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

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

JapanKyo.com

Overview
Episodes

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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 stories from foreigners living in Japan, giving perspective on life in the country beyond the usual guidebook tips. Whether you're learning Japanese, planning a trip, or just passionate about Japan, each episode delivers insight, humor, and useful information. Topics we explore include: ・Japanese culture and society ・The Japanese language (learning, linguistics, nuance) ・Japanese history and traditions ・Food, regional specialties, and travel tips ・Anime, manga, and pop culture ・Experiences of foreigners living in Japan ・And much more Contact: [email protected] About the host Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com and creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel. He holds an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii and has hosted Japanese-language content for native speakers. As a legally blind creator, Tony advocates for accessibility while offering a perspective on Japan and its language that few can match.

Recent Episodes

A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73
APR 23, 2026
A guide to MOVING in Japan | Japan Station 206/Ichimon Japan 73
This ia rebroadcast of epsode 73 of Ichimon Japan originally released on 7/21/23. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is it like moving in Japan? Topics Discussed About what it's like moving in Japan When people in Japan usually move What it costs to move in Japan Why people in Japan usually move in March Expenses associated with moving in Japan About rent prices in Japan Rent subsidies for JET Program participants Setting up internet in Japan About finding an apartment in Japan About reikin/key money The cost of hiring a moving company in Japan Disposing of large garbage in Japan Noticing the government that you have moved And much more! Listen to Ichimon Japan on [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1492400997" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Apple Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9pY2hpbW9uamFwYW4ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Google Podcasts[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/japankyocom/ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-japankyocom" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Stitcher[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://open.spotify.com/show/1ZVgnljVM8gcR1ar98eK0D" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Spotify[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-ichimon-japan-a-podcast-by-59510504/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]iHeartRadio[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/mv3zr-ad2df/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyo.com" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]PodBean[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Ichimon-Japan-A-Podcast-by-Japankyocom-p1290988/" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]Tunein[/btn] [btn btnlink="https://ichimonjapan.libsyn.com/rss" btnsize="medium" bgcolor="#0568bf" txtcolor="#ffffff" btnnewt="1" nofollow="1"]RSS[/btn] Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. Get 10% off on your Mobal data & voice SIM plan. https://mobal.com/tonyjapan We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected]. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
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47 MIN
He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205
APR 21, 2026
He's walked 30,000+ km across Japan! | Japan Station 205
On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Jake Davies, a resident of Shimane Prefecture who has walked over 30,000 km in Japan. He talks about his experiences walking around Japan and what it's like living in Shimane, one of Japan's least populated prefecture. 👉Topics Discussed Why Jake Davies moved to Shimane Prefecture What it's like living in rural Shimane Prefecture Why Jake Davies started doing long distance walks in Japan How Jake Davies walked over 30,000 km in Japan Where Jake Davis sleeps while doing long distance walks in Japan About walking the Sea of Japan costline About walking Shikoku's 88 temple pilgrimage (Ohenro) About sleeping outside during a typhoon while doing the Shikoku pilgrimage How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Shikoku How long it took Jake to walk around the island of Kyushu About walking across Shodoshima About walking the Oki islands in Shimane About walking the Kunisaki Peninsula About Jakes blog, ojisanjake.com About the different regions of Shimane And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jake Davis' blog to keep up to date with his adventures walking around Japan. ojisanjake.com: https://www.ojisanjake.com/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
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55 MIN
This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204
APR 15, 2026
This Japanese pilgrimage should be more famous! A 5-day trip to the Kumano Kodō (plus crazy conbini socks) | Japan Station 204
On this episode of Japan Station, travel writer Jennifer Bain joins us to talk about one of Japan's most ancient and famous pilgrimages: the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道). We also talk about Japanese convenience stores and the famous conbini socks. 👉Topics Discussed What the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is How to get the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is An example of a five day itinerary on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) pilgrimage About Daimonzaka and Kumano Nachi Taisha About mikan and oranges in the Kumano area About lodging along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) How old empty schools have been converted into lodging on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) How to walk the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) in a faster and easier way About the weather along the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) A funny encounter with a local on the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) About a custom convenience store tour in Osaka Some recommendations for food to eat from Japanese convenience stores About the famous Japanese convenience store socks people are going crazy for And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Check out Jennifer Bain's Japan articles. Why Women Who Love the Camino Should Walk Japan's Kumano Kodō: https://journeywoman.com/destinations/asia/japan/why-women-who-love-the-camino-should-walk-japans-kumano-kodo/ Footbathing And Flower Trekking In Northern Japan's National Parks: https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/09/footbathing-and-flower-trekking-northern-japans-national-parks For more of Jennifer Bain's work: Website: https://jenniferbain.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaucylady/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
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51 MIN
The ORIGINS of "scammy" SAKURA | Japan Station 203
APR 7, 2026
The ORIGINS of "scammy" SAKURA | Japan Station 203
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the origins of the word sakura. No not that sakurai. The other sakura. The scammy kind of sakura. Also we're talking about madorā. 👉Topics Discussed The possible origins of the word sakura (サクラ) Why sakura means a fake "scammy" customer What a madorā is And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
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11 MIN
Why breakfast deals in Japan are CRAZY now | Japan Station 202
APR 1, 2026
Why breakfast deals in Japan are CRAZY now | Japan Station 202
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the rise of Japan's $3.5 billion breakfast industry and why Japan is currently in the midst of it's 4th "breakfast boom." 👉Topics Discussed What a typical Japanese breakfast consists of The history of breakfast in Japan Breakfast in the Edo Period Breakfast in Edo vs Kansai during the Edo Period Japan's four "Morning Booms" What 'morning" (モーニング, mōningu) is The origin of "morning" in Aichi Prefecture The rise of kissaten (cafes) in 1950s Japan About Rūe Burajiru (ルーエぶらじる), a restaurant in Hiroshima thought to have been the first to offer "morning service" (モーニングサービス, mōningu sābisu) The rise of McDonald's breakfast in Japan The rise of hotel breakfasts in Japan Whether you should get breakfast in hotels About Toyoko Inn's "free" breakfast About the 2010 breakfast boom About Japan's pancake boom About the fourth morning boom going on now Why more restaurants in Japan have started offering very cheap breakfast options How restaurants in japan are trying to offer breakfast for 300 yen or less About Saizeriya's breakfast service "Asasaize" About KFC's breakfast options Why breakfast options are so cheap in Japan About service at gyudon places like Yoshinoya and Sukiya About breakfast at Sakaba Fukuro in Ikebukuro And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Affiliate Links Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% off of Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan Support by Buying a T-Shirt! Support the show by getting a t-shirt! MechaNekoSushi.com 👉Links, Videos, Etc. None 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
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63 MIN