Japan Station: A Podcast About Japan by JapanKyo.com

42 minutes 8 seconds
The Virgin Mary inspired him to make a film in Japan
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 Cuauhtemoc Velazquez to make Apparition
- Japan's loose but respectful relationship with religion
- About making a short film in Japan
- About renting a film set in Japan
- Whether Japan is a good place to shoot a film
- Whether filmmaking is affordable in Japan
- About finding a statue of the Virgin Mary in Japan and carrying it onto a Japanese subway
- Plans for a release of Apparition
- 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!
👉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.
Here is the trailer for Apparition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAKwDm3W7PE

Here is Cuauhtemoc's website: https://www.cuauhtemocvelazquez.com/
👉Follow on Social Media
21 May 2026, 10:15 am
19 minutes 27 seconds
Tokyo is FED UP with tourists dumping their trash
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 your suitcase when visiting Japan.
👉Topics Discussed
- Foreign tourists are dumping their suitcases illegally in the Ikebukuro area of Tokyo
- Japan's complicated trash system
- How Toshima Ward's oversized trash collection system wdoes not serve foreign tourists
- What you should do if you need to throw away your suitcase while in Japan
- Options for suitcase disposal in Japan
- How you can get hotels and/or stores to dispose suitcases for you
- 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!
👉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.
Here is the news report this episode was based on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP8DRGq6Qm0
👉Follow on Social Media
17 May 2026, 8:23 am
59 minutes 24 seconds
What's it like being a fake priest in Japan? | Japan Station 209/Ichimon Japan 04
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 different terminology for priests in Japanese (shinpu vs bokushi)
- The phenomenon of having foreigners dress as priests to officiate weddings in Japan
- How most "fake priests" in Japan tend to be white men
- The experiences of someone who worked as a fake priest in Japan
- How much money one might expect to get paid when working as a fake priest
- The job duties of a fake priest
- What is rewarding about working as a fake priest
- How it is common to see broccoli thrown instead of a bouquet of flowers at some weddings in Japan
- The craziest thing one fake priest ever saw happen while on the job
- A story involving someone's head catching on fire during a wedding
- Whether Japanese people also throw rice at weddings
- Whether Japanese rpiests might be resentful of foreign "fake priests" for monopolizing the wedding chapel side of the wedding market
- And more!
Listen to Ichimon Japan on
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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.
To read Daniel Legare's article in the December-January 2020 issue of Wasabi magazine, use the link below.
- That Time I Became a Fake Priest
If you would like to get in touch with Daniel Legare in order to have him write an article or do Japanese to English translation you, can contact him via the email address below.
- [email protected]
A few different Japanese-language terms got brought up in this episode, so here is list along with their possible translations.
- Nisebokushi (ニセ牧師): literally translates to "fake priest"
- Bokushi (牧師): pastor; minister; a Protestant priest
- Shimpu (神父): Catholic priest; abbe; reverend father
For even more Japan-related contact check out the Japan Station podcast. All the episodes can be found using the link below.
- Japan Station Podcast
Support
Get your Mecha Neko Sushi via the link below
- https://mechanekosushi.com/
Get 10% off when you purchase a Mobal Voice & Data SIM card by using my affiliate link below.
- https://mobal.com/tonyjapan
Support on Patreon.
- https://www.patreon.com/japankyo
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)
14 May 2026, 11:29 pm
40 minutes 32 seconds
Why fans of the supernatural should visit Iwate Prefecture | Japan Station 208
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 from Tokyo Station
- How long the bullet train to Iwate from Tokyo takes
- About traveling by train from Hanamaki to Tōno About Tōno City and its spooky/supernatural vibe
- About Tōno Monogatari (The Tale of Tōno)
- What to expect at the Tōno Folktale Museum
- What Goemon ramen is
- About Hanamaki City
- The Marukan Daishokudō (Marukan Grand Cafeteria)
- The famous Marukan soft serve ice cream
- An overview of the Miyazawa Kenji Dōwa Mura park (Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village)
- About yakiniku in Hanakami
- Why you NEED to try Iwate beef
- Whether reimen in Iwate is worth trying
- What makes reimen in Iwate different
- 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!
👉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.
Here is a picture of the infamously "long" Marukan soft-serve ice cream: https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1007880.html
👉Follow on Social Media
7 May 2026, 7:31 am
39 minutes 45 seconds
Why life in Iwate is DIFFERENT! | Japan Station 207
On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Iwate Prefecture! We're focusing on the geography, general stats, language and food.
👉Topics Discussed
- Where Iwate Prefecture is
- About Iwate Prefecture's large size and sparse population
- About the weather of Iwate Prefecture
- About the dialects of Iwate Prefecture
- About Fukuda Pan/Fukuda Bread, it's history and its many varieties
- About wanko soba
- About the supposed origins of wanko soba
- About Morioka's three famous noodles
- About jajamen
- About the other meaning of soba
- About Morioka reimen
- How reimen in Iwate is different
- The popularity of reimen
- About the origins of reimen in Iwate Prefecture
- 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!
👉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
1 May 2026, 9:26 am
47 minutes 42 seconds
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
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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
Full Show Notes
- https:///japankyo.com/ichimonjapan
23 April 2026, 12:27 am
55 minutes 21 seconds
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!
👉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
21 April 2026, 3:55 am
51 minutes 38 seconds
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!
👉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
15 April 2026, 2:09 pm
11 minutes 49 seconds
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!
👉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
7 April 2026, 9:10 am
1 hour 3 minutes
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!
👉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
1 April 2026, 3:43 am
59 minutes 41 seconds
Akihabara is DYING? How Ikebukuro Became Japan's New Otaku Capital | Japan Station 201
On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith to talk about the current status of Akihabara and the rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's newest capital of all things anime, manga and otaku culture.
👉Topics Discussed
- Whether Akihabara is dying
- The history of Akihabara
- How Akihabara has evolved in recent years
- What locals think of Akihabara today
- How Mercari has impacted Akihabara
- The price of anime figures/merch in Akihabara
- The decline of AKB48
- Why Akihabara has changed in recent years
- The rise of Ikebukuro as Japan's new otaku capital
- How the Toshima ward government is focusing on developing Ikebukuro as Japan's new anime/otaku capital
- Neagtive attitudes towards otaku culture in Akihabara
- How Akihabara paved the way for Ikebukuro's rise as an otaku center of Japan
- The future of Akihabara
- 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
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👉Links, Videos, Etc.
Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's books about Akihabara and otaku culture.
- The Ethics of Affect: Lines and Life in a Tokyo Neighborhood: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/50996/1/9789176351567.pdf
- Otaku and the Struggle for Imagination in Japan: https://www.amazon.com/Otaku-Struggle-Imagination-Patrick-Galbraith/dp/1478006293
Check out Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith's other appearances on Japan Station.
- Japan Station 30: Understanding "Otaku" and Akihabara w. Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith: https://japankyo.com/2020/01/japan-station-podcast-about-akihabara-history-otaku/
- AKB48 (Dr. Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 38: https://japankyo.com/2020/05/japan-station-podcast-history-japanese-aidoru-akb48/
- Obscenity, Censorship & Erotic Comics in Japan (Patrick W. Galbraith) | Japan Station 59: https://japankyo.com/2021/02/eromanga-erotic-comics-japan/
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21 March 2026, 5:10 am
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