The Back of Japan

“Stop making sense”, you Backers! (That’s a lyric)

You’ll have to excuse the musical references as I’m all hopped up on Talking Heads thanks to Jonathan Gould’s excellent story of New York’s seminal 1970s band…who are STILL making waves in the music industry today! Check them out here (but listen to THIS podcast first: https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/talking-heads-radio). Give Burning Down the House a shot and let it “take you to the river”. 

Apropos to water, we’re hopping a catamaran - or ferry - from Murakami’s shores alllllll the way to Niigata’s biggest little island. Nope nope, not you, Sado (even though we love you). It’s Awashima-ura! With no vending machines, one bar, one onsen and almost as many horses as citizens, it’s the perfect spot to find some peace and quiet. And also delicious fish. And ramen with octopus. Buy the ticket and take the riiiiiide! 

“This must be the place”, Backers  🏝️ 🍣 🍜

It’s the end of the (world) summer, Backers! 

Despite the changing of months, maybe you’re still sweating it out with our pesky source of light and heat. We’ve got a cure for that. I recommend the cold chill of dread that only comes with existential cosmic horror. Take two doses of John Langan’s The Fisherman and call me in the morning. WARNING: this product contains Lovecraftian elements of forbidden knowledge, ancient indifferent entities, slices of Americana and weird cults. Disuse if symptoms include recurring diarrhea or significant loss of sleep. Bring a change of pants! 

Speaking of change, we’re switching up the ol’ BoJ formula here and going on a Hokuriku tour from the top of Niigata prefecture aaaaallllll the way down to the tip of Fukui prefecture (which apparently needs no help with promotion). In part one of a two-parter, we’re sinking our teeth into the Salmon City of Murakami, Niigata’s biggest city by far and all the mouth-watering goodies that come with this charming castle town. Think umami-rich fish, rich buttery wagyu and the highest tea in the nation.

See you in school, Backers 🏫 🐟🍣

Hey ya super sweaty Backers,

If there’s one thing hotter than a greenhouse-induced summer in 2026, it’s East Coast punk that rose up in the late 1970’s, particularly two bands: The Mutants and The Cramps (of “Goo Goo Muck” fame). If that’s your scene, do yerselves a favor and check out the ultra-brief yet iconic documentary “We Were There to Be There”, in which aforementioned bands played a free show for psychiatric patients at the Napa State Hospital in California. Can’t get more punk than that. 

Speaking of off-the-beaten path, this episode we’re throwing a spotlight onto Niigata’s criminally overlooked Green Season and all the sunny goodies that come with it. Believe it or not, the Snow Country has more than just that eponymous white stuff. There’s mountain-climbing, trail blazing, coast cycling, camping/glamping, and bevy of spectacular sights that can only be accessed during the warmer months. Full transparency, due to the sheer abundance of “green” attractions, I may have egregiously left out a few unintentionally…

Don’t wait until the dark cold winter! Shed that sweater and soak up some good Niigata weather! 

There'll be a hot time in the ol’ town tonight, Backers ☀️🌿⛩️

Hey ya summer-lovin' Backers,

'Tis the season to get out and get your hands dirty. No, not with organized crime, but with a gloves and a spade. For a guy with lame white thumbs instead of green, Zach Galifianakis' short but satisfying series "This is a Gardening Show" was an inspiration that yielded some actually lasting results. Dig it, and grow some cilantro, yo!

On this episode, I have the great pleasure of speaking with the inimitable Donny Kimball, the creator of "A Different Side of Japan", about a whirlwind of topics ranging from the use of AI and authenticity to Japan's hidden regions and why the majority of Japan tourism marketing fails. It's a fascinating ride with a passionate guy who has boots on the ground and has been writing about Japan for over a decade! Come for the insider perspective, but try to ignore the obsequious host.

Check out the abundance of articles on Donny's site (https://donnykimball.com/)

The jasmine's in bloom, Backers 🪴🌸🍻

Hey ya full-bloomin' Backers!

