Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What annoys you about living in Japan? Topics Discussed Some annoying things you might encounter while living in Japan The annoying practice of book stores in Japan sorting books by publisher rather than author Justifications for why bookstores in Japan arrange books by publishers instead of by the last name of the author like in the West The McDonald's ice cream float incident The good and bad of blindly following the rules The emotionless "zombie" greetings (like irasshaimase) that you hear in stores in Japan What the fake leaves in bento are called in Japanese Why fake plastic leaves are placed in bento in Japan Having shop clerks accompny you out the store Washiki (Japanese style) toilets One Reddit users complaint that Japanese people use certain adjectives like sugoi, kawaii, and oishii too much The many ways you can translate oishii The many ways you can add nuance and meaning to adjectives in Japanese Alternative ways to say oishii And much more! Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are the English-language sources used for this episode. Why this American can't stand Japanese bookstores Bento grass Things Foreigners Living in Japan Find Inconvenient/Annoying This article is where the quote about the overuse of certain Japanese adjectives was taken. According to the article, the quote was originally found in a Reddit thread. Here are the English-language sources used for this episode. 「おいしい」以外の言葉で美味しさを伝えられますか？全ライター必見「味を言語化するためのノウハウ」がすごすぎた なぜ、出版社別に本を並べる本屋があるのか？ The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below. No Mask Required: A Chat with Comedian Kilara Sen | Japan Station 55 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Aisu アイス (n) (1) ice (eng: ice, ger: Eis); (n) (2) (abbr) (See アイスクリーム) ice cream; icecream; (n) (3) (arch) (col) (Edo period pun on 高利貸し being homophonous to 氷菓子) (See 高利貸し・こうりがし,氷菓子・こおりがし) usurer; usury; loansharking Sofuto ソフト (adj-na,adj-no) (1) (ant: ハード・1) soft; (n) (2) (abbr) {comp} (See ソフトウエア) software; (n) (3) (abbr) (See ソフト帽) soft hat; felt hat; (n) (4) (abbr) (See ソフトクリーム) soft serve ice cream; (n) (5) (abbr) (See ソフトボール) softball Irasshaimase いらっしゃいませ (exp) welcome Haran/Baran ハラン/バラン the leaf found in bentos that is used as decoration (though modern day haran/baran are made of plastic they people used to use real leaves) Eko エコ (adj-na,pref) (abbr) (See エコロジカル) ecological; eco- Gizagiza ギザギザ : 刻刻; 段段 【ぎざぎざ(P); ギザギザ】 (n) (1) (on-mim) (uk) notches; serration; indentation; jaggies (stair-step artifacts in computer images); (adj-na,adv,adv-to,vs) (2) (on-mim) (uk) notched; serrated; jagged; corrugated; milled Oshibori おしぼり (n) wet towel (supplied at table) Washiki 和式 【わしき】 (adj-no,n) Japanese-style (esp. in reference to squat toilets) Umai うまい (adj) (1) delicious; appetizing; (2) skillful; clever; expert; wise; successful Bimi 美味 【びみ】 (n,adj-na) good flavor; good flavour; delicacy; dainty Kawaii 可愛い 【かわいい(P); かわゆい; カワイイ; カワイい】 (adj-i) (1) (uk) cute; adorable; charming; lovely; pretty; (adj-i) (2) (uk) dear; precious; darling; pet; (adj-i) (3) (uk) innocent; childlike; childish; lovable; (adj-i) (4) (uk) dainty; cute little; tiny Sugoi すごい (adj-i) (1) terrible; dreadful; (adj-i) (2) (uk) amazing (e.g. of strength); great (e.g. of skills); wonderful; terrific; (adj-i) (3) (uk) to a great extent; vast (in numbers); (adv) (4) (uk) (col) awfully; very; immensely Oishii おいしい (adj-i) (1) delicious; tasty; sweet; (adj-i) (2) (uk) attractive; appealing; convenient; favorable; desirable; profitable 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

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Who got it more wrong: MatPat or Tony? (This episode is a follow up to episode 11 of Ichimon Japan which focused on the so-called Curse of the Colonel. The episode was recorded in order to address inaccuracies found in that episode.) Topics Discussed A brief summary of the Curse of the Colonel The fact that Hanshin Tigers fans threw the statue of Colonel Sanders into the Dotonbori River after winning the Central League championship in October of 1985 and not after their November, 1985 Japan Series victory A recent video from the Food Theorists YouTube channel in which MatPat suggests that the Curse of the Colonel is invalid due to the Hanshin Tigers having won the Japan Series in 1985 Whether MatPat's conclusions about the Curse of the Colonel are accurate or not When Japanese sources say that the Curse of the Colonel started taking effect on the Hanshin Tigers The idea that throwing a statue of Colonel Sanders into Dotonbori River was actually good luck for the Hanshin Tigers And much more! Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Use the link below to check out episode 11 of Ichimon Japan in which we discuss the Curse of the Colonel in far more detail. What is the Curse of the Colonel? | Ichimon Japan 11 Here is the Food Theory video (from the Food Theorists YouTube channel) in which MatPat discusses the Curse of the Colonel. Food Theory: KFC and the Curse of Colonel Sanders) If you enjoyed the video above, you may want to check out the Food Theorists YouTube channel. The Food Theory YouTube Channel Here are the Japanese-language sources mentioned in this episode. Japanese Wikipedia entry for the Curse of the Colonel 2009 TV News Report filmed after the statue of Colonel Sanders was found in the Dotonbori River 「呪い」火付け役、救出喜ぶ 探偵！ナイトスクープ This article is from the Asahi TV (ABC) website. Asahi is the producer and broadcaster of the Japanese variety show Tantei Naito Sukūpu. This article confirms that the story of the Curse of the Colonel was covered on the show's first episode in March of 1988. The article also explains that they produced three different episodes that covered the story either in part or from start to finish between the start of the show and March 11 of 2009 (when the article was published). The article adds that the show even had divers go into the Dotonbori River to look for the statue. This was shown on two of the three times they covered the story. Further, the article includes a quote by the producer of the show at the time in which he explains that the Curse of the Colonel's status as an urban legend (toshi densetsu) was cemented after the show covered the story since their efforts to find the statue were so thorough and yet they were unable to locate it. 【都市伝説 2019 最新】カーネルサンダース人形の呪い ケンタッキーおいしいです。 A Japanese YouTube video explaining the Curse of the Colonel. It describes it as an urban legend (toshi densetsu). 【都市伝説】プロ野球：カーネル・サンダースの呪い【東京ダグアウツ】 This is another Japanese YouTube video that explains the Curse of the Colonel. The person in the video also calls it an urban legend (toshi densetsu). To listen to another Ichimon Japan episode about a Japanese curse, check out the link below. What's so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Ichimon Japan 21 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Noroi 呪い : 呪い(P); 詛い; 咒い 【のろい】 (n) curse; spell; malediction; (P); : 呪い; 咒い 【まじない】 ; (n) (uk) charm; incantation; spell; curse; 《verb stem》 呪う : 呪う(P); 詛う 【のろう】 ; (v5u,vt) to curse; to put a curse on; to detest intensely; (P); 《verb stem》 呪う 【まじなう】 ; (v5u) (1) (arch) to pray that one avoids disaster or illness; to pray; (v5u) (2) to pray for the death or misfortune of another; to curse; (v5u) (3) to treat illness with prayer Yokunen/Yokutoshi 翌年 【よくねん(P); よくとし】 (n-t) following year Toshi Densetsu 都市伝説 【としでんせつ】 (n) urban legend We Want Your

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is yakitori? Topics Discussed What yakitori is The difference between yakitori when it is written using kanji and when it is written using only hiragana What qualifies as yakitori An overview of the history of yakitori The supposed origin story of the skewered sparrows that the area around Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is known for How eating meat was considered taboo throughout much of Japan's history Yakitori during the Meiji Period Yakitori shops The pros and cons of using charcoal as opposed to propane when grilling yakitori The specialized names used to refer to chicken parts The supposed origin of the term negima What part of a chicken the term bonjiri refers to and the etymology of the term The many meanings/usages of the term kimo What sunazuri is What part of the chicken is referred to as a mame (bean) at a yakitori shop What part of a chicken a chōchin/kinkan is The interesting history behind Higashi Matsuyama City' (Saitama Prefecture) pork "yakitori" A yakitori vending machine in Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used when preparing for this episode. 焼き鳥の定義 焼き鳥の歴史 焼き鳥の豆知識について 焼き鳥の「ぼんじり」とは？どこの部位？栄養素？気になるカロリーを解説 焼き鳥用語集 焼き鳥の部位いろいろ やきとりって何だ？ – やきとりの定義を辞書から探る 焼き鳥の定番ねぎまの「ま」の意味は？歴史や由来を紐解く 焼き鳥やさんの「ぼんじり」（「ぼんちり」「ぼんち」）という名前の由来 游氣風信 No.１５８ ２００３. ２. １ 肝のはなし ハツ コロナ禍で誕生した「焼き鳥無人販売機」が人気 宮城・石巻市 This is the news article about the yakitori vending machine in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. The article contains photos of the vending machine. Here is the list of chicken parts we covered in this episode. Yakitori Terminology List Momo (モモ、もも): Thigh meat Sasami (ささみ): Meat from the inner breast, chicken tenderloin Negima (ねぎま、葱鮪), Hasami (はさみ): In the context of yakitori this refers to a skewer of chicken and green onions Note: This was not made clear in the episode but according to the sources we found the term negima came from the name of a stew made of green onions and tuna. This dish was called negimanabe (葱鮪鍋). As explained in the episode, eventually people started using chicken became more affordable than tuna and so the term negima came to be associated with chicken rather than tuna. Mune (むね): Chicken breast Bonjiri (ぼんじり): The meat at tail of the chicken Kimo (肝、きも), Rebā (レバー): Liver Zuri (ずり), Sunazuri (砂ずり), Sunagimo (砂肝): Gizzard Nankotsu (なんこつ、軟骨): Cartilage Yagen nankotsu (ヤゲン軟骨): Cartilage (connects to the breast bone) Hatsu (八ツ), Shinzō (心臓), Kokoro (こころ): Heart Mame (まめ), Mamegimo (まめぎも): Chicken pancreas Seseri (せせり), Soroban (そろばん), Nekku (ネック): Chicken neck meat Kinkan (キンカン): Chicken ovary Chōuchin (チョウチン): Chicken ovary with egg yolk Note: Although in the episode we give the impression that kinkan and chōchin are the same, it seems that they are actually two different types of yakitori. However, there is a chance that some places may not distinguish so strictly between the two. The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below. Documenting the Intense World of Japanese High School Baseball (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 54 For even more information on the history of chickens and the chicken industry in Japan, check out the Japan Station episode below. Jidori and the Chicken Industry in Japan (Dr. Benjamin Schrager) | | Japan Station 35 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Tare たれ (n) (1) sauce (esp. soy or mirin-based dipping sauce) Butabara 豚バラ : 豚バラ; 豚ばら; 豚肋 【ぶたバラ(豚バラ); ぶたばら(豚ばら,豚肋)】 (n) (See バラ肉) boneless pork rib; boned pork rib Suzume スズメ : 雀 【すずめ(P); スズメ】 (n) (1) tree sparrow (Passer montanus) Sasa 笹 : 笹(P); 篠; 小竹 【ささ】 (n) bamboo grass; generally smaller species of running bamboo that do not shed their sheaths (e.g. Sasa spp.) Take 竹 【たけ(P); タケ】 (n) (1) bamboo (any grass of subfamily Bambusoideae) Negi ネギ : 葱 【ねぎ(P);

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do you have any funny or embarrassing Japanese language mistake stories? Topics Discussed What Ikigai Connections is How you say "fart" in Japanese The tricky nature of the Japanese passive form Getting similar sounding Japanese words confused The confusion that can occur when you speak more than two languages The various ways gochisōsama can be used The difference between the words oppai and ippai The importance of learning things in context The many different counters used in Japanese How Japanese people make mistakes when using honorific language The confusion that can arise due to the Japanese language's long versus short vowel distinction The way the meaning of a kanji can change depending on whether you are reading it in Chinese or Japanese And much more! Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. If you're interested in a career involving Japanese, then make sure to check out IkigaiConnections.com. All the relevant links are below. Ikigai Connections Website Ikigai Connections Facebook Ikigai Connections Twitter Ikigai Connections on Instagram If you'd like to learn more about Kasia, then check out this episode of the Inside Japan podcast. Ep. 102 – Making it Happen w/Kasia from IkigaiConnections.com If you would like to read more funny and/or embarrassing stories about mistakes made by people speaking Japanese, check out the link below to the Reddit thread that was mentioned during this episode. What's the funniest "mistake" you've ever made in speaking Japanese? The latest episode of the Japan Station podcast, can be found below. The Inspiring Journey of Kofi Manga | Japan Station 53 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Ikigai 生きがい : 生き甲斐(P); 生きがい; 生甲斐 【いきがい】 (n) reason for living; something one lives for; purpose in life; raison d'être Onara おなら (n) wind; gas; fart Eiga 映画 【えいが】 (n,adj-no) movie; film Osou 襲う 【おそう】 (v5u,vt) (1) to attack; to assail; to make an assault; to strike; to hunt down Osowaru 教わる 【おそわる】 (v5r,vt) to be taught; to learn; to take lessons in Yōchien 幼稚園 【ようちえん】 (n) kindergarten Yūenchi 遊園地 【ゆうえんち】 (n) amusement park Kitte 切手 【きって】 (n) stamp (postage); merchandise certificate Gochisōsama ご馳走様 : ご馳走様(P); ご馳走さま(P); 御馳走様 【ごちそうさま】 (int) (1) (uk) thank you (for the meal); that was a delicious meal Ōyasan 大家さん : 大家さん; 大屋さん 【おおやさん】 (n) (hon) (See 大屋・おおや) landlord; landlady Oya 親 : 親(P); 祖 【おや】 (n) (1) (親 only) parent; parents; mother and father Shitagi 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear Uwagi 上着 : 上着(P); 上衣; 表着 【うわぎ(P); じょうい(上衣)】 (n) coat; tunic; jacket; outer garment Gomibako ごみ箱 【ごみばこ】 (n) garbage can; rubbish bin; trash can; dustbin 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan What are you funniest Japanese mistakes? | Ichimon Japan 30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a kirakira name? Topics Discussed What a so-called kirakira nēmu is What kirakira means Five of the most difficult to read "kirakira names" The fact that many Japanese people seem to be unaware that Winnie the Pooh's name is Winnie and not Pooh The famous 1993 case of a baby who almost got named Akuma and the controversy that surrounded it The story of the boy named Ōjisama and how he changed his name How you legally change your name in Japan The difficulties that people with kirakira names might face in daily life The well known rakugo story of Jugemu The original much darker version of the story of Jugemu What shiwashiwa nēmu are Examples of shiwashiwa names The recent popularity of old-fashioned "classic" Japanese first names in Japan Restrictions on baby names in other countries such as the U.K., Germany, and Iceland And much more! Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode. キラキラネーム キラキラネーム 誕生きっかけは『たまごクラブ』と教育専門家 キラキラネームの語源とは何ですか？ キラキラネーム (Japanese Wikipedia) "改名"100人～私が名前を変えたワケ～ 「七音」は何と読む？難読キラキラネームでよかったこと・悪かったこと キラキラネーム難読ランキング100選！読めない順に紹介【2020最新版】 悪魔ちゃん命名騒動 (Japanese Wikipedia) テレビ・新聞が完全スルーした"悪魔ちゃんの父親"窃盗逮捕「覚せい剤の前科も……」 「王子様」というキラキラネームに苦しんだ高3、改名に成功。新しい名前は「肇」 名前を変えるのは意外と簡単？ 改名の手続き方法を専門家に聞いてみた 「じゅげむ」 「寿限無」の成立時期と、その名前の真偽について教えて下さい 「シワシワネーム」って何？ 男の子と女の子におすすめの古風な名前 Here are some of the main English-language sources used when doing the research for this episode. In Japan, Parents Play Devil's Advocate in Naming Child : Controversy: Couple fights authorities' ban on satanic moniker. Now the Cabinet has gotten involved UK couple win bid to name son Lucifer Lucifer not an acceptable baby name in this country Just in case, here is the kanji for the "five hardest to read kirakira names" that were covered in this episode. Shīzā: 皇帝 Doremi: 七音 Hīrō: 主人公 (normally read shujinkō) Tiara: 愛羅 Pū: 黄熊 If you missed our first episode focusing on Japanese names, make sure to check it out. Juse use the link below. How do Japanese names work? | Ichimon Japan 28 Here is the two latest episodes of Japan Station. Kyoto Metal City (Takuya Yada & Joe of Cosmic Earth) | Japan Station 51 Tokyo Before Tokyo: Exploring Edo w. Dr. Timon Screech | Japan Station 52 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Kirakira nēmu キラキラネーム : キラキラネーム; キラキラ・ネーム (n) (derog) (See ＤＱＮネーム・ドキュンネーム) unconventional baby name Kirakira キラキラ : きらきら(P); キラキラ (adv,adv-to,vs) (on-mim) glittering; sparkling; glistening; twinkling Shujinkō 主人公 【しゅじんこう】 (n) (1) protagonist; main character; hero(ine) (of a story); (n) (2) head of household Kōtei 皇帝 【こうてい(P); おうだい(ok)】 (n) (hon) emperor Akuma 悪魔 【あくま】 (n) (1) devil; demon; fiend; (n) (2) (in Christianity and Judaism) (See サタン) Satan; the Devil; (n) (3) {Buddh} Māra; evil spirits or forces that hinder one's path to enlightenment; (P); ED Name(s): 【あくま】 (g) Akuma Jōyō kanji 常用漢字 【じょうようかんじ】 (n) (See 当用漢字) kanji for common use; jōyō kanji; list of 2,136 kanji established in 2010, formerly a list of 1,945 established in 1981 Kakuseizai 覚せい剤 : 覚醒剤(P); 覚せい剤(P) 【かくせいざい】 (n) stimulant (e.g. psychoactive drugs like methamphetamine, ritalin, etc.) Ōji 王子 【おうじ】 (n) (1) prince Koseki 戸籍 【こせき】 (n) (1) family register Shiwa 皺 : 皺(P); 皴 【しわ】 (n) (1) (uk) wrinkle; crease; (n) (2) (uk) ripple 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 [email protected]. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do Japanese names work? Topics Discussed How people in Japan normally state their family name before their given name The complicated history of naming practices in Japan Commoners being prohibited from using family names during the Edo Period The Meiji era laws that mandated every Japanese person take a family name The reluctance of some people to take a family name during the Meiji Period The fact that many (most?) people with the surname Satō (佐藤) are probably not descended from samurai The fact that many commoners were given last names based on the geographical features of the area in which they lived The story of how the Furo (風呂) family supposedly got their family name from Minamoto no Yoshitsune The most common family names in Japan in 2019 How many Japanese family names there are The prevalence of rare Japanese last names The regional nature of some Japanese family names The convention of naming boys based on their birth order How it's easy to forget people's first names in Japan Some of the factors people in Japan consider when naming a baby Asking people in Japan about the kanji they use for their given name as a way to spark conversation The phenomenon of siblings having related names Interesting names in anime The practice of picking a baby name based on the way a name is written How much it usually costs to have a shrine pick a baby name for you What a seimeihandanshi is What it might cost you to have a seimeihandanshi pick a baby name for you A list outlining the most popular baby names in Japan of 2019 The Japanese naming convention of tōriji How shorter names have become common in Japan in recent years How female names that end in -ko used to be more common And much more! Note: Just for the sake of clarity, I'd like to point out that the story of the Furo family name did not occur during the Meiji Period (actually it probably never even occurred in the way it is normally told). However, because the story was introduced alongside the changes of the Meiji Period it's possible to be left with the impression that there was a connection there. There is no direct connection. The story was simply brought up as an example of the many interesting ways in which people in Japan acquired last names. Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources that were used when doing the research for this episode. 全国名字ランキング 【名字】風呂 実在する珍しい名字 (5) 通字と偏諱 日本人の苗字はこうしてつけられた 【CGS 日本の歴史 5-9】 NHKネーミングバラエティー日本人のおなまえっ 日本一短い名字「井」 名付けを神社にお願いするには？方法や金額相場や初穂料について解説 名付けはどうやって決めた？先輩ママに聞いてみよう 赤ちゃんの名付け！気をつけるポイントと名付け方法 神社での命名にかかる料金はどれぐらい？手順や注意点を解説します！ Here are some of the main English-language sources used when doing the research for this episode. A Long History of Japanese Names This is the Tofugu article mentioned during this episode. The Japanese Naming System - Morphology and Semantics of Individual Names by Anja Collazo This is the thesis mentioned during this episode. Japan's Name Culture: The Significance of Names in a Religious, Political, and Social Context by Herbert Plutschow Here are the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode. Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23 What is seppuku? (The Basics of Samurai "Suicide") | Ichimon Japan18 Here is the latest episode of Japan Station. Yūrei, Ghosts & Yōkai, A Chat w. Zack Davisson | Japan Station 50 If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Myōji 苗字 : 苗字(P); 名字(P) 【みょうじ】 (n) (See 名前・2) surname; family name Namae 名前 : 名前(P); 名まえ 【なまえ】 (n) (1) name; (n) (2) (See 名字) given name; first name; Furo 風呂 【ふろ】 (n) (1) (See お風呂) bath; bathing; bathtub; bathroom; (n) (2) bathhouse; public bath Kenkō 健康 【けんこう】 (n) (1) health; (adj-na) (2) healthy; sound; fit; wholesome Futoi 太い 【ふとい】 (adj-i) (1) fat; thick; (adj-i) (2) deep (of a voice); thick; sonoro

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do students in Hamamatsu City have to wear white underwear? Topics Discussed School rules concerning the color of a student's underwear The story of one student who ended up having to go bra-less after it was found that she was not wearing white underwear during a school trip Some of the reasons given for why most junior high students in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture must wear white underwear in school The peculiar indoor/outdoor school uniform system used by most junior high schools in Hamamatsu The justifications offered by some proponents of strict school rules And much more! Note: During the episode it is not made clear when exactly the inquiry into the school rules of Hamamatsu City's public junior high schools began According to this article this all seems to date back to December of 2019 when a local group focusing on issues affecting transgender individuals communicated with at least one city council member (a detailed timeline is not provided in the article). Also, it should be pointed out that the group focusing on transgender issues is called toransugendā kenkyū-kai in the article and not toransugendā-kai. Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are the two Japanese-language articles cited in this episode. Twitter禁止、彼氏がいたら先生に報告、白い下着以外禁止…時代錯誤な「ブラック校則」なぜ生まれる？ (June 2, 2020) 「下着は白限定」の理由は"体操着規定"にあった 浜松市立中学ブラック校則【現地取材】 (August 18, 2020) Use the link below to listen to episode 23 of Ichimon Japan. Why are school rules in Japan so strict? (All About Kōsoku) | Ichimon Japan 23 Also, don't forget to stop by KimitoDesigns.com to see what's on sale. If you purchase anything, make sure to use the coupon code OPENING10 to receive 10% off your total (valid until the end of 2020) https://www.etsy.com/shop/KimitoDesignsKimitoDesigns.com Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Kōsoku 校則 【こうそく】 (n) school regulations Gakuran 学ラン : 学ラン; 学らん; 学蘭 【がくラン(学ラン); がくらん(学らん,学蘭)】 (n) (col) school uniform for boys, often with stand-up collar, long jacket and loose trousers Taisōfuku 体操服 【たいそうふく】 (n) gym uniform; track suit Papakatsu パパ活 【パパかつ】 (n) (sl) compensated dating; dating a sugar daddy 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a tsuchinoko? Topics Discussed What a tsuchinoko is How you say "cryptid" in Japanese Tsuchinoko's status as a U.M.A. (Unidentified Mysterious Animal) What a tsuchinoko looks like Some of the abilities tsuchinoko are said to have The areas in Japan where tsuchinoko tend to live The sounds tsuchinoko are said to make The prevalence of tsuchinoko in the Kinki area The typical colors tsuchinoko are reported to be The many names used to refer to tsuchinokos What tsuchinoko literally translates to and how it is written The tsuchinoko's resemblance to a hammer The mythological creature kirin The oldest records found in Japan that depict something resembling a tsuchinoko The possible links between tsuchinoko and Japanese mythology The goddess Kayanohime Nodzuchi (野槌) The tsuchinoko's rise to promnence in the second half of the 20th century Soseki Yamamoto, the man who is responsible for kicking off the "Tsuchinoko Boom" of the '70s and '80s Soseki Yamamoto's journey to document the tsuchinoko Soseki Yamamoto's disillusionment with witht he tsuchinoko craze The town of Mikata in Hyogo Prefecuture's claim that they possessed a tsuchinoko Tsuchinoko bounties The tsuchinoko's connection to yokai Some of the many video games in which tsuchinoko appear The tsuchinoko shrine in Gifu Prefecture Tsuchinoko as a revered creature of the gods Tsuchinoko as a PR gimmick/cute mascot character Real animals that people may have seen and assumed were tsuchinoko The possibility that blue-tongued skinks are responsible for tsuchinoko sightings The yamanamekuji's resemblance to the typical tsuchinoko The tiger keelback's (yamakagashi) and its possible resemblance to tsuchinoko The story of a World War II soldier that thought he had caught a tsuchinoko And much more! Note: Whether a tsuchinoko is classified as a yōkai or not depends on who you ask. While it certainly can be classified as such, it is also commonly referred to as as a cryptid (UMA, mikakunin dōbutsu). This peculiarity raises an interesting question: can a creature be both a cryptid and a yōkai? The answer to that question is probably: it depends who you ask. Support on Patreon 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 Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the English-language articles that were used during the research for this episode. The Mysterious Tsuchinoko of Japan Tsuchinoko Kayanohime Tsuchinoko Town touting mythical snake find; is 'rare' creature really a cash cow? (The Japan Times) These are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sorces for this episode. UMA ツチノコ (Japanese Wikipedia entry for Tsuchinoko) To check out the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below. Behind the Yoshimoto Curtain: A Chat w. Comedian Stephen Tetsu | Japan Station 49 If you would like to check out the Kimito shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020). And if you buy $25 or more you'll get another 10% off (valid until the end of October, 2020). Visit KimitoDesigns.com. Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Tsuchinoko ツチノコ : 槌の子 【つちのこ; ツチノコ】 (n) mythical snake-like creature; tsuchinoko Kirin キリン : 麒麟(P); 騏驎 【きりん(P); キリン】 (n) (1) (uk) giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis); (n) (2) qilin (Chinese unicorn); (n) (3) (麒麟 only) Kirin (brand of beer); (n) (4) (騏驎 only) (arch) horse that can ride 1000 ri in a day 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 [email protected]. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Original artwork in featured image: A tsuchinoko illustrated by Miko A. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.co

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why does to "nyan nyan" mean to "have sex" in Japanese? Topics Discussed Japanese expressions/idioms related to cats What the Japanese expression neko no te mo karitai means and how it is used What pets are most popular in Japan The Japanese festival game of kingyosukui What the Japanese expression nekojita means What the Japanese expression nekobaba means What the Japanese expression nekoze means What the Japanese expression dorobōneko means Snakes falling from the ceiling of an old Japanese house The Sazae-san opening An experiment designed to find out how heavy a fish a stray cat is willing to carry What neko o kaburu means Theories about the origin of the expression neko o kaburu What the Japanese expression nyan nyan suru means The origin of the expression nyan nyan suru The story of Tomoko Takabe The Nyan Nyan Jiken (Nyan Nyan Scandal) of 1983 and its aftermath Erika Sawajiri What happened after Tomoko Takabe's photo was published in 1983 Underage smoking in Japan Why Focus chose to use nyan nya to mean sex (according to one theory) What nyan nyan shashin are And much more! Note: It is possible that nyan nyan as it was used by Focus in 1983 was not coined with the onomatopoeia for a cat crying in mind. In fact, the term appears to have been an allusion to something Tomoko Takabe used to say. It is not clear if this original nyan nyan was an allusion to cats. However, due to the fact that without any context a person hearing the term for the first time would likely assume that it is in some way connected to cats meowing, I decided to include nyannyan in this episode along with cat-related idioms. Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. The English-language article about the story of Tomoko Takabe and Focus' coverage of the "Nyan Nyan Scandal" that was mentioned several times can be accessed via the link below. As mentioned in the episode it does have the pictures but none are explicit. That being said, the website that published the article does have a lot of explicit content that is NSFW. Story about Tomoko Takabe/Nyan Nyan on Tokyo Kinky Here are a couple of Japanese-language sources used for this episode. 動物が使われている言葉 ニャンニャン事件 (Wikipedia) To listen to either of the Ichimon Japan episodes mentioned during this episode, use the links below. Does "hai" mean "bye" in Japanese? (The many ways to say "goodbye" in Japanese) | Ichimon Japan 24 What's the deal with catgirls? (About nekomimi) | Ichimon Japan 01 To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below. Pregnancy & Marriage in Low-Fertility Japan (Dr. Amanda C. Seaman) | Japan Station 48 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Neko 猫 【ねこ(P); ネコ】 (n) (1) cat (esp. the domestic cat, Felis catus) Te 手 【て】 (n) (1) (occ. pronounced た when a prefix) (See お手・おて・1) hand; arm Neko no te mo karitai 猫の手も借りたい 【ねこのてもかりたい】 (exp,adj-i) (id) extremely busy; wanting even the help of a cat Kingyo 金魚 【きんぎょ】 (n) goldfish Kingyosukui 金魚すくい : 金魚すくい; 金魚掬い 【きんぎょすくい】 (n) festival game in which participants try to catch goldfish in a shallow paper ladle Nekojita 猫舌 【ねこじた】 (n) dislike of very hot food or drink; inability to take hot food; cat tongue Kuso/baba 糞 : 糞(P); 屎 【くそ(P); クソ(P)】 (int) (1) (uk) (col) bullshit; shit; damn; (n) (2) (col) (uk) feces; excrement; dung; (adj-f) (3) (uk) (col) damn; damned; blasted; stupid; (4) (sl) (uk) very; extremely; (adv) (5) (sl) (uk) a lot; (exp) (6) (uk) (as ～もくそも（ない）) not at all; not even a little; (P); : 糞; 屎 【ばば】 ; (n) (1) (vulg) (uk) (osb:) shit; crap; (2) (chn) (uk) pooh-pooh; poop; something dirty; 【ふん; フン】 ; (n) (uk) feces (esp. animal); excrement; dung Babā 婆 : 婆; 婆あ 【ばば(婆); ばばあ; ババ; ババア; ばばー; ババー】 (n) (1) (uk) (See 祖母) old woman Nekobaba 猫ばば : 猫ばば; 猫糞 【ねこばば; ネコババ】 (n,vs) (uk) embezzlement; misappropriation; pocketing; stealing Nekoze 猫背 【ねこぜ】 (n,adj-no,adj-na) bent back; hunchback; stoop Dorobōneko 泥棒猫 : 泥棒猫; 泥棒ネコ; どろぼう猫 【どろぼうねこ(泥棒猫,どろぼう猫); どろぼうネコ(泥棒ネコ)】 (n) (1) thieving cat; (2) (derog) adulterer; homewrecker Neko o kaburu 猫を被る : 猫をかぶる; 猫を被る 【ねこをかぶる】 (exp,v5r) (id) (See 猫被り) to feign friendliness; to play the hypocrite Mushiro 蓆 : 筵; 蓆; 莚; 席 【むしろ; えん(筵)】 (n) (1) woven mat (esp. one made of straw); (2) (arch) seat Nyan Nyan Suru にゃんにゃんする from にゃんにゃん (int) (1) (on-mim) meow; miaow; (n) (2) (chn) cat; (n,vs) (3) (sl) sexual intercourse; making out Jiken 事件 【じけん】 (n) event; affair; incident; case; plot; trouble; scandal Raburabu ラブラブ (adj-na,adj-no,n,vs) (col) lovey-dovey (wasei: love love); head-over-heels in love Koneko

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Does "hai" mean "bye" in Japanese? Topics Discussed How most people that don't speak Japanese would say "goodbye" in Japanese How sayonara/sayōnara is used fairly infrequently in Japanese Reasons why people in Japan tend not to use sayonara/sayōnara frequently The etymology of sayonara/sayōnara When the first written record of the term that would become sayonara dates to what the literal meaning of sayō dearu naraba is Common ways that people say "goodbye" in Japanese The usage of osaki ni shitsurei shimasu when leaving the workplace The literal meaning of osaki ni shitsurei shimasu The meaning of otsukaresama How friends in Japan miht say "goodbye" to each other The term baibai Ittekimasu and itterasshai Bubble-era Japanese slang The antiquated slang term baibī How baibī was translated into English when Pac-Man was localized for the U.S. What gyaru is Gyaru slang (gyarugo) Using baibaikīn to say goodbye All about Anpanman and Baikinman The massive popularity of Anpanman How Baikinman may be the first gyaru How "hai" can be used to end a verbal interaction (in other words say "goodbye") in Japanese How many people incorrectly assume that "hai" simply means "yes" The misconception that "iie" is simply the Japanese equivalent of "no" The strange way in which "iie" and Japanese in general was used in the old Marvel comics featuring Wolverine in Japan Using hai as a way to signal that you are listening How misunderstanding hai can make answering negative questions in Japanese confusing The importance of learning things in context when you are studying a foreign language And much more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the English-language articles that were used during the research for this episode. Sayonara: One of the Most Japanese Words in the Dictionary What does the word Hai actually mean in Japanese??? These are some of the Japanese-language articles used as sorces for this episode. 「さようなら」の語源と由来 「さようなら」はもはや死語？関西では7割が「使わない」と回答 To listen to the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast, use the links below. How I Became a Voice Actor in Japan (Reina 麗) | Japan Station 46 Working & Teaching in Japan (James from The Inside Japan Podcast) | Japan Station 47 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Sayōnara さようなら (int) farewell; adieu; goodbye; so long Kutabare くたばれ (exp) (vulg) (ktb:) drop dead!; go to hell!; fuck you!; shove it! Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu お先に失礼します 【おさきにしつれいします】 (exp) (used when leaving a workplace while others remain) pardon me for leaving (first) Otsukaresama お疲れ様 : お疲れ様(P); お疲れさま(P); 御疲れ様 【おつかれさま】 (exp) (1) thank you; many thanks; much appreciated; (2) that's enough for today Ja ne じゃね (int) (fam) see you then; bye; ciao Baibai バイバイ (int) (1) bye-bye; good-bye; see you; so long; (n,vs) (2) saying goodbye; parting Ittekimasu いってき (int) (col) bye; see ya (afterwards); have fun; get going, now Itterashai いってらっしゃい (int) have a good day; take care; see you Mata na またね (exp) good-bye; see you later Baibī バイビー (int) (col) (See バイバイ・1) bye-bye; good-bye; see you; so long Gyaru ギャル (n) (1) gyaru (eng: gal); (young) woman adhering to a fashion trend usually marked by brown or blond-dyed hair, gaudy clothes and accessories; (2) gal Baikin 黴菌 : ばい菌(P); バイ菌; 黴菌 【ばいきん(ばい菌,黴菌)(P); バイきん(バイ菌)】 (n) (1) (col) germ; germs; bacteria; mold; mould; (2) (used figuratively) something harmful; vermin Kabi カビ : 黴 【かび(P); カビ】 (n) (uk) mold; mould; mildew; (P); 《verb stem》 カビる : 黴びる; 黴る 【かびる; カビる】 ; (v1,vi) (uk) to get moldy (mouldy); to get musty; to develop mildew Iya いや (int) (1) why; oh; (2) no!; quit it!; stop! Kya キャー : きゃっ; キャー; ぎゃあ; キャッ; きゃあ; ギャー; ぎゃっ; ギャッ (int) (1) (expressing surprise, pain, fear, or disgust) yikes!; eek!; ouch!; blech; (adv) (2) (きゃあ only) (on-mim) (monkey screech) ook; eek 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are school rules in Japan so strict? Topics Discussed Experiences working at and attending Japanese schools A selection of "weird" school rules (kōsoku) from across Japan The history behind why school rules became strict in Japan The case of a female high school student who filed a lawsuit after her school did not allow her to attend classes due to her refusal to dye her hair black The paradoxes surrounding rules restricting dying and perming one's hair Mandatory hair drying Mandatory perms for students with naturally curly hair Students having to prove that they were not born with black hair A survey that sheds light on what some students and teachers think of Japan's school rules The justifications behind the strict school rule "mentality" that is often seen in Japan Trying to protect girls through the implementation of rules that shame and blame them And much more! Note: As always, there are many more aspects to this topic that we could have covered, including how modern day schools in Japan have been shaped by policies implemented during the Meiji and early Showa (before and during WWII) eras. However, addressing that aspect of this topic would have led to a far lengthier discussion and thus it was decided to focus only on recent history for this episode. Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the main English-language articles that served as references for this episode. School rules in Japan offer harsh lessons in mindless assimilation (The Japan Times) Lawsuit over student's dyed hair confronts outdated thinking in Japan (The Japan Times) Tokyo public schools will stop forcing students to dye their hair black, official promises (Japan Today) Osaka surveys schools over hair-color rules after lawsuit (The Japan Times) To listen to the Kamon Tatsuo song mentioned in this episode, use the link below. The song is titled "Hontō ni Atta Kowai Kōsoku," which means "Scary School Rules that Actually Existed." Hontō ni Atta Kowai Kōsoku These are the main Japanese-language articles used as sources for this episode. 思わず笑っちゃう！ ウチの学校のおもしろ校則 全国の変な校則 The Japanese-language article containing the information about the Procter & Gamble Japan survey that asked teachers and students about school regulations can be found below. 校則見直し、悩む教育現場 「すさまじい同調圧力」も To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below. The Fascinating Life of Stand-Up Comedian Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami | Japan Station 45 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Kōsoku 校則 【こうそく】 (n) school regulations Hizakake ひざ掛け 【ひざかけ】 (n) lap blanket Rappanomi らっぱ飲み : 喇叭飲み; らっぱ飲み; ラッパ飲み 【らっぱのみ(喇叭飲み,らっぱ飲み); ラッパのみ(ラッパ飲み)】 (n,vs) drinking straight from a bottle Tai'ikukai 体育会系に from 体育会系 【たいいくかいけい】 (adj-no) sports-minded; sports-oriented Bunkasai 文化祭 【ぶんかさい】 (n) school festival; cultural festival; arts festival Geta 下駄 【げた】 (n) (1) geta; Japanese wooden clogs Yukata 浴衣 【ゆかた(P); よくい】 (n) (See 湯帷子) yukata (light cotton kimono worn in the summer or used as a bathrobe) Fundoshi ふんどし (n) (1) fundoshi; loincloth; traditional Japanese men's undergarment made from a length of cotton Tennen-pāama 天然パーマ 【てんねんパーマ】 (n) naturally curly hair Rīzento リーゼント (n) (abbr) (See リーゼントスタイル) Regent hairstyle; ducktail; Pompadour Furyō 不良 【ふりょう】 (adj-no,adj-na,n) (1) bad; poor; inferior; (n,adj-no,adj-na) (2) delinquent; hoodlum; hooligan 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do you create fake kanji? Topics Discussed Kanji radicals The composition of kanji Kanji reading strategies The "Original Kanji Contest" (Sōsaku Kanji Kontesuto) What yūrei-moji (ghost kanji/characters) are Why the kanji character for rice (米) is used to mean "meter" in Japanese The kanji based system used for measurements (metric and Imperial) What kokuji (国字) are What "made in Japan kanji" (和製漢字, wasei kanji) are Some of our favorite kanji made in Japan The fabulous dolphin-like creature that is Shachihoko How to write gomi (trash, garbage) in kanji The many ways you can write "sleigh" in kanji And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. If you would like to learn more about kanji radicals, one good place to start might be the Wikipedia page linked below. List of kanji radicals by frequency The 23 kanji radicals below are the ones mentioned by Christine in this episode. The on-yomi (Chinese reading) of a jōyō kanji will always have the same reading. The on-yomi for each of these radicals is provided as well. 長 chō 義 gi 亢 kō 章 shō 尞 ryō 曹 sō 巨 kyo 𢦏 sai 冓 kō 㐮 jō 旨 shi 氐 tei 呉 go 求 kyū 兪 yu 麻 ma 五 go 侵 shin 奴 do 喿 sō 喿 sō 及 kyu 賁 fun 旦 tan The list above is from the article below. If you are interested in learning more bout which kanji radicals have more or less readings, then the article is definitely worth a look. Toyoda, Etsuko & Firdaus, Arief & Kano, Chieko. (2013). Identifying Useful Phonetic Components of kanji for Learners of Japanese. Japanese Language and Literature. 47. 235-272. The Japan Times article on "ghost kanji" (yūrei-moji ) that was mentioned in this episode can be accessed via the link below. 'Ghost kanji' lurk in the Japanese lexicon The kanji that Christine gives as an example of a ghost kanj can be seen below. 妛: According to the Japan Times, some dictionaries give akebi as the reading of this character. However, it is believed that this character was accidentally created as a result of a mistake when creating computer fonts in the 1970s. This character (妛) is thought to derive from the real character 𡚴, which can be found in 𡚴原 (Akenbara), a name used for a small district in Shiga Prefecture. The extra horizontal line in the ghost kanji is believed to have been caused by a photocopying error. The website for the "Original Kanji Contest" (Sōsaku Kanji Kontesuto) can be accessed via the link below. Sōsaku Kanji Contest Website Source: Sōsaku Kanji Contest Website To look at the full list of made in Japan kanji/kokuji, check out the page linked to below. A list of kokuji (国字) To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below. From Nintendo to Hello Kitty, Chatting About Japanese Pop Culture w. Matt Alt | Japan Station 44 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Bushu 部首 【ぶしゅ】 (n) radical (of a kanji character) Tōge 峠 【とうげ】 (n,n-suf) (1) (mountain) pass; ridge; peak; (n) (2) peak (e.g. of summer); worst (e.g. of an illness); crisis; critical point; most difficult part Sori 轌 : 橇; 轌 【そり; ソリ】 (n) (uk) sleigh; sled; sledge Shachihoko 鯱 : 鯱; 鯱鉾 【しゃちほこ; しゃっちょこ(鯱); さちほこ(鯱)】 (n) mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish (auspicious protectors of well-being); 【しゃち; シャチ】 ; (n) (1) (uk) orca (Orcinus orca); killer whale; grampus; (2) (しゃち only) (abbr) (See 鯱・しゃちほこ) mythical carp with the head of a lion and the body of a fish (auspicious protectors of well-being); ED Name(s): 【しゃちほこ】 (s) Shachihoko Konoshiro 鮗 【このしろ; コノシロ】 (n) (uk) konoshiro gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus) Ebi エビ : 海老(P); 蝦; 蛯; 鰕 【えび(P); エビ(P)】 (n) prawn; shrimp; lobster; crayfish Hataraku 働く 【はたらく】 (v5k,vi) (1) to work; to labor; to labour; (2) to function; to operate; to be effective; to work (i.e. ... works); to come into play; (3) to commit (e.g. a crime); to perpetrate; to do; to act; to practise; to practice; (4) {ling} to be conjugated Heibei 平米 【へいべい】 (n) square metre; square meter 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.

Japanese Plus Alpha is the latest podcast in the JapanKyo Podcast Network. Produced by Tony Vega, Japanese Plus Alpha focuses on the Japanese language and its many fascinating quirks. The show is designed as a fun way to learn about the Japanese language while at the same time gaining insight into Japanese history, culture, linguistics, and more. In other words, Japanese Plus Alpha is great for both those studying the Japanese language and those who enjoy learning about the world through language. Currently, Japanese Plus Alpha is available only via the JapanKyo.com Patreon. To get access to more episodes of Japanese Plus Alpha, just join the $3 a month Plus Alpha tier. This is episode 2 of Japanese Plus Alpha. It focuses on the origins of the word "neko," which means cat in Japanese. Hope you enjoy it. Join the JapanKyo.com Patreon (@JapanKyo.com/Patreon)

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's so scary about the hour of the ox? Topics Discussed All about Japan's old way of telling time that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac (eto) Which "animals" in the old Chinese Zodiac based way of telling time correspond to which hours in the modern way of telling time Why the "hour of the ox" (ushi no koku) was thought to have associations with demons and inauspicious things What a "demon gate" (kimon) is In which direction you would find a kimon (demon gate) What ushimitsudoki is and what time it corresponds to The punctual nature of demons What ushi no koku mairi is How people performing ushi no koku mairi are typically depicted today The historical origins of ushi no koku mairi The story of Uji no Hashihime The various tools involved when placing a curse on someone ushi no koku mairi style The potentially deadly consequences of catching someone in the act of performing ushi no koku mairi Websites/companies that offer to places curses on your behalf Whether performing ushi no koku mairi or cursing someone is illegal in Japan Two actual cases of people threatening others using straw dolls (wara ningō) Why you could get arrested if you were to perform a full ushi no koku mairi ceremony How you can purchase ushi no koku mairi kits from online retailers like Amazon Japan One man's attempt to curse the coronavirus ushi no koku mairi style And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. There are various ways of referring to the old way of telling time used in Japan that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The two most common terms are kojikoku (古時刻) and jūnijishin (十二時辰). Much of the information this episode was based on was gathered from the Japanese-language sources below. Jūnijishin (十二時辰) This is the Japanese-language Wikipedia entry. 昔の時間の古時刻・十二時辰とは？初刻や正刻の鐘の意味は This is an in-depth article focusing on the old system used in Japan for telling time. Although it is not as thorough as the Japanese language articles above, the Japan Times article below does give some general information on the old Chinese Zodiac based system of telling the time that Japan used to use. Telling time with animals In the Chinese Zodiac-based way of telling time the day would start with the hour of the rat (ne no koku) and end with the hour of the boar (i no koku). Below you can see the terms used for all 12 animals/time divisions) and what two hour block each corresponds to. Also it should be noted that both English and Japanese-language sources are unclear on when exactly each two hour block of time begins. In general sources go with wording like "between 11 and 1," thus I have been unable to determine with 100% certainty if, for example, the last minute of the hour of the rat is 12:59 (which seems more likely) or 1:00. While this degree of precision was likely not a matter of concern for most people when this method of telling time was still being used, the question of when exactly each block of time ends is nevertheless one that remains and is unfortunately not solved in the information below. 11:00 p.m - 1:00 a.m. Rat 子 (鼠) ne 1:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. Ox 丑 (牛) ushi 3:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. 寅 (虎) tora 5:0 am. - 7:00 a.m. Rabbit 卯 (兎) u 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Dragon 辰 (竜) tatsu 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Snake 巳 (蛇) mi 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Horse 午 (馬) uma 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Sheep 未 (羊) hitsuji 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monkey 申 (猿) 酉 saru 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Rooster 酉 (鳥) tori 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Dog 戌 (犬) inu 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Boar 亥 (猪) i Information about the two articles by Salvador Jimenez Murguia that were mentioned in this episode can be found below. Only the second article is accessible for free. The Cursing Kit of Ushi no Koku Mairi Cyber Execration: A Case Study of Ushi No Koku Mairi The link below is for a video about the "Curse Demon Association" (呪鬼会, Jujikai), which is, according to the video, a group of Shinto priests that will curse people for you in exchange for money. Video About the Curse Demon Association The link below will take you to the Nikkan Spa article mentioned in this episode. The article describes one person's attempt to curse the coronavirus using ushi no koku mairi in order to stop the pandemic. Although the article is in Japanese, it's worth a look even if can't read Japanese since he pictures are pretty amusing. コロナを呪って終息へ！ リモート丑の刻参りに挑戦 To listen to the latest episode of Japan Station, use the link below. Talking Translation w. Sarah Moon | Japan Station 43 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this epis

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are your favorite places to visit in Osaka? Topics Discussed A basic overview of the main areas of Osaka Osaka's best burrito place: El Zocalo Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park The Umeda Area Yodobashi Camera The Minami area Universal Studios Japan and its Cool Japan special events/rides Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan Shinsaibashi and Namba The city of Minoh/Minō and its famous autumn foliage Minoh's Momoji Tempura (deep fried and battered maple leaves) The Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses The Nipponbashi/Den-Den Town area Kushikatsu The Shinsekai area Osaka's famous symbol: Tsūtenkaku The tallest building in Japan: Abeno Harukas The Tsuruhashi area The Japan Mint (Dokuritsu Gyōsei Hōjin Zōheikyoku) and its annual cherry blossom event The Round One chain of amusement centers And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here is some extra information about the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses. Osaka Info Here is some more information on Minoh. Minoh Park For more information on Tsuruhashi (Osaka's "Korea Town"), you can check out the link below. Korea Town (Tsuruhashi) The article below discusses the delay of the opening of Super Nintendo World. Super Nintendo World Japan's opening indefinitely delayed The name of the burrito shop mentioned in today's episode is El Zocalo Burrito. You canf ind the address below. 1-9-6 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku 1f-b, Osaka 550-0014 Osaka Prefecture Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Momiji 紅葉 : 紅葉(P); 黄葉; 椛 【こうよう(紅葉,黄葉)(P); もみじ(P)】 (n,vs) (1) autumn colours; fall colors; leaves changing color (colour); (2) (紅葉, こうよう only) leaves turning red; red leaves; (3) (黄葉, こうよう only) leaves turning yellow; yellow leaves; (n) (4) (もみじ only) (See 以呂波紅葉) (Japanese) maple (Acer japonicum); (5) (もみじ only) (col) venison; (6) (See 紅葉襲) layered colors in garments, resembling autumn colors 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we finish off the discussion on seppuku that we started in episode 18 with two very interesting examples of people cutting themselves open. Topics Discussed General Maresuke Nogi The death by (kind of sanctioned?) seppuku of General Nogi Maresuke The cork-sized plugs found in General Nogi's rectum Nogi Shrine in Tokyo The story of Matsudaira Tadaaki, a samurai who should not have fallen asleep near his swords And more! Note/Kind of a spoiler: In the episode Ryan asks if the two plugs General Nogi used to prevent anal leakage were used only by General Nogi or by General Nogi and his wife. The footnote in Seppuku by Andrew Rankin makes it clear that two plugs were found in General Nogi's rectum. It makes no mention of what was found in General Nogi's wife's rectum. Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. The vast majority of the information cited during this episode came from the book Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin. It is a very well-researched, informative, and fun to read book that has a whole lot more information than what we were able to cover in this episode. If you would like to get a copy of the book for yourself, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it will help support what we're doing here at Japankyo.com. Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin You can also just use the link below to do your shopping on Amazon, while at the same time supporting Japankyo. https://www.japankyo.com/amazon A few more details about Matsudaira Tadaaki can be found in his Japanese language Wikipedia entry. About Matsudaira Tadaaki (Japanese Wikipedia) Just in case you read Japanese and would like more information on Nogi Shrine, you can check out the shrine's website via the link below. Nogi Shrine/Jinja Website. If you haven't gotten your fill of disembowelment and are curious about the "intestines episode" that was mentioned during this episode, then check out episode two of Ichimon Japan. Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? | Ichimon Japan 02 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Seppuku 切腹 【せっぷく】 (n,vs) seppuku; harakiri; ritual suicide by disembowelment Hara-kiri 腹切り : 腹切り; 腹切 【はらきり】 (n,vs) (See 切腹) harakiri; seppuku; ritual suicide by disembowelment Utatane うたた寝 【うたたね】 (n,vs) doze; nap; snooze Majime 真面目 : 真面目(ateji)(P); 眞面目 【まじめ(P); マジメ(P)】 (adj-na,n) serious; honest; sober; grave; earnest; steady Shōki 正気 【しょうき】 (n,adj-no) (See 狂気) sanity; consciousness; soberness 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is seppuku? Topics Discussed A breakdown of the word seppuku A breakdown of the word hara-kiri Whether "hara-kiri" is a term used only by foreigners The glorification and beautification of seppuku The history and origin of seppuku/belly cutting The differences between the terms seppuku and hara-kiri, and which is more commonly used in Japan The earliest known Japanese story involving belly cutting Harasaki marsh Minamoto no Tmetomo The "Golden Age" of seppuku Seppuku as a symbol of the elite Who was allowed to commit sanctioned seppuku The end of officially sanctioned seppuku Whether seppuku should really be considered suicide Why seppuku involves cutting open the belly rather than other body parts such as the wrists The discrepancies found in seppuku manuals The steps and rules of a formal Edo period seppuku ceremony What a kaishakunin is What dakikubi is The usage of paper fans rather than swords during seppuku Children committing seppuku The seppuku of the famed 47 ronin The places where formal seppuku ceremonies would be held and why seppuku would not normally be done at shrines The different types of cuts used when belly cutting (jūmonji, ichimonji, hachimonji, sanmonji) Oibara How a retainer of Oda Nobunaga's father guilt tripped Oda Nobunaga by commiting seppuku The anime style "concealed belly cut" Seppuku as murder Seppuku caused by depression The over-the-top nature of kabuki Junshi Seppuku as a way to preserve the honor and status of one's family And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. The vast majority of the information cited during this episode came from the book Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin. It is a very well-researched, informative, and fun to read book that has a whole lot more information than what we were able to cover in this episode. If you would like to get a copy of the book for yourself, please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. It won't cost you anything extra and it will help support what we're doing here at Japankyo.com. Seppuku: A History of Samurai Suicide by Andrew Rankin You can also just use the link below to do your shopping on Amazon, while at the same time supporting Japankyo. https://www.japankyo.com/amazon If you haven't gotten your fill of disembowelment and are curious about the "intestines episode" that was mentioned during this episode, then check out episode two of Ichimon Japan. Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? | Ichimon Japan 02 Use the link below to check out the episode of Japan Station that was mentioned during the commercial break in this episode. Rakugo Performer Shinoharu Tatekawa | Japan Station 41 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Seppuku 切腹 【せっぷく】 (n,vs) seppuku; harakiri; ritual suicide by disembowelment Hara-kiri 腹切り : 腹切り; 腹切 【はらきり】 (n,vs) (See 切腹) harakiri; seppuku; ritual suicide by disembowelment Junshi 殉死 【じゅんし】 (n,vs) following one's master into the grave; committing suicide after one's lord has died Kaishakunin 介錯人 【かいしゃくにん; かいしゃくじん】 (n) (1) (See 介錯・1) person who beheads somebody to end a seppuku; (2) assistant; helper 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese people love Hawaii so much? Topics Discussed Why Hawaii is such a popular travel destination among Japanese travelers How many Japanese people came to Hawaii in 2019 How the amount of Japanese travelers to Hawaii compares to the amount of travelers from other places How many Japanese people went to Guam and Okinawa in 2019 The surge in popularity of Guam among Japanese tourists A brief look at the history of Hawaii and how it may have helped make Hawaii so popular among Japanese travelers The 1948 song "Akogare no Hawaii Kōro" ("The Hawaii Cruise I Long For," 憧れのハワイ航路) How much it would have cost someone from Japan to purchase a package tour to Hawaii in 1964 What year the average Japanese salary rose above the cost of a package tour from Japan to Hawaii How pancakes from Hawaii became so popular in Japan The connection between Hawaiian pizza and Canada What loco moco is Eggs n' Things The aggressive sales tactics of some vendors in Ala Moana Center and how they target Japanese tourists How much money Japanese tourists spend on average while in Hawaii and how this compares to the amount of money spent by those from the mainland U.S. How you should "Discover Guam" And more! Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. If you would like to listen to the 1948 song "Akogare no Hawaii Kōro," you can do so via the video below. Akogare no Hawaii Kōro Here are some of the main English language articles used as references for this episode. Japanese tourists' longing for Hawaii is still worth banking on Japanese "Pancake Boom" Fuels Renewed Relations with Hawaii Hawai'i Visitor Statistics Released for 2019 Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used as references for this episode. なぜ日本人はみんなハワイが好きなのか？ (English: Why do all Japanese people love Hawaii?) 【図解】日本人旅行者数、ハワイ・グアム・沖縄の直近10年間をグラフで比較してみた（2019年版）(English: Comparing the past ten years of the total number of travelers to Hawaii, Guam, and Okinawa) なぜ日本人は世界で一番｢ハワイ｣が好きなのか (English: Why is Hawaii the favorite place of Japanese people?) To listen to episode 40 of the Japan Station podcast, use the link below. Comedian & TV Personality Bobby Judo | Japan Station 40 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Akogare 憧れ : 憧れ(P); 憬れ 【あこがれ】 (n,adj-no) yearning; longing; aspiration; adoration; admiration; 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Can sexy things give you anime style nosebleeds? Topics Discussed Whether getting sexually aroused causes nosebleeds What it would be like if people in the real world had explosive nosebleeds like in anime The idea that eating large amounts of chocolate causes nosebleeds The idea that eating large amounts of peanuts causes nosebleeds Theories on how it was that people in Japan started to say that chocolate can cause nosebleeds The idea that Japanese people in the Meiji period thought milk chocolate had cow's blood in it Why Japanese parents may have told chiclren that consuming too much chocolate causes nosebleeds The case of a Japanese person who was told eating too many raisins cause nosebleeds The possible origin of the nosebleed trope in anime/manga The manga creator Yasuji Tanioka What the heck hanajibū (鼻血ブー) means Yasuji Tanioka's 1970 hit gyagu (gag/comedic) manga "Tanioka Yasuji no Mettametta Gakidō Kōza" (谷岡ヤスジのメッタメタガキ道講座) and its connection to nosebleeds Yasuji Tanioka's 1971 animated film "Yasuji no Porunorama Yacchimae!!" (ヤスジのポルノラマ やっちまえ!!) A totally ridiculous message board post claiming that men in feaudal Japan would demonstrate interest in a woman by somehow (mentally?) forcing blood to come out their nose The possible connection between ginkgo nuts/seeds and nosebleeds The adverse health effects of ginkgotoxin What many in Japan say is the maximum number of ginkgo nuts one should eat A theory that ties the nosebleeds of anime all the way back to ancient China and the ginkgo nut What the proper way to stop a nosebleed is Tony's Unified Nosebleed Theory (TUNT) And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here is a list of the main English-language sources used for this episode. Some extra details were included when necessary. Bloodbath: Why Do So Many Anime Characters Have Nosebleeds When They're Aroused? Yasuji Tanioka From where did the anime cliche of a sexually aroused person bleeding from their nose originate? What is its significance? Anime Physics: Nosebleeds Origins of the nose-bleed in anime/manga The page above is where the quote about nosebleeds possibly tying back to feudal Japan when men used to mentally force blood to come out their noses in order to signal to a woman that they were attracted to them. That post was written by someone using the name Kess Vargavind and has been quoted in its entirety below. The post was dated October 27, 2013. "I have no idea when, or by whom, the nosebleeding started to depicted in Japanese visual arts, but the nosebleeding as a sign of excitement is traditionally held to have developed during the feudal times when men and women (of the upper classes) were supposed to live their lives apart—but of course they needed some way to woo each other! And so, the men, while walking on the other side of the street mentally forced their noses to bleed when they saw someone "hot" being walked along, and the courting could begin on opposite sides of drawn curtains. Some consider this an accurate history while others consider it a myth, probably the truth lies somewhere in between, as usual. If this is true, then this form of specialised nosebleed might have been depicted in art for quite awhile. But of that I have no knowledge. An interesting thing, I just realised, is that if this is the true history of the sexually ritualistic nosebleed, then (a) women had no need to develop such "skills", and (b) homosexual men also had no such need. Thus much of the anime and manga today—especially in the boys' love scene—are not true to the real history! :P (Male homosexual acts were in these times—again, in the upper classes—something considered pure and good, as females were "worth" less and not something you might not have easy "access" to when you felt certain urges.)" Nosebleeds: Causes and Treatments The article above states "Some herbs that affect blood clotting, including ginseng, ginkgo, and garlic, may also play a role in nosebleeds." Spontaneous Bleeding Associated with Ginkgo biloba The study above is interesting in that it analyzes previous studies and does not dismiss the link between ginkgo and bleeding. It calls for further research. Ginkgotoxin (Wikipedia) Here is a selection of the main articles used as reference for this episode. All titles are provided in Japanese. Additional notes are provided for particularly notable articles. 【育児都市伝説】ピーナッツやチョコで鼻血が出るって本当？ チョコレートと鼻血 This article debunks the excessive chocolate causes nosebleeds urban legend (toshi densetsu) and says that one possible explanation is that back when milk chocolate was introduced to Japan some people mistakenly believed that it was made using cow's b

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Have you ever had any weird experiences in Japan? Topics Discussed Weird/crazy/surprising experiences had in Japan Peculiar Japanese coworkers/teachers A teacher who wanted to go to France to become a witch Whether English is the lingua franca of witches trained in France Eating cat... not really, but kind of Being accosted by an individual that appeared to be a far right nationalist A sarcastic Japanese guy Getting called handsome by a yakuza while urinating And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. In the story about the yakuza in the bathroom a magician named Sero is mentioned. This is the Japanese pronucniation of his name. His real name is Cyril Takayama. Also, it should be noted that it was mistakenly stated that is part Turkish. According to Wikipedia he is of French, Moroccan, and Japanese descent. He has performed in many countries around the world and even had numerous specials air on Japanese television. As for the temple in Kyoto that was mentioned during this episode, it is called Sanjūsangen-dō. It is a place I (Tony) highly recommend visiting when in Kyoto and if you would like to know more about it you can start by checking out the Wikipedia page for it. Another thing you can do is listen to episode 22 of the Japan Station podcast. Japan Station 22: Discovering Buddhist Sculptures w. Michael VanHartingsveldt Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Majo 魔女 【まじょ】 (n,adj-no) witch Otokomae 男前 【おとこまえ(P); オトコマエ】 (n) handsome man; man's looks; good looks Neko 猫 【ねこ(P); ネコ】 (n) (1) cat (esp. the domestic cat, Felis catus); (2) shamisen; (3) geisha; (4) (abbr) (See 猫車) wheelbarrow; (5) (abbr) (See 猫火鉢) clay bed-warmer; (6) (uk) (col) (ant: タチ) bottom; submissive partner of a homosexual relationship 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are vegetables so unsulting in Japanese? On this episode we are honored to once again be joined by Kyle Broyles of the Tokyo Splosion podcast and Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed Some funny Japanese vegetable-based insults and their (supposed) etymologies What the term daikon ashi means Why daikon ashi is so insulting and reserved only for use on women The usage of the term "dumpling legs" What the term daikon yakusha means Why daikon yakusha is considered an insult Why it's insulting to call someone a bean sprout (moyashi) in Japanese What it means to "stink of potatoes" (to be imokusai) What a "country milkboy" is What an "embankment pumpkin" is (dote kabocha) The most commonly cited story explaining the insulting meaning of the term dote kabocha A tip for training yourself to like vegetables Interesting Japanese slang involving the the Japanese word for eggplant (nasu) What the term bokenasu means Why it is insulting to be called a bokenasu What the heck an otankonasu is Two theories for where the "otanko" part of otankonasu derived from The most common etymologies of the term otankonasu The potential connection between otankonasu and Edo period pleasure districts Bubble era Japanese slang How pīman (green pepper) was used as an insult in Japan in the 1970s The difficulties localizers face when translating idioms from Japanese into English Whether the Japanese word for "vegetable" (yasai) totally overlaps in meaning with its English counterpart Why there seem to be more vegetable-related insults in Japanese than fruit-related insults And more! Note: All of the etymologies provided during this episode were found in Japanese language sources and are the most commonly cited. However, just because they are the most commonly cited etymologies that does not mean they are true, so please keep this in mind. Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Kyle Broyles Links This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below. Kyle Broyles on Twitter Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below. Tokyo Splosion on Libsyn Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts Tokyo Splosion on Twitter The latest episode of Tokyo Splosion as of the time of this posting can be found below. Tokyo Splosion Quarterly: Spring 2020 Kyle also produces the YouTube series Hard Officers. Check out the channel via the link below. Hard Officers YouTube Channel Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here's a link to the previous episode Kyle Broyles was a guest on. What's life like in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic? (Uncovering the cute sneeze conspiracy | Ichimon Japan 13 Just to review, here's a list of all the insults that were covered on this episode, including how you write them in Japanese. Daikon ashi 大根足 : 大根足; 大根脚 【だいこんあし】 (n) thick legs; fat legs; cankle; cankles (literally: daikon radish legs) Daikon yakusha 大根役者 【だいこんやくしゃ】 (n) (yoji) ham actor; hack actor (literally: daikon radish actor) Moyashi もやし (n) bean sprouts (in certain contexts it can also be used to mean as an insult meaning lanky, gangly or frail) Moyashikko もやしっ子 【もやしっこ】 (n) weak child; frail child; gangly child Imokusai イモくさい 【いもくさい】 (n) country bumpkin; unsophisticated; hick (literally to stink of potatoes) Dote kabocha どてかぼちゃ (n) incompetent person; halfwit; blockhead; fool (literally: embankment pumpkin) Bokenasu ぼけなす (n) (1) faded, dull-colored eggplant; (2) (derog) slow-witted, abstracted person; halfwit Otankonasu おたんこなす (n) fool; twit; idiot; bird-brain Atama ga pīman (Note: This term was popular in the 1970s and is rarely, if ever, used today.) 頭がピーマン 【あたまがぴーまん】 stupid; dumb (literally: your head is a green pepper) Hanashi ga pīman 話がピーマン 【はなしがぴーまん】 what you are saying is stupid/pointless (literally: what you are saying/your story is a green pepper.) If you'd like to check out episode 38 of Japan Station, you can do so via the link below. Understanding Idols and the Success of AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38 If you missed the Japanese study tips episode of Ichimon Japan, check out the article below. What are your Japanese studying tips? | Ichimon Japan 08 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Yasai 野菜 【やさい】 (n,adj-no) vegetable Kudamono 果物 : 果物(P); 菓物 【くだもの(P); かぶつ(果物)】 (n) fruit Oden おでん (n) (food) oden; dish of various ingredients, e.g. egg, daikon, potato, chikuwa, konnyaku, e

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's life like in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic? We also investigate the cute sneeze conspiracy that is going on in Japan. This episodes features special guest Kyle Broyles of the Tokyo Splosion podcast and Hard Officers YouTube channel. Topics Discussed What it's like living in central Tokyo during the coronavirus pandemic What it's like living in Ishikawa Prefecture during the coronavirus pandemic Precautions supermarkets in Japan have taken during the coronavirus pandemic Whether there are have been any noticeable food shortages Making the switch to working from home The state of emergency declared by the governor of Ishikawa Prefecture Restrictions on bars/izakaya in Tokyo and whether they are being followed What the past few weeks have been like in Hawaii during the coronavirus pandemic How a robot cabal is promoting "cute sneezing" in order to further spread the coronavirus in Japan How to sneeze like a cute Japanese girl Fuku's dinosaur museum Ishikawa's famous carrots The solution to the "cute sneezing" problem The dirty handholds on Japanese trains And more! Note: This episode was recorded on April 19, 2020 (JST)/April 18 (HST). On April 20 (JST) Ryan found out that the movie theater he mentions in the episode had closed on April 18 (one day before this episode was recorded). Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. This episode features Kyle Broyles as a special guest. If you would like to follow him on Twitter, please use the link below. Kyle Broyles on Twitter Kyle is one of the hosts of the Tokyo Splosion podcast. If you would like to check his podcast out, you can look it up wherever you get your podcasts or use the links below. Tokyo Splosion on Libsyn Tokyo Splosion on Apple Podcasts Tokyo Splosion on Twitter The episode of Tokyo Splosion involving the "stinky buddies" that was mentioned at the beginning of this episode can be accessed via the link below. Tokyo Splosion - Stinky Buddies Kyle also produces the YouTube series Hard Officers. Check out the channel via the link below. Hard Officers YouTube Channel Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Kushami くしゃみ (n) sneeze Seki 咳 【せき】 (n) cough; coughing; tussis Yarikata やり方 【やりかた】 (n) manner of doing; way; method; means 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's better: rural life or city life in Japan? Topics Discussed The pros and cons of living in rural Japan The pros and cons of living in a big city in Japan Life in Ishikawa Prefecture Life in Kobe Life in Osaka Where Ishikawa Prefecture is located Whether rural people are friendlier than city people in Japan Eating udon meshi at Sururi in Shinjuku, Tokyo Eating gator in Ueno, Tokyo Magic: The Gathering in Japan The not so great rainy wather of Ishikawa Cheap and/or free housing in rural Japan Ishikawa's delicious carrots How Japan's declining population is affecting Japan's rual areas The general lack of adults in their 20s and 30s in rual Japan And more! Note: This episode was recorded before the declaration of the global coronavirus pandemic. While you should visit Japan as Ryan suggests, obviously, April 2020 is a pretty bad time to try to do so. Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Inaka 田舎 【いなか(gikun)】 (n,adj-no) (1) (sens) rural area; countryside; the sticks; (2) hometown Beddotaun ベッドタウン : ベッドタウン; ベットタウン(ik); ベッド・タウン; ベット・タウン(ik) (n) commuter town (wasei: bed town); bedroom community; dormitory town Kisha 汽車 【きしゃ】 (n) (1) train (esp. long distance train); (2) (orig. meaning) steam train 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is the Curse of the Colonel? Topics Discussed What the famous Curse of the Colonel is How tall and how heavy the statues of Colonel Sanders that are seen at Japanese KFC locations are How the tradition of the Dotombori Dive began The Hanshin Tigers How the Hanshin Tigers were named after the Detroit Tigers Why a statue of Colonel Sanders was thrown into the Dotombori River in 1985 Randy Bass and his connection to the Curse of the Colonel How the missing statue of the Colonel was found in the Dotombori River in 2009 The tradition of the Dotombori Dive and some of the deaths and accidents that have resulted from it What parts of the Colonel Sanders statue remain missing Whether the Hanshin Tigers remain cursed Where the statue of Colonel Sanders that was thrown into the Dotombori River in 1985 is today How Randy Bass' name changed when he began playing in Japan What Randy Bass did after going back to the US in 1988 The suicide of Shingo Furuya And more! Note: Japanese-language sources do indeed indicate that the name of the Hanshin Tigers was based on that of the Detroit Tigers. Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Hanshin 阪神 【はんしん】 (n) (1) Osaka-Kobe; (2) Hanshin (company name: railway, dept. store, baseball team, etc.) 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Panty Town? Topics Discussed The town of Shimogigaoka (下木ヶ丘) and its plan to use panty vending machines for publicity The history of the town of Shimogigaoka What fundoshi are How rural towns across Japan are trying to both boost tourism and attract new residents through various headline-grabbing PR stunts Whether "Panty Town" is real And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undying gratitude Support on Patreon Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. To check out the article about the guy that takes off his fundoshi in all sorts of funny and creative ways, use the link below. Fundoshi Man Teaches You 6 Creative (And Funny) Ways To Take Off Your Sexy Japanese Underwear (Video) You can check out the April Fools' Day Japankyo articles below. Sumo Wrestlers Must Compete Nude Declares Japan Sumo Association AKB48 Creator Announces All Baby Reiwa-Themed Pop Idol Group Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Fundoshi ふんどし (n) (1) fundoshi; loincloth; traditional Japanese men's undergarment made from a length of cotton; (2) kimono underskirt; (3) (sumo) wrestler's ornamental apron Shitagi 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https://www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Was Momotarō a thief? Topics Discussed The folktale/fairy tale of Momotarō Whether Peach Boy is a good English title for Momotarō How old the story of Momotarō is Kunio Yanagita The most common motifs of the Momotarō story Some of the many variations that exist of the story of Momotarō The possible connection between Kehi Shrine in the city of Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture,and the tale of Momotarō The connection between Kinashi in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture and the story of Momotarō Okayama Prefecture's push to associate themselves with the story of Momotarō The origins of Momotarō Shrine (Momotarō Jinja) in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture and what you can expect to see there The photograph of mummified oni remains that was and may still be on display at Momotaro Shrine What the oldest printed copy of Momotarō is Momotarō Gempuku Sugata (1779), an Edo Period dark sequel to Momotarō in which the daughter of the oni of Onigashima gets sent to kill Momotarō but instead falls in love with him and then kills herself Whether Momotarō was justified in his actions How Momotarō has changed over the centuries Momotarō's adoption as a symbol of right wing nationalism The link between Onigashima and real world places like Hawaii, Taiwan, and Singapore A mock trial held by elementary school students in Shizuoka Prefecture in order to determine whether Momotarō was justified in his actions Yotsuba Kuramochi and her expansive research intended to determine whether the oni really were the villains in the story of Momotarō What happens when artificial intelligence tries to interpret the story of Momotarō And more! Support on Patreon 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. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. One 鬼 【おに(P); き】 (n) (1) ogre; demon; oni Momo 桃 【もも(P); モモ】 (n) peach (Prunus persica) 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes Was Momotaro a thief? (All About Peach Bob) | Ichimon Japan 09

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are your Japanese studying tips? Topics Discussed How and why Tony and Ryan started studying Japanese The structure of Japanese Strategies and tips for studying Japanese and any foreign language The difficult part about learning Japanese Whether Japanese is a complex language The usefulness of talking to yourself in Japanese and rehearsing conversations Using anime, movies, music, and video games as tools for studying Japanese Strategies for sounding more natural in Japanese Reading kanji The importance of learning things in context The importance of doing things you like as a way to practice Japanese Why video games can be a good tool for learning Japanese The importance of using language as a tool The importance of making mistakes Using YouTube videos as a tool for learning Japanese The importance of figuring out what strategies work best for you The importance of daily practice and study Practicing writing Japanese The benefits of talking to native speakers Textbook Japanese vs the casual Japanese found in the real world How simple Japanese grammar is And more! Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. If this episode got you motivated to buy some resources for learning Japanese, then please consider using the Amazon affiliate link below. japankyo.com/amazon Here is the first book Tony purchased after taking an interest in the Japanese language. This is an Amazon affiliate link. Easy Hiragana: First Steps to Reading and Writing Basic Japanese (Passport Books) (English and Japanese Edition) by Fujihiko Kaneda For anyone interested in practicing writing in Japanese, one great resource that was mentioned during this episode is the website Lang-8. Lang-8.com Also mentioned during this episode is the app Hello Talk. Hello Talk If you would like to purchase the Genki textbooks, you can do so via the Amazon affiliate link below. Genki 1 2 , Learning Japanese for Beginners 4 Book Bundle Set , An Integrated Course in Elementary Workbook and Textbook With Original Sticky Notes In case you have not listened to the "intestines" episode of Ichimon Japan that was mentioned during this episode, you can do so by using the link below. Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? | Ichimon Japan 02 If you're interested in checking out the latest episode of Japan Station, featuring Dr. Richard Samuels, an expert on the history of the Japanese intelligence community and espionage, then please go to the page linked below. The Japanese Intelligene Community & Espionage (Dr. Richard Samuels) | Japan Station 34 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here's some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Yōchien 幼稚園 【ようちえん】 (n) kindergarten Yūenchi 遊園地 【ゆうえんち】 (n) amusement park Ijō 以上 【いじょう】 (n-adv,n-t) (1) (See 余・1) not less than; ... and more; ... and upwards; (2) beyond ... (e.g. one's means); further (e.g. nothing further to say); more than ... (e.g. cannot pay more than that); (3) above-mentioned; foregoing; (4) since ...; seeing that ...; (5) this is all; that is the end; the end Kaenbin 火炎瓶 【かえんびん】 (n) Molotov cocktail; petrol bomb; gasoline bomb 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 [email protected]. 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)

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was it like in Fukushima during the Tohoku earthquake? Note: This is part two of a two part series. If you have not listened to part one, you should go back and listen to it first. Topics Discussed What it was like being in Iwaki City, Fukushima in the days following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake Evacuating from Iwaki to Sapporo The experience of volunteering along the Tohoku coast The long term effects of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster on the region Tohoku region And more! 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 [email protected]. 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) Ichimon Japan Full Show Notes japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was it like in Fukushima during the Tohoku earthquake? Note: This is part one of a two part series. Topics Discussed A firsthand account of what the 2011 Tohoku earthquake felt like in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture The 2011 tsunami The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and concerns over radiation What some English teachers in Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture did after the earthquake What it was like being in Osaka and Kobe during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake The lack of commercials on Japanese TV in the days following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake And more! 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 [email protected]. 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) Check out Japan Station If you would like to learn more about the effects of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, you should check out episode nine of the Japan Station podcast. This episode features an interview with Richard Lloyd Parry, author of Ghosts of the Tsunami: Death and Life in Japan's Disaster Zone. Japan Station 09: Ghosts of the Tsunami (Richard Lloyd Parry) And just in case you'd like to purchase Ghosts of the Tsunami, consider using the Amazon affiliate link below to support Ichimon Japan. Ghosts of the Tsunami: Death and Life in Japan's Disaster Zone More Ichimon Japan Daniel Legare also appeared on episode four of Ichimon Japan, which you can check out via the link below What's it like being a "fake priest" in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 04 For full show notes of all Ichimon Japan episodes visit: https://japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's the deal with "fish girl on a cliff?" And by "fish girl on a cliff" we mean the 2008 Studio Ghibli film Ponyo. Topics Discussed The general reception of Ponyo Whether Ponyo was better received in the West or in Japan The "catchiness" of the theme from Ponyo A review of the major events of Ponyo Ponyo's fondness of human blood The meaning of Ponyo's name and an analysis of why Sosuke chose the name Ponyo Some of the omissions found in the English dub The relationship between Sosuke and Risa Sosuke's mother's reckless driving and her carefree personality Why Sosuke does not call Risa "mom" or "mother" (i.e. the prevalence of yobisute in Ponyo) Some of the most memorable scenes in Ponyo Random Ponyo trivia The peculiar interaction between Ponyo, Sosuke, and the stranded young couple holding a baby Some of the themes and possible messages found within Ponyo Speculation about what the supposedly planned Ponyo sequel could have been like What Hayao Miyazaki has said about what might happen to Ponyo and Sosuke after the end of Ponyo Whether Ponyo and Sosuke's relationship could be described as "romantic" How we think Ponyo stacks up to other Studio Ghibli films Whether we enjoyed Ponyo or not And more! 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 [email protected]. 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) Listen to Japan Station Check out episode 32 of Japan Station via the link below. Chatting About Shinobi Mysteries w. Susan Spann | Japan Station 32 Full Ichimon Japan Show Notes https://www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? Topics Discussed What a nisebokushi is The different terminology for priests in Japanese (shinpu vs bokushi) The phenomenon of having foreigners dress as priests to officiate weddings in Japan How most "fake priests" in Japan tend to be white men The experiences of someone who worked as a fake priest in Japan How much money one might expect to get paid when working as a fake priest The job duties of a fake priest What is rewarding about working as a fake priest How it is common to see broccoli thrown instead of a bouquet of flowers at some weddings in Japan The craziest thing one fake priest ever saw happen while on the job A story involving someone's head catching on fire during a wedding Whether Japanese people also throw rice at weddings Whether Japanese rpiests might be resentful of foreign "fake priests" for monopolizing the wedding chapel side of the wedding market And more! 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https://www.japankyo.com/2020/02/ichimon-japan-podcast-japanese-fake-priest/

Today's Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese train stations do that? Topics Discussed The train system in rural areas versus urban areas in Japan Trains in Kagoshima and Ishikawa What a Wanmanressha (one man trains) is Unmanned rural train stations Why Japanese train stations use cute songs to indicate a train is about to depart Hasshamero (train departure melodies) The use of Nogizaka46's song "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" as a train departure melody The logic behind train departure melodies A brief history of train departure melodies in Japan How the song "Yappa Sukiyanen" by Uashiki Takajin was adapted into a train departure melody after his death in 2014 How Osaka locals prefer to use "Umeda" when referring the the area in and around JR Osaka Station Why there are lines and numbers on the train platforms How to line up when waiting for a train Women only train cars The use of high-pitched noises (17 khz) to disperse people loitering at train stations in Japan Standing versus walking on escalators How Japanese railway companies are trying to get people to only walk on escalators Japanese people's reluctance to stop walking on escalators Why standing on escalators can be faster than walking Why Japanese train stations use blue LED lights on platforms The claim that blue LED lights are extremely effective at preventing suicide The role of seken no me (世間の目, the public gaze/the eye of society) on Japanese trains and at Japanese train stations Train etiquette The claim that cell phones interfere with pacemakers Putting on makeup on Japanese trains And more! 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 [email protected]. 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) Follow Japankyo on Social Media japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? Topics Discussed Whether Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners The idea that longer intestines are a result of the Japanese people having a diet centering around rice, grains, and vegetables The inconsistent details surrounding the idea that Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners Andy Raskin's quest to determine if Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners The stealing of corpses in Meiji period Japan The idea that longer intestine length produces more excrement The connection between the length of one's intestines and the smelliness of one's poop How much longer the Japanese intestinal tract is said to be than that of Westerners What both Japanese sources and English-language sources have to say on the length of Japanese intestines The importance of skepticism The results of a large scale scientific study that compares the length of the intestines of Japanese people and Westerners The idea that intestine length is connected to the darkness of one's skin And more! Note: During the episode some information is attributed to a Reddit thread. This is inaccurate. The information attributed to said Reddit thread was instead found on news.ycominator.com. 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 [email protected]. 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) Japan Station Episode 30 If you would like to check out episode 30 of the Japan Station podcast, which focuses on the idea of "otaku" and the history of Akihabara, please check out the link below. Japan Station 30: Understanding "Otaku" and Akihabara w. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith

Today's Question On this episode of chimon Japan we ask: What's the deal with catgirls? Topics Discussed The history and origins of the trope of the catgirl What nekomimi (猫耳) means The existence of "catboys" (male nekomimi characters) Yōkai reminiscent of catgirls such as bakeneko nd nekomata The depiction of bakeneko women in Edo era ukiyo-e woodblock prints The supposed connection between catgirls and Osamu Tezuka's amanga Ribon no Kishi (Princess Knight) The 1978 manga Wata no Kunihoshi (The Star of Cotton land) by Yumiko Oshimaand its role in popularizing the trope of the catgirl in manga and anime The character of Felicia from the Darkstalkers franchise A list of some of the most popular catgirls in Japan in recent years Whether catgirls have night vision Whether catgirls use litter boxes Whether catgirls have four ears or two ears Whether cats with human ears are as cute as girls with cat ears The Japanese title of Josie and the Pussycats And more! 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 [email protected]. 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) Full Show Notes https://www.japankyo.com/2020/01/ichimon-japan-podcast-about-cat-girls-history/ https://www.japankyo.com

Today's Question On this episode of chimon Japan we ask: Who are we? Topics Discussed Tony and Ryan's interest in Japan and Japanese What "ichimon" means What Ichimon Japan is and what we hope to do on this podcast Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) For More https://www.japankyo.com http://japanstationpodcast.com

A taste of what is to come. Enjoy this trailer of Japankyo.com's newest podcast, Ichimon Japan. Ichimon Japan will start being released in early 2020 (January-February). Stay tuned for more details. You can stay connected by following on Facebook and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/JapankyoNews/ https://twitter.com/japankyonews You can also visit Japankyo.com. https://www.japankyo.com/ And to check out Japankyo.com's other podcast, Japan Station, visit the link below. http://www.japankyo.com/