161. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 1)

The night view of Hakodate from Mt. Hakodate

A snow castle at the Sapporo Snow Festival

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:

• Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef Ono

• Hakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples — Lucky Pierrot — Mt. Hakodate — Goryokaku — Okushiba Soup Curry

• Noboribetsu: Jigokudani

• Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Tsudome — Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo Factory — Nijo Market — Norbesa Ferris Wheel

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160. The Town of Hakone

The sulphur vents of Owakudani

Famous for its onsen, museums, and Fuji views, Hakone has long been a retreat from city life. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to experience Hakone and what sets it apart from other destinations.

Topics Covered:

• History

• Hakone-Yumoto

• Ryokan and Onsen

• Sightseeing Train (Tozan Railway)

• Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

• Hakone Open-Air Museum

• Owakudani

• Pirate Ship

• Hakone Checkpoint

• Best View of Fuji

• Hakone Shrine

• How to get to/around Hakone

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159. Cycling Routes

One of the bridges along the Shimanami Kaido

Designated national cycle routes are part of Japan’s push to make cycling more accessible for travelers. Join Jason and Paul as they break down the routes, the scenery, and what cyclists can expect along the way.

Topics Covered:

• What is a “National Cycle Route”?

• Shimanami Kaido

• Biwa-Ichi

• Pacific Cycling Road

• Toyama Bay Cycling Route

• Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road

• Tokapuchi400

• Tips for a Successful Ride

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158. Pro Wrestling

Japanese pro wrestling has carved out its own distinct identity, blending athleticism, storytelling, and a passionate fan culture. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, styles, and stars that make puroresu so unique.

Topics Covered:

• What is Japanese Pro Wrestling?

• History

• How Does Puroresu Work?

• Major Promotions

• Controversy

• How to Attend

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• Become a member on Patreon!

157. Service Culture

Japan’s service culture sets a global standard, blending efficiency, politeness, and surprising little touches of care. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the roots of omotenashi and how it shapes everyday experiences.

Topics Covered:

• What is Omotenashi?

• History

• Keigo

• Examples of Omotenashi

• The Dark Side of Customer Service

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156. Cosplay

From anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today.

Topics Covered:

• History

• How to Cosplay

• Where to Cosplay

• Are There Rules?

• Controversies

• Where to See Cosplay

• Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

• Join our Discord community!

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155. Soybeans

Soybeans are at the heart of Japanese cuisine, found in everything from tofu and miso to soy sauce and natto. Join Jason and Paul as they explore how this humble bean shaped Japan’s food, culture, and history!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Japan’s Soybean Industry

• How Soybeans are Grown

• How Soybeans are Consumed in Japan: Tofu — Miso — Soy Sauce — Natto — Edamame — Soy Milk — Yuba — Kinako — Kuromame

• Types of Soybeans

• Health Benefits

• Where to get Soy Products

• Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

154. Souvenirs

Local mascot merchandise in Onomichi

Plastic food for sale at Kappabashi Street in Tokyo

Trying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.

Topics Covered:

• Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — Incense

• Modern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — Electronics

• Collectibles: Gachapon — Goshuincho — Eki Stamps — Manhole Covers — Pins — Mascot Merch

• Food: KitKats — Tea — Sake — Whisky — Wagashi — Omiyage — Plastic Food

• Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

• Join our Discord community!

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153. The City of Fukuoka

A Japanese garden at Ohori Park

Hakata River

Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Tochoji Temple

• Kushida Shrine

• Sumiyoshi Shrine

• Canal City

• Nakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)

• Tenjin Underground Mall

• Fukuoka Castle Ruins

• Ohori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art Museum

• Mizuho PayPay Dome

• Momochi Seaside Park

• Fukuoka Tower

• Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

• Events: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata Dontaku

• Local Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — Mizutaki

• How to get to/around Fukuoka

• Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

152. 2025 Halloween Special - Hell

Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!

Topics Covered:

• Yomi (Shinto Hell)

• Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)

• Hellish Places You Can Visit

• Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

151. Cats

Rentable cat cabins on Tashirojima

A cat at a shop in Magome-juku

Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume

• Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats

• Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat

• Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

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

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

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)

• Join our Discord community!

• Become a member on Patreon!

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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