22. Festivals (Matsuri)

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!

21. Sushi

Sushi is a popular Japanese dish that has spread throughout the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the delicious world of sushi!

Topics Covered:

• What is Sushi?

• History

• Types: Makizushi — Nigirizushi — Chirashizushi — Inarizushi — Old Styles (Oshizushi/Hakozushi/Narezushi) — Uramaki

• Ingredients: Sushimeshi (Rice) — Nori (Seaweed) — Toppings — Condiments

• Presentation

20. Kimono

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

19. Earthquakes

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

18. Castles

Japanese castles are strategic defensive fortresses, but they were also built to be visually striking and impressive. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, architecture, and defensive capabilities of Japanese castles!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Architecture: Location — Main Keep (Tenshukaku) — Walls/Moats/Baileys — Yagura (Guard Towers) — Gates

• How to Attack a Japanese Castle

• Visiting Castles Today

17. Alcohol

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

16. Ghosts and Monsters (Yurei and Yokai)

Paul in Shibuya on Halloween of 2016.

The crowd goes on forever!

Lots of nice costumes.

Police keeping an eye on things.

Japanese folklore is full of supernatural beings and spirits. Join Jason and Paul for this special Halloween episode as they explore the world of yurei and yokai, Japanese ghosts and monsters!

Topics Covered:

• History

• What are Yokai?

• What are Yurei?

• Halloween in Japan

15. The Japanese Language

Did you know that the Japanese language uses three distinct writing systems? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history and complexities of the Japanese language!

Topics Covered:

• How is the Japanese Language Structured?

• History

• Writing Systems: Kanji — Hiragana — Katakana — Romaji

• How to Learn Japanese

14. Vending Machines

Japan has a higher density of vending machines than any other country in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of automated purchases!

Topics Covered:

• Why are Vending Machines so Popular in Japan?

• History

• What They Sell

• How to Pay

• Technology

13. Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens are famous around the world for their ability to convey peace, harmony, and tranquility through the art of landscaping. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the ancient art of Japanese gardening!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Elements of Japanese Gardens: Water — Stone — Bridges — Fish — Lanterns — Water Basins — Plants — Islands

• Aesthetic Principles: Miniaturization — Concealment — Borrowed Scenery — Asymmetry

12. Geisha

Geisha are symbols of Japanese culture, beauty, and femininity. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the magical "flower and willow world" of geisha!

Topics Covered:

• What are Geisha?

• History

• How to Become a Geisha: Skills/Training — Maiko (Apprentice Geisha) — Appearance

• Where to Experience Geisha Culture

11. Sumo

Sumo is an ancient martial art and the national sport of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild world of sumo wrestling!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Sumo in Modern Japan

• How to Become a Rikishi (Sumo Wrestler)

• Sumo Match: Dohyo (Platform) — Attire — Rules — Prizes

10. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan and is one of the most famous volcanoes in the world. It even ties into the origins of the Shinto religion! Join Jason and Paul as they explore this beloved landmark.

Topics Covered:

• Cultural Significance

• How to Climb

• What to Bring

• What Will You See?

• Aokigahara (Suicide Forest)

9. Temples and Shrines

Temples and shrines are everywhere in Japan, but did you know that they are two distinct types of structures belonging to different religions? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the significance of temples and shrines throughout the history of Japan!

Topics Covered:

• Buddhism

• Shinto

• How is Religion Practiced

• History

• Buddhist Temples: Etiquette — Gardens — Jizo — Cemeteries — Omikuji (Fortune Telling)

• Shinto Shrines: Torii Gate — Chozuya (Purification Basin) — Honden (Main Hall) — Ema (Wooden Plaques) — Amulets — Goshuincho (Stamp Book)

8. Convenience Stores

Convenience stores in Japan have everything you could ask for! Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the convenience stores of Japan and why they are among the best in the world.

Topics Covered:

• Food: Bread — Onigiri (Rice Balls) — Sandwiches — Bento — Instant Noodles — Sushi — Fruits and Veggies — Hot Foods — Snacks — Beverages

• Other Products

• Services: ATM — Multi-Use Terminal — Free Wifi — Takuhaibin (Delivery Services)

7. Food

Japan is known for having incredible cuisine! Join Jason and Paul as they discuss all kinds of Japanese food and where to find it! From fugu to okonomiyaki, there’s something for everyone!

