Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language

JapanKyo.com

Helping you understand everything you should know about Japan. Interviews with Japan experts, deep dives into Japanese culture and society, and plenty of laughs; every episode host Tony R. Vega sheds light on a different aspect of Japan. Whether you're planning a visit to Japan, learning Japanese or just have a passion for all things Japan, we've got something for you! Common topics include ・Japanese culture ・Deep dives into the Japanese language ・Japanese history ・Japanese food ・Japan travel tips ・Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, movies, etc ・The stories of foreigners living in Japan ・And more! Episodes release on the 1st and 21st of the month. You can reach us via email: mail@japankyo.com About Tony R. Vega Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com, creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel, professional MC, and lifelong Japan enthusiast. He has a particular passion for the Japanese language which led him to obtain an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii. Tony is also legally blind and dedicated to raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired, as well as the problems these individuals face.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleep habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Japan Station 182/Ichimon Japan 76

    This is a rebroadcast of episode 76 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about the history of pillows in Japan and an absurd belief regarding the sleeping Topics Discussed About the history of pillows in Japan About early pillows in Japanese history About the evolution of pillows in Japan About pillows during the Edo Period About hakomakura (box pillows) About the oldest pillow in Japan X About stereotypes regarding Japanese people versus Westerners About the idea Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners About Sobagawa/Sobakawa buchwheat pillows About dakimakura (hug pillows) About anime waifu dakimakura About the Shironeri Ayano Oomakura (the oldest pillow in Japan) in Shosoin Temple in Nara About the mistaken idea that Japanese people sleep on their sides due to being an agricultural society About Japan's unique status as the only place in the world with four seasons About nihonjinron And much more! Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show! Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Links, Videos, Etc. No links this time. We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

    56 min
  2. 1 NOV

    How Japanese terms get abbreviated! Explaining 4 MORA words | Japan Station 181

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about 4 more words in Japanese. What's a mora? And why are there so many four mora words in Japanese? We talk about all taht and more! 👉Topics Discussed What is a mora? What's the difference between a mora and a syllable The possible origins of nikujaga How Japanese love to shorten terms to four mora/four kana The possible origin of the word jagaimo Examples of other four more abbreviations in Japanese And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% off Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. No links this time.   👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

    17 min
  3. 21 OCT

    Tokyo Tourist Traps: Are these popular Tokyo destinations worth your time? | Japan Station 180

    On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of Tokyo's most popular tourist sites. Are they tourist traps or worth your time? We're also joined by stand up comedian and tour guide Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami. 👉Topics Discussed Is Tokyo Skytree a tourist trap? Should you visit it? Should you visit Tokyo Tower? Should you visit Tokyo Disneyland? Is it a tourist trap? Is Tokyo Disneyland expensive? Is Akihabara a tourist trap? Is Akihabara expensive? About the observation deck on the 45th floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Main Building No. 1 Is Golden Gai a tourist trap? What is senbero  About cheap bars and izakaya in Tokyo About bungee jumping in Tokyo About Fuji Q Highland About Roppongi About scam bars and shadey barkers What to avoid in Roppongi and other entertainment districts About kyacchi  About scam bars and how they overcharge you And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Follow Shuhei Murakami on Instagram and check him out on YouTube @Japanese_StandupComedian: https://instagram.com/japanese_standupcomedian Shuhei Murakami on YouTube: Shuhei Murakami Works Check out his first appreance on Japan Station: The Fascinating Life of Stand-Up Comedian Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami | Japan Station 45: https://japankyo.com/2020/08/about-shuhei-shoe-murakami/ This is the article this episode was inspired by. 8 Tourist Traps To Avoid In Times Square Read More: https://www.explore.com/1444465/tourist-traps-avoid-times-square/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

    44 min
  4. 15 OCT

    What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) | Japan Station 179/Ichimon Japan 71

    This episode was originally broadcast as an episode of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) Topics Discussed What wasei eigo is About English sounding words made in Japan tenshon ga takai pākā How SNS is not English arubaito nōtopasokon buraindotacchi misu misesu rippukurīmu hocchikisu OL sararīman (salaryman) shīchikin interi haiso furonto hōmu chakku majikkutēpu majikku majikkumirā Gpan jampāsukāto wagomu atakku faito charenji And much more! Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. No links. We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

    44 min
  5. 7 OCT

    Why LIES are RED in Japanese (Japanese idioms that use 赤/red) | Japan Station 178

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Japanese idioms involving the color red (赤, aka, seki). For example, have you ever wondered why lies are red in Japanese? Listen to find out! 👉Topics Discussed Japanese idioms involving the color red Why 真っ赤なウソ/makka na uso means a "complete lie" and what the color red has to do with lies Also discussing other idioms such as sekirara  About the most awesome Japanese tractor song ever And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

    24 min
  6. 1 OCT

    This documentary reveals why Japan is the way it is?! (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 177

    On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki to talk about her latest documentary The Making of a Japanese and her latest short documentary Instrument of a Beating Heart. During the conversation we focus on the making of these films, what makes Japanese elementary schools unique, the role Japanese elementary schools play in shaping Japanese society, and more. 👉Topics Discussed About the making of the documentary The Making of a Japanese About the making of the short documentary Instruments of a Beating Heart What makes Japanese elementary schools unique Cleaning at Japanese elementary schools The good and bad of Japanese elementary schools The practice of having students serve lunch Discipline at Japanese elementary schools Teachers at Japanese elementary schools The difficulties of filming a documentary at a Japanese elementary school About getting nominated for an Oscar for Instruments of a Beating Heart And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% off Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more information about Ema Ryan Yamazaki and her work, check out her website and Instagram. Ema Ryan Yamazaki Website: https://www.emaexplorations.com/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emaexplorations/ To watch Instruments of a Beating Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRW0auOiqm4&t=2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRW0auOiqm4&t=2s Check out Ema Ryan Yamazaki's previous appearance on the Japan Station podcast via the link below. Documenting the Intense World of Japanese High School Baseball (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 54: https://japankyo.com/2020/12/about-koshien-japanese-high-school-baseball/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony

    51 min

Trailer

About

Helping you understand everything you should know about Japan. Interviews with Japan experts, deep dives into Japanese culture and society, and plenty of laughs; every episode host Tony R. Vega sheds light on a different aspect of Japan. Whether you're planning a visit to Japan, learning Japanese or just have a passion for all things Japan, we've got something for you! Common topics include ・Japanese culture ・Deep dives into the Japanese language ・Japanese history ・Japanese food ・Japan travel tips ・Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, movies, etc ・The stories of foreigners living in Japan ・And more! Episodes release on the 1st and 21st of the month. You can reach us via email: mail@japankyo.com About Tony R. Vega Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com, creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel, professional MC, and lifelong Japan enthusiast. He has a particular passion for the Japanese language which led him to obtain an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii. Tony is also legally blind and dedicated to raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired, as well as the problems these individuals face.

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