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

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

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

  • A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73

    This ia rebroadcast of epsode 73 of Ichimon Japan originally released on 7/21/23.

    On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is it like moving in Japan?

    Topics Discussed
    • About what it's like moving in Japan
    • When people in Japan usually move
    • What it costs to move in Japan
    • Why people in Japan usually move in March
    • Expenses associated with moving in Japan
    • About rent prices in Japan
    • Rent subsidies for JET Program participants
    • Setting up internet in Japan
    • About finding an apartment in Japan
    • About reikin/key money
    • The cost of hiring a moving company in Japan
    • Disposing of large garbage in Japan
    • Noticing the government that you have moved
    • And much more!
    Listen to Ichimon Japan on

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    Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

    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 would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

    • Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi
    Links, Videos, Etc.

    Get 10% off on your Mobal data & voice SIM plan.

    • https://mobal.com/tonyjapan
    We Want Your Questions

    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].

    Special Thanks

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

    Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

    Follow Japankyo on Social Media
    • Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
    • Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)
    • Instagram (@JapanKyoNews)
    Full Show Notes
    • https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

    48 min
  • He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Jake Davies, a resident of Shimane Prefecture who has walked over 30,000 km in Japan. He talks about his experiences walking around Japan and what it's like living in Shimane, one of Japan's least populated prefecture.

    👉Topics Discussed

    • Why Jake Davies moved to Shimane Prefecture
    • What it's like living in rural Shimane Prefecture
    • Why Jake Davies started doing long distance walks in Japan
    • How Jake Davies walked over 30,000 km in Japan
    • Where Jake Davis sleeps while doing long distance walks in Japan
    • About walking the Sea of Japan costline
    • About walking Shikoku's 88 temple pilgrimage (Ohenro)
    • About sleeping outside during a typhoon while doing the Shikoku pilgrimage
    • How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Shikoku
    • How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Kyushu
    • About walking across Shodoshima
    • About walking the Oki islands in Shimane
    • About walking the Kunisaki Peninsula
    • About Jakes blog, ojisanjake.com
    • About the different regions of Shimane
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    Check out Jake Davis' blog to keep up to date with his adventures walking around Japan.

    • ojisanjake.com: https://www.ojisanjake.com/
    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    56 min
  • This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204

    On this episode of Japan Station, travel writer Jennifer Bain joins us to talk about one of Japan's most ancient and famous pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道). We also talk about Japanese convenience stores and the famous conbini socks.

    👉Topics Discussed

    • What the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is
    • How to get the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is
    • An example of a five day itinerary on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) pilgrimage
    • About Daimonzaka and Kumano Nachi Taisha
    • About mikan and oranges in the Kumano area
    • About lodging along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
    • How old empty schools have been converted into lodging on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
    • How to walk the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) in a faster and easier way
    • About the weather along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
    • A funny encounter with a local on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道)
    • About a custom convenience store tour in Osaka
    • Some recommendations for food to eat from Japanese convenience stores
    • About the famous Japanese convenience store socks people are going crazy for
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    Check out Jennifer Bain's Japan articles.

    • Why Women Who Love the Camino Should Walk Japan's Kumano Kodō: https://journeywoman.com/destinations/asia/japan/why-women-who-love-the-camino-should-walk-japans-kumano-kodo/
    • Footbathing And Flower Trekking In Northern Japan's National Parks: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/09/footbathing-and-flower-trekking-northern-japans-national-parks

    For more of Jennifer Bain's work:

    • Website: https://jenniferbain.co/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaucylady/
    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    52 min
  • The ORIGINS of "scammy" SAKURA | Japan Station 203

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the origins of the word sakura. No not that sakurai. The other sakura. The scammy kind of sakura. Also we're talking about madorā.

    👉Topics Discussed

    • The possible origins of the word sakura (サクラ)
    • Why sakura means a fake "scammy" customer
    • What a madorā is
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    None

    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    12 min
  • Why breakfast deals in Japan are CRAZY now | Japan Station 202

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the rise of Japan's $3.5 billion breakfast industry and why Japan is currently in the midst of it's 4th "breakfast boom."

    👉Topics Discussed

    • What a typical Japanese breakfast consists of
    • The history of breakfast in Japan
    • Breakfast in the Edo Period
    • Breakfast in Edo vs Kansai during the Edo Period
    • Japan's four "Morning Booms"
    • What 'morning" (モーニング, mōningu) is
    • The origin of "morning" in Aichi Prefecture
    • The rise of kissaten (cafes) in 1950s Japan
    • About Rūe Burajiru (ルーエぶらじる), a restaurant in Hiroshima thought to have been the first to offer "morning service" (モーニングサービス, mōningu sābisu)
    • The rise of McDonald's breakfast in Japan
    • The rise of hotel breakfasts in Japan
    • Whether you should get breakfast in hotels
    • About Toyoko Inn's "free" breakfast
    • About the 2010 breakfast boom
    • About Japan's pancake boom
    • About the fourth morning boom going on now
    • Why more restaurants in Japan have started offering very cheap breakfast options
    • How restaurants in japan are trying to offer breakfast for 300 yen or less
    • About Saizeriya's breakfast service "Asasaize"
    • About KFC's breakfast options
    • Why breakfast options are so cheap in Japan
    • About service at gyudon places like Yoshinoya and Sukiya
    • About breakfast at Sakaba Fukuro in Ikebukuro
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    None

    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    1 hr 4 min
  • Akihabara is DYING? How Ikebukuro Became Japan's New Otaku Capital | Japan Station 201

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith to talk about the current status of Akihabara and the rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's newest capital of all things anime, manga and otaku culture.