Topics Covered:

• Rice

• Traditional Food

• Tsukemono (Pickles)

• Sushi

• Noodles: Soba — Udon — Ramen

• Okonomiyaki

• Bento (Boxed Lunch)

• Tofu

• Yakitori (Skewered Chicken)

• Yakiniku (Grilled Meat)

• Curry

• Kaiseki

• Kobe Beef

• Shabu Shabu

• Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)

• Fugu (Pufferfish)

• Beverages: Tea — Beer — Sake — Whisky — Wine

• Eating Vegan

• Where to Eat: Restaurants — Konbini (Convenience Stores) — Izakaya (Pubs) — Tabehodai/Nomihodai (All You Can Eat/Drink) — Fast Food — Fish Markets — Tachinomi (Standing Bars) — Yatai (Food Stalls) — Beer/Sake Breweries — Teishokuya (Diner) — Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)

6. Transportation

There are many options for transportation in Japan! Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various modes of transportation: Walking, driving, trains, and buses!

Topics Covered:

• Walking

• Car

• Bullet Trains (Shinkansen)

• JR Trains

• Private Train Lines

• Buses

• Paying for Public Transportation: JR Pass — IC Cards

5. Hotels

Did you know that the oldest hotel in the world is in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the different types of accommodations available in Japan! They cover all price ranges and styles: Internet cafes, capsule hotels, hostels, business hotels, luxury hotels, as well as traditional Japanese options like ryokan, minshuku, and shukubo! They even mention love hotels…

Topics Covered:

• Manga Cafes/Internet Cafes

• Hostels

• Capsule Hotels

• Business Hotels

• Luxury Hotels

• Traditional Accommodations: Ryokan (Inn)— Minshuku (Bed and Breakfast) — Shukubo (Temple Lodging)

• Love Hotels

• How to Book

4. Airports

Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the airports of Japan! This episode focuses on the history of Haneda and Narita airports and what they are like today.

Topics Covered:

• Main International Airports: Narita Int’l Airport — Haneda Airport

• Regional Airports: Kansai Int’l Airport (Osaka) — Chubu Centrair Int’l Airport (Nagoya) — New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) — Naha Airport (Okinawa) — Fukuoka Airport (Kyushu)

• History

• Narita Int’l Airport: Transportation to/from (Narita Express, JR Sobu Line, Keisei Skyliner, Keisei Limited Express) — Entertainment — Lodging

• Haneda Airport: Entertainment — Lodging

• Tips: Getting Through Customs — Security — Leaving the Airport

3. The Kansai Region

The Kansai region is the second most populated and second most visited area of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and other amazing cities in Kansai!

Topics Covered:

• History

• Culture: Food — Sake — Baseball

• Kyoto: Culture/Arts/History — Temples/Shrines — Festivals — Fushimi Sake District — Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove/Monkey Park) — Imperial Palace — Nijo Castle — Theatre/Geisha/Tea Ceremony — Philosopher’s Path

• Osaka: Food (Okonomiyaki/Takoyaki) — Museums/Theaters/Shopping/Dining — Osaka Castle — Dotonbori — Universal Studios — Cup Noodle Museum — Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

• Nara: Friendly Deer in Nara Park — Todaiji — Kasuga Taisha

• Kobe: Kobe Beef — Sake Breweries — Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge — Arima Onsen — Shin-Kobe Ropeway — Kitano

• Himeji: Himeji Castle — Kokoen Garden — Temples/Museums/Aquarium

• Koyasan: Temple Lodging — Hiking

• Ise: Ise Shrines — Ise-Shima National Park

• Uji: Byodoin Temple — Green Tea — Taihoan Tea House

• Kinosaki: Onsen (Hot Spring Baths)

• Yoshino: Cherry Blossoms — Temples/Shrines

• Asago: Takeda Castle Ruins

• Asuka and Sakurai: Archaeology