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Artwork for Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society

Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society

JapanKyo.com
Japanese Language
Japan
Japanese Culture
Tokyo
Kyoto
Edo Period
Kyushu
Neko
Oden
Anime
Travel
Japanese Folklore
Gyaru
Japanese Elementary Schools
Japanese Names
Taisho Era Slang
Geisha House Atami
Hiroshima
Buddhism
Tokaido Road

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 ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes222Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Language LearningEducationSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel

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Artwork for Japan Station: Deep Dives into Japanese Culture, Language & Society

Latest Episodes

On this episode of Japan Station, filmmaker Cuauhtemoc Velazquez joins us to talk about Apparition, his new short film about a Tokyo izakaya that gets visited by the Virgin Mary.

👉Topics Discussed

• What Apparition is about

• What inspired Cu... more

YouTube

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 dispose of yo... more

YouTube

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 ... more

YouTube

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 City fr... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Recent Guests

Daniel Legare
Editor/wreiter for Wasabi Magazine; wrote extensively on experiences as a fake priest in Japan
Wasabi Magazine (Canada/Hawaii-focused Japan coverage)
Episode: What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? | Japan Station 209/Ichimon Japan 04
Jake Davies
Resident of Shimane Prefecture; long-time walker, blogger
ojisanjake.com
Episode: He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205
Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith
Associate professor; expert on otaku culture and Akihabara history
Senshu University
Episode: Akihabara is DYING? How Ikebukuro Became Japan's New Otaku Capital | Japan Station 201
Alex Litz
Director of Inbound Promotion for Expedition Japan
Expedition Japan
Episode: Why you should visit YAMAGATA! | Japan Station 197
Ami Eldridge
Founder of Sumizumi LLC, dedicated to rural revitalization through charcoal production and tourism.
Sumizumi LLC
Episode: How charcoal is saving this rural Japanese town (Ami Eldridge of Sumizumi LLC) | Japan Station 190
Hiroko Yoda
Co-author of the books 'Youkai Attack' and 'Ninja Attack', and author of '8 Million Ways to Happiness'.
Episode: Why "religion" in Japan doesn't make sense (to Westerners): A Talk with Hiroko Yoda | Japan Station 189
Sensei Martian
A traveler and Twitch streamer who walked 3,200 kilometers across Japan.
Twitch
Episode: He WALKED 3200 km across ALL of JAPAN! (Sensei Martian) | Japan Station 185
Shuhei Murakami
Stand-up comedian and aspiring actor, also a tour guide in Tokyo
Episode: Tokyo Tourist Traps: Are these popular Tokyo destinations worth your time? | Japan Station 180
Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker
Episode: This documentary reveals why Japan is the way it is?! (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 177

Host

Tony R. Vega
Host of Japan Station; founder of JapanKyo.com; content creator and language enthusiast.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 65 ratings
  • Superficial

    I started to follow the podcast to learn about Japanese culturre and was disappointed by the quality, no thorough review, no fact check … a lot of blabla based on wikipedia findings and vague sources

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    JuieEsther
    Switzerlanda year ago
  • Thanks for shining a light on such an important issue in Japan & everywhere ? it's more about just rape, law or inequality it's about basic human decency, respect and justice - I'll read the book even if it's hard

    Podcast Addict
    jjwalsh
    4 years ago
  • Thanks for shining a light on such an important issue in Japan & everywhere 🥰 it's more about just rape, law or inequality it's about basic human decency, respect and justice - I'll read the book even if it's hard

    Podcast Addict
    5
    jjwalsh
    4 years ago
  • Stop making sounds while your guests are speaking!

    It was hard even to give this 2 stars, in that the podcast is unlistenable due to the host making about 2 to 3 “mmm” noises every sentence his guests speaks. It’s effectively distracting to both the listener and the guests (as you can hear them frequently pause and almost loose track of what they were saying). Imagine a buttery voiced yoda constantly “mmm”ing throughout the interviews. It’s awful! Stop it! If the host can break this habit, it will be a fantastic podcast with very interesting top... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Minami Shou
    United States5 years ago
  • Amazing talks

    This is such an amazing podcasts it offers something different than the typical japan themed podcasts out there. The talks are diverse and cover a ton of different topics from foreign manga creators to Japanese cuisine inspired chefs. Antonio is a very pleasant interviewer and let’s his guests freely talk about their story without much interjection which is great

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cvltvre
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some reviews note production quirks but still appreciate the depth and humor.
Fans enjoy the variety of guests and topics across episodes.
Listeners praise the host's interview style and language-focused insights.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why fans of the supernatural should visit Iwate Prefecture | Japan Station 208
Q: No, no, I have plenty of questions. So first of all, I want to expand on something you mentioned. You said these two cities are one hour away by train. Is that right?
Yes, the route from Tokyo to Shinhanamaki and then a short train ride to Tōno generally makes the two cities reachable in a compact itinerary, though the trains can be infrequent and require car flexibility for full exploration.
A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73
Q: What were the notable logistical challenges with internet installation?
Internet setup could involve pushing back installation timelines, with sales calls happening during setup, and some pressure from sales staff; the couple eventually secured fiber in their building, often at or just above the rent level.
A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73
Q: How did they handle apartment approvals given language and foreigners' challenges?
They experienced thorough documentation, required proof of income, and used a guarantor; the process often involved multiple real estate agencies and company-owned buildings which sometimes helped with approval.
A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73
Q: What was the biggest cost driver when moving from Ishikawa to Kyoto?
Location and peak-season timing drove the biggest costs; rent and moving fees surged during peak season, especially in March, making the move substantially more expensive than off-peak times.
Why "religion" in Japan doesn't make sense (to Westerners): A Talk with Hiroko Yoda | Japan Station 189
Q: Can you share any advice for people that are looking for happiness?
There are infinite numbers of ways to happiness, and everyone finds their own path through their unique experiences.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A culturally focused show that blends deep dives into Japanese culture, language, and society with accessible storytelling and host-led curiosity. Episodes center on language quirks, regional traditions, history, food, and travel, all explored through conversations with experts, guests, and enthusiasts. The host's approachable style, plus a commitment to language learning and widely relatable anecdotes, makes it valuable for learners, travelers, and culture nerds alike. Noteworthy are the multilingual angles, practical travel tips, and a visible emphasis on language as a bridge to culture, all delivered with warmth and humor.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Abroad in Japan
2. Sightseeing Japan
3. English News - NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN
4. Uncanny Japan
5. The Daily

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 222 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 this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Daniel Legare
2. Jake Davies
3. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith
4. Alex Litz
5. Ami Eldridge
6. Hiroko Yoda
7. Sensei Martian
8. Shuhei Murakami

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