• 130. Akihabara
    Apr 8 2024

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Electronics (e.g. Yodobashi Akiba, BicCamera AKIBA)

    Arcades (e.g. Namco Akihabara)

    Anime Shops (e.g. Akihabara Kotobukiya, Mandarake)

    Computer Shops (e.g. Tsukumo PC Honten)

    Maid Cafes (e.g. Maidreamin)

    Akihabara Dear Stage

    Little TGV

    Akihabara Gachapon Hall

    2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

    Yusha Kobo Keyboard Specialty Shop

    Komaki Shokudo

    Bars (Game Bar A-Button, Beer Pong Bar Grove, Hitachino Brewing Lab, Low-Non-Bar)

    Weird Vending Machine Corner

    Karaoke

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • 129. Day Trips from Tokyo
    Mar 25 2024

    Tokyo has all sorts of attractions to offer, but venturing outside the bustling city for a day trip can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many diverse experiences that can be had just beyond Tokyo’s borders!

    Topics Covered:

    Kamakura and Enoshima (Ep72)

    Kawagoe (Ep46)

    Nikko (Ep80)

    Mt. Fuji (Ep10, also mentioned Arakurayama Sengen Park)

    Amusement Parks (Ep 94)

    Mt. Takao (Ep 119)

    Utsunomiya

    Hakone

    Odawara

    Omiya

    Yokohama

    Chiba

    Shizuoka

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • 128. Mental Health
    Mar 11 2024

    Mental health issues are part of the human experience, and Japan is not immune to the complexities and struggles that individuals face. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the mental health concerns and social challenges that have gained attention in modern Japan.

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Suicide

    Karoshi

    Hikikomori

    Kodokushi

    Gomi Yashiki

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • 127. The City of Sapporo
    Feb 26 2024

    Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is considered by many to be the most attractive city in Japan. As one of the snowiest cities in the world, it is also home to an extremely popular snow festival. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Sapporo!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Central: Kani Honke — Sapporo Clock Tower — Odori Park — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Nijo Market — Susukino — Ganso Ramen Yokocho — Sapporo Factory — Sapporo Beer Museum/Beer Garden

    Northeast: Moerenuma Park

    Southwest: Mount Moiwa

    Northwest: Sapporo Crab Market — Shiroi Koibito Park — Sapporo Tiene Ski Resort

    Southeast: Historical Village of Hokkaido — Hokkaido Museum

    Day Trips: Otaru — Jozankei

    Festivals: Snow Festival — Lilac Festival — Yosakoi Soran Festival — Autumn Festival — Christmas Market

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 126. Red-Light Districts
    Feb 12 2024

    Japan’s red-light districts have evolved over the centuries, but even today they offer a complex tapestry of nightlife, entertainment, and cultural nuances. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into the intriguing history, vibrant present, and often overlooked stories of Japan’s adult entertainment hubs.

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Types of Establishments

    Safety

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • 125. Train Stations
    Jan 29 2024

    Japan’s train stations are so much more than mere transit hubs. They also offer shopping, dining, cutting-edge technology, and a glimpse into national and local cultures! Japan is even home to the busiest train station in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many facets of these iconic transportation centers.

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Sights and Sounds

    Notable Train Stations

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 124. The City of Matsumoto
    Jan 15 2024

    The city of Matsumoto is known for its iconic historic castle as well as for the natural beauty of the surrounding Japanese Alps. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Matsumoto!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Downtown Area: Matsumoto Castle (and Jokyo Gimin Memorial Museum) — Former Kaichi School — Takagi (Soba Shop) — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Street — Nakamachi Street — Matsumoto Timepiece Museum — Matsumoto City Museum of Art — Agatanomori Park

    North: Asama Onsen

    East: Matsumoto Mingeikan Folk Art Museum

    South: Koboyama Kofun — Matsumoto City Archaeological Museum

    West: Japan Ukiyo-e Museum — Matsumoto City Rekishinosato

    Day Trip: Daio Wasabi Farm

    How to get to/around Matsumoto

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • 123. Rice
    Jan 1 2024

    Not only has rice been a staple food in Japan for millennia, but it is also closely intertwined with their spiritual and cultural traditions. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the myriad ways that rice has shaped and continues to define the essence of Japan!

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Cultural Significance

    Types of Rice

    Japan’s Rice Industry

    How is Rice Grown?

    How to Cook Rice

    Join our Discord community!

    Become a member on Patreon!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 23 mins