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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Japan is home to a variety of fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — bugs and insects, from summer’s singing cicadas to giant hornets and everything in between. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the world of Japan’s bugs—both the beloved and the infamous!

Topics Covered:

Cultural Significance

Famous Bugs: Cicadas — Giant Hornets — Fireflies — Stag Beetles — Rhinoceros Beetles — Silkworms

Seasonal Bugs: Butterflies — Dragonflies — Crickets

Common Pests: Mosquitoes — Cockroaches — Centipedes — Spiders

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Japan offers a wide range of unique experiences, from cherry blossom viewing and high-speed train rides to exploring ancient temples and sampling the local cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they rate and discuss some common experiences that visitors are likely to have in Japan!

Topics Covered:

Konbini

Temples and Shrines

Hanami

Maid Cafes

Hiking

Eating

Shopping

Shinkansen

Arcades

Japanese Gardens

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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their third week of sightseeing!

Topics Covered:

Kamikochi

Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle — Yabuhara to Narai-juku — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Shopping Street — Nakamachi Shopping Street — Daio Wasabi Farm — Ishii Miso — Agatanomori Park

Omiya: Omiya Bonsai Village — The Railway Museum

Tokyo: Shibuya Parco — Rainbow Karaoke Shibuya — THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- — Mount Takao — Meiji Jingu

Hakone: Yama no Chaya — Owakudani — Hakone Checkpoint

Tokyo: Denimio — Akihabara

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