactics of some vendors in Ala Moana Center and how they target Japanese tourists
• How much money Japanese tourists spend on average while in Hawaii and how this compares to the amount of money spent by those from the mainland U.S.
• How you should "Discover Guam"
• And more!

If you would like to listen to the 1948 song "Akogare no Hawaii Kōro," you can do so via the video below.

• Akogare no Hawaii Kōro

Here are some of the main English language articles used as references for this episode.

• Japanese tourists' longing for Hawaii is still worth banking on
• Japanese "Pancake Boom" Fuels Renewed Relations with Hawaii
• Hawai'i Visitor Statistics Released for 2019

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

• なぜ日本人はみんなハワイが好きなのか？ (English: Why do all Japanese people love Hawaii?)
• 【図解】日本人旅行者数、ハワイ・グアム・沖縄の直近10年間をグラフで比較してみた（2019年版）(English: Comparing the past ten years of the total number of travelers to Hawaii, Guam, and Okinawa)
• なぜ日本人は世界で一番｢ハワイ｣が好きなのか (English: Why is Hawaii the favorite place of Japanese people?)

To listen to episode 40 of the Japan Station podcast, use the link below.

• Comedian & TV Personality Bobby Judo | Japan Station 40

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.

• Akogare
  • 憧れ : 憧れ(P); 憬れ 【あこがれ】 (n,adj-no) yearning; longing; aspiration; adoration; admiration;

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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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Can sexy things give you anime style nosebleeds?

• Whether getting sexually aroused causes nosebleeds
• What it would be like if people in the real world had explosive nosebleeds like in anime
• The idea that eating large amounts of chocolate causes nosebleeds
• The idea that eating large amounts of peanuts causes nosebleeds
• Theories on how it was that people in Japan started to say that chocolate can cause nosebleeds
• The idea that Japanese people in the Meiji period thought milk chocolate had cow's blood in it
• Why Japanese parents may have told chiclren that consuming too much chocolate causes nosebleeds
• The case of a Japanese person who was told eating too many raisins cause nosebleeds
• The possible origin of the nosebleed trope in anime/manga
• The manga creator Yasuji Tanioka
• What the heck hanajibū (鼻血ブー) means
• Yasuji Tanioka's 1970 hit gyagu (gag/comedic) manga "Tanioka Yasuji no Mettametta Gakidō Kōza" (谷岡ヤスジのメッタメタガキ道講座) and its connection to nosebleeds
• Yasuji Tanioka's 1971 animated film "Yasuji no Porunorama Yacchimae!!" (ヤスジのポルノラマ やっちまえ!!)
• A totally ridiculous message board post claiming that men in feaudal Japan would demonstrate interest in a woman by somehow (mentally?) forcing blood to come out their nose
• The possible connection between ginkgo nuts/seeds and nosebleeds
• The adverse health effects of ginkgotoxin
• What many in Japan say is the maximum number of ginkgo nuts one should eat
• A theory that ties the nosebleeds of anime all the way back to ancient China and the ginkgo nut
• What the proper way to stop a nosebleed is
• Tony's Unified Nosebleed Theory (TUNT)
• And 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 is a list of the main English-language sources used for this episode. Some extra details were included when necessary.

• Bloodbath: Why Do So Many Anime Characters Have Nosebleeds When They're Aroused?
• Yasuji Tanioka
• From where did the anime cliche of a sexually aroused person bleeding from their nose originate? What is its significance?
• Anime Physics: Nosebleeds
• Origins of the nose-bleed in anime/manga
  • The page above is where the quote about nosebleeds possibly tying back to feudal Japan when men used to mentally force blood to come out their noses in order to signal to a woman that they were attracted to them. That post was written by someone using the name Kess Vargavind and has been quoted in its entirety below. The post was dated October 27, 2013.
    • "I have no idea when, or by whom, the nosebleeding started to depicted in Japanese visual arts, but the nosebleeding as a sign of excitement is traditionally held to have developed during the feudal times when men and women (of the upper classes) were supposed to live their lives apart—but of course they needed some way to woo each other! And so, the men, while walking on the other side of the street mentally forced their noses to bleed when they saw someone "hot" being walked along, and the courting could begin on opposite sides of drawn curtains. Some consider this an accurate history while others consider it a myth, probably the truth lies somewhere in between, as usual.

      If this is true, then this form of specialised nosebleed might have been depicted in art for quite awhile. But of that I have no knowledge.

      An interesting thing, I just realised, is that if this is the true history of the sexually ritualistic nosebleed, then

      (a) women had no need to develop such "skills", and

      (b) homosexual men also had no such need.

      Thus much of the anime and manga today—especially in the boys' love scene—are not true to the real history! :P (Male homosexual acts were in these times—again, in the upper classes—something considered pure and good, as females were "worth" less and not something you might not have easy "access" to when you felt certain urges.)"