    👉Topics Discussed

    • Whether Akihabara is dying
    • The history of Akihabara
    • How Akihabara has evolved in recent years
    • What locals think of Akihabara today
    • How Mercari has impacted Akihabara
    • The price of anime figures/merch in Akihabara
    • The decline of AKB48
    • Why Akihabara has changed in recent years
    • The rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's new otaku capital
    • How the Toshima ward government is focusing on developing Ikebukuro as Japan's new anime/otaku capital
    • Neagtive attitudes towards otaku culture in Akihabara
    • How Akihabara paved the way for Ikebukuro's rise as an otaku center of Japan
    • The future of Akihabara
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's books about Akihabara and otaku culture.

    • The Ethics of Affect: Lines and Life in a Tokyo Neighborhood: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/50996/1/9789176351567.pdf
    • Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan: https://www.amazon.com/Otaku-Struggle-Imagination-Patrick-Galbraith/dp/1478006293

    Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's other appearances on Japan Station.

    • Japan Station 30: Understanding "Otaku" and Akihabara w. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith: https://japankyo.com/2020/01/japan-station-podcast-about-akihabara-history-otaku/
    • AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38: https://japankyo.com/2020/05/japan-station-podcast-history-japanese-aidoru-akb48/
    • Obscenity, Censorship & Erotic Comics in Japan (Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 59: https://japankyo.com/2021/02/eromanga-erotic-comics-japan/
    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    1 hr
  • Is Yamaguchi cursed to have"ugly" girls? (Places in Japan Known for "Beautiful" & "Ugly" Women) | Japan Station 200/Ichimon Japan 50

    This is a re-broadcast of an episode originally released on 8/21/21.

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

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

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    Support on Patreon

    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
    Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

    Get 10% off a voice & data SIM card plan by using my mobal affiliate link.

    • https://mobal.com/tonyjapan

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • https://mechanekosushi.com/

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

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

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

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

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

    • Check out Kimito Designs
    Japanese Vocabulary List

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

    • Bijin
    • Busu
    We Want Your Questions

    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].

    Special Thanks

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

    Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

    Follow Japankyo on Social Media
    • Facebook (@JapanKyoNews)
    • Twitter (@JapanKyoNews)
    Full Show Notes
    • https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

    54 min
  • What is a shijūkata? (Age related Japanese words) | Japan Station 199

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about interesting words related to aging and shoulders and a weird ECC commercial.

    👉Topics Discussed

    • 四十肩ō
    • And much more!
    • 👉Subscribe to the Podcast!
    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB
    • 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
    • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
    • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
    • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
    • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    • 👉Affiliate Links
    • Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.
    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!
    • Support the show by getting a t-shirt!
    • MechaNekoSushi.com
    • 👉Links, Videos, Etc.
    • Here is the Kinman commercial featuring the foreign guy saying he ate 28 Kinman.
    • 
    • 👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    • What shijūkata (ū四十肩) is
    • What gjūkata (五十肩) is
    • What arasā (アラサー) is
    • What arafō (アラフォー) is
    • What arafifu (アラフィフ) is
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    None

    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    13 min
  • Why Akita women are so beautiful (and other info about life in Akita) | Japan Station 198

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about what life in Akita Prefecture is like AND why women from Akita are (supposedly) so beautiful!

    👉Topics Discussed

    • Where Akita Prefecture is in relation to other prefectures in the Tohoku region
    • About Akita's famous Kinman
    • Why people in Akita like to say they've eaten 28 Kinman
    • About how rural Akita is
    • About the high number of bear attacks and fatalities in Akita Prefecture
    • About Akita's status as one of Japan's highest rice producers
    • About the Akita Komachi rice brand
    • About Akita bijin
    • About Akita's "beautiful women"
    • Theories explaining why Akita is known for having beautiful women
    • Whether the story saying that Satake clan took all of Ibaraki's beautiful women to Akita is plasuible
    • The less sunlight and good water theories explaining Akita women's beautiful skin
    • Kawahata geisha
    • What the heck toppinpararinopū
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    Here is the Kinman commercial featuring the foreign guy saying he ate 28 Kinman.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8nf5qjaeGQ

    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    1 hr 2 min
  • Why you should visit YAMAGATA! | Japan Station 197

    On this episode of Japan Station, Alex Litz of Expedition Japan joins us to talk about tourism in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture and places/events to check out during a visit to Yamagata.

    👉Topics Discussed

    • How Alex ended up in Yamagata Prefecture
    • About studying abroad in Yamagata Prefecture
    • About tourism in Japan
    • What's so great about Yamagata? Places to visit in Yamagata
    • Yamagata food
    • Events and festivals in Yamagata
    • The dialects of Yamagata
    • Getting around in Yamagata
    • And much more!
    👉Subscribe to the Podcast!

    • Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968
    • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB

    👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi
    • Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content
      • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
    • Support via a one time donation!
      • Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
      • Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega
      • Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega
    👉Affiliate Links

    Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo.

    • Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan
    • Support by Buying a T-Shirt!

    Support the show by getting a t-shirt!

    • MechaNekoSushi.com

    👉Links, Videos, Etc.

    Here are the links to Expedition Japan and Alex Litz's Instagram.

    • Expedition Japan Website: https://expedition-japan.com/
    • Alex Litz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldfisho/
    👉Follow on Social Media
    • X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social
    • Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
    • The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist
    • Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews
    • Website: https://japankyo.com/
    • Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
    59 min

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

From the publisher's feed

Japan Station helps you understand Japanese culture, language, and society on a deeper level. Hosted by The Anime Linguist, Tony R. Vega, the show features expert interviews and deep dives into topics you won't find anywhere else—sometimes with ridiculous tangents.

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