Despite the horrible-sounding moniker, remember those good ol' nostalgic "aught' years? iPods, George W. and chunky highlights galore! In terms of music, it was a rock revolution by way of New York, and all documented in music journalist Lizzy Goodman's riveting and raw "Meet Me in the Bathroom". Love bands that start with definite articles like "the"? This book is for you!

Speaking of music, we're heading straight to Joetsu, Niigata where not only are the cherry-blossoms blooming, but the hills are alive with the sound of a particular post-war tune that was lovingly written to keep hope alive, yet grew into something bigger. Thanks to the crooning 4-man vocals of the Duke Aces, "The 4 Seasons of Takada" rose from its local roots to become a hit nationwide and transform the town. Give it a whirl and feel the Showa-era pride oozing through your ears.

Don't forget to cut your grass and take your Claritin!

April showers, Backers 🤧🌸🌾

Hey all you spring chickens,

'Tis Paddy's Dee, an' even if yer not a man o' the cloth or a fan o' potatoes, ya should lend yer ears... (ahem) OK enough. If Conan' O' Brian's recent Oscar hosting duties got you seeing orange, check out his podcast, "Conan O' Brian Needs a Friend" for a great hang (and yes, his estate has paid me HANDSOMELY for this endorsement...oh if that were only the truth). The Kevin Nealon episodes are a particular treat.

Seamless segue to a man from another island nation: Nic Klar, entrepreneur, web dev and Niigata evangelist generously sits down with me to wax about the Myoko mountains, how to buy and maintain a Japanese aki-ya (abandoned house) with a bit of DIY elbow grease and more!

Make the wind always be at 'yer backs, ye wee backers! 🍻☘️

Josh

You sequel-lovin' Backers! No time for the preamble! 

Part 2 with me and Charlie, waxing and waning about the Corridor of Lights, ONLY in Joetsu, Niigata. If you missed it this year, bookmark this page (https://joetsukankonavi.jp/tomoshibi/) for updates and event info. And if you're short on wheels, hit up Charlie Stratton for a ride (I'm sure he won't mind). 

Spring's coming, Backers! 

Laterrr,

Josh 

You sequel-lovin' Backers! No time for the preamble!

Part 2 with me and Charlie, waxing and waning about the Corridor of Lights, ONLY in Joetsu, Niigata. If you missed it this year, bookmark this page (https://joetsukankonavi.jp/tomoshibi/) for updates and event info. And if you're short on wheels, hit up Charlie Stratton for a ride (I'm sure he won't mind).

Spring's coming, Backers!

Laterrr,

Josh

Hey all you illuminated Backers,

The groundhog may have seen his shadow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat the winter blues with the power of music. Enter Japan’s King of City Pop: Tatsuyo Yamashita and his bumpin’ summer album, “For You”. Track after track of consistently sunny tunes guaranteed to whisk you back to the Bubble Era and right onto some beach in July. 

However, for those who RELISH in winter festivities, let’s take a little stroll down the Corridor of Lights! ’Tis a special February event in the rural parts of Joetsu City spanning 7 different wards and 100,000 candles snug in their icy casing. There’s fireworks, food trucks and frivolity for all. To help guide us there, we’ve got Joetsu local and my pal Charlie Stratton driving the bus in a two-part episode!

Slip on a 2nd layer and strap on your boots! (Don’t forget the amazake…)

Get lit, Backers ❄️⚪️🕯️🍶

Welcome to 2026, you resolution-makin'/breakin' Backers!

No doubt you've all had a wonderful start to the year. However, if not, perhaps the missing ingredients were a bunch of shoeless hobbits, graying wizards, magic rings and CGI battles. Sure sure - it's a New Year, New You, but kicking things off at the Shire? It's the smoking/drinking/weight-loss/new-hobby/finish-your-novel kick you didn't know you needed!

To get US on the right foot, we're tucking in on a prefectural food tour that will whisk us to the bustling capital and its offerings, to Sado's sandy shores and down to the jade coast of Itoigawa. It's a mouth-watering time that will have you heading either straight to Niigata, or right to your local fish market.

Thanks so much for a great year and here's to a new one!

Auld Lang Syne, you backers 🪩🫧🍸🥂

Josh