148. Mascots

Trying to decide what to bring home from Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they talk about the best souvenirs to commemorate your trip—from classic keepsakes to unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.Topics Covered:Traditional: Chopsticks — Ceramics — Teaware — Furoshiki — Tenugui — Traditional Clothing — Fans (Sensu/Uchiwa) — Daruma — Kokeshi Dolls — Maneki Neko — Omamori — Origami — IncenseModern: Clothing — Stationery — Anime Merch — Bento Box — Knives — Railway Merch — ElectronicsCollectibles: Gachapon — Goshuincho — Eki Stamps — Manhole Covers — Pins — Mascot MerchFood: KitKats — Tea — Sake — Whisky — Wagashi — Omiyage — Plastic FoodPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Fukuoka is a bustling city with a relaxed vibe, known for its history, food, and seaside charm. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes this Kyushu hub such a special place to visit!Topics Covered:HistoryTochoji TempleKushida ShrineSumiyoshi ShrineCanal CityNakasu (Nakagawa Yatai)Tenjin Underground MallFukuoka Castle RuinsOhori Park: Japanese Garden — Fukuoka Art MuseumMizuho PayPay DomeMomochi Seaside ParkFukuoka TowerUminonakamichi Seaside ParkEvents: Hakata Gion Yamakasa — Hakata DontakuLocal Specialties: Hakata Ramen — Mentaiko — Motsunabe — MizutakiHow to get to/around FukuokaPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!Topics Covered:Yomi (Shinto Hell)Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)Hellish Places You Can VisitPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society! Topics Covered: HistoryCats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko MusumeCat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous catsCat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote CatPodcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!Topics Covered:Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)Kofun Period (250 - 538)Yamato Period (250 - 710)Asuka Period (538 - 710)Nara Period (710 - 794)Heian Period (794 - 1185)Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)Edo Period (1600 - 1868)Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)Showa Period (1926 - 1989)Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)Join our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a historic port city known for its scenic views, unique history, and fresh seafood. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this gateway to Japan’s northernmost island, from star-shaped forts to morning markets and sparkling nightscapes!Topics Covered:HistoryMorning MarketGoryokakuKanemori Red Brick WarehouseMotomachiHakodate City Museum of Northern PeoplesMt. HakodateYunokawa OnsenOnuma Day TripFestivals: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy — Illuminations — Hakodate Port Festival — Hakodate Goryokaku FestivalHow to get to/around HakodateJoin our Discord community!Become a member on Patreon!

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!