51. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

Cherry blossoms (sakura) are famous around the world as a symbol of Japanese culture and history. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes these beautiful flowers so special.

50. Manga and Anime

Manga and anime are two of Japan’s most well-known and well-loved cultural exports. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and stylistic attributes of these media!

49. Themed Restaurants

Japan is home to many themed restaurants where you can eat in a novel setting and even order food based on the theme. Join Jason and Paul as they explore some of Japan’s most unusual themed restaurants!

48. Bonsai

Bonsai is a Japanese art form in which trees are grown in containers and cultivated to keep them small and mimic the proportions of full-sized trees. Join Jason and Paul as the explore the history, cultivation techniques, and aesthetics of bonsai!

47. Tofu

Tofu is an important food in many asian cultures and has strong ties to Japanese Buddhism. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the history, manufacturing, and the many different types of tofu!

46. The City of Kawagoe

Kawagoe is a historically significant city near Tokyo that still reflects elements of traditional culture and architecture. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to experience in Kawagoe!

Topics Covered:

• Crea Mall

• Kita-in Temple

• Warehouse District: Kawagoe Kurazukuri Museum — Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley) — Toki no Kane (Bell Tower) — Kimono Rental

• Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

• Kawagoe Castle Ruins

• Events: Koedo Kawagoe Spring Festival — Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival — Kawagoe Hikawa Festival — Kawagoe Festival Museum

• How to get to Kawagoe

45. Chopsticks

Chopsticks have been used in Asia for thousands of years and these days almost a third of the world’s population uses them every day. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss one of the world’s most popular eating utensils!

44. Five Unusual Places

Japan has many unusual experiences to offer that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss five of the most unusual places you can visit!

Topics Covered:

• Yoro Park

• Toyama Bay

• Inakadate Tanbo Art

• Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

• Nagoro Village

43. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most famous shrines in Japan and is the head shrine of the kami Inari. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and mythology behind this beautiful shrine!

42. Hot Spring Baths (Onsen)

The word onsen refers to Japan's hot springs as well as the many baths and resorts that use water from said springs. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide world of onsen!

41. Tanuki

The tanuki is a "raccoon dog" native to Japan and closely related to foxes. They have a long history in Japanese folklore as a sort of trickster youkai. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the role of tanuki in Japanese culture!

40. Ramen

Ramen is a very popular meal in Japan but did you know that it was actually adapted from Chinese noodles and wasn't even known as "ramen" until the 1950s? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of ramen!

Coronavirus Update

Jason and Paul provide an update on the coronavirus situation in Japan and its impact on the 2020 Olympics.

39. Baseball

Baseball was introduced to Japan in 1872 and has since become one of the country's most popular sports. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the exciting world of baseball in Japan!

38. Drums (Taiko)

Taiko, or Japanese drums, have been used throughout Japanese history for all sorts of purposes, such as religious events, the military, traditional theatre, and more. They even play a role in Japanese folklore. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascination world of taiko!

37. The Kyushu Region

The Kyushu Region is the southernmost region of Japan and stretches from the main island of Kyushu down to Okinawa. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the many sights to see and things to do in the Kyushu Region!

Topics Covered:

• Mount Aso

• Kitakyushu: Kawachi Wisteria Garden — Kokura Castle — Kitakyushu Manga Museum — Aruaru City — TOTO Museum

• Fukuoka: Yatai (Food Stalls) — Castle Ruins — Ohori Park — Sumo Tournament — Canal City Hakata (Shopping Mall) — Shofukuji Temple — Uminonakamichi Seaside Park — Seaside Momochi — Hakata Machiya Folk Museum — Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine — Kyushu National Museum

• Oita: Beppu Onsen — Takasaki Mountain — Usuki

• Nagasaki: Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) — Nagasaki Peace Park — Mount Inasayama — Glover Garden — Suwa Shrine — Dejima — Huis Ten Bosch

• Kumamoto: Kumamoto Castle — Suizenji Jojuen Garden

• Miyazaki: Ikime Burial Mounds — Udo Shrine — Kaeda Valley — Obi Castle Town — Takachiho Gorge

• Kagoshima: Yakushima

• Okinawa: Naha — Kokusaidori Street — Shuri Castle — Former Japanese Navy Underground HQ — Fukushuen Garden — Churaumi Aquarium — Kerama Islands — Yaeyama Islands (Taketomi Island, Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island)

36. 2020 Summer Olympics

The Olympic Games are the world's foremost sports competition and this year they are being held in Tokyo, Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the 2020 Summer Olympics!

35. Origami

The art of paper folding known as origami has become a popular activity all over the world. One of the most well-known origami models is that of the paper crane. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of origami!

34. Samurai

Samurai are famous around the world for their impressive weapons and armor, their ferocity on the battlefield, and their code of honor. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of the samurai!

33. Tea

Tea has a long history in Japan and is now the country's most commonly drunk beverage. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many varieties of Japanese tea!