Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture and Language

Helping you understand everything you should know about Japan. Interviews with Japan experts, deep dives into Japanese culture and society, and plenty of laughs; every episode host Tony R. Vega sheds light on a different aspect of Japan. Whether you're planning a visit to Japan, learning Japanese or just have a passion for all things Japan, we've got something for you! Common topics include ・Japanese culture ・Deep dives into the Japanese language ・Japanese history ・Japanese food ・Japan travel tips ・Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, movies, etc ・The stories of foreigners living in Japan ・And more! Episodes release on the 1st and 21st of the month. You can reach us via email: [email protected] About Tony R. Vega Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com, creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel, professional MC, and lifelong Japan enthusiast. He has a particular passion for the Japanese language which led him to obtain an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii. Tony is also legally blind and dedicated to raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired, as well as the problems these individuals face.

What is "PLUS ALPHA?" The Meaning & Origin of the Japanese term purasu arufa/プラスアルファ | Japan Station 161 06/05/2025

The HISTORY of SUSHI (Dr. Eric C. Rath) | Japan Station 160 06/01/2025

I'm Walking Across KYŪSHŪ! About the Kyūshū Challenge | Japan Station 159 05/23/2025

Japanese Street Merchant Slang: 10 Words from Japan's Edo Merchants | Japan Station 158 05/20/2025

What are gyaru? (About the Slang, Fashion and History of Japan's Gyaru/Gal) | Japan Station 157/Ichimon Japan 52 05/15/2025

What are gyaru? (About the Slang, Fashion and History of Japan's Gyaru/Gal) | Japan Station 157/Ichimon Japan 52 This episode of Japan Station is a re-broadcast of episode 52 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What are gyaru? Topics Discussed What the term gyaru/gal means/refers to About the word gyaru How the word gyaru was used in Dragonball by Master Roshi What a kogyaru/kogal is About the singer Namie Amuro and her role in popularizing the gyaru subculture About Ayumi Hamasaki's influence on the gyaru subculture About the supposed but unconfirmed connection between the gyaru subculture and the American TV show Baywatch, as well as Pamela Anderson About the iconic "loose socks" (lūzusokkusu) About E.G. Smith, the supposed origin of loose socks An interesting linguistic quirk about the Japanese term for "loose socks" About ganguro and yamanba gyaru and their dark tans About ageha gyaru The connection between gyaru, eurobeat and parapara What eurobeat is What parapara is Contemporary gyaru What gyarugo is Examples of popular gyaru slang What karipaku means What MK5 means What ChōSW means What sumisu means What ATM means What gachi means What agepoyo/sagepoyo mean What doron means What tehepero means What gekiokopunpunmaru means 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 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! Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode. This is the article that has the illustrations of the gyaru that Ryan mentions during the episode. Here's some of the English language sources read for this episode. Here's a Japanese documentary about gyaru. Definitely worth a watch if you understand Japanese. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aunp-hOLNc In this video you can see the 150 cm long loose socks that were mentioned in the episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e-iaDIOpR8 Here's a TV from 1996 about loose socks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUiGLAXNamo Here is a video from 2020 in which a Japanese YouTuber tries to get girls in Shibuya to put on loose socks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DokhMaT3MeE To check out the "snakes in a well" episode of Ichimon Japan, use the link below. Don't forget to check out the latest episodes of the Japan Station podcast via the links below. Support the show by picking up a t-shirt at KimitoDesigns.com. Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Pichipichi ぴちぴち (adv-to,vs) (1) (on-mim) bursting with youth and energy (esp. young woman); vivaciously young; spunky; energetic; (adv-to) (2) (on-mim) (fish) jumping around energetically (e.g. when caught in a net); (adj-no) (3) (on-mim) bursting (e.g. seams); tight; (adv-to) (4) (on-mim) splattering (e.g. cooking oil) 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 . Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (, , , ) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes /episode/index/show/japanstation/id/36572820

Telling Time in the Edo Period! Obscure Japanese Vocabulary & Etymology | Japan Station 156 05/06/2025

Japan's DEADLY Treat: MOCHI Explained! | Japan Station 155 05/01/2025

Supernatural Stories from JAPAN (Kevin O'Shea) | Japan Station 154 04/20/2025

Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Japan Station 153 (Rebroadcast) 04/13/2025

Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Japan Station 153 (Rebroadcast) Originally released on 3/21/2024 as pisode 80 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about what the best kind of English teaching in Japan is: Eikaiwa, JET Programme (ALT) or university teacher. Topics Discussed What it is like working in an eikaiwa school in Japan What the salary is for an eikaiwa teacher The good and bad about working at an eikaiwa school (private language school) What it is like being an assistant language teacher (ALT) on the JET Programme How much you can earn while on the JET Program The good and bad about being on the JET Program What it is like teaching english at a college in Japan What the requirements are for becoming an English teacher at a university in Japan What the salary is like for an English teacher at a university in Japan Which job pays more: Eikaiwa, JET or university teacher What vacation is like for English teachers at Japanese univesities What the contract/term limits are like for English teaching positions at universities/colleges in Japan 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. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show! https://patreon.com/japankyo Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Links, Videos, Etc. None. 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 . Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (, , , ) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes /episode/index/show/japanstation/id/36112435

How a J-Pop Star's Stomach Hair Resulted in a NEW Japanese Word (The Origins of Gyarandu/ギャランドゥ) | Japan Station 152 04/09/2025

Preserving Japan's SHOKUNIN Culture (Michael Magers) | Japan Station 151 04/01/2025

What it's like running a bar in TOKYO! (Pintology Craft Beer & Whisky) | Japan Station 150 03/22/2025

The ORIGINS of "NEKO!" Digging into the ETYMOLOGY of the Japanese Word for "CAT" | Japan Station 149 03/06/2025

Murakami Haruki on FILM: A Guide to the Movie Adaptations of Japan's Most Famous Novelist (Marc Yamada) | Japan Station 148 03/01/2025

What is ODEN? A Deep Dive into a Classic Japanese Winter Food | Japan Station 147 02/21/2025

This CLOSED Kyoto Hotel Let Me Stay the Night! Here's What Happened! | Japan Station 146 02/21/2025

3 Obscure Japanese Dishes You MUST Try! | Japan Station 145 02/02/2025

A Guide to Japanese Hotels! Tips & Tricks for Japan Travelers | Japan Station 144 01/22/2025

The Senkaku Islands: What You Should Know (Robert D. Eldridge) | Japan Station 143 01/02/2025

Perilous Wagers: Gambling, Dignity, and Day Laborers in 21st-Century Tokyo (Klaus K.Y. Hammering) | Japan Station 142 12/21/2024

Why "Anime" Should be a Regional Designation | Japan Station 141 12/10/2024

What is Dreamlapse Japan? A Talk with Photographer Gavin Heffernan | Japan Station 140 12/01/2024

That Time I Walked to Hiroshima from KYOTO! Tales from the Miyajima Challenge | Japan Station 139 11/22/2024

The Past & Future of Earthquakes & Disasters in Japan (Robert D. Eldridge) | Japan Station 138 11/01/2024

