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
Aokigahara, also known as the “Suicide Forest”, at the base of Mount Fuji.
Stories of ghosts and monsters stretch back centuries in Japanese mythology and many of them are tied to specific locations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many haunted places in Japan!
Kanto Area: Aokigahara (The Suicide Forest) — Himuro Mansion — Sendagaya Tunnel — Gridley Tunnel — The Prime Minister’s Residence — Oiran Buchi Bridge
Kansai Area: Awashima Shrine — Maruoka Castle (technically in Chubu) — Kiyotaki Tunnel — Himeji Castle (Okiku’s Well)
Kyushu Area: Inunaki Tunnel
Okinawa: Nakagusuku Hotel — Camp Hansen (YouTube Video)
Hokkaido: Round Schoolhouse in Bibai
Usucha, “thin tea”.
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!
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) — Japanese-Tea-Ceremony.net
A pomeranian/chihuahua mix at a pet shop in Kawagoe.
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!
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
A shop in Harajuku selling idol merchandise.
Halloween in Shibuya, 2016.
Traditional masks for sale in a shop window.
A booth at 1Kara, a new chain that specializes in solo karaoke.
A life-sized Gundam on display in front of Diver City, a shopping mall in Odaiba, Tokyo.