• Nosebleeds: Causes and Treatments
  • The article above states "Some herbs that affect blood clotting, including ginseng, ginkgo, and garlic, may also play a role in nosebleeds."
• Spontaneous Bleeding Associated with Ginkgo biloba
  • The study above is interesting in that it analyzes previous studies and does not dismiss the link between ginkgo and bleeding. It calls for further research.
• Ginkgotoxin (Wikipedia)

Here is a selection of the main articles used as reference for this episode. All titles are provided in Japanese. Additional notes are provided for particularly notable articles.

• 【育児都市伝説】ピーナッツやチョコで鼻血が出るって本当？
• チョコレートと鼻血
  • This article debunks the excessive chocolate causes nosebleeds urban legend (toshi densetsu) and says that one possible explanation is that back when milk chocolate was introduced to Japan some people mistakenly believed that it was made using cow's blood. According to this unverified explanation this mistake was caused by the phrase "cow's milk" (ushi no chichi) sounding similar to the phrase "cow's blood" (ushi no chi).
• はな血 その２
  • The post above also mentions that cow's blood theory as one of the explanations for the origin of the eating too much chocolate causes nosebleed urban legend.
• 「レーズンの食べ過ぎは良くない、鼻血が出る
  • This is the link to the Yahoo Chiebukuro (Japanese equivalent of Yahoo Answers) post in which someone asks if it is true that eating a lot of raisins will cause nosebleeds. In the discussion it is said that the person asking the question says their mother told them this. However, this is not true. It is just a general question that asks if this is true or not.
• 鼻血とは （漫画・アニメ等における鼻血）
• 「エロい物で本当に鼻血は出るの？」――医師に確認してみた！
• エッチなことを考えると鼻血が出るのは本当か？
  • The article above states that the manga creator Yasuji Tanioka is often attributed as the one that started the association between sexual arousal and nosebleeds through his 1970 manga "Yasuji no Mettametta Gakkidō Kōza."
• 谷岡ヤスジ (Wikipedia)
• 銀杏を食べ過ぎると鼻血が出るって本当ですか？
  • This message board post asks if eating too many ginkgo seeds/nuts will cause a nosebleed. Interestingly, the person that responds to the person asking this question states that it does not cause nosebleeds but ginkgo seeds can be poisonous if you eat too many of them.
• ぎんなんの食べ過ぎで中毒死、ゴボウの保存法間違え食中毒…実は危険な食べ物リスト
  • This is the Business Journal article mentioned during the episode. In this article a professor from Nihon Pharmaceutical College (Nihon Gakka Daigaku, 日本薬科大学) named Shinji Funayama states that excessive consumption of ginkgo seeds/nuts can result in nosebleeds and even seizures.

Here is the Tokyo Podcast episode mentioned during the commercial break.

• Seeing The Human Potential With Tony Vega

Here is the Japan Station episode mentioned during the commercial break.

• Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33

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.

• Hanaji
  • 鼻血 【はなぢ(P); はなじ(ik)】 (n) nosebleed
• Ginnan
  • 銀杏 【ぎんなん; ギンナン】 ; (n) (See 銀杏・いちょう) ginkgo nut; gingko nut
  • 男前 【おとこまえ(P); オトコマエ】 (n) handsome man; man's looks; good looks
• Ushi
  • 牛 【うし(P); ぎゅう; ウシ】 (n) (1) cattle (Bos taurus); cow; bull; ox; calf
• Chichi
  • 乳 【ちち(P); ち】 (n) (1) milk; (2) breast

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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On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Have you ever had any weird experiences in Japan?

• Weird/crazy/surprising experiences had in Japan
• Peculiar Japanese coworkers/teachers
• A teacher who wanted to go to France to become a witch
• Whether English is the lingua franca of witches trained in France
• Eating cat... not really, but kind of
• Being accosted by an individual that appeared to be a far right nationalist
• A sarcastic Japanese guy
• Getting called handsome by a yakuza while urinating
• And 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

In the story about the yakuza in the bathroom a magician named Sero is mentioned. This is the Japanese pronucniation of his name. His real name is Cyril Takayama. Also, it should be noted that it was mistakenly stated that is part Turkish. According to Wikipedia he is of French, Moroccan, and Japanese descent. He has performed in many countries around the world and even had numerous specials air on Japanese television.

As for the temple in Kyoto that was mentioned during this episode, it is called Sanjūsangen-dō. It is a place I (Tony) highly recommend visiting when in Kyoto and if you would like to know more about it you can start by checking out the Wikipedia page for it. Another thing you can do is listen to episode 22 of the Japan Station podcast.

• Japan Station 22: Discovering Buddhist Sculptures w. Michael VanHartingsveldt

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.

• Majo
  • 魔女 【まじょ】 (n,adj-no) witch
• Otokomae
  • 男前 【おとこまえ(P); オトコマエ】 (n) handsome man; man's looks; good looks
• Neko
  • 猫 【ねこ(P); ネコ】 (n) (1) cat (esp. the domestic cat, Felis catus); (2) shamisen; (3) geisha; (4) (abbr) (See 猫車) wheelbarrow; (5) (abbr) (See 猫火鉢) clay bed-warmer; (6) (uk) (col) (ant: タチ) bottom; submissive partner of a homosexual relationship

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