Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society
Society & Culture
About
Japan Station helps you understand Japanese culture, language, and society on a deeper level. Hosted by The Anime Linguist, Tony R. Vega, the show features expert interviews and deep dives into topics you won't find anywhere else—sometimes with ridiculous tangents.Each episode dives into everything from Japanese language and linguistics to history, food, travel, and pop culture. You'll also hear stories from foreigners living in Japan, giving perspective on life in the country beyond the usual guidebook tips. Whether you're learning Japanese, planning a trip, or just passionate about Japan, each episode delivers insight, humor, and useful information.Topics we explore include:・Japanese culture and society・The Japanese language (learning, linguistics, nuance)・Japanese history and traditions・Food, regional specialties, and travel tips・Anime, manga, and pop culture・Experiences of foreigners living in Japan・And much moreContact: mail@japankyo.comAbout the hostTony R. Vega is th
Episodes
- Tokyo is FED UP with tourists dumping their trash
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about how there's been an increase in the number of tourists from overseas who are dumping their suitcases in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo. We also talk about what you can do if you need to d…
- What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? | Japan Station 209/Ichimon Japan 04
This is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 04 which originally was released on 2/12/2020. Today's Question 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…
- Why fans of the supernatural should visit Iwate Prefecture | Japan Station 208
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about Hanamaki and Tōno, two cities in Iwate prefecture known for being great places to visit if you're a fan of the supernatural and fantastic. 👉Topics Discussed How to get to Hanamaki Cit…
- Why life in Iwate is DIFFERENT! | Japan Station 207
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about Iwate Prefecture! We're focusing on the geography, general stats, language and food. 👉Topics Discussed Where Iwate Prefecture is About Iwate Prefecture's large size and sparse populat…
- A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73
This ia rebroadcast of epsode 73 of Ichimon Japan originally released on 7/21/23. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is it like moving in Japan? Topics Discussed About what it's like moving in Japan When people in Japan usually…
- He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205
On this episode of Japan Station , we're joined by Jake Davies, a resident of Shimane Prefecture who has walked over 30,000 km in Japan. He talks about his experiences walking around Japan and what it's like living in Shimane, one of Japan…
- This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204
On this episode of Japan Station , travel writer Jennifer Bain joins us to talk about one of Japan's most ancient and famous pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道). We also talk about Japanese convenience stores and the famous conbini socks.…
- The ORIGINS of "scammy" SAKURA | Japan Station 203
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about the origins of the word sakura . No not that sakurai . The other sakura . The scammy kind of sakura . Also we're talking about madorā . 👉Topics Discussed The possible origins of the w…
- Why breakfast deals in Japan are CRAZY now | Japan Station 202
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about the rise of Japan's $3.5 billion breakfast industry and why Japan is currently in the midst of it's 4th "breakfast boom." 👉Topics Discussed What a typical Japanese breakfast consists…
- Akihabara is DYING? How Ikebukuro Became Japan's New Otaku Capital | Japan Station 201
On this episode of Japan Station , we're joined by Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith to talk about the current status of Akihabara and the rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's newest capital of all things anime, manga and otaku culture. 👉Topics Discussed…
- Is Yamaguchi cursed to have"ugly" girls? (Places in Japan Known for "Beautiful" & "Ugly" Women) | Japan Station 200/Ichimon Japan 50
This is a re-broadcast of an episode originally released on 8/21/21. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Is Yamaguchi cursed to have "ugly" girls? We also discuss other places in Japan known for having many beautiful/ugly women. Topic…
- What is a shijūkata? (Age related Japanese words) | Japan Station 199
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about interesting words related to aging and shoulders and a weird ECC commercial. 👉Topics Discussed 四十肩ō And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com…
- Why Akita women are so beautiful (and other info about life in Akita) | Japan Station 198
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about what life in Akita Prefecture is like AND why women from Akita are (supposedly) so beautiful! 👉Topics Discussed Where Akita Prefecture is in relation to other prefectures in the Tohok…
- Why you should visit YAMAGATA! | Japan Station 197
On this episode of Japan Station , Alex Litz of Expedition Japan joins us to talk about tourism in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture and places/events to check out during a visit to Yamagata. 👉Topics Discussed How Alex ended up in Yamagata Prefe…
- How do Japanese names work? | Japan Station 196/Ichimon Japan 28
This is a re-release of Ichimon Japan episode 28. 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…
- What the hell does "depakosu" mean? | Japan Station 195
On this episode of Japan Station , I talk about two peculiar words depakosu and puchipura . Also i talk a bit about the origin of the name of the anime Odd Taxi . 👉Topics Discussed What depakosu (デパコス) means What puchipura (プチプラ) means Th…
- Why life in Aomori is so DIFFERENT | Japan Station 194
On this episode of Japan Station , we talk about some of the unique aspects of living in Aomori Prefecture. 👉Topics Discussed What it's like living in Aomori Prefecture About the Shimokita Peninsula Why life in Aomori can be so inconvenie…
- The CRAZIEST Taishō era slang EXPLAINED! | Japan Station 193
On this episode of Japan Station , we go through a list of some of the most unique and interesting slang of Japan's Taishō period (1912-1926). 👉Topics Discussed Popular Taishō era slang How polie during the Taishō era used to say moshi mo…
- 10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really? | Japan Station 192
On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: 10 Reasons You'll Hate Living in Japan. Really? Topics Discussed Reasons why you may hate living in Japan No trash cans Why there are few public trash cans in Japan Where to find trash cans in Japan…
- Okuribito: Mortician or millionaire? What does it mean? | Japaan Station 191
On this episode of Japan Station , I break down the two very different meanings of the word okuribito . 👉Topics Discussed About the 2008 Japanese film Departures (Okuribito) What does okuribito mean? What does おくりびと mean? What does okurib…
- How charcoal is saving this rural Japanese town (Ami Eldridge of Sumizumi LLC) | Japan Station 190
On this episode of Japan Station , I talk to Ami Eldridge, the co-founder of Sumizumi LLC, a company in rural Kochi Prefecture trying to revitalize the area through charcoal production. 👉Topics Discussed About Ami Eldridge's efforts to re…
- Why "religion" in Japan doesn't make sense (to Westerners): A Talk with Hiroko Yoda | Japan Station 189
On this episode of Japan Station , author Hiroko Yoda joins us to talk about the complexities of religious and spirituality in Japan, a topic she covers in her new book Eight Million Ways to Happiness . 👉Topics Discussed Why Hiroko Yoda w…
- What you should know about KUMAMON (+ my CRAZY Kumamon story) | Japan Station 188
On this episode of Japan Station , we talk all about Jaan's most famous "local mascot" Kumamon. We cover everything you should know about Kumamoto's most beloved bear. I also share an absolutely crazy story that happened to me when I went…
- Understanding Christmas in Japan (About Japanese Christmas) | Japan Station 187/Ichimon Japan 67
This is a re-broadcast of episode 65 of the Ichimon Japan podcast (originally published on 12/21/2022). On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Christmas like in Japan? (About Japanese Christmas) Topics Discussed All about Christm…
- Hanakin: What does it mean? (Dead Japanese Slang) | Japan Station 186
On this episode of Japan Station , I dig into the world of dead Japanese Bubble Era slang. Specifically, I talk about the term hanakin (花金). Also I talk about the days of the week during World War II in Japan. 👉Topics Discussed What is ha…
- He WALKED 3200 km across ALL of JAPAN! (Sensei Martian) | Japan Station 185
On this episode of Japan Station , Sensei Martian talks about what it was like walking 3200 km from Cape Sata, the southernmost point on mainland Japan, to Cape Soya, the northernmost point on mainland Japan. 👉Topics Discussed About the K…
- I walked across KYUSHU! Here's what happened (Kyushu Challenge Wrap Up) | Japan Station 184
On this episode of Japan Station , I talk about the Kyushu Challenge, my recent 558 km walk from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi to Sakurajima, Kagoshima. 👉Topics Discussed About the Kyushu Challenge The route I took to walk from Iwakuni in Yamaguchi…
- How I got my CHEAPEST Japan ticket EVER! | Japan Station 183
On this episode of Japan Station , I talk about how I was able to save money on airfare for my latest trip to Japan. I also share how I almost lost money due to a luggage issue and I talk about why regional JR passes can save you lots of m…
- The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleep habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Japan Station 182/Ichimon Japan 76
This is a rebroadcast of episode 76 of Ichimon Japan . On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about the history of pillows in Japan and an absurd belief regarding the sleeping Topics Discussed About the history of pillows in Japan About…
- How Japanese terms get abbreviated! Explaining 4 MORA words | Japan Station 181
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about 4 more words in Japanese. What's a mora? And why are there so many four mora words in Japanese? We talk about all taht and more! 👉Topics Discussed What is a mora? What's the differenc…
- Tokyo Tourist Traps: Are these popular Tokyo destinations worth your time? | Japan Station 180
On this episode of Japan Station , we talk about some of Tokyo's most popular tourist sites. Are they tourist traps or worth your time? We're also joined by stand up comedian and tour guide Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami. 👉Topics Discussed Is Tok…
- Party in TOKYO! (November 1st at Pintology Tokyo)
Hey guys! I'm holding another get together in Tokyo. This time it's to celebrate the end of the Kyushu Challenge. It will be on Nov 1st at 6 pm at Pintology Tokyo! Here is Pintology Tokyo's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pintologytoky…
- What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) | Japan Station 179/Ichimon Japan 71
This episode was originally broadcast as an episode of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) Topics Discussed What wasei eigo is About English sounding words made in Japan te…
- Why LIES are RED in Japanese (Japanese idioms that use 赤/red) | Japan Station 178
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about Japanese idioms involving the color red (赤, aka, seki). For example, have you ever wondered why lies are red in Japanese? Listen to find out! 👉Topics Discussed Japanese idioms involvi…
- This documentary reveals why Japan is the way it is?! (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 177
On this episode of Japan Station , we're joined by documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki to talk about her latest documentary The Making of a Japanese and her latest short documentary Instrument of a Beating Heart . During the conversati…
- Supernatural Japan: A Spooky & Fun Japan Podcast!
Check out the links below for more Supernatural Japan episodes! Supernatural Japan Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498 Supernatural Japan Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35FkGE7Kc9bX…
- How a Brit ended up designing FONTS in Japan | Japan Station 176
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about the history of font design in Japan, the history of the Nintendo font and how Daniel Kaihatsu became a type face designer in Japan. 👉Topics Discussed Why Daniel Kaihatsu became intere…
- What's so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Japan Station 175/Ichimon Japan 21
This was originally broadcast as episode 21 of Ichimon Japan. 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…
- Kaze 風 vs Kaze 風邪! What's the difference?! | Japan Station 174
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about the difference between the Japanese word kaze (cold, 風邪) and kaze (wind, 風). Why do they share the same pronunciation? Are they related? Or is this all just a big coincidence? Listen t…
- What to know BEFORE you move to Japan: SIM cards, phone numbers & more (Mobal CEO Declan Somers) | Japan Station 173
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about some of the annoying things people have to deal with when moving to Japan. Our guest this time is the CEO of Mobal, Declan Somers. 👉Topics Discussed About visiting Japan for the first…
- He SURVIVED a BEAR encounter in Japan! Talking about hiking in Tohoku with GoNorth Japan | Japan Station 172
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking to Quinlan from the GoNorth Japan YouTube channel about surviving a bear encounter in Japan, hiking in the Tohoku area of Japan and more. 👉Topics Discussed About bear attacks and encounters…
- Tales from the Tokaido Road: About the Tokaido Challenge | Japan Station 171/Ichimon Japan 78
On this episode of Japan Station we ask: What was it like walking the Tokaido Road? NOTE: This is a re-broadcast of episode 78 of the Ichimon Japan podcast. Topics Discussed About the Tokaido Challenge About what it was like walking the To…
- ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!!
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment on one of my latest post for a chance to win one of two $3 a month PLUS ALPHA tier Patreon memberships! @tonyrvega on Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega
- DON'T do these 8 things on trains in JAPAN! | Japan Station 170
On this episode of Japan Station , we're talking about train etiquette in Japan. We're covering a recent Japanese survey that lists the 8 most irritating things people do on trains in Japan. 👉Topics Discussed Eight things you shouldn't do…
- Shikoku's 88 Temple Pligrimmage: What You Should KNOW (Kevin Tarpey) | Japan Station 169
On this episode of Japan Station , Kevin Tarpey joins us to talk about what it was like doing Shikoku's famous 88 Temple Pilgrimmage and why Japan is such a great place for long-distance walking. 👉Topics Discussed Why Japan is such a grea…
- She moved to this Japanese island to FARM INDIGO?! (Sally Hancox of AiAii) | Japan Station 168
On this episode of Japan Station , we learn about traditional Japanese indigo dyeing from Sally Hancox, one of the co-owners of AiAii Worshop & Shop on Awaji island. This is a conversation to dye for! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. 👉Topic…
- How Japanese scandals EXPLODE! (Igor Prusa) | Japan Station 167
On this episode of Japan Station , we talk about scandals in Japan. My guest Dr. Igor Prusa tells about how scandals in Japan work, how they surface and how entertainers/business people/politicians who get caught in scandals try to deal wi…
- Why do Japanese train stations do that? | Japan Station 166/Ichimon Japan 03
This episode was originally released as episode 3 of the Ichimon Japan podcast. 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…
- WHICH is CORRECT? Funiki vs Fuinki (雰囲気) | Japan Station 165
On this episode of Japan Station , we talk about the Japanese word funiki (雰囲気) and other words that aren't read the way they are written. 👉Topics Discussed About the Japanese word funiki (雰囲気) What the correct way to read/pronounce funik…
- Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? | Japan Station 164/Ichimon Japan 02
This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of episode two of Ichimon Japan . On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners? Topics Discussed Whether Japanese people have longer intes…