The Back of Japan

Joshua Furr

Join writer/Japanophile Josh Furr on a treasure hunt through the "back" of Japan: the underrated and overlooked Hokuriku region, including present day Fukui, Niigata and Toyama prefectures.

  1. FEB 19

    Episode 29: The King of City Pop and the Corridor of Lights Pt. 1

    Hey all you illuminated Backers, The groundhog may have seen his shadow, but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat the winter blues with the power of music. Enter Japan’s King of City Pop: Tatsuyo Yamashita and his bumpin’ summer album, “For You”. Track after track of consistently sunny tunes guaranteed to whisk you back to the Bubble Era and right onto some beach in July.  However, for those who RELISH in winter festivities, let’s take a little stroll down the Corridor of Lights! ’Tis a special February event in the rural parts of Joetsu City spanning 7 different wards and 100,000 candles snug in their icy casing. There’s fireworks, food trucks and frivolity for all. To help guide us there, we’ve got Joetsu local and my pal Charlie Stratton driving the bus in a two-part episode! Slip on a 2nd layer and strap on your boots! (Don’t forget the amazake…) Get lit, Backers ❄️⚪️🕯️🍶

    21 min

  2. JAN 4

    Episode 28: Tolkien and an O-Shogatsu Food Tour

    Welcome to 2026, you resolution-makin'/breakin' Backers! No doubt you've all had a wonderful start to the year. However, if not, perhaps the missing ingredients were a bunch of shoeless hobbits, graying wizards, magic rings and CGI battles. Sure sure - it's a New Year, New You, but kicking things off at the Shire? It's the smoking/drinking/weight-loss/new-hobby/finish-your-novel kick you didn't know you needed! To get US on the right foot, we're tucking in on a prefectural food tour that will whisk us to the bustling capital and its offerings, to Sado's sandy shores and down to the jade coast of Itoigawa. It's a mouth-watering time that will have you heading either straight to Niigata, or right to your local fish market. Thanks so much for a great year and here's to a new one! Auld Lang Syne, you backers 🪩🫧🍸🥂 Josh

    11 min

  3. 11/20/2025

    Episode 27: Silksong and Some Fiery "Momijigari"

    Long time, no see, you bundled Backers! True, it's been awhile, but it's all justifiable, thanks to a new unhealthy obsession with a Nintendo game designed for younger people with way more time and patience. Yes: it's Silksong. If you haven't heard, it's for the best. It. Will. Ruin. Your. Life. In. The. Most. Beautiful. Way. Speaking of beauty, you can't enjoy a Niigata fall without "momijigari", or hunting down those picturesque crimson, gold and orange orchards. It's a pastime that's been around for centuries, inspiring plays and sending aesthetes out into the wild. Join us as we stroll along the hallowed august halls of Niigata's finest spots. Don't forget to pack a snack and mug o' something warm (and strong). Stay golden, Backers 🍂🍁🍺

    12 min

  4. 10/02/2025

    Episode 26: Margarita and the "Hans Christian Andersen" of Japan

    Hey all you crisp/cool Backers! Yes indeed, the "ber" months are upon us again! This season give Columbus Day and pumpkin spice the cold shoulder, and head straight to your local library. 'Tis the season for your nose to be stuck inside the pages of a great read, specifically the wild world of Mikhail Bulgakov's posthumous masterpiece, "The Master and Margarita". No spoilers...but it's a good 'un. Speaking of books, we're throwing a soft sepia spotlight on one of Niigata's sons: the "Hans Christian Andersen" of Japan, Mimei Ogawa. Pumping out heartbreaking classics during the nation's roaring Taisho period, Ogawa's children's stories were all at once touching, heartbreaking and poignant. But hey, if kids can handle Harry Potter, they can definitely walk away from these unscathed! Get yourself to either Joetsu, or your local library and crack the spine on these gems (totally for free!). Stay golden, Backers 🍂🍁📚🍺

    11 min

  5. 08/22/2025

    Episode 25: Taco Bell and a Party for Uesugi Kenshin

    The twilight of summer is upon us, Backers! Ruuuun! Or... Head straight to your local Taco Bell, where it's HOT HOT HOT all year long, and you can cool off with the refreshingly turquoise (and healthy) Baja Blast. If that's not entirely in the cards, then Option 2 awaits... This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Lord Kenshin Festival in Joetsu, Niigata, the event honoring the eponymous daimyo of Niigata himself, Uesugi Kenshin. There's tons o' fun to be had, reenactments to revere, swords to observe and Sengoku-period feels for all. The event runs from August 23rd-24th, but if you miss it, no worries. There's always next year! Brush off your best pair of jeans, send those kids back to school and brace for the "-ber" months! Embrace the End, Backers 🗡️👹🏫 Josh

    13 min

  6. 06/30/2025

    Episode 24: City Pop Girls and the Bullet Train to Niigata

    Hey you summer-lovin' Backers! 'Tis a somber somber episode for our host, as he looks mortality in the face and presses the record button at a certain age. Music helps, especially City Pop queen Miki Matsubara and her debut LP Pocket Park (in mint-condition). Give it a spin and feel the Bubble Economy vibes! Speaking of Japan's roaring 80s, we're showing some love to the Joetsu Shinkansen, another 40-something mainstay that first connected the nation's capital to the Snow Country, courtesy of then Prime Minister - and Niigata local - Kakuei Tanaka. It's still running like a dream, so hop aboard the next time you're in country! Break out that SPF 50, crack open a cold one and drift off to the sound of cicadas. Ah, summer! Stay cool (and young) Backers 🌞🚂 🍺, Josh

    11 min

  7. 05/29/2025

    Episode 23: Croquettes and the Father of Japanese Wine

    Hey you full-bodied Backers! Pardon my French, but we're heavy under its influence these days, especially our appétits. Croquettes, little fried things stuffed with other things, aren't easy to ruin, but will Josh find a way? Or will it be a révolution de la cuisine? Speaking of French influence, we're tipping our flutes to Kawakami Zenbei, not only the Father of Japanese wine, but a plucky horticulturist who designed Japan's first snow cellar (yukimuro) to keep his grapes cool in the blistering summers. His delicious creation, Muscat Bailey A, can be sampled (or guzzled) at his founding winery Iwanohara located in Joetsu. Pop the cork on this one and call your favorite Uber driver! À votre santé! Josh

    10 min

  8. 04/29/2025

    Episode 22: Chilli Con Carne and Japan's Finest Blades

    Hey all you stainless-steeled Backers! We're on the cusp of May, which means warm weather and even warmer cuisine, particularly the kind that causes gastrointestinal issues. Chilli con Carne is the name of the game these days, but will it lead to inflamed ulcers and increased bathroom time? A deliciously spicy way to go! Cutting to the quick, this month we're covering the renowned area of Tsubame-Sanjo and its prolific output of not just Japan's finest metalworks, but perhaps the world's. We're talking top-notch cutlery used in Michelin-star restaurants and the most expensive nail-clippers you've ever seen. But the true gem of the area is Tojiro, an artisan knife-making factory with over 1,000 types to choose from! Feel the power of the blades, but watch your fingers. Stay sharp! Josh  🗡️⚔️ 🌶️

    10 min
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Trailer

About

Join writer/Japanophile Josh Furr on a treasure hunt through the "back" of Japan: the underrated and overlooked Hokuriku region, including present day Fukui, Niigata and Toyama prefectures.

Information

  • Creator
    Joshua Furr
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Joshua Furr
  • Show Website
    The Back of Japan