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Artwork for Books on Asia
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Books on Asia is your guide to finding quality books on Japan and Asia, including travel, literature, current events, and culture. Explore Asia in-depth. Hosted by Amy Chavez.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes71Founded5 years ago
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Places & TravelBooksArtsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Books on Asia

Latest Episodes

Amy discusses the relationship between anti-foreign sentiment, overtourism, and tourist manners in Japan. Protests in Kyoto, Kamakura, and Tokyo claim that overtourism negatively impacts the daily lives of locals. Right-wing populist groups like the ... more

On March 1, ferries from Japan's main Island of Honshu to Sado Island (Niigata Prefecture), started running again after their long winter slumber waiting for the frothy Sea of Japan to settle and for calmer winds to set in for reliable crossings. Let... more

Robert Norris has lived in Japan since 1983, mostly in Dazaifu, near Fukuoka, Kyushu. After retiring from university teaching in 2016, he returned to his long-standing passion for writing. The result was a heartfelt memoir about his life – and his mo... more

In a tribute to the 2026 Winter Olympics being held right now in Cortina, Italy, Amy takes up a discussion of skiing in Japan. Japan has hosted the Winter Olympics 2 times: 1972 (Sapporo) and 1998 (Nagano). Amy introduces previous Washington Post Tok... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Recent Guests

Angus Waycott
Author and travel writer whose works include Sado, Island of Exile
Episode: Replay: Angus Waycott Walks Sado Island
Robert Norris
Author and long-time resident of Japan, memoirist and novelist
Author / Writer
Episode: Robert Norris on Living and Writing in Japan
Lee Moore
Author of China's Backstory, The History Beijing Doesn't Want You to Read
Author, Books on Asia topic expert
Episode: China's Backstory with Lee Moore
Tim McGirk
Author of The Wondrous Elixir of the Two Chinese Lovers
Plum Rain Press (publisher mentioned in episode)
Episode: Simon Winchester’s Biography of Joseph Needham (with Tim McGirk)
Thomas Bird
Author of Harmony Express Travels by Train Through China
Harmony Express (Earnshaw Books)
Episode: Harmony Express: Travels by Train through China with Thomas Bird
Carol Isaak
Photographer and author of Seasons Lan Su Garden
Episode: Carol Isaak on Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden
Ted Goossen
Translator with extensive experience in translating Japanese literature.
Episode: Ted Goossen on Translating Hiromi Kawakami's "Third Love"
Mark Kitto
Writer, entrepreneur, and author of "China Running Dog"
Episode: What's it Like to Live in China? Mark Kitto on China Running Dog
Sally Burdon
Owner of Asia Bookroom, a second generation bookseller specializing in rare and secondhand books about Asia.
Asia Bookroom
Episode: Sally Burdon: Asia Bookroom and rare books

Hosts

Amy Chavez
Host of the series, providing informed insights and personal experiences related to Asian literature and culture.
John Ross
Co-host and frequent contributor, engaging in discussions around childhood reading influences and various literary topics related to Asia.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 19 ratings
  • Informed and insightful

    Having listened to all seven podcasts to date, all you need to know is that Amy Chavez is an informed and insightful interviewer. Five stars!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Yet Another Vancouver Mike
    Canada5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the host for being informed and insightful, reflecting a deep knowledge of the subject matter.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#63
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#176
New Zealand/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#228
Belgium/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#236
Japan/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Replay: Angus Waycott Walks Sado Island
Q: What surprised you most about the island's history and culture?
He highlights the island's blend of folklore, religious practice, and practical concerns (like boats and roads), and how these elements are woven into everyday life rather than presented as distant, exotic stories.
Replay: Angus Waycott Walks Sado Island
Q: Tell us how the walk around Sado Island came about.
Waycott describes his goal to walk around Sado after researching exile sites, turning the journey into a method of gathering both observational details and historical context that would enrich the book.
China's Backstory with Lee Moore
Q: Can I tell you the deep, dirty secret of academia?
Lee explains that academia often fails to communicate subjects engagingly unless there's a more relaxed, beer-friendly atmosphere, which he uses as a stylistic approach in his writing and presentation.
Book Talk: Korea
Q: What titles have you chosen for our chat?
I'm starting off with one of your titles, In Korean Wilds and Villages by Sten Bergman.
Book Talk: Korea
Q: Can you say a little about it?
The Cuttlefish is a humorous novel about a struggling writer living a profligate life in the fictitious nation of Sukhan.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Books on Asia

What is Books on Asia about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on literature, culture, and travel in Asia, this series provides a rich exploration of various narratives that highlight the region's history and cultural significance. Each episode features discussions on authors, influential literary figures, and unique travel experiences, showcasing the intertwining of personal stories and broader societal themes. Topics such as Japanese gardens, childhood reading influences, and rare books about Asia create a diverse tapestry of content aimed at cultural aficionados and literature enthusiasts alike. This podcast is distinctive in its combination of personal insights and scholarly discussions, appealing to listeners interested in diving deep into Asian literature and culture.

It also frequently... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Books on Asia?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Books on Asia:

1. 99% Invisible
2. Conversations
3. StarTalk Radio
4. The Rest Is Politics
5. Abroad in Japan

How many episodes of Books on Asia are there?

Books on Asia launched 5 years ago and published 71 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Books on Asia?

Recent guests on Books on Asia include:

1. Angus Waycott
2. Robert Norris
3. Lee Moore
4. Tim McGirk
5. Thomas Bird
6. Carol Isaak
7. Ted Goossen
8. Mark Kitto

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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