From anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today.
History
How to Cosplay
Where to Cosplay
Are There Rules?
Controversies
Where to See Cosplay
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
A depiction of the Buddhist hell at Edo Wonderland
Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!
Yomi (Shinto Hell)
Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)
Hellish Places You Can Visit
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
Cats on Tashirojima, one of Japan’s many “cat islands”
Rentable cat cabins on Tashirojima
A cat at a shop in Magome-juku
Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society!
History
Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume
Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats
Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat
Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.
Samurai armor at the Sengoku Armor Museum in Sekigahara
Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!
Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)
Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)
Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)
Kofun Period (250 - 538)
Yamato Period (250 - 710)
Asuka Period (538 - 710)
Nara Period (710 - 794)
Heian Period (794 - 1185)
Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)
Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)
Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)
Edo Period (1600 - 1868)
Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)
Showa Period (1926 - 1989)
Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)
Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)
Hikonyan — the mascot of the city of Hikone — in front of Hikone Castle
Japan loves its mascots—from cuddly creatures promoting local towns to bizarre characters representing government agencies. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild, whimsical world of yuru-kyara and discover what makes these mascots such a beloved part of Japanese culture!
What are yuru-kyara?
What do mascots do?
Why are mascots so popular in Japan?
Notable mascots: Hikonyan (Hikone) — Kumamon (Kumamoto) — Funassyi (Funabashi) — Melonkuma (Yubari) — Gajiro (Fukusaki) — Nyango Star (Kuroishi) — Annie (Kumamoto University anisakis research) — Matagi no Momiji-chan (Hokkaido)
Controversy: Amazoness (Ama City) — Chiitan (Susaki) — Sento-kun (Nara) — Marimokkori (Hokkaido)
The jorogumo, one of the most common spiders in Japan
Japan is home to a variety of fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — bugs and insects, from summer’s singing cicadas to giant hornets and everything in between. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the world of Japan’s bugs—both the beloved and the infamous!
Cultural Significance
Famous Bugs: Cicadas — Giant Hornets — Fireflies — Stag Beetles — Rhinoceros Beetles — Silkworms
Seasonal Bugs: Butterflies — Dragonflies — Crickets
Common Pests: Mosquitoes — Cockroaches — Centipedes — Spiders
Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a popular experience for locals as well as tourists
Ohori Park Japanese Garden in Fukuoka
Udon, a traditional noodle dish
Japan offers a wide range of unique experiences, from cherry blossom viewing and high-speed train rides to exploring ancient temples and sampling the local cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they rate and discuss some common experiences that visitors are likely to have in Japan!
Konbini
Temples and Shrines
Hanami
Maid Cafes
Hiking
Eating
Shopping
Shinkansen
Arcades
Japanese Gardens
Sakura (Cherry blossom trees)
Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!
Ubazakura
Rokurokubi
Jiu-Roku-Zakura
The Goblin of Adachigahara
Japan may be one of the safest countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its share of chilling and horrific crimes. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the most shocking cases in Japan’s history.
Junko Furuta
Issei Sagawa
Kobe Child Murders
Nevada-Tan
Ninja of Heisei
Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.
Japan has unique television programming that has gained a reputation internationally for being extremely wacky and sometimes even dangerous. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild world of reality TV and game shows in Japan!
What is TV like in Japan?
Denpa Shonen
Terrace House
Old Enough
Iron Chef
Takeshi’s Castle
Wafu Sohonke (Japanese Style Originator)
Youtube Segments: Zoo Prank — Candy or Not — Falling Elevator — AKBingo — Bicyclist — Massage Chair Prank — Brain Wall
Can you get on Japanese TV?
Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.
Momotaro (Peach boy), one of the most popular figures in Japanese folklore who is also now the mascot for a denim brand.
Ancient Japanese folktales offer a window into the philosophies and culture of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they share and discuss two timeless tales that have been passed down through the centuries!
