Soybeans are at the heart of Japanese cuisine, found in everything from tofu and miso to soy sauce and natto. Join Jason and Paul as they explore how this humble bean shaped Japan’s food, culture, and history!

Topics Covered:

History

Japan’s Soybean Industry

How Soybeans are Grown

How Soybeans are Consumed in Japan: Tofu — Miso — Soy Sauce — Natto — Edamame — Soy Milk — Yuba — Kinako — Kuromame

Types of Soybeans

Health Benefits

Where to get Soy Products

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

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Trying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.

Topics Covered:

Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — Incense

Modern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — Electronics

Collectibles: Gachapon — Goshuincho — Eki Stamps — Manhole Covers — Pins — Mascot Merch

Food: KitKats — Tea — Sake — Whisky — Wagashi — Omiyage — Plastic Food

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

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Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!

Topics Covered:

History

Tochoji Temple

Kushida Shrine

Sumiyoshi Shrine

Canal City

Nakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)

Tenjin Underground Mall

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Ohori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art Museum

Mizuho PayPay Dome

Momochi Seaside Park

Fukuoka Tower

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Events: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata Dontaku

Local Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — Mizutaki

How to get to/around Fukuoka

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

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Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!

Topics Covered:

Yomi (Shinto Hell)

Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)

Hellish Places You Can Visit

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

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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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