In this week's episode, joined by 2024 New Orleans-Matsue Sister City Exchange Program participants Katherine Heller & Wade Trosclair, the Krewe looks back & celebrates 30 years of friendship between Matsue, Japan & New Orleans, Louisiana... a sister city relationship built on cultural exchange, mutual curiosity, &shared spirit. Together, they reflect on their time in Matsue during the exchange program, their experiences with host families, and the deep connections that form when two communities separated by an ocean come together.

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode (timestamps [hh:mm:ss] where you can find the code)!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  (00:53:00)

------ Past Matsue/Sister City Episodes ------

Lafcadio Hearn: 2024 King of Carnival (S5Bonus)

Explore Matsue ft. Nicholas McCullough (S4E19)

Jokichi Takamine: The Earliest Bridge Between New Orleans & Japan ft. Stephen Lyman (S4E13)

The Life & Legacy of Lafcadio Hearn ft. Bon & Shoko Koizumi (S1E9)

Matsue & New Orleans: Sister Cities ft. Dr. Samantha Perez (S1E2)

------ Links about the Exchange ------

2024 Exchange Program Info/Pictures

Shogun Martial Arts Dojo (Katie’s family’s dojo)

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

The Krewe sits down with Haruka Kikuchi, a Japanese jazz trombonist making waves in New Orleans. From discovering jazz in Japan to second-lining through the Crescent City, Haruka shares her story of finding home through music — and how jazz bridges cultures across oceans.  

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode (timestamps [hh:mm:ss] where you can find the code)!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  (00:53:00)

------ Past Music Episodes ------

S5E13 - The Thunderous Sounds of Taiko ft. Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三), World Champion Taiko Drummer

S5E10 - The Japanese Pop Music Scene ft. Patrick St. Michel

S4E1 - Shamisen: Musical Sounds of Traditional Japan ft. Norm Nakamura of Tokyo Lens

S3E14 - City Pop & Yu ft. Yu Hayami

S3E1 - Exploring Enka ft. Jerome White Jr aka ジェロ / Jero

------ Links about Haruka ------

Haruka's Website 

Haruka on IG

Haruka on Facebook

Haruka on YouTube

GoFundMe to Help Support Haruka's Family

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

DIY Enthusiast & the man behind "Anton in Japan" YouTube Channel, Anton Wörmann joins the Krewe to talk about akiya, Japan's abandoned home phenomenon, and how he’s transforming them into stunning spaces. We dig into what it’s like to buy, clear out, & renovate an akiya and how Anton’s journey from fashion to DIY restoration is reshaping what “home” means in Japan.

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode (timestamps [hh:mm:ss] where you can find the code)!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  (00:53:00)

------ Past Home & Architecture Episodes ------

S5E15 - Change in Urban & Rural Japanese Communities ft. Azby Brown

S5E6 - Inside Japanese Homes & Architecture ft. Azby Brown

S3E2 - Buying Real Estate in Japan ft. Ziv Nakajima-Magen

------ Links about Anton ------

Anton in Japan YouTube Channel

Anton on IG

Anton in Japan Website & Resources

Anton on TikTok

Anton's Live Master Class on Oct 12 @ 10am JST (Sign Up!)

Anton's Akiya Master Class Program

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

A quick update from the Krewe on a short release break & things to come! Big things poppin' with the Krewe!!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! 

------ JSNO Info & Upcoming Events ------

Support the Krewe - Donate to JSNO!

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

Jenn and Doug dive into how social media shapes global perceptions of Japan—both the good and the misleading. From viral content to common myths, they explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and why it matters.

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! 

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

Tickets to Kanpai on the Bayou 

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

Think you know Japanese alcohol? Think again. In this episode, the Krewe dives into shochu — Japan’s most beloved distilled spirit that somehow still flies under the radar outside the country. We sit down with Christopher Pellegrini, founder of Honkaku Spirits and one of the world’s leading voices on shochu, to break it all down. Whether you're new to shochu or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is a great place to start. Kanpai!

Tickets to Kanpai on the Bayou 

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! 

------ Past Food & Beverage Episodes ------

Craving Ramen ft. Shinichi Mine of TabiEats (S4E11)

Hungry For Travel ft. Shinichi of TabiEats (S3E15)

Sippin' Sake ft. Brian Ashcraft (S1E19)

Talking Konbini: Irasshaimase! (S1E3)

------ About Christopher & Honkaku Spirits ------

Christopher on IG

Honkaku Spirits

Japan Distilled Podcast

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

Thinking of going vegan in Japan? This week, the Krewe chats with Leonore of itadakihealthy about navigating the unique challenges of being vegan in Japan. From hidden ingredients and dining tips to nutrition and travel advice, Leonore shares practical insights for plant-based living in & traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun.

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! 