10 Japanese Abbreviations & Contractions To Know! | Japan Station 137 10/29/2024

10 Japanese Abbreviations & Contractions To Know! | Japan Station 137 On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about Japanese abbreviations/contractions, give 12 examples and discuss their origins. 👉Topics Discussed About abbreviations and contractions in Japanese About waseieigo (made in English) About the origins of the Sharp company About the Japanese word wanchan About the possible origin of the word potation in Japanese: jagaimo And more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi https://patreon.com/japankyo 👉Links, Videos, Etc. Today's words Kyōkasho 教科書【きょうかしょ】 (n) textbook; coursebook; schoolbook karaoke カラオケ : 空オケ【からオケ; カラオケ(P)】 (n) (uk) (from 空 and オーケストラ) karaoke dentaku 電卓【でんたく】 (n) (abbr) (See 電子式卓上計算機) calculator (electronic); pocket calculator sofutokurīmu ソフトクリーム : ソフトクリーム; ソフト・クリーム (n) {food} soft serve ice cream (wasei: soft cream) bōrupen ボールペン : ボールペン(P); ボール・ペン (n) ball-point pen (wasei: ball pen) shāpen シャーペン : シャーペン; シャープペン; シャアペン(sk) (n) (abbr) (See シャープペンシル) mechanical pencil; automatic pencil; propelling pencil chūhai 酎ハイ【ちゅうハイ; チューハイ(P); チュウハイ】 (n) (uk) (abbr) (See 焼酎ハイボール) shōchū highball; cocktail of shōchū with tonic water purikura プリクラ (n) (abbr) photo booth that prints out cards and stickers of the resulting photograph, which are then traded among friends (wasei: print club) ワイシャツワイシャツ : Ｙシャツ【ワイシャツ】 (n) (uk) (formal) shirt (eng: white shirt); dress shirt; business shirt; button-up shirt densha 電車【でんしゃ】 (n) train; electric train wanchan ワンチャン (n) (1) (abbr) (See ワンチャンス) one chance; only opportunity; (n) (2) (sl) maybe; perhaps; there is a chance that; (n) (3) (sl) one-night stand; : ワンちゃん(P); わんちゃん; ワンチャン ; (n) (chn) (See わんわん・1) doggie; pooch; bow-wow jagaimo ジャガイモ : じゃが芋(P); ジャガ芋(P) 【じゃがいも(じゃが芋)(P); ジャガいも(ジャガ芋)(P); ジャガイモ】 (n) (uk) (See ジャガタラ芋) potato (Solanum tuberosum) 👉Follow on Social Media /episode/index/show/japanstation/id/33664817

The Shimabara Rebellion, Yokai and More! (Charles Kowalski) | Japan Station 136 09/29/2024

The Etymology of TAMAGO and Other Egg Stuff (Japanese Plus Alpha 01) | Japan Station 135 09/21/2024

The Tale of Genji Explained (Dr. Lynne Miyake) | Japan Station 134 09/01/2024

10 Words Only in Japanese DEBUNKED?! | Japan Station 133 08/21/2024

10 Words Only in Japanese DEBUNKED?! | Japan Station 133 On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about 10 words that only exist in Japanese and how Japanese may not be as unique as you think it is. 👉Topics Discussed x x What komorebi means and what its parts mean What unkai means About kanji compounds in Japanese About the many meanings that can be found in a single kanji The different readings of kanji in Japanese What shinrinyoku means Whats tsundoku means What irusu means What konbi means What kogarashi means What betsubara means What kuchisamishii means What tatemae means What macchipompu means And more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi https://patreon.com/japankyo 👉Links, Videos, Etc. The Article referenced in this article: Here's the 11 words we discussed in this episode: 木洩れ日 : 木漏れ日; 木洩れ日; 木漏れ陽; 木洩れ陽【こもれび】 (n) sunlight filtering through trees 雲海【うんかい】 (n) sea of clouds 森林浴【しんりんよく】 (n) forest bathing; forest therapy; peaceful walk through the woods for health benefits 積読 : 積ん読(P); 積読; つん読【つんどく】 (n,vs) (1) buying books and not reading them; stockpiling books; tsundoku; (n) (2) books bought but not read 居留守【いるす】 (n) pretending to be out 甘美【かんび】 (adj-na,n) (1) sweet (taste); luscious; (adj-na,n) (2) sweet (melody, dream, etc.); delightful; pleasant; mellow; mellifluous 木枯らし : 木枯らし(P); 木枯し(P); 凩; 木枯【こがらし】 (n) cold wintry wind 別腹【べつばら】 (n) dessert stomach; having room for dessert despite being full 口寂しい : 口寂しい; 口淋しい【くちさびしい; くちざみしい; くちさみしい】 (adj-i) craving for food, a cigarette, etc.; longing to have something in one's mouth 建前 : 建前(P); 建て前(P); 立前; 立て前【たてまえ】 (n) (1) (See 本音) face; official stance; public position or attitude (as opposed to private thoughts); (n) (2) (建前, 建て前 only) ceremony for the erection of the framework of a house マッチポンプ : マッチポンプ; マッチ・ポンプ (n) (in ref. to lighting a match and then putting it out with a water pump) stirring up trouble in order to get credit for resolving it (wasei: match, wasei: pomp); profiting from solving problems created by oneself 👉Follow on Social Media /episode/index/show/japanstation/id/32667967

The Weak Yen & Rural Japan: Why They Matter | Japan Station 132 08/01/2024

Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture and Language

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