• 163. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 3)
    May 4 2026

    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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    2 hrs and 7 mins
  • 162. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 2)
    Apr 20 2026

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

    Topics Covered:

    Otaru: Otaru Music Box Museum — Denuki Koji — Stained Glass Museum — Snow Light Path Festival

    Bibai

    Asahikawa: Asahikawa Winter Festival — VOCALO Bar Calc — Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum

    Biei: Biei Shrine — Four Seasons Tower — Town of Hills Folk Museum Misora

    Abashiri: Ice Breaker Aurora — Ryuhyo Glass Museum — Abashiri City Museum — Abashiri City Folk Museum — Abashiri-Jinja — Abashiri Prison Museum

    Sendai: Tomizawa Site — AER Observation Terrace

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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 161. 2026 Trip Recap (Part 1)
    Apr 6 2026

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

    Topics Covered:

    Kamakura: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu — Komachi Street — Hokokuji — Hatsune Antiques — Roast Beef Ono

    Hakodate: Uni Murakami — Morning Market — Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse — Hakodate Gokoku Shrine — Motomachi — City Museum of Northern Peoples — Lucky Pierrot — Mt. Hakodate — Goryokaku — Okushiba Soup Curry

    Noboribetsu: Jigokudani

    Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival — Tanukikoji Shopping Street — Tsudome — Sapporo Beer Museum — Sapporo Factory — Nijo Market — Norbesa Ferris Wheel

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • 160. The Town of Hakone
    Feb 9 2026

    Famous for its onsen, museums, and Fuji views, Hakone has long been a retreat from city life. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to experience Hakone and what sets it apart from other destinations.

    Topics Covered:

    History

    Hakone-Yumoto

    Ryokan and Onsen

    Sightseeing Train (Tozan Railway)

    Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

    Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Owakudani

    Pirate Ship

    Hakone Checkpoint

    Best View of Fuji

    Hakone Shrine

    How to get to/around Hakone

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 159. Cycling Routes
    Jan 26 2026

    Designated national cycle routes are part of Japan’s push to make cycling more accessible for travelers. Join Jason and Paul as they break down the routes, the scenery, and what cyclists can expect along the way.

    Topics Covered:

    What is a “National Cycle Route”?

    Shimanami Kaido

    Biwa-Ichi

    Pacific Cycling Road

    Toyama Bay Cycling Route

    Tsukuba-Kasumigaura Ring-Ring Road

    Tokapuchi400

    Tips for a Successful Ride

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 158. Pro Wrestling
    Jan 12 2026

    Japanese pro wrestling has carved out its own distinct identity, blending athleticism, storytelling, and a passionate fan culture. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history, styles, and stars that make puroresu so unique.

    Topics Covered:

    What is Japanese Pro Wrestling?

    History

    How Does Puroresu Work?

    Major Promotions

    Controversy

    How to Attend

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 157. Service Culture
    Dec 29 2025

    Japan’s service culture sets a global standard, blending efficiency, politeness, and surprising little touches of care. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into the roots of omotenashi and how it shapes everyday experiences.

    Topics Covered:

    What is Omotenashi?

    History

    Keigo

    Examples of Omotenashi

    The Dark Side of Customer Service

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • 156. Cosplay
    Dec 15 2025

    From anime conventions to the streets of Akihabara, cosplay has become a vibrant part of Japan’s cultural scene. Join Jason and Paul as they dive into how it all started and what it means today.

    Topics Covered:

    History

    How to Cosplay

    Where to Cosplay

    Are There Rules?

    Controversies

    Where to See Cosplay

    Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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    1 hr and 26 mins