In this episode of THE KIMI KATO SHOW, Kimi Kato takes listeners on a rich musical and cultural journey through Ibaraki Prefecture, one of Japan’s most underrated yet deeply fascinating regions.

Located just over an hour from Tokyo, Ibaraki reveals a striking blend of natural beauty, layered history, regional pride, and powerful music. From the twin peaks of Mount Tsukuba and the vast waters of Lake Kasumigaura to the dramatic Pacific coastline, fertile plains, and the mountain valleys of Okukuji, this episode explores a prefecture where land, water, tradition, and innovation all meet.

This episode’s soundtrack brings Ibaraki’s spirit to life through artists and songs connected to the prefecture, including Kome Kome CLUB’s “Kimi ga Iru Dake de” and “Roman Hikō,” Jun Isoyama’s “Soshite Mirai e,” Huwie Ishizaki’s “Wasuregataki,” Hayato Adachi’s “FANFARE,” Travis Japan’s “Still on a Journey,” and Elephant Kashimashi’s “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni.” Together, these songs reflect the emotion, pride, resilience, and forward-looking energy that define Ibaraki.

A place sometimes joked about as “Japan’s hidden last-place prefecture,” Ibaraki emerges here for what it really is: a destination full of beauty, character, history, and musical legacy.

Host: Kimi Kato

Producer: Kimi Kato

Executive Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins

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Inquiries: [email protected]

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THE KIMI KATO SHOW — Japan Music Journey: Tochigi 

An hour north of Tokyo by Shinkansen, Tochigi shifts Japan’s tempo—from the hush of ancient cedar forests to the bright, everyday energy of Utsunomiya’s gyoza streets. In this episode, we travel through sacred architecture and volcanic landscapes—then translate it all into sound. We step into the gold-leaf world of Nikko Toshogu, part of the UNESCO-listed Shrines and Temples of Nikko (inscribed 1999), trace the high-altitude calm of Lake Chuzenji (1,269m), feel the impact of Kegon Falls (97m), and ride the 48 curves of Irohazaka as the mountains flare into autumn. As always, our journey is built on music. Tochigi’s frequency lives in the artists who carry its spirit—anchored by the honest, narrative drive of Kazuyoshi Saito, and expanding into modern J-pop and rock that captures both spiritual stillness and restless motion. Each track in this episode is chosen as a map: songs that breathe like Nikko’s cedar silence surges that hit like Kegon at full volume city pop energy for Utsunomiya nights dusk-colored ballads drifting over Chuzenji Because every prefecture has a landscape— but the unforgettable ones also have a sound. This is Tochigi: a gateway north of Tokyo, tuned to reverence and rawness— and unraveled, one song at a time. 

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From snow-covered mountains to the vast Echigo Plain and the roaring waves of the Sea of Japan, this episode takes you deep into Niigata Prefecture—Japan’s fifth-largest prefecture and one of its most quietly powerful regions.

Just 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Niigata is a land of dramatic contrasts: 3-meter snowfalls that nourish Japan’s finest Koshihikari rice, nearly 90 sake breweries crafting world-class tanrei karakuchi, the legendary spirit of Uesugi Kenshin, and the newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sado Gold Mines.

We explore the craftsmanship of Tsubame-Sanjo, the global rise of Snow Peak, the emotional scale of Nagaoka’s fireworks, and the unmistakable taste of Niigata—from Nanban shrimp to Le Lectier pears.

Nature. History. Industry. Gastronomy.Niigata is not just a snow country—it’s a living philosophy of resilience, refinement, and pride.

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Fukushima is Japan’s third-largest prefecture by land area — and one of its most layered. Just about 90 minutes from Tokyo by Tohoku Shinkansen, the landscapes open into three distinct worlds: Hamadori on the Pacific coast, Nakadori in the central basin, and Aizu in the snow country to the west. In this episode, we travel through Fukushima’s geography and seasons, step into ancient Jōmon civilization, trace samurai loyalty and tragedy in Aizu, taste iconic local foods like Kitakata ramen and enban gyoza, and confront the modern chapter that reshaped global conversations about disaster, energy, and recovery after March 11, 2011. This is Fukushima — not a single story, but a prefecture where multiple Japans coexist.

Host: Kimi KatoProducer: Kimi Kato

Executive Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins

Powered by: Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy MediaInquiries: [email protected]

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In this episode of The Kimi Kato Show, we dive deep into JAPOW—the legendary Japanese powder snow that skiers around the world dream about. From the global icon Niseko to the snow monsters of Zao Onsen, Kimi guides you through five of Japan’s most iconic ski destinations: Niseko, Rusutsu, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, and Zao.

But this episode goes beyond snow quality. We explore why skiing in Japan feels fundamentally different from the Western world—comparing ski culture, food, onsen, etiquette, and the philosophy behind Japan’s winter experience. You’ll also hear the Top 5 things that surprise first-time Western skiers in Japan, from the quiet lift lines to the emotional power of soaking in hot springs after a day on the mountain.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a first-time Japan traveler, or simply curious about Japanese culture, this episode reveals why Japan isn’t just a ski destination—it’s a winter reset for the body and soul.

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In this episode of THE KIMI KATO SHOW, we continue Kimi’s Japan Journey: 47 Prefectures Unraveled with a deep dive into Yamagata, a hidden gem of the Tohoku region.

From snow-covered mountains and sacred temples to fruit-rich farmlands and legendary hot springs, Yamagata reveals a side of Japan shaped by seasons, spirituality, and craftsmanship. We explore iconic landmarks like Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen, and Zao’s Snow Monsters, trace the poetic legacy of Matsuo Basho, and unpack why Yamagata is known as Japan’s “Kingdom of Fruits.”

The episode also highlights Yamagata’s cultural and musical influence, including producer Takeshi Kobayashi, alongside local artists and sounds that reflect the prefecture’s soul. Expect insights into regional cuisine such as Yonezawa beef, imoni, and cold ramen, as well as festivals like the vibrant Hanagasa Matsuri.

A journey through nature, music, food, and tradition—this is Yamagata, unraveled.

THE KIMI KATO SHOW

Host: Kimi Kato

Producer: Kimi Kato

Executive Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins

Powered by Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy Media

Inquiries: [email protected]

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Ring in the New Year! Dive into the heart of Japanese New Year traditions, including the spiritual cleansing of Ōsōji, the significance of Joya no Kane, and a deep-dive review of the iconic end of the year 2025 Kōhaku Uta Gassen. We also explore the passion and drama of the Hakone Ekiden. Discover the culture and music that mark the transition to a new year.

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Spirit of Ennichi — Experience the wonders of Japanese culture through music, taste, and festive vibes!
ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Experience LA will transform Los Angeles into a vibrant celebration of Japan’s spirit and creativity.

Date: Dec 2, 2025 (Tues) 4:00 PM

Doors Open | 7:00 PM Show Starts

Venue: Aurora Warehouse
Performances by Awich, f5ve, JP THE WAVY, and PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBEFood

Vendors: Honda-Ya, Tsukiji Gindaco, Soma Suisan, Tenkatori, UMACHA
Japanese festival games: Super Ball Scooping, Yo-yo Fishing, Cotton Candy, Face Painting

Ennichi Stage: Taiko drum performances by TAIKO PROJECT (5:00PM), Tuna-cutting show by Soma Suisan (5:30PM)

HP: https://www.ennichi.info/

THE KIMI KATO SHOW

Host: Kimi Kato

Producer: ⁠⁠Kimi Kato⁠⁠ | Exec. Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins

Opening Theme: "Joyride" by Yamagen

Ending Theme: "El Loco" by Yamagen

Powered by ⁠⁠Project Asteri⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Pantheon Media⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Radio Candy Media⁠⁠

Inquiries: ⁠⁠[email protected]

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Experience the wonders of Japanese culture through music, taste, and festive vibes!
On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Experience LA will transform Los Angeles into a vibrant celebration of Japan’s spirit and creativity.
Enjoy dynamic live performances by Awich, f5ve, JP THE WAVY, and PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE — leading Japanese artists making waves among U.S. audiences. The event also features an immersive festival atmosphere with food vendors and ennichi-inspired cultural experiences.
Discover Japan through music, culture, and all five senses in this one-night-only celebration.
https://www.ennichi.info/

THE KIMI KATO SHOW

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kimi Kato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Producer: Kimi Kato

Exec. Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins

Opening Theme: "Joyride" by Yamagen

Ending Theme: "El Loco" by Yamagen

Powered by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Project Asteri⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Pantheon Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Radio Candy Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

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Miyagi—where sea breezes meet mountain trails, and resilience shines through tradition. 

From the pine-clad islets of Matsushima Bay to Sendai’s “Forest City” charm, from savory gyūtan and fresh oysters to festivals glowing with streamers of hope, Miyagi is a land where recovery and beauty live side by side. 
Join us as we explore its spirit through nature, history, and local flavors—together with music from Miyagi artists and this week’s Entertainment Weekly News! ✨　

THE KIMI KATO SHOW

Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kimi Kato⁠⁠⁠⁠

Producer: Kimi Kato

Exec. Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins

Opening Theme: "Joyride" by Yamagen

Ending Theme: "El Loco" by Yamagen

Powered by⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Project Asteri⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Pantheon Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Radio Candy Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

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