JAPAN EDGE- Exploring Japan News, Culture and Beyond with Local Perspectives and Analysis The Edge, Inc.

Welcome to today's podcast episode, where we're diving into the diverse world of Japanese anime and giving you a sneak peek into the highly anticipated second season of "NieR Automata," the RPG video game-based anime set to premiere this July 2024!We'll start by exploring the various types of Japanese anime to give you a better understanding of the medium before delving into the summary of "NieR Automata." Whether you're a seasoned anime enthusiast or new to the genre, this episode aims to gi...

Welcome to JAPAN EDGE, where we delve into the unique aspects of Japan's culture, innovation, and scenic beauty. Today, we’re exploring the inspiring journey of Kamikatsu, a small town in Tokushima Prefecture that has become a pioneer in zero-waste initiatives. We’ll discuss the town's history, their impressive recycling efforts, and introduce you to Hotel WHY, where guests experience hands-on waste management. We'll also look into a company based in Kamikatsu that is playing a cr...

In this episode, we’re focusing on NHK’s legendary historical drama series, The Taiga Dramas. Taiga started in 1963, and this year marks its 63rd drama, titled "Hikaru Kimi-e", or "Dear Shining Prince". It is about the author of the timeless literary masterpiece, "The Tale of Genji", Murasaki Shikibu, and her relationship with Fujiwara no Michinaga. Whether you’re passionate about Japanese history, love classic literature, or just curious about Japanese culture, this ...

Afternoon tea, originally a British tradition, has found a unique and enduring place in Japan. While trends in Japan often come and go within two years, afternoon tea has captivated the hearts of Japanese women and shows no signs of fading.In today's episode, we'll explore the history of afternoon tea in Japan, how it began, the reasons for their long-lasting popularity, as well as the typical menus you can expect and some of the variations that have made this tradition a thriving business.&n...

This episode focuses on the riveting history of the Edo Period's conclusion, full of tumultuous events that shaped Japan's transition to the Meiji era. Discover how internal strife and external pressures led to the downfall of centuries-old governance. Explore the clash between traditionalists and modernizers, the valiant efforts of factions like the Aizu Feudal State and the Shinsengumi and the tales of their loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. Today's opening & ending music:Th...

Today, we delve into a cultural phenomenon that's deeply rooted in Japan's traditions and customs: Children's Day, celebrated on May 5th.Historically, this day has been synonymous with honoring boys' well-being, a tradition dating back centuries. Meanwhile, girls have their special day on March 3rd, known as Hinamatsuri.As we explore the origins and evolution of these traditions, we're faced with an unavoidable observation, that a noticeable gender divide persists. Despite official decl...