Sightseeing Japan Podcast

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90. Flower Arranging (Ikebana)

November 22, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is considered to be one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about the techniques and styles of this ancient practice!



November 22, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment
Halloween in Shibuya, 2016.

Halloween in Shibuya, 2016.

88. Halloween Special - Stories and Studies of Strange Things

October 25, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Welcome to the Halloween Special! Join Jason and Paul as they share some old Japanese ghost stories from Lafcadio Hearn’s “Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things”, published in 1904.



October 25, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
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Traditional masks for sale in a shop window.

Traditional masks for sale in a shop window.

83. Masks

August 16, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Masks have a long history in Japan and are used in everything from festivals to traditional theatre. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many different types of Japanese masks!



August 16, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
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A booth at 1Kara, a new chain that specializes in solo karaoke.

A booth at 1Kara, a new chain that specializes in solo karaoke.

81. Karaoke

July 19, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Karaoke originated in Japan and has become a hugely popular pastime. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of karaoke and the reasons that its popularity has spread all over the world!



July 19, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment

77. More Folklore

May 24, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Ancient Japanese folktales can help provide insight into Japan’s philosophies and culture. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two popular stories that have been passed down through the centuries!



May 24, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment
A life-sized Gundam on display in front of Diver City, a shopping mall in Odaiba, Tokyo.

A life-sized Gundam on display in front of Diver City, a shopping mall in Odaiba, Tokyo.

76. Robots

May 10, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Japan is a world leader in the development of robotics and artificial intelligence. Join Jason and Paul as they learn how these innovative technologies could change the future of Japanese society!



May 10, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
2 Comments
Large eyes and a round face are common attributes of kawaii characters as exemplified by this Pikachu doll at the Pokemon Center in Osaka.

Large eyes and a round face are common attributes of kawaii characters as exemplified by this Pikachu doll at the Pokemon Center in Osaka.

70. Kawaii

February 15, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

The concept of kawaii, meaning “cute” or “adorable”, is a prominent aspect of modern Japanese culture. Join Jason and Paul as they dive deep into the world of kawaii culture!



February 15, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
2 Comments

69. Valentine's Day and White Day

February 01, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in Japan, and they celebrate it in their own unique way. They even created a companion holiday called White Day! Join Jason and Paul as they explore the customs and traditions surrounding these celebrations!



February 01, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
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The town of Kojima is the birthplace of Japan’s denim industry, and their Jeans Street is a neighborhood filled with shops where local denim companies sell their goods.

The town of Kojima is the birthplace of Japan’s denim industry, and their Jeans Street is a neighborhood filled with shops where local denim companies sell their goods.

68. Denim

January 18, 2021 by Jason Nieling in Culture
The pink selvedge ID and inseam on this pair of Momotaro jeans are references to the peach in the Japanese folktale about Momotaro, a.k.a. “peach boy”.

The pink selvedge ID and inseam on this pair of Momotaro jeans are references to the peach in the Japanese folktale about Momotaro, a.k.a. “peach boy”.

Jeans hanging over Kojima Jeans Street.

Jeans hanging over Kojima Jeans Street.

Fading on a slubby pair of jeans from Pure Blue Japan.

Fading on a slubby pair of jeans from Pure Blue Japan.

The leather patch on a pair of Oni Denim jeans.

The leather patch on a pair of Oni Denim jeans.

Did you know that Japanese denim is widely considered to be among the best in the world? Join Jason and Paul as they learn about what makes Japanese denim so great!



January 18, 2021 /Jason Nieling
Culture
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A pachinko parlor in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

A pachinko parlor in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

65. Pachinko

December 07, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Pachinko is a pinball-like game that is extremely popular in Japan both as a recreational game and as a gambling device. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the bright and noisy world of Pachinko!



December 07, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment

63. 2020 Tokyo Gubernatorial Election

November 09, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

The 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election was described by the media as “a circus” due to the attention-seeking antics of some of the candidates. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the factors that made this year’s election so unusual!



November 09, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment

62. Halloween Special - Oni and Tengu

October 26, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Oni and tengu are two of the most recognizable youkai (monsters) in Japanese folklore. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the rich mythology behind these mysterious beings!



October 26, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment

61. Tattoos (Irezumi)

October 12, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, is an advanced art form with a distinctive style that incorporates intricate designs, recurring motifs and a great deal of symbolism. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the colorful world of Japanese tattoos!



October 12, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment
Momotaro (Peach boy), one of the most popular figures in Japanese folklore who is also now the mascot for a denim brand.

Momotaro (Peach boy), one of the most popular figures in Japanese folklore who is also now the mascot for a denim brand.

60. Folklore

September 28, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Ancient Japanese folktales can help provide insight into Japan’s philosophies and culture. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two popular stories that have been passed down through the centuries!



September 28, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment
The control panel for a Japanese toilet with a built-in bidet.

The control panel for a Japanese toilet with a built-in bidet.

59. Toilets

September 14, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Japan produces some of the most technologically advanced toilets in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore these amazing feats of engineering!



September 14, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment
Colorful koi in a pond at Sensoji, a temple in Tokyo.

Colorful koi in a pond at Sensoji, a temple in Tokyo.

56. Koi

August 03, 2020 by Jason Nieling in Culture

Koi are recognized around the world as symbols of Japan and are commonly found in Japanese gardens. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and culture behind these beautiful fish!



August 03, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment
Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan.

Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan.

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.



July 06, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
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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.



June 22, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
1 Comment
Akihabara, Tokyo, an area known for its many stores selling manga and anime products.

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!



June 15, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
Comment

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!



June 01, 2020 /Jason Nieling
Culture
2 Comments
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