Krewe of Japan

Season 7 is here! The Krewe kicks off the new season with language learner & content creator Kyle Metcalf , known for his viral street interviews in Japan where he practices his Japanese through conversation... until he's fluent in Japanese! Kyle joins us to share his Japanese language journey, how real conversations helped him build confidence & move towards fluency goals, practical advice for ov...

SURPRISE! Season 7 is almost here! The Krewe has been grinding away, putting together a jam-packed line-up of spectacular guests & intriguing episode topics. This preview is packed with sneak peeks at what's to come in Season 7. Some snippets include: - Interviewing Kyle Metcalf in English about interviewing people in Japan until he's fluent in Japanese - Discovering the roles of Japan Societies b...

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Dan Orlowitz re-joins the Krewe to preview Japan's tournament outlook. We break down Samurai Blue's final roster, key players to watch, group-stage matchups, and what a successful World Cup would look like for Japan. Plus, Dan shares his predictions for the tournament's biggest surprises, disappointments, and who he thinks will be lifting the tr...

Almost exactly one year after Season 6's Expo 2025 deep dive with Sachiko Yoshimura, the Krewe closes the loop with two people who were actually there. Lea Disimone & Bridget McCarthy served as Youth Ambassadors at the US Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka, and they share what the program was really like from the inside, from a day in the life to the lasting impact it left on them. Two New Orleans co...

With NASA's Artemis II mission sending humans around the Moon for the first time since the 70s, we're bringing back one of our favorite episodes from 2024. The Krewe sat down with Dr. Kate Kitagawa of JAXA for a fascinating look at Japan's role in the global space race: from SLIM's pinpoint lunar landing to Japan's partnership in the Artemis program and beyond. If the Moon is on your mind right no...

Pokemon Day 2026 is here! Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokemon with the Krewe by reliving the 25th anniversary of Pokemon! lol Digging deep in the vault to pull out a special Pokemon Day throwback to Season 1, Episode 3 of the podcast... where we have the WHOLE OG Krewe freshly hatched out of our podcast Pokemon egg!  ++++++ In this episode, the Krewe gathers to discuss the iconic Japanese me...

The Krewe wraps up Season 6 with an episode looking back at the highs, the lows, & what's to come! Join Doug & Jenn for listener feedback and behind-the-scenes stories as they put a bow on the 6th chapter of KOJ Podcast! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans . Check them out every Friday afternoon around...

In the spirit of Carnival season, here's a special bonus rebroadcast of our Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special released in January 2025 about a unique connection between New Orleans, Japan & Mardi Gras that took place in 2024!  ++++++ 2024 was a special year for Carnival and the Japan-New Orleans connection! Lafcadio Hearn's life & works inspired the theme for Rex Parade 2024: "The Two Worlds of Lafca...

From Astro Boy to Gundam to real-world robots like ASIMO and Pepper, Japan’s fascination with robots runs deep. This week, the Krewe is joined by author, cultural commentator, & robot enthusiast Matt Alt to explore how robots became heroes instead of threats in Japanese pop culture and how those sci-fi dreams quietly shaped Japan’s modern relationship with technology, AI, and everyday automation....

Before fully diving into 2026, the Krewe takes a minute (or 64) to reflect on Japan in 2025, recapping & remembering the good, the bad & the wacky. From the top news stories of 2025 to the year's biggest pop culture stand outs, this episode covers it all! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans . Check them...

The Krewe sits down with Amy Hever , Executive Director of the MLB Players Trust , and Chris Capuano , former MLB pitcher & Chair of the Players Trust Board, to explore how MLB players give back through community-driven initiatives. Discover the mission of the MLB Players Trust, player-led philanthropy, & how baseball continues to bridge cultures between Japan & the United States through youth pro...

Japan is often described as having “spirituality without religion”, but what does that actually mean? In this episode, author Hiroko Yoda joins the Krewe to break down how spirituality quietly shapes everyday life in Japan, from nature and kami to shrines, folklore, and even anime. With personal stories and insights from her new book, Eight Million Ways to Happiness , this conversation offers a fr...

