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 What if a simple noodle carried a spiritual story connected to Japan’s oldest shrine? In this episode, I travel to Sakurai City in Nara to uncover the ancient roots of Miwa sōmen, learn the legend behind its creation, and experience the powerful atmosphere of Ōmiwa Shrine. This is a story about food, history, and the surprising depth behind everyday traditions. 

もしシンプルな麺に、日本最古の神社とつながるストーリーがあったら…？
 今回は奈良の桜井市へ行って、三輪そうめんのルーツやその伝説、そして大神神社のすごいパワーを実際に感じてきました。
 食べ物の話なのに、日常の中にある“深み”が見えてくる、そんなエピソードです。

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  While visiting my hometown Seto, I met a ceramic shop owner who shared a very Japanese way of thinking — teinei na kurashi, or “a mindful life.”
He reminded me that life isn’t just about saving things for special occasions, but about finding joy in everyday moments.
This is the story of how that simple talk in a pottery shop changed my perspective on happiness. 

今回の帰国中、瀬戸で訪れた小さな陶器屋さんで、ひとりの職人さんと出会いました。その店主との何気ない会話の中で教わったのは、「丁寧な暮らし」という、とても日本的な生き方の考え方。特別な日のためだけじゃなく、何気ない日常の中にこそ幸せがある。
 このエピソードでは、瀬戸の陶芸職人との出会いを通して気づいた、毎日を大切に生きるということについてお話しします。

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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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