The Stones of Five Colors and the Empress Jokwa
Momotaro, or the Story of the Son of a Peach
Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof.
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.
History
Suicide
Karoshi
Hikikomori
Kodokushi
Gomi Yashiki
Kabukicho, Japan’s most famous entertainment/red-light district
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.
History
Types of Establishments
Safety
Shinagawa Station
A timetable of departing trains
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.
History
Sights and Sounds
Notable Train Stations
The Daihatsu Copen X-Play, a kei convertible sports car
Japan’s automobile industry is world-renowned for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. Join Jason and Paul as they explore car culture (and its unique subcultures) in Japan!
History
JDM (Japanese Domestic Market)
Kei Cars
Itasha
Street Racing
Other Subcultures: Kyusha Cars - Kaido Racers - Shakotan - Bosozoku - VIP - Grachan
Japan is home to a wide variety of eerie and mysterious tales of the supernatural, many of which take place in everyday settings like schools, bathrooms, and train stations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the unsettling world of Japanese urban legends!
Kisaragi Station
Kuchisake Onna (The Slit-Mouthed Woman)
Akai Heya (The Red Room Curse)
Hitori Kakurenbo (One Man Hide & Seek)
Teke Teke
Toire no Hanako-san (Hanako of the Toilet)
Ghost Taxi Passengers
Aka Manto (Red Cloak)
Jinmenken (Human-Faced Dog)
The Curse of the Colonel
Ghost Stories Anime
Various types of shuriken, projectile weapons used by ninja.
Ninja, also known as shinobi, were skilled mercenaries in feudal Japan who were hired for a variety of purposes, from espionage to assassination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the roles that ninja played throughout Japanese history!
History
What were Ninja Hired for?
Skills
Clothes and Equipment
Supernatural Abilities
How Can You Defend Against a Ninja?
Where to Find a Ninja Experience in Japan: Ninja Tokyo Restaurant — Edo Wonderland — Odawara Fuma Ninja Festival — Jidai Academy Dojo — Bujinkan Dojo — Iga-ryu Ninja Village and Museum — Koka Ninja Village — Togakushi Ninja Village — Ninjadera
Samurai armor. Many Japanese martial arts originated with the samurai class as techniques for warfare.
Martial arts have a long history in Japan, and over time they have evolved to integrate philosophical and religious ideas with the physical aspects of warfare. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide world of Japanese martial arts!
History
Koryu Bujutsu: Sumo — Jujutsu — Swordsmanship (Kenjutsu, Battojutsu, Iaijutsu) — Naginatajutsu — Sojutsu — Shinobi no Jutsu
Gendai Jutsu: Judo — Kendo — Iaido — Aikido — Kyudo — Karate — Shorinji Kempo
Concepts: Aiki — Kokoro — Courtesy — Kiai — Hard/Soft Methods — Shuhari
2023 Meetup Event: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm at Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo (Google Maps)(Website)
A kappa-themed display at a shopping area in Fukuoka.
Kappa are dangerous reptilian water creatures from Japanese mythology. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascinating folklore behind this odd, cucumber-loving yokai!
History
What Do Kappa Look Like?
What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — Shirikodama
How to Defeat a Kappa
Public Perception
Are Kappa Real?
Folktales
Where to Find Kappa in Japan: Kaiyodo Kappa Museum (Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture) — Sogenji Temple (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Kappabuchi Pool (Tono, Iwate Prefecture)
Homes in Japan are often multi-generational and may not offer enough privacy for certain intimate activities…but fortunately the love hotel industry provides a solution to this problem. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide variety of love hotels in Japan!
History
Where to find love hotels
Appearance/Amenities
Rates
Examples: Hotel Sara — Hotel Bali-An Resort — Hotel Ikutama Love — Hotel Blan Chapel Christmas — Hotel Artia Dinosaur — Hotel Togenkyo Isehara — Hotel Us Keibajo — Hotel Renaissa
Controversy
