53. Funerals and Cemeteries

July 06, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Though Japan is a more secular society than it used to be, its customs surrounding death still incorporate many Buddhist and Shinto ideas. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the customs behind Japanese funerals and cemeteries.

51. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

June 22, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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.

Akihabara, Tokyo, an area known for its many stores selling manga and anime products.

50. Manga and Anime

June 15, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

48. Bonsai

June 01, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

Luxury chopsticks for sale at a store in Kyoto. These are around $75 USD.

45. Chopsticks

May 11, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

Two tanuki statues in front of a shop at Sapporo’s Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

41. Tanuki

April 13, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

39. Baseball

March 30, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

A geisha about to begin a taiko performance. The hanging drum is a byou-uchi-daiko and the smaller drum is a shime-daiko.

38. Drums (Taiko)

March 23, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

36. 2020 Summer Olympics

March 09, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

The most well-known origami model, the paper crane (orizuru).

35. Origami

March 02, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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

February 24, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

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!

This building in Naha, Okinawa displays some of the elements of traditional architecture. Notice the sliding shouji doors, tatami mats on the floor inside, the veranda (engawa), storm shutters, and the construction method that raises the entire buil… — This building in Naha, Okinawa displays some of the elements of traditional architecture. Notice the sliding shouji doors, tatami mats on the floor inside, the veranda (engawa), storm shutters, and the construction method that raises the entire building off of the ground.

32. Architecture

February 10, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Traditional Japanese architecture is famous around the world for its minimalistic beauty and harmony with nature. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the unique qualities of Japanese architecture!

A bamboo grove at Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden.

26. Bamboo

January 06, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Bamboo is an extremely versatile plant and a symbol of Japanese culture. It can be used as a material for construction and handicrafts and can even be eaten! Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascinating world of bamboo!

Kagami mochi, one of the many decorations traditionally displayed in the home for New Year.

25. New Year

December 30, 2019 by Jason Nieling in Culture

New Year is the most important holiday in Japan and is celebrated with various unique customs. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the traditions of the Japanese New Year!

A Christmas tree at a shopping mall in Hiroshima.

24. Christmas

December 23, 2019 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Though Christianity is not widely practiced in Japan, the festive spirit of Christmas has taken hold in recent decades! Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan's unique Christmas traditions!

Decorative Japanese swords for sale at a shop in Kamakura. (Real functional swords are much more expensive)

23. Swords

December 16, 2019 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Japanese swords are considered by many to be the best cutting weapons in world military history. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the reasons why Japanese swords are famous around the world!

An informational panel at the Kawagoe Festival Museum about matsuri floats.

22. Festivals (Matsuri)

December 09, 2019 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Matsuri are traditional festivals that have been held in Japan for centuries. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of Japanese festivals as well as the delicious food and wild events that can be found there!

Girls wearing yukata (a light summer kimono) and zori (a type of traditional footwear) at a temple in Kyoto.

20. Kimono

November 25, 2019 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Kimono are traditional Japanese garments that can be worn for many different occasions and with many different types of related accessories. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of traditional Japanese fashion!

Topics Covered:

What is a Kimono?
History
How are Kimono Made?
Cost
How to Wear a Kimono
Variations: Yukata — Furisode — Iromuji — Mofuku — Junihitoe
Footwear and Accessories

The remains of a house that was washed away in the tsunami caused by the 2011 Touhoku Earthquake. (Photo taken in Ishinomaki in 2015)

19. Earthquakes

November 18, 2019 by Jason Nieling in Culture

The Japanese archipelago is frequently subjected to earthquakes. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the ways in which Japan has adapted to withstand the effects of earthquakes!

Topics Covered:

What is an Earthquake?
History
Preparedness in Japan
How to Survive

Strong Zero is a type of drink called chuuhai, which is a portmanteau of “shouchuu” and “highball”. Shouchuu is a Japanese distilled drink.

17. Alcohol

November 04, 2019 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Drinking plays an important part in Japanese society. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of Japanese alcoholic beverages and drinking culture!

Topics Covered:

History
Drinking Culture: Konpa — Nomikai — Etiquette — Social Impact
Types of Beverages: Nihonshu (Sake) — Beer — Shochu — Chuhai — Umeshu — Wine — Whisky
Where to Drink