148. Mascots

Podcast Meetup 2026: Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm in Sapporo, Japan. (Venue TBD)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan loves its mascots—from cuddly creatures promoting local towns to bizarre characters representing government agencies. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wild, whimsical world of yuru-kyara and discover what makes these mascots such a beloved part of Japanese culture!Topics Covered:What are yuru-kyara?What do mascots do?Why are mascots so popular in Japan?Notable mascots: Hikonyan (Hikone) — Kumamon (Kumamoto) — Funassyi (Funabashi) — Melonkuma (Yubari) — Gajiro (Fukusaki) — Nyango Star (Kuroishi) — Annie (Kumamoto University anisakis research) — Matagi no Momiji-chan (Hokkaido)Controversy: Amazoness (Ama City) — Chiitan (Susaki) — Sento-kun (Nara) — Marimokkori (Hokkaido)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Akiya are abandoned homes found all over Japan—some listed for shockingly low prices. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what it’s like to try to buy one, from navigating the listings to understanding the hidden challenges.Topics Covered:Why are there so many vacant houses?Can foreigners buy akiya?How to search for an akiyaHow to choose an akiyaHow to buy an akiyaHow to renovate an akiyaLiving in an akiyaIs it worth it?Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Kyoto is full of famous temples, but few are as iconic—or as confusingly named—as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji. Join Jason and Paul as they dig into the history behind these two landmarks, explore what makes each one special, and explain why the silver Pavilion isn’t actually silver.Topics Covered:HistoryKinkakuji (The Golden Pavilion)Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan might be known for its sushi and ramen, but its street food scene is just as exciting. From takoyaki and taiyaki to yakitori and beyond, join Jason and Paul as they dive into some of Japan’s best street eats — and share where to find them! Topics Covered:TakoyakiYakitoriIkayakiTaiyakiYakisobaYaki-imoYaki TomorokoshiTako TamagoKaraageKobe BeefGyozaKorokkeSenbeiSoft CreamKakigoriDangoCrepesChoco BananaBobaWhere to Find Street FoodJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan is full of things to love - and a few things that might drive you a little crazy. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the best and worst aspects of exploring Japan!Topics Covered:PlanesTrainsHotelsFoodWalkable CitiesConveniencePolitenessCustomer ServiceBathroomsOnsenHistoryHikingCity LifeJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Known as the "City of Trees," Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and a great place to learn about the culture and history of northeastern Honshu. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the city and uncover the story of its founder—a samurai with the coolest nickname ever.Topics Covered:HistoryLoople Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle — Tohoku University Museum of Natural History — Miyagi Museum of Art — Osaki Hachiman Shrine — Jozenji-dori — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping District — Date no Gyutan HonpoOther Sights: Sendai City Tomizawa Site Museum — Rinnoji — Dai Kannon — Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary SchoolSendai Port: Umino-Mori Aquarium — Mitsui Outlet Park — Sendai Port Central Park — Kirin Beer FactoryEvents: Sendai Tanabata Festival — Pageant of StarlightDay Trips: Matsushima Bay — Ishinomaki/Tashirojima (Cat Island) — Zao Kitsune MuraHow to get to/around SendaiJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan is home to a variety of fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — bugs and insects, from summer’s singing cicadas to giant hornets and everything in between. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the world of Japan’s bugs—both the beloved and the infamous!Topics Covered:Cultural SignificanceFamous Bugs: Cicadas — Giant Hornets — Fireflies — Stag Beetles — Rhinoceros Beetles — SilkwormsSeasonal Bugs: Butterflies — Dragonflies — CricketsCommon Pests: Mosquitoes — Cockroaches — Centipedes — SpidersJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan offers a wide range of unique experiences, from cherry blossom viewing and high-speed train rides to exploring ancient temples and sampling the local cuisine. Join Jason and Paul as they rate and discuss some common experiences that visitors are likely to have in Japan!Topics Covered:KonbiniTemples and ShrinesHanamiMaid CafesHikingEatingShoppingShinkansenArcadesJapanese GardensJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their third week of sightseeing!Topics Covered:KamikochiMatsumoto: Matsumoto Castle — Yabuhara to Narai-juku — Matsumoto City Museum — Nawate Shopping Street — Nakamachi Shopping Street — Daio Wasabi Farm — Ishii Miso — Agatanomori ParkOmiya: Omiya Bonsai Village — The Railway MuseumTokyo: Shibuya Parco — Rainbow Karaoke Shibuya — THE MUSIC BAR -CAVE SHIBUYA- — Mount Takao — Meiji JinguHakone: Yama no Chaya — Owakudani — Hakone CheckpointTokyo: Denimio — AkihabaraJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!