The Krewe is joined by Atsuko Mori of Camellia Tea Ceremony in Kyoto for a deep dive into the Japanese tea ceremony. Together, they explore the experience itself, the tools and etiquette involved, what guests can expect, and why preserving this centuries-old tradition still matters today. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan S...

The Krewe sits down with Chris Madere (Baird Brewing) & Chris Poel (Shiokaze BrewLab) to explore Japan’s growing craft beer scene. They discuss how Japan’s drinking culture evolved beyond the big-name breweries, what daily life is like behind the brewhouse doors, the challenges small and foreign brewers face, and the innovations shaping the future of Japanese craft beer. A fun, informative look at...

This week, the Krewe is joined by Loretta Scott (aka KemushiChan on YouTube Channel) for a personal, insightful, and often funny look at what it’s like raising kids in Japan as an American parent. We dig into birth experiences, cultural differences from the U.S., unexpected parenting moments, and tips for families living in or visiting Japan. Curious about family life abroad or considering a trip...

Japan’s political scene is changing—from new parties rising in visibility to historic moments in national leadership—so the Krewe is bringing you a timely crash course. Political analyst Tobias Harris (Founder & Principal of Japan Foresight) joins the pod to break down the foundations of Japan’s government system, how it compares to the U.S., and why voters view politics the way they do. We explor...

Step into the world of tokusatsu with Ultraman Max director Takeshi Yagi ! The Krewe chats with Yagi-san about the artistry, imagination, and behind-the-scenes magic that bring Ultraman and Japan’s iconic heroes & monsters to life. Discover how tokusatsu continues to inspire fans around the world. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by th...

In this week's episode, joined by 2024 New Orleans-Matsue Sister City Exchange Program participants Katherine Heller & Wade Trosclair , the Krewe looks back & celebrates 30 years of friendship between Matsue, Japan & New Orleans, Louisiana... a sister city relationship built on cultural exchange, mutual curiosity, &shared spirit. Together, they reflect on their time in Matsue during the exchange p...

The Krewe sits down with Haruka Kikuchi , a Japanese jazz trombonist making waves in New Orleans . From discovering jazz in Japan to second-lining through the Crescent City, Haruka shares her story of finding home through music — and how jazz bridges cultures across oceans.   ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New...

DIY Enthusiast & the man behind "Anton in Japan" YouTube Channel, Anton Wörmann joins the Krewe to talk about akiya , Japan's abandoned home phenomenon, and how he’s transforming them into stunning spaces. We dig into what it’s like to buy, clear out, & renovate an akiya and how Anton’s journey from fashion to DIY restoration is reshaping what “home” means in Japan. ------ About the Krewe ------ T...

A quick update from the Krewe on a short release break & things to come! Big things poppin' with the Krewe!! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans . Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your exp...

Jenn and Doug dive into how social media shapes global perceptions of Japan—both the good and the misleading. From viral content to common myths, they explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and why it matters. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans . Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST...

Think you know Japanese alcohol? Think again. In this episode, the Krewe dives into shochu — Japan’s most beloved distilled spirit that somehow still flies under the radar outside the country. We sit down with Christopher Pellegrini, founder of Honkaku Spirits and one of the world’s leading voices on shochu, to break it all down. Whether you're new to shochu or looking to deepen your understanding...

Thinking of going vegan in Japan? This week, the Krewe chats with Leonore of itadakihealthy about navigating the unique challenges of being vegan in Japan. From hidden ingredients and dining tips to nutrition and travel advice, Leonore shares practical insights for plant-based living in & traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly...

In Part 2 of our Japanese soccer series, journalist Dan Orlowitz returns to help us explore how Japan’s soccer scene is making waves across the globe! We dive into Samurai Blue’s international success, Japanese players shining abroad, and the flow of global talent into the J.League. Plus — how can fans outside Japan actually watch the matches? We’ve got that covered, too. If you’ve ever cheered fo...