------ Past Food & Travel Episodes ------

Expo 2025: Japan on the World Stage ft. Sachiko Yoshimura (S6E2)

Hanging Out in Hyogo ft. Rob Dyer (S5E14)

Checking Out Miyagi ft. Ryotaro Sakurai (Guest Host, William Woods) (S5E5)

Explore Matsue ft. Nicholas McCullough (S4E19)

Craving Ramen ft. Shinichi Mine of TabiEats (S4E11)

Travel Hiroshima ft. Joy Jarman-Walsh (S4E4)

Travel Aomori ft. Kay Allen & Megan DeVille (S3E17)

Hungry For Travel ft. Shinichi of TabiEats (S3E15)

Henro SZN: Shikoku & the 88 Temple Pilgrimage ft. Todd Wassel (S3E12)

Border Closures Couldn't Stop These Visas! ft. Rob Dyer & Allan Richarz (S3E11)

Natsu Matsuri Mania: Summer Festivals in Japan (S3E3)

Off the Beaten Path: Kansai ft. Rob Dyer [Part 2] (S2E12)

Off the Beaten Path: Kansai ft. Rob Dyer [Part 1] (S2E11)

Japan Travel Destination: Hokkaido ft. Kay Allen (S2E7)

Japanese Theme Parks ft. Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer (S2E4)

Talking Konbini: Irasshaimase! (S1E3)

Navigating Nippon: Where to Go in Japan? ft. Kay Allen of JNTO (S1E11)

Matsue & New Orleans: Sister Cities ft. Dr. Samantha Perez (S1E2)

------ About Leonore & itadakihealthy ------

Ultimate Vegan Guide for Japan 2025

itadakihealthy on IG (ENG)

itadakihealthy on IG (JP)

itadakihealthy Website

itadakihealthy Linktree & Resources

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

In Part 2 of our Japanese soccer series, journalist Dan Orlowitz returns to help us explore how Japan’s soccer scene is making waves across the globe! We dive into Samurai Blue’s international success, Japanese players shining abroad, and the flow of global talent into the J.League. Plus — how can fans outside Japan actually watch the matches? We’ve got that covered, too.

If you’ve ever cheered for Japan in the World Cup or wanted to follow J.League stars in Europe, this episode is for you!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! 

------ Past KOJ Sports-Related Episodes ------

Meet the J.League ft. Dan Orlowitz (S6E4)

Kendo: The Way of the Sword ft. Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo (S4E16)

The Life of a Sumotori ft. 3-Time Grand Champion Konishiki Yasokichi (S4E10)

Talking Sumo ft. Andrew Freud (S1E8)

------ About Dan Orlowitz ------

Dan's Socials & Writings

J-Talk Podcast

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

The Krewe is kicking off a 2-part series on Japanese soccer! In Part 1, journalist Dan Orlowitz joins the Krewe to break down Japan’s domestic soccer scene — the J.League. From league structure and top teams to standout players making waves right now, this episode is your perfect deep dive into the beautiful game, Japan-style. Whether you're new to Japanese soccer or a longtime fan, you’ll come away with fresh insights and maybe even a new favorite club! Don’t miss Part 2, where we go global with Japan’s national teams and international impact!

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! 

------ Past KOJ Sports-Related Episodes ------

Kendo: The Way of the Sword ft. Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo (S4E16)

The Life of a Sumotori ft. 3-Time Grand Champion Konishiki Yasokichi (S4E10)

Talking Sumo ft. Andrew Freud (S1E8)

------ About Dan Orlowitz ------

Dan's Socials & Writings

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!

Ever wondered what it’s like to study Japanese in Japan? This week, the Krewe sits down with Langston Hill — administrator at a Tokyo-based language school and Japanese language content creator — to dive into opportunities to learn in Japan via dedicated Japanese language schools. We explore the benefits of language schools, how they compare to traditional academic settings, and Langston’s journey as a creator (plus his own textbook series!). Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned learner, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

------ About the Krewe ------

The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at [email protected] or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------

Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!

Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!

Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! 

------ Past KOJ Language Learning Episodes ------

Japanese Self-Study Strategies ft. Walden Perry (S5E4)

Learn the Kansai Dialect ft. Tyson of Nihongo Hongo (S4E14)

Heisig Method ft. Dr. James Heisig (S4E5)

Prepping for the JLPT ft. Loretta of KemushiCan (S3E16)

Language Through Video Games ft. Matt of Game Gengo (S3E4)

Pitch Accent (Part 2) ft. Dogen (S2E15)

Pitch Accent (Part 1) ft. Dogen (S2E14)

Language through Literature ft. Daniel Morales (S2E8)

Immersion Learning ft. MattvsJapan (S1E10)

Japanese Language Journeys ft. Saeko-Sensei (S1E4)

------ About Langston Hill ------

Langston aka @TheJapaneseGuy101 on IG

The Japanese Language Manual (2 Book Series - Kindle)

The Japanese Language Manual Vol 1 (Paperback)

------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------

JSNO Event Calendar

Join JSNO Today!