The Tofugu Podcast: Japan and Japanese Language

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyIn this episode, Michael and Koichi talk to Kanae the intern about the incredible gambling expertise she amassed from the one game of Hanafuda she played against her grandpa. They discuss the history of gambling in Japan, all the various Japanese chance games, and the future of gambling under PM Abe's new gambling law.Take a chance on us. You won't regret it. Unless you lose. Which you won't. Because you're listening to us.iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyMichael and Jamal sit down to talk with music journalist and label owner, Ian F. Martin, about the Japanese underground rock scene as detailed in his new book “Quit Your Band!”.As a journalist, Ian has written for presitgious publications such as The Guardian and The Japan Times, is an avid blogger and has been in the Japanese underground music scene for 10+ years. As a label owner, he is able to offer a unique insight into both sides of the music scene in Japan as a member of the media and a passionate patron of the art.Learn about the intricacies of navigating the underground scene as an outsider, the present state of said scene, and the sometimes harsh reality of the Japanese music industry itself.This a must listen for casual fans and aspiring rockstars alike.Ian's Most recent label releases:* Nakigao Twintail - They're the band whose song lyrics gave me theidea for the book title and they're great. Wacked-out, oddball punk.* Lo-shi - The most recent release on the label. They're both Frenchguys, but very much "made in Tokyo". Instrumentalpost-rock/electronica.* Looprider - Probably the most eclectic and prolific band I've workedwith recently. Everything from J-Pop to hardcore to shoegaze to metalto noise to progressive rock.* Hyacca - They're participating in a short Canadian tour in May.Smart, imaginative, really intense postpunk.* Bumbums - "Tokyo-based pocket-Fugazi". Album coming soon-ish.* P-IPLE - Noise-punk party band. Album on its way.Ian's recent favorites:* Panicsmile - Experimental punk/alternative.* Falsettos - Off-kilter indie rock/new wave.* Soloist Apartment/Second Apartment - Minimal wave/industrial.* Jailbird Y - Heavy, loud noise-rock.* Rebel One Excalibur - Really tight, drilled post-hardcore.* Sonotanotanpenz - Fragile-sounding, playful experimental acousticmusic with intricate vocal interplay.Ian's favorite venues in Tokyo:* Koiwa Bushbash* Akihabara Club Goodman* Shinjuku Motion* Shimokitazawa Three* Higashi-Koenji Ni-man/Den-atsu (20000V)* Higashi-Koenji UFO ClubMore Ian Martin* Get Ian's Book, "Quit Your Band:" http://amzn.to/2lEbVnE* Twitter: https://twitter.com/ianfmartin* His Label: https://callandresponse.jimdo.com* Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/callandresponseiTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Michael and Kristen talk with veteran video game translator Alexander O. Smith about the essential elements of good translation, especially when it comes to video games.Alex has worked on such hit games as Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XII, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. From these experiences, he's gained a lot of insight into what makes a good translation (and what makes a bad translation).If you're thinking of pursuing a career in video game localization, pay attention to what Alex has to say. You'll need more than just amazing Japanese ability. There are many more elements that go into an excellent translation.iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyKoichi and Michael talk with James, founder of http://www.altinsider.com/ to find out what it takes to get the most out of your life in Japan.James was an ALT in Japan for 8 years. During his time teaching English, he hit a wall and started to feel burned out. Classes were repetitive and he needed a change. So he MADE a change.On this episode, James shares the strategies he developed to turn his team-teaching life around. After he started using these tips in his daily life, work became fun and his level enjoyment of life in general went up.If you're in a similar situation (or are thinking of teaching in Japan someday listen to this episode. James' advice is solid (Michael's note: I can attest to this) and will do a lot to help you enjoy your life in Japan more.For more from James, check out hiswebsite: http://www.altinsider.com/podcast: http://www.altinsider.com/thepodcast/twitter: https://twitter.com/AltInsiderFYfacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALTInsider/instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altinsider/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3YsSXHGSv-17CT43PvsSjQ/videosiTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyJapan's most popular idol group, AKB48, has just launched a new sister-group called STU48. What makes this new sister-group different from the many, many, many, many, many others? This one is performs only on the sea. That's right, we finally get a maritime idol group. Michael and Koichi are joined by Kanae the intern to discuss the impact this has on the nation. Shiver ye timbers and batten down the glowsticks. It's time to kind of rock out to a new kind of sea shanty.iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyTofugu's own Kristen traveled to Japan recently, but there was one problem: she's a vegetarian. You'd think Japan would be a veggie-friendly country, but no. Learn all about the trials and triumphs of travel in Japan as a vegetarian. It can be done, just take Kristen's advice and prep for yourself for the vegetarian wasteland.Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net/Printable Cards: http://www.justhungry.com/japan-dining-out-cardsNotes: The movie Kristen talks about in the podcast where Ken Watanabe is a truck drive is called "Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_Back,_Mr._McDonaldiTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyWe talk to Peter Lackner--who runs jobsinjapan.com--about how to find a job in Japan. Turns out, Peter knows how to make it happen, no matter who you are (and how much education you have).Get a job in Japan: https://jobsinjapan.comDISCLAIMER: About a year after this podcast posted, Peter wrote back to us to let us know JESP, J-Wave, and WaveUSA aren't great programs and actually have been up to some shady business he didn't know about at the time of this recording. So he rescinds his endorsement of these programs and recommends you avoid them.iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyIf you don't know what Pikotaro's I Like OJ is all about, hold onto your butts (and watch this): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCIfjcc8J2MYou back? Good. Because so are Pikotaro superfans Koichi and Michael, and they're here to help you understand why the new song by the PPAP singer/songwriter is his best yet. It may even change the way you live your life (not to mention your vocabulary).iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

We talk to Tofugu translator Kristen about the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. This concept trips up a lot of Japanese learners. Even people who think they know how transitivity pairs work in Japanese, they don't really. Kristen helps you understand transitive/intransitive verbs once and for all.iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRtyMerry Christmas! Tofugu brings you a special holiday-themed podcast episode, where you can learn everything there is to know about Japanese Christmas. If you want to celebrate the holiday in Japan, you best learn a thing or two about KFC, cake, boots, and more.Plus we learn some surprising revelations about Santa's political views.Read all about Japanese Christmas in our article: https://tfg.li/christmasinjapaniTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcastGoogle Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay