99. The Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony is one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. This method of preparing and serving matcha involves a set of prescribed movements, a specific setting, and specialized tools, among other important considerations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this ancient art form!

Topics Covered:

• History: Lu Yu — Eisai — Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji (Gold/Silver Pavilions) — Murata Juko — Sen no Rikyu

• Setting

• Attire

• Season

• Equipment and tools (Chadogu): Bowl (Chawan) — Tea caddy (Chaki) — Tea scoop (Chashaku) — Tea whisk (Chasen) — Cloth (Chakin/Fukusa)

• Thick/thin tea (Koicha/Usucha)

• Process

• Schools

• How to get involved: Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony Festival — Yanesen Tourist Information and Cultural Centre — Nadeshiko (Asakusa kimono shop)

97. Dogs

Dogs are popular pets in Japan and have been for thousands of years. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about Japan’s six native dog breeds and what role they have played in Japanese culture over the years!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Dogs in Folklore: Inugami — Hanasaka Jiisan — Hachiko

• Dog Culture in Japan

• Native Dog Breeds: Shiba Inu — Akita Inu — Hokkaido Inu — Kai Ken — Kishu Ken — Shikoku Ken

• Controversy

• Dog Cafes: Dog Heart

95. Idols

In Japan, the term “idol” refers to attractive young entertainers who primarily sing, act, dance, and model, among other things. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this unique aspect of modern Japanese society!

92. Yakuza

Yakuza are members of organized crime syndicates that have been active in Japan for hundreds of years. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the dark underbelly of Japanese society!

90. Flower Arranging (Ikebana)

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!

88. Halloween Special - Stories and Studies of Strange Things

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.

83. Masks

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!

81. Karaoke

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!

77. More Folklore

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!

76. Robots

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!

70. Kawaii

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!

69. Valentine's Day and White Day

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!

68. Denim

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.

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

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!

65. Pachinko

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!

63. 2020 Tokyo Gubernatorial Election

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!

62. Halloween Special - Oni and Tengu

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!

61. Tattoos (Irezumi)

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!

60. Folklore

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!

59. Toilets

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

56. Koi

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!