150. A Brief History of Japan

Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!

Topics Covered:

• Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)

• Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)

• Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)

• Kofun Period (250 - 538)

• Yamato Period (250 - 710)

• Asuka Period (538 - 710)

• Nara Period (710 - 794)

• Heian Period (794 - 1185)

• Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)

• Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)

• Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)

• Edo Period (1600 - 1868)

• Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

• Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

• Showa Period (1926 - 1989)

• Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)

• Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)

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149. The City of Hakodate

Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a historic port city known for its scenic views, unique history, and fresh seafood. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this gateway to Japan’s northernmost island, from star-shaped forts to morning markets and sparkling nightscapes!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Morning Market

• Goryokaku

• Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

• Motomachi

• Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples

• Mt. Hakodate

• Yunokawa Onsen

• Onuma Day Trip

• Festivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — Illuminations — Hakodate Port Festival — Hakodate Goryokaku Festival

• How to get to/around Hakodate

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2026 Podcast Meetup Announcement

Join Jason and Paul in Sapporo for the 2026 podcast meetup!

Topics Covered:

• Podcast Meetup 2026: Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Sapporo, Japan. (Venue TBD)

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148. Mascots

Japan loves its mascots—from cuddly creatures promoting local towns to bizarre characters representing government agencies. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild, whimsical world of yuru-kyara and discover what makes these mascots such a beloved part of Japanese culture!

Topics Covered:

• What are yuru-kyara?

• What do mascots do?

• Why are mascots so popular in Japan?

• Notable mascots: Hikonyan (Hikone) — Kumamon (Kumamoto) — Funassyi (Funabashi) — Melonkuma (Yubari) — Gajiro (Fukusaki) — Nyango Star (Kuroishi) — Annie (Kumamoto University anisakis research) — Matagi no Momiji-chan (Hokkaido)

• Controversy: Amazoness (Ama City) — Chiitan (Susaki) — Sento-kun (Nara) — Marimokkori (Hokkaido)

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147. How to Buy a House in Japan (Akiya)

Akiya are abandoned homes found all over Japan—some listed for shockingly low prices. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what it’s like to try to buy one, from navigating the listings to understanding the hidden challenges.

Topics Covered:

• Why are there so many vacant houses?

• Can foreigners buy akiya?

• How to search for an akiya

• How to choose an akiya

• How to buy an akiya

• How to renovate an akiya

• Living in an akiya

• Is it worth it?

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146. Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji (The Golden and Silver Pavilions)

Kyoto is full of famous temples, but few are as iconic—or as confusingly named—as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. Join Jason and Paul as they dig into the history behind these two landmarks, explore what makes each one special, and explain why the silver Pavilion isn’t actually silver.

Topics Covered:

• History

• Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion)

• Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion)

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145. Street Food

Goma dango from Hakone, roasted black sesame dumplings with a walnut miso glaze

Japan might be known for its sushi and ramen, but its street food scene is just as exciting. From takoyaki and taiyaki to yakitori and beyond, join Jason and Paul as they dive into some of Japan’s best street eats — and share where to find them!

Topics Covered:

• Takoyaki

• Yakitori

• Ikayaki

• Taiyaki

• Yakisoba

• Yaki-imo

• Yaki Tomorokoshi

• Tako Tamago

• Karaage

• Kobe Beef

• Gyoza

• Korokke

• Senbei

• Soft Cream

• Kakigori

• Dango

• Crepes

• Choco Banana

• Boba

• Where to Find Street Food

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144. Things You'll Miss About Japan (And Some Things You Won't)

Japan is full of things to love - and a few things that might drive you a little crazy. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the best and worst aspects of exploring Japan!

Topics Covered:

• Planes

• Trains

• Hotels

• Food

• Walkable Cities

• Convenience

• Politeness

• Customer Service

• Bathrooms

• Onsen

• History

• Hiking

• City Life

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143. The City of Sendai

Tashirojima, “Cat Island”, a popular day trip from Sendai.

The Ishinomori Manga Museum in Ishinomaki.

Known as the "City of Trees," Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and a great place to learn about the culture and history of northeastern Honshu. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the city and uncover the story of its founder—a samurai with the coolest nickname ever.

Topics Covered:

• History

• Loople Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle — Tohoku University Museum of Natural History — Miyagi Museum of Art — Osaki Hachiman Shrine — Jozenji-dori — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping District — Date no Gyutan Honpo

• Other Sights: Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum — Rinnoji — Dai Kannon — Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School

• Sendai Port: Umino-Mori Aquarium — Mitsui Outlet Park — Sendai Port Central Park — Kirin Beer Factory

• Events: Sendai Tanabata Festival — Pageant of Starlight — Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

• Day Trips: Matsushima Bay — Ishinomaki/Tashirojima (Cat Island) — Zao Kitsune Mura

• How to get to/around Sendai

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142. Bugs of Japan

Japan is home to a variety of fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — bugs and insects, from summer’s singing cicadas to giant hornets and everything in between. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the world of Japan’s bugs—both the beloved and the infamous!

Topics Covered:

• Cultural Significance

• Famous Bugs: Cicadas — Giant Hornets — Fireflies — Stag Beetles — Rhinoceros Beetles — Silkworms

• Seasonal Bugs: Butterflies — Dragonflies — Crickets

• Common Pests: Mosquitoes — Cockroaches — Centipedes — Spiders

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141. Rating Cultural Experiences

Ohori Park Japanese Garden in Fukuoka

Udon, a traditional noodle dish

Japan offers a wide range of unique experiences, from cherry blossom viewing and high-speed train rides to exploring ancient temples and sampling the local cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they rate and discuss some common experiences that visitors are likely to have in Japan!

Topics Covered:

• Konbini

• Temples and Shrines

• Hanami

• Maid Cafes

• Hiking

• Eating

• Shopping

• Shinkansen

• Arcades

• Japanese Gardens

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140. 2024 Trip Recap (Part 3)

Kamikochi

Narai-juku

A view of Mt. Fuji from Hakone

Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their third week of sightseeing!

Topics Covered:

• Kamikochi

• Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle — Yabuhara to Narai-juku — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Shopping Street — Nakamachi Shopping Street — Daio Wasabi Farm — Ishii Miso — Agatanomori Park

• Omiya: Omiya Bonsai Village — The Railway Museum

• Tokyo: Shibuya Parco — Rainbow Karaoke Shibuya — THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- — Mount Takao — Meiji Jingu

• Hakone: Yama no Chaya — Owakudani — Hakone Checkpoint

• Tokyo: Denimio — Akihabara

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139. 2024 Trip Recap (Part 2)

Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum

The Site of Reversible Destiny in Yoro Park

Hida no Sato Open Air Museum

Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their second week of sightseeing!

Topics Covered:

• Nagoya: Coffee House Kako — Nagoya Castle — The Tokugawa Art Museum — SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

• Inuyama: Showa Alley — Dondenkan (Matsuri Museum) — Inuyama Castle — Urakuen — Momotaro Shrine

• Hikone: Hikone Castle — Genkyuen — Rakurakuen — Yume Kyobashi Castle Road

• Omihachiman: Kawara Museum — Hachimanyama Ropeway — Borderless Art Museum NO-MA

• Yoro: Site of Reversible Destiny

• Sekigahara: Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum — Sengoku Armor Museum

• Takayama: Hikaru Museum — Takayama Sky Park — Hida no Sato Open Air Museum — Squirrel Forest Hidayama Wild Grass Nature Garden (Risu no Mori) — Matsuri no Mori Museum — Miyagawa Morning Market — Takayama Showa-kan Museum — Tofu Cuisine Noguchiya — Funasaka Sake Brewery — Hida Takayama Retro Museum

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138. 2024 Trip Recap (Part 1)

A view on the Kumano Kodo, an ancient pilgrimage trail in Wakayama Prefecture

Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their first week of sightseeing!

Topics Covered:

• Kumano Kodo: Kii-Tanabe — Guest House Kiyohime — Takijiri Oji — Chikatsuyu — Guest House MUI — Kumano Hongu Taisha — Yunomine Onsen — Minshuku Yunosato

• Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station — Tempozan Ferris Wheel — Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho — Namba Parks

• Nagoya: Atsuta Jingu — Shirotori Garden — Osu Shopping Street — Osu Kannon Temple — Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology — Sky Promenade

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137.5. Folklooooore

Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!

Topics Covered:

• Ubazakura

• Rokurokubi

• Jiu-Roku-Zakura

• The Goblin of Adachigahara

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137. 2024 Halloween Special - Japan's Most Horrific Crimes

Japan may be one of the safest countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its share of chilling and horrific crimes. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the most shocking cases in Japan’s history.

Topics Covered:

• Junko Furuta

• Issei Sagawa

• Kobe Child Murders

• Nevada-Tan

• Ninja of Heisei

• Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

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136. Day Trips from Kyoto and Osaka

Magome, a post town on the Nakasendo

Kyoto and Osaka offer countless attractions, but venturing beyond these cities for day trips can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the diverse experiences waiting just outside Kansai’s largest metropolis!

Topics Covered:

• Nara (Ep112)

• Hiroshima (Ep118)

• Kobe (Ep96)

• Uji

• Koyasan

• Himeji

• Okayama and Kurashiki

• Kurama and Kibune

• Nakasendo (Magome to Tsumago)

• Hikone

• Omi Hachiman

• Amanohashidate and Ine

• Nagoya

• Listener Mail: Ryokan Matsubaya — Shoseien Garden — Takase River — Kyoto Railway Museum — Umekoji Park

• Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

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• Become a member on Patreon!

135. Reality TV and Game Shows

Japan has unique television programming that has gained a reputation internationally for being extremely wacky and sometimes even dangerous. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild world of reality TV and game shows in Japan!

Topics Covered:

• What is TV like in Japan?

• Denpa Shonen

• Terrace House

• Old Enough

• Iron Chef

• Takeshi’s Castle

• Wafu Sohonke (Japanese Style Originator)

• Youtube Segments: Zoo Prank — Candy or Not —  Falling Elevator — AKBingo — Bicyclist —  Massage Chair Prank — Brain Wall

• Can you get on Japanese TV?

• Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

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134.5. Even More Folklore

Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!

Topics Covered:

• The Stones of Five Colors and the Empress Jokwa

• Momotaro, or the Story of the Son of a Peach

• Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

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134. Sightseeing and Overnight Trains

Japan is known for its incredible train system, but did you know about the wide array of unique sightseeing and overnight trains? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss these exciting travel options that offer new perspectives on Japan’s diverse landscapes and cities!

Topics Covered:

• Overnight Trains: Sunrise Express (Seto/Izumo)

• Cruise Trains: Seven Stars in Kyushu — Shiki-Shima — Twilight Express Mizukaze — Royal Express

• Sightseeing Trains: Tokaido Shinkansen — Sightseeing Limited Express Aoniyoshi — Kurobe Gorge Railway — Kyo-Train Garaku — Sagano Scenic Railway — Pokemon With You Train — Hisatsu Line — Sanriku Railway Kotatsu Train — Hakone Tozan Line — Fujisan View Express — Furano Biei Norokko Train — Takayama Main Line — Chiba Monorail

• Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!