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 After 40 years of running the same cozy coffee shop in Japan, my parents are finally retiring. In this special episode, I share the story of how it all began, what the shop meant to our community, and the deeper reality behind small, family-run businesses in Japan. It’s personal, a little bittersweet, and a quiet tribute to a generation who kept going—no matter what. 

日本のとある小さな喫茶店。両親が40年間続けてきたそのお店が、ついに幕を閉じます。今回のエピソードでは、喫茶店のはじまりの物語、地域とのつながり、そして日本各地にある家族経営の小さなお店が抱えるリアルな現実についてお話しします。とても個人的で、少しほろ苦くて、でもあたたかいエピソード。
 これは、どんな時でも黙々と働き続けてきた一つの世代への、静かなオマージュです。

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 Japan is quietly changing—babies are fewer, and seniors are everywhere.
 But how did it get this way? And why haven’t all those government plans worked?
 In this episode, we untangle the causes of Japan’s declining birthrate and aging society through stories and insights. 

 日本は静かに変化しています——赤ちゃんの数は減り、お年寄りがどこにでもいます。でも、どうしてこんな社会になったのでしょう？そして、なぜこれまでの政府の対策はうまくいかなかったのでしょうか？このエピソードでは、日本の少子化と高齢化が進んだ原因を、ストーリーと考察を通じてひも解いていきます。

1. When it started
2. Why it happened
3. Measures taken
4. Why it didn’t work

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On this episode of the So Japanese podcast we take a deep dive into tea ceremonies. We talk a bit about the history, how it is seen as a form of mediation and we describe the steps involved in a 4 hour tea ceremony. 
今回のエピソードは、日本の伝統文化”茶道”について掘り下げていきます。茶道の歴史、瞑想の形態としてどのように見られているのか、そして、４時間の茶会にでの一つ一つのステップについて話していきます。是非最後までお楽しみ下さい。

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  Just like matcha, some stories are a little bitter, a little sweet. In this episode, we share memories, traditions, and moments tied to Japan’s favorite green tea—and now it’s become part of everyday life around the world!

 抹茶のように、思い出も少し苦くて、少し甘い。今回のエピソードでは、日本の大切なお茶「抹茶」にまつわる記憶や現状、日常の中のささやかな瞬間をシェアします。そして今や、抹茶は世界中の日常にも溶け込んでいるんです。 

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• From Zero to Ghibli: Why Everyone’s Running to OpenAI
• One Scene, Four Seconds, Endless Heart – The Ghibli Way
• It’s Cute, It’s Ghibli-ish… But Is It Really You?
• Will Ghibli Sue?
• The Rise of AI Can’t Be Stopped – What Does This Mean for Creators? 
• Mononoke Hime as an AI Live Action?  

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 In Japan, April is more than just the start of spring—it’s the beginning of everything! From the iconic Nyūgakushiki (school entrance ceremonies) to Hanami parties under the cherry blossoms, this episode takes you through the nostalgic beauty of Japan’s new school year. Ryusuke shares personal April memories and why this season hits so different in Japan. 

• Japan’s New School Year Kicks Off in April 
• Ryusuke’s Nostalgic April Stories – 懐かしい思い出
• Nyūgakushiki (入学式) – The Iconic Japanese Entrance Ceremony
• Hanami (花見) & Enkai (宴会) – Cherry Blossoms, Drinks, and Good Times

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 In this episode, we dive into Kenson (謙遜) — the Japanese art of humility. But what does it really mean to be humble in Japan? Is Kenson just being modest… or is it actually a kind of self-deprecation? 

 In this episode, we explore: 

• What the heck is Kenson, really?
• Is being humble in Japan just... polite self-hate?
• Where did this whole mindset come from?
• Can being too humble mess with your brain?
• Why are Japanese artisans so damn good at pretending they’re not that good?
• Ryusuke spills some real talk from his days in the world of shokunin
• Plus: a gem of a story from Katsura Sunshine, the Canadian dude doing traditional  Japanese rakugo — and absolutely nailing it

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 Ever tasted freshly-picked bamboo shoots or crispy tempura made from wild mountain plants? In this episode, we uncover the hidden gems of Japan’s seasonal cuisine—sansai! Tune in for stories, recipes, and tips to bring authentic Japanese spring flavors to your table. 

 採れたてのタケノコや、サクサクの山菜天ぷらを味わったことはありますか？今回のエピソードでは、日本の春の味覚「山菜」の魅力をたっぷりご紹介します。季節感あふれるストーリーやレシピ、おうちで楽しめる調理のコツなどをお届け。ぜひ日本の春をあなたの食卓でも感じてみませんか？ 

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 Ever wondered why some people seem to wake up full of purpose while the rest of us hit snooze five times? The secret might be Ikigai—Japan’s unique concept of a meaningful life. But forget the complicated life-coach diagrams! In this episode, we break it down the real Japanese way—through small joys, daily rituals, and things that make you smile (yes, even your morning coffee counts!). Tune in to discover what Ikigai really is, where it comes from, and how you might already have it without even realizing it! 

 目覚めた瞬間からやる気に満ちている人がいる一方で、スヌーズを5回も押してしまう人がいるのはなぜでしょう？その秘密は、日本独自の「生き甲斐」にあるかも!! でも、よくある自己啓発の考えは忘れてください！このエピソードでは、本当の日本流の生き甲斐をわかりやすく紹介します。小さな喜び、日々の習慣、そしてあなたを笑顔にするもの（そう、朝のコーヒーなど！）を通じて、生き甲斐とは何か？どこから来たのか？そして、あなたもすでに生き甲斐を持っているかもしれないということを一緒に探っていきましょう！ 

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 Ever wondered why Japan is filled with colorful vending machines that dispense tiny capsule toys? In this episode, we dive into the world of Gacha Gacha (ガチャガチャ)—where the thrill of surprise meets collectible madness! From its origins and evolution to the most bizarre and sought-after items, we explore what makes these little toys so addictive. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore collector, this episode will make you want to turn that dial! 

 なぜ日本にはカラフルなカプセルトイの自販機が溢れているのか？  今回のエピソードでは、*ガチャガチャ（ガチャポン)*の世界を深掘りします！ コインを入れてハンドルを回すと、何が出てくるか分からないワクワク感と、コレクションの魅力が詰まった文化。ガチャガチャの歴史や進化、そして最も珍しく人気のアイテムまで、その魅力を徹底解説していきます！ 

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