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Artwork for Books on Asia
Japan
Bitcoin
Mt. Gox
China
Taiwan
Yakuza
Japanese Literature
Tokyo Vice
Japanese Gardens
Korea
Japanese Media
Buddhism
Japanese Culture
Cryptocurrency Crimes
Satoshi Nakamoto
Shintoism
Heian Period
Translation
Hong Kong
Edo Period

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes87Founded5 years ago
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ArtsPlaces & TravelBooksSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Books on Asia

Latest Episodes

Amy breaks down Japan's most prestigious literary prizes — starting with the twin titans of the Japanese book world, the Akutagawa and Naoki Prizes, both announced twice a year, every January and July, on the very same day. Up your knowledge ahead of... more

John Ross chats with Eryk, his Formosa Files co-host, about the International Booker Prize-winning novel Taiwan Travelogue. Set in colonial Taiwan in 1938, the story is told by narrator Aoyama Chizuko, a young Japanese novelist, who, accompanied by h... more

Episode Notes

Today we're talking with Tina deBellegarde about short stories: What makes a good short story, and why certain short story writers are so appealing. Tina has been nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Novel, has a short story p... more

Whistling Arrows and Heavenly Horses: The Han-Xiongnu War

John Ross speaks with Scott Forbes Crawford about his book The Han-Xiongnu War, 133 BC–89 AD. For more than two centuries, Han China fought a bitter struggle against the Xiongnu, a powerful c... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Tina de Belgaard
Novelist and short story writer
Episode: Replay: Tina deBellegard—The Art of the Short Story
Scott Forbes Crawford
Author of The Han-Xiongnu War
Author, various fiction and nonfiction works
Episode: Whistling Arrows and Heavenly Horses: The Han-Xiongnu War
Don Weiss
Photographer and writer; doing the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Episode: Don Weiss: Future of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
M. G. Sheftall
Author and Professor of Modern Japanese Cultural History and Communication
Shizuoka University
Episode: Hiroshima's Last Witnesses and Japan's Nuclear Future
Jason Neeling
Co-host of Sightseeing Japan
Sightseeing Japan
Episode: Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin of the Sightseeing Japan
Paul Bresin
Co-host of Sightseeing Japan
Sightseeing Japan
Episode: Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin of the Sightseeing Japan
Simon Elegant
Author of City on Fire
Author, City on Fire
Episode: Simon Elegant’s City on Fire: A Novel of Hong Kong
Jane Lawson
Author of Secret Japan, Zenbu Tours founder
Author, Zenbu Tours
Episode: Jane Lawson: Secret Japan
Alex Kerr
Author and subject of the episode, based in Bangkok
Author, Finding the Heart Sutra
Episode: Replay: Alex Kerr on Finding the Heart Sutra

Hosts

Amy Chavez
Host focusing on Asia-focused books, travel, and cultural storytelling.
John Ross
Host for interview segments and Asia-focused conversations.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 21 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.

Great mix of history, travel, and literature that appeals to curious listeners.
Consistent production quality and thoughtful guest selection.
Insightful host fosters engaging conversations with knowledgeable guests.
Well-researched, accessible storytelling around Asia-focused topics.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#97
Netherlands/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#203
Netherlands/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Don Weiss: Future of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Q: How did you approach the priests with concerns about foreign pilgrims, and what have you learned from these conversations so far?
Priests are aware that foreign pilgrims are increasing and show interest in Buddhism; conversations have focused on making temples more accessible and welcoming, while acknowledging sensitive issues like harassment and safety.
Don Weiss: Future of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Q: One of your goals is to talk to some of the priests along the way. What are you hoping to achieve by talking to the priests?
I want to discuss issues foreign pilgrims face and explore how to improve the experience for them, including practical aspects like accommodations and overall engagement with the temples and island.
Jane Lawson: Secret Japan
Q: What is one great tip for people planning their own trip to Japan?
Set up a Google My Maps to tag places, plan grouping by proximity, and add personal notes and symbols to keep everything organized and discoverable.
Whistling Arrows and Heavenly Horses: The Han-Xiongnu War
Q: Who is the new man in the Han dynasty after the Qin collapse and what's his initial encounter with the Xiongnu?
Liu Bang becomes the first Han emperor, and his early encounters with the Xiongnu include a failed engagement at Baidong that led to a strategic learning phase for Han military policy.
Whistling Arrows and Heavenly Horses: The Han-Xiongnu War
Q: So what's the full title of your book?
The Han-Xiongnu War, 133 BC to 89 AD, The Struggle of China in the Steppe Empire, told through its key figures.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Books on Asia

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

Quality-focused explorations of Asia through books, travel, and culture, featuring in-depth conversations with authors, journalists, translators, and travel writers. Episodes blend historical context, literary analysis, and on-the-ground travel insights—often linking classical or historical material with modern-day experiences in Japan and broader Asia. Noteworthy are biographical storytelling, cross-cultural perspectives, and a strong emphasis on accessibility, practical travel tips, and deeper cultural understanding. The show tends to attract listeners who love thoughtful literature, Asia-focused history, and well-researched travel narratives, with guests that span publishers, academics, and field experts.

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Which podcasts are similar to Books on Asia?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Books on Asia:

1. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
2. What Now? with Trevor Noah
3. Fresh Air
4. Critics at Large | The New Yorker
5. All There Is with Anderson Cooper

How many episodes of Books on Asia are there?

Books on Asia launched 5 years ago and published 87 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Books on Asia?

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What guests have appeared on Books on Asia?

Recent guests on Books on Asia include:

1. Tina de Belgaard
2. Scott Forbes Crawford
3. Don Weiss
4. M. G. Sheftall
5. Jason Neeling
6. Paul Bresin
7. Simon Elegant
8. Jane Lawson

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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