Krewe of Japan

The Krewe is kicking off a 2-part series on Japanese soccer! In Part 1, journalist Dan Orlowitz joins the Krewe to break down Japan’s domestic soccer scene — the J.League . From league structure and top teams to standout players making waves right now, this episode is your perfect deep dive into the beautiful game, Japan-style. Whether you're new to Japanese soccer or a longtime fan, you’ll come a...

Ever wondered what it’s like to study Japanese in Japan? This week, the Krewe sits down with Langston Hill — administrator at a Tokyo-based language school and Japanese language content creator — to dive into opportunities to learn in Japan via dedicated Japanese language schools . We explore the benefits of language schools, how they compare to traditional academic settings, and Langston’s journe...

The Krewe gets an exclusive inside look at Expo 2025 Osaka with Sachiko Yoshimura , the Director General of Public Relations & Promotion ! We dive into the massive planning behind the event, Japan’s rich history with World Expos, what to expect at the event, best times to travel, & of course... the story behind the viral mascot, Myaku-Myaku ! A must-listen for potential Expo-goers! ------ About th...

Season 6 kicks off with laughter, tradition, and international flair! The Krewe sits down with Katsura Sunshine , a Canadian-born rakugo performer bringing Japan’s 400-year-old comedic storytelling art to audiences around the world. In this episode, we explore what makes rakugo so unique, how Sunshine became one of the few non-Japanese rakugo-ka, and how this traditional form of entertainment is f...

LET THEM COOK! Over the last 5 months, the Krewe has been hard at work cooking up a massive Season 6 line-up. While the main course will begin being served on May 16, how about an appetizer? Just like the carb-loaded instant yakisoba, this preview is CHOU CHOU CHOU Gigamax packed with sneak peeks at what's to come in Season 6. Some snippets include: - Laughing & learning about the world of Rakugo...

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 Lafcadio Hearn - New Orleans & Japan". But why Hearn? What went into the float design? What other ways has Hearn left a lasting impact on both New Orleans & Japan? Find out today with a super-sized special Mardi Gras bonus episode, feat...

This season was a long one! The Krewe re-groups to reflect on Season 5 as a whole, and everything that went into it...  with a SPECIAL GUEST ! Join us for one last audio journey in Season 5 as we discuss all the milestones, top moments, challenges, & fun anecdotes, in addition to a look ahead to Season 6 & listener feedback! Let's GO! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a w...

How many original castles does Japan ACTUALLY have standing? Where is Japan's oldest castle located? When counting castles in Japan, do castle ruins factor in? The Krewe is joined by William de Lange , the author of An Encyclopedia of Japanese Castles & many other Japan-related publications, to get the answer to these questions and so many more! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Pod...

This one goes out to all the ladies out there... well, and the fellas too if you're interested! The Krewe sits down with avid shojo enthusiast Taryn of Manga Lela Instagram/TikTok fame to talk all things shojo. Together they explore the variety of shojo genres, some challenges faced in the shojo industry, & what makes shojo different from those rambunctious shonen titles! Don't miss out! ------ Ab...

Historians Nathan Ledbetter & Dr. Samantha Perez rejoin the Krewe to continue our conversation on foreign-born samurai, this time highlighting the life of William Adams ! In this episode, we explore his relationships with both Japanese & non-Japanese while in Japan, the similarities between William Adams's story & House of the Dragon (what?!), how he was a big inspiration for James Clavell's class...

Joined by guest host Dr. Samantha Perez , the Krewe sits down with Princeton's Nathan Ledbetter to unpack how the term "samurai" evolved over the centuries and dig into foreign-born samurai, specifically Yasuