VOCALO Bar Calc., a vocaloid themed bar in Asahikawa
Japan’s nightlife is about more than just izakayas and whiskey bars. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the weird, immersive, and unforgettable world of themed bars in Japan!
Science Bar INCUBATOR
Deathmatch in Hell
8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button)
Record Bar Analog
The Whales of August
Planetarium Bar
Muscle Girls
Kiha (Train Bar)
Kaiju Sakaba Shimbashi
Axe Throwing Bar
Hunters Bar
Taishu Shusen Terumae
Dogenzaka Church
Bunny Bars
Japan is often cited as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but what’s really behind that reputation? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the cultural, social, and systemic factors that help keep crime low in Japan.
Social Cohesion
Broken Windows Theory
Economic Factors
Legislation
Koban and Community Policing
Judicial System
Underreporting
Recent Trends
Zunda mochi, a Sendai specialty
Yamadera, a mountain temple in Yamagata
“Snow monsters” at Zao Onsen
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!
Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping Arcade
Yamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao Onsen
Matsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightseeing Cruise — Zuiganji — Entsuin — Date Masamune Historical Museum — Fukuura Island — Matsushima Retro Museum — Matsushima Fish Market
Sendai: Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School — Daikannon — Rinnouji — Kirin Beer Factory
Tokyo: teamLab Planets — Small Worlds — Kokyo Gaien National Garden
Illuminations at the Asahikawa Winter Festival
The Aurora ice breaker ship
Drift ice in Abashiri
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!
Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path Festival
Bibai
Asahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum
Biei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — Town of Hills Folk Museum Misora
Abashiri: Ice Breaker Aurora — Ryuhyo Glass Museum — Abashiri City Museum — Abashiri City Folk Museum — Abashiri-Jinja — Abashiri Prison Museum
Sendai: Tomizawa Site — AER Observation Terrace
Hakodate Gokoku Shrine
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!
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
Mount Fuji, Hakone Shrine, and a pirate ship as seen from the edge of Lake Ashi
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.
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
Cycling outside Onomichi at the beginning of the Shimanami Kaido
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.
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
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.
What is Japanese Pro Wrestling?
History
How Does Puroresu Work?
Major Promotions
Controversy
How to Attend
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.
What is Omotenashi?
History
Keigo
Examples of Omotenashi
The Dark Side of Customer Service
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.
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.
A meal made almost entirely of 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!
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.
A Japanese-style teapot (kyusu)
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.
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.
The city of Fukuoka as seen from the Fukuoka Castle ruins
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!
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.
A depiction of the Buddhist hell at Edo Wonderland
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!
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.
Cats on Tashirojima, one of Japan’s many “cat islands”
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!
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.
Samurai armor at the Sengoku Armor Museum in Sekigahara
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!
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)
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!
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 Jason and Paul in Sapporo for the 2026 podcast meetup!
Podcast Meetup 2026: Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Sapporo, Japan. (Venue TBD)
Hikonyan — the mascot of the city of Hikone — in front of Hikone Castle
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!
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)
An abandoned house in Onomichi
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.
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?