Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society!

Topics Covered:

History

Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume

Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats

Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat

Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!

Topics Covered:

Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)

Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)

Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)

Kofun Period (250 - 538)

Yamato Period (250 - 710)

Asuka Period (538 - 710)

Nara Period (710 - 794)

Heian Period (794 - 1185)

Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)

Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)

Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)

Edo Period (1600 - 1868)

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

Showa Period (1926 - 1989)

Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)

Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)

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Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a historic port city known for its scenic views, unique history, and fresh seafood. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this gateway to Japan’s northernmost island, from star-shaped forts to morning markets and sparkling nightscapes!

Topics Covered:

History

Morning Market

Goryokaku

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Motomachi

Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples

Mt. Hakodate

Yunokawa Onsen

Onuma Day Trip

Festivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — Illuminations — Hakodate Port Festival — Hakodate Goryokaku Festival

How to get to/around Hakodate

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Podcast Meetup 2026: Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Sapporo, Japan. (Venue TBD)

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Japan loves its mascots—from cuddly creatures promoting local towns to bizarre characters representing government agencies. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild, whimsical world of yuru-kyara and discover what makes these mascots such a beloved part of Japanese culture!

Topics Covered:

What are yuru-kyara?

What do mascots do?

Why are mascots so popular in Japan?

Notable mascots: Hikonyan (Hikone) — Kumamon (Kumamoto) — Funassyi (Funabashi) — Melonkuma (Yubari) — Gajiro (Fukusaki) — Nyango Star (Kuroishi) — Annie (Kumamoto University anisakis research) — Matagi no Momiji-chan (Hokkaido)

Controversy: Amazoness (Ama City) — Chiitan (Susaki) — Sento-kun (Nara) — Marimokkori (Hokkaido)

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Akiya are abandoned homes found all over Japan—some listed for shockingly low prices. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what it’s like to try to buy one, from navigating the listings to understanding the hidden challenges.

Topics Covered:

Why are there so many vacant houses?

Can foreigners buy akiya?

How to search for an akiya

How to choose an akiya

How to buy an akiya

How to renovate an akiya

Living in an akiya

Is it worth it?

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Kyoto is full of famous temples, but few are as iconic—or as confusingly named—as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. Join Jason and Paul as they dig into the history behind these two landmarks, explore what makes each one special, and explain why the silver Pavilion isn’t actually silver.

Topics Covered:

History

Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion)

Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion)

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Japan might be known for its sushi and ramen, but its street food scene is just as exciting. From takoyaki and taiyaki to yakitori and beyond, join Jason and Paul as they dive into some of Japan’s best street eats — and share where to find them!

Topics Covered:

Takoyaki

Yakitori

Ikayaki

Taiyaki

Yakisoba

Yaki-imo

Yaki Tomorokoshi

Tako Tamago

Karaage

Kobe Beef

Gyoza

Korokke

Senbei

Soft Cream

Kakigori

Dango

Crepes

Choco Banana

Boba

Where to Find Street Food

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Japan is full of things to love - and a few things that might drive you a little crazy. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the best and worst aspects of exploring Japan!

Topics Covered:

Planes

Trains

Hotels

Food

Walkable Cities

Convenience

Politeness

Customer Service

Bathrooms

Onsen

History

Hiking

City Life

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Known as the "City of Trees," Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and a great place to learn about the culture and history of northeastern Honshu. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the city and uncover the story of its founder—a samurai with the coolest nickname ever.

Topics Covered:

History

Loople Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle — Tohoku University Museum of Natural History — Miyagi Museum of Art — Osaki Hachiman Shrine — Jozenji-dori — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping District — Date no Gyutan Honpo

Other Sights: Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum — Rinnoji — Dai Kannon — Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School

Sendai Port: Umino-Mori Aquarium — Mitsui Outlet Park — Sendai Port Central Park — Kirin Beer Factory

Events: Sendai Tanabata Festival — Pageant of Starlight

Day Trips: Matsushima Bay — Ishinomaki/Tashirojima (Cat Island) — Zao Kitsune Mura

How to get to/around Sendai

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