Long before the arrival of Buddhism, Japan's spiritual traditions revolved around nature, ancestors, and countless kami. Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the history and beliefs of Shinto.

Topics Covered:

History

Kami

Purification

Rites of Passage

Shrines

Festivals

The Creation Myth

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Can spending time in the forest actually improve your health and well-being? Join Jason and Paul as they take a closer look at the Japanese practice of forest bathing and why it has gained attention around the world.

Topics Covered:

Books on Asia Interview

History

The Practice

The Science

How/Where to Participate

Kyoto In Sound

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What is it actually like to attend school in Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they examine everything from daily routines and school culture to uniforms, exams, and extracurricular activities.

Topics Covered:

Structure of Education System

The Average School Day

The School Year

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From hidden Christian history to international trade and atomic tragedy, Nagasaki has one of the most unique stories in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, culture, and modern atmosphere of this fascinating port city.

Topics Covered:

History

Peace Park Nagasaki / Hypocenter Park / Atomic Bomb Museum

Urakami Cathedral

Sanno Shrine One-Legged Torii Gate

Suwa Shrine

Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture

Megane Bridge

Kofukuji

Sofukuji

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Dejima

Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China

Oura Cathedral

Glover Garden

Mt. Inasa

Huis Ten Bosch

Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

Festivals: Lantern Festival — Nagasaki Kunchi

Local Specialties: Castella — Champon — Sara Udon — Toruko Rice

How to Get To/Around Nagasaki

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From lakeside campsites to mountain forests, Japan offers some incredible places to reconnect with nature. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the culture, scenery, and practical side of camping in Japan.

Topics Covered:

Is Camping Popular in Japan?

When to Camp

What are Campgrounds Like in Japan?

Types of Camping

Best Places to Camp

Gear

What to Eat

Etiquette and Rules

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Japan’s nightlife is about more than just izakayas and whiskey bars. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the weird, immersive, and unforgettable world of themed bars in Japan!

Topics Covered:

Science Bar INCUBATOR

Deathmatch in Hell

8bit Cafe (and Game Bar A-Button)

Record Bar Analog

The Whales of August

Planetarium Bar

Muscle Girls

Kiha (Train Bar)

Kaiju Sakaba Shimbashi

Axe Throwing Bar

Hunters Bar

Taishu Shusen Terumae

Dogenzaka Church

Bunny Bars

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Japan is often cited as having one of the lowest crime rates in the world, but what’s really behind that reputation? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the cultural, social, and systemic factors that help keep crime low in Japan.

Topics Covered:

Social Cohesion

Broken Windows Theory

Economic Factors

Legislation

Koban and Community Policing

Judicial System

Underreporting

Recent Trends

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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their third week of sightseeing!

Topics Covered:

Sendai: Zuihoden — Sendai City Museum — Sendai Castle Ruins — Osaki Hachimangu Shrine — Sendai Mediatheque — Sunmall Ichibancho Shopping Arcade

Yamagata: Risshakuji (Yamadera) — Zao Onsen

Matsushima: Ojima — Kanrantei Tea House — Sightseeing Cruise — Zuiganji — Entsuin — Date Masamune Historical Museum — Fukuura Island — Matsushima Retro Museum — Matsushima Fish Market

Sendai: Earthquake Heritage Arahama Elementary School — Daikannon — Rinnouji — Kirin Beer Factory

Tokyo: teamLab Planets — Small Worlds — Kokyo Gaien National Garden

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