Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks about his most recent trip to Japan and why you should go to Japan now.

Topics Discussed

• Why you should go to Japan now
• The yen-dollar exchange rate
• Cheap yen
• About the Okubo and Shin Okubo area in Tokyo
• About Fuji-Q Highland
• About Team Lab Planets
• And much more

Listen to Japan Station on

[btn btnlink="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://play.google.com/music/m/Ic2siykvvzpxgnl4kamgsp5kde4?t=Japan_Station_A_Podcast_by_Japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Play[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Japan-Station-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1183369/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-japan-station-a-podcast-by-30903408/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/munsk-85d22/Japan-Station-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://overcast.fm/itunes1440454968/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Overcast[/btn]

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

To learn more about Zeb, cycling in Japan and life on the JET Programme, check out Zeb's podcast, Rambling Ramsbothams. Links are below.

• Rambling Ramsbothams on Apple Podcasts
• Rambling Ramsbothams on Spotify

Follow JapanKyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, road cycling in Japan, life on the JET Programme and more with Zeb Ramsbotham.

About Zeb Ramsbotham

Zeb Ramsbotham is experienced road cyclist living in Japan. He competes in cycling events as part of the Japan Bicyclist Club Federation (JBCF). He is also currently on the JET Programme and along with his wife produces the Japan-focused podcast Rambling Ramsbothams.

Topics Discussed

• Zeb's interest in Japan
• What road cycling is
• About road cycling in Japan
• What it's like competing in the Japan Bicyclist Club Federation (JBCF)
• About cycling around Japan
• About the benefits of seeing Japan on bicycle
• About the JET Programme
• What it's like getting into the JET Programme
• The unique aspects of getting to see Japan via the JET Programme
• And much more

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

To learn more about Zeb, cycling in Japan and life on the JET Programme, check out Zeb's podcast, Rambling Ramsbothams. Links are below.

• Rambling Ramsbothams on Apple Podcasts
• Rambling Ramsbothams on Spotify

Follow JapanKyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, independent researcher and translator Eric Shahan joins us to talk about his work translating forgotten Japanese books on topics like martial arts, tattoos, ropes, ninja and more.

About Eric Shahan

Eric Shahan is an independent translator of Japanese books on a variety of topics mainly Jujutsu, sword techniques, police manuals, Karate, Ninja related, travel guides, Edo Era Manga, rope binding, tattooing in all areas of Japan and Seppuku.

Topics Discussed

• About how Eric learning Japanese
• Tips for people studying Japanese
• How Eric got started in translation
• The first book he translated
• About the history of tattoos in Okinawa
• About tattoos as punishment in Japan
• What it's like translating old Japanese books
• About Japanese rope techniques
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

If you are interested in Eric Shahan's work and would like to pick up any of the books mentioned in the episode today, please check out the link below.

• Eric Shahan on Amazon

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Kushwagra Kushwaha, an animator working in Japan's anime industry tells us how he got to Japan, how he got his break in the Japanese anime industry, what it's like working as an anime animator in Japan and more.

About Kushagra Kushwaha Kushwagra Kushwaha is a professional animator working in the anime industry in Japan. He has worked on well known shows like Yowamushi Pedal, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Danmachi, YuGiOh and more. Topics Discussed

• Kushwagra's interest in animation and Japan
• How Kushawagra went about studying Japanese
• About how Kushwagra broke into the animation industry in Japan
• The low wages in the anime industry in Japan
• The challenges of working in the anime industry in Japan
• The various anime Kushwagra has worked on
• The changing style of anime in Japana nd it's trend towards uniformity
• About working on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure as an animator
• Advice for people hoping to work as animators in Japan's anime industry
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

All relted links are below.

• Behance
• Instagram
• Twitter

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, James Reynolds tells us about documenting extreme weather in Japan and around the world..

About James Reynolds James Reynolds is a professional storm chaser who spends his days documenting extreme weather events in Japan and around the world. Topics Discussed

• About moving to Japan and learning Japanese
• How James Reynolds got started chasing storms and documenting extreme weather in Japan
• Extreme floods in Kyushu
• Typhoons in Japan
• Extreme weather in the Ryukyu Islands/Okinawa
• The architecture in Okinawa and how it holds up against in extreme weather
• Landslides and flash floods in Kyushu
• The extreme cold and snow conditions seen in Japan in January of 2023
• The large amounts of snow some areas of Japan get
• Covering Japan's most active volcano Sakurajima in Kagoshima
• Covering volcanoes in Indonesia
• Covering the 2011 Tohoku earthquake & tsunami
• About traveling
• About James' YouTube channel
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out James Reynolds' work on Twitter and YouTube.

• @EarnUncutTV on Twitter
• @EarthUncutTV on YouTube

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr. Chris McMorran talks about what it's like working at a rural ryokan (Japanese inn).

About Dr. Chris McMorran Chris McMorran is Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore. He is a cultural geographer of contemporary Japan focusing on the geographies of home across scale, from the body to the nation. He is the author of Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan (University of Hawai'i Press), an ethnography of a Japanese inn, based on twelve months spent scrubbing baths, washing dishes, and making guests feel at home in Kurokawa Onsen. He also researches tourism, disasters, gendered labor, area studies, field-based learning, and popular culture, including as co-editor of Teaching Japanese Popular Culture. Finally, Chris co-produces the Home on the Dot podcast with NUS students. The podcast explores the complex spaces and meanings of home in Singapore, through the lives of young people. Topics Discussed

• About Dr. Thomas Baudinette's interest in Japan and research
• About ryokan (Japanese inns)
• About what it's like to work at a ryokan
• About the tasks expected of a ryokan employee
• About who works at ryokans
• About genered labor at ryokan
• Whether you should leave a tip at a ryokan
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

To get a copy of Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan you can use the link below or check wherever books are sold.

• Ryokan: Mobilizing Hospitality in Rural Japan

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Dr Thomas Baudinette talks about Shinjuku's Ni-chome district and Japanese media as it relates to queer individuals/gay men in Japan.

About Dr. Thomas Baudinette Dr. Thomas Baudinette is Senior Lecturer in Japanese and International Studies in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Languages and Literatures at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. He is a cultural anthropologist whose work has explored consumption of popular culture among queer communities in Japan, Mainland China, Thailand, and the Philippines. He has a particular interest in the transnational spread of Japanese queer popular culture and its impacts on conceptualisations of gender and sexuality. He also investigates K-pop fandom in Japan and Australia. He is also the author of the book Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo. Topics Discussed

• About Dr. Thomas Baudinette's interest in Japan and research
• About Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo (Volume 93) (Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies)
• About Shinjuku's No-chome district
• About researching depictions of queer individuals and gay men in Japanese media (tarento)
• About the social pressure experienced by gay men in Japan
• About Johnny's & Associates
• And much more!

Listen to Japan Station on

[btn btnlink="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://play.google.com/music/m/Ic2siykvvzpxgnl4kamgsp5kde4?t=Japan_Station_A_Podcast_by_Japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Play[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Japan-Station-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1183369/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-japan-station-a-podcast-by-30903408/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/munsk-85d22/Japan-Station-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://overcast.fm/itunes1440454968/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Overcast[/btn]

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

To check out Regimes of Desire, you can use the Amazon link below.

• Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo (Volume 93) (Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies)

More links below.

• Dr. Thomas Baudinette Twitter
• Website

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, Tony talks to John David, a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan.

About John Davis John Davis is a cheesemaker living in Okinawa, Japan. He operates okicheese.com. Topics Discussed

• About moving to Japan and trying to find a job teaching English in Japan
• About why John Davis started making cheese in Okinawa
• About the Okinawa inspired cheeses John Davis makes
• The weather in Sapporo
• Sapporo's milk
• A simple cheese recipe
• Experiences teaching Egnlish in Japan
• About learning the Japanese language
• The cost of milk in Okinawa
• About experimenting with cheese
• About finding good places to film in Japan
• About filming bears in Hokkaido
• About getting footage of the monkey queen in Oita
• Funny/memorable trail cam videos
• Places to hike in Fukuoka
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

If you're looking to pick up some of John's cheese, check out his website below.

• Okicheese.com

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we talk to Wombat, one of the creators of Japan Trail Cam.

About Wuon-Gean Ho Wombat spends his day in Kyushu hiking and setting trail cams in order to capture footage for the YouTube channle channel/Twitter/Instagram account Japan Trail Cam. Topics Discussed

• Wombats in Hawaii
• How Japan Trail Cam got started
• About capturing nature footage in Japan
• What animals tend to be roaming the wild in Japan
• About the process of leaving trail cams in the Japanese wilderness
• Where Japan Trail Cam places their cameras
• About finding good places to film in Japan
• About filming bears in Hokkaido
• About getting footage of the monkey queen in Oita
• Funny/memorable trail cam videos
• Places to hike in Fukuoka
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

You can find Japan Trail Cam below.

• Japan Trail Cam YouTube
• Japan Trail Cam Twitter
• Japan Trail Cam Instagram

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, printmaker Wuon-Gean Ho joins us to talk about her time living and studying in Japan, printmaking, ukiyoe and more.

About Wuon-Gean Ho Wuon-Gean Ho is an accomplished printmaker and is currently a Research Associate at the University of the West England's Center for Print Research. Topics Discussed

• About spending time in Kagoshima as part of the JET Programme
• Studying veterinary medicine
• Getting the Monbukagakusho Scholarship and studying in Japan
• Studying under printmaker Akira Kurosaki
• About making prints inspired by Wuon-Gean Ho's time studying verinarian medicine
• Learning how to make woodblock prints in Japan
• About learning Japanese while in Japan
• About the process of making a woodblock print
• About tacit knowledge as it relates to woodblock printmaking
• About the gomazuri technique in printmaking
• Documenting printmaking techniques
• About the bokashi effect in woodblock printmaking
• About some of Wuon-Gean Ho's favorite ukiyo-e woodblock print artists
• About the Honolulu Museum of Art's woodblcok print collection
• About Wuon-Gean Ho's printmaking workshops and general work
• And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Japan Station 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 $1 a month you'll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you'll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

You can also do a one time donation via Ko-fi.

• Support us on Ko-fi

Links, Videos, Etc.

For more on Wuon-Gean Ho's work:

• Wuon-Gean Ho Website
• Twitter
• Instagram

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

• What's better:JET or Eikaiwa (Good & Bad of English Teaching in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 65

Follow Japankyo on Social Media

• Facebook (@JapankyoNews)
• Twitter (@JapankyoNews)
• Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)

Full Show Notes

Get the full version of show notes at https://www.japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/