Episode 17 is all about the incredibly consistent post-hardcore band Bloodthirsty Butchers. This cult classic rock band was part of the early migration from Hokkaido to Tokyo in the late 80s and early 90s. Beloved by music enthusiasts and other bands, they never achieved true mainstream success, but are nevertheless legends in the Japanese music scene. We also talk about Supercar, the Far East Network, and izakaya.

Nikka Bar Rita:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pyVagrMjK9ZcCLXa6

Nomidokoro Tanaka Tanaka:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jGSqaVyzfg56oAX7

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

Our 16th instalment brings us back to the 90s with the games that defined the Millennial generation, Pokemon. It's the highest selling franchise of all time, and it's still going strong. We also talk about Japanese bugs, retro vending machines, and yokai.

Used Tire Mart Sagamihara Store - Vending Machine Corner

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZtbGL3zC3NkNnzHu8

Kitchen Punch:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DrLuUnnkrvDv85on7

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

Episode 15 looks at Juzo Itami's 1985 masterpiece, Tampopo. Billed as a "Ramen Western", it's a parody of the Spaghetti Westerns of the 1960s. Tampopo also happens to be one of the best food movies of all time. We also talk about love, sex, and conformity in 80s Japan.

Soba House Konjiki-Hototogisu:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5gSvGXuS9g9b9eUz5

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

In episode 14 we dig deep into City Pop, the sophisticated music of Japan's bubble era in the late 1980s. City Pop made a comeback in the late 2010s, with artists like Mariya Takeuchi and Miki Mastsubara inspiring genres like future funk and vaporwave. We also talk about anime, karaoke, and the Tokyo club scene.

Henry's Burger:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PcqsXQ4KZv2HAB879

Womb:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wqBcs9SwWsqahuRR6

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

Episode 13 is a tribute to Akira Toriyama, the man who introduced the world to shonen manga and anime. People always say that they miss 80s and 90s manga and that it just looked so much better. Well, a lot of the nostalgic style we love and miss was created by Toriyama, from Dr. Slump, to Dragon Ball. We also talk about Shonen Jump magazine, Nagoya's cuisine, and kaiju.

Misen Ramen Imaike:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XAgCz6at5gvbNL8j7

Pizzeria Braceria Cesari:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9LzPKP8SSi6m49yt9

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

In episode 12 we discuss the life of the prominent Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. She has been a trendsetter for almost a century, and is one of the most important and impactful artists of the modern era. We also talk about castles, mental health, and Andy Warhol.

Naoshima Island:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/19UnsfU7EzQ2J4du8

Matsumoto Castle:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ydhLgo2zb2vrTaKKA

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

Episode 11 takes a look at the history of yōkai, and why these mythical creatures should matter to you. We don't go into detail about any one work of art or literature, but rather give an overview of various media involving yōkai. We also talk about Japanese wolves, Pokemon, and udon.

Oiwa Shrine:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2CQZMRcrzGNy9BRU8

Yamabiko Fushimi:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yKv5rDukfnGgB2ka9

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

Episode 10 is all about one of Japan's most creative and important fashion brands: Comme des Garcons. The genius behind the brand is Rei Kawakubo, and her creations force us to think about deep philosophical questions. We also discuss Harajuku, Yohji Yamamoto, and Sushi.

Dover Street Market Ginza:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CNQ3uKoCmHFZWe8p6

Ikina Sushi Dokoro Abe Aoyama:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/KcDuKqZKD4hw7MCo7

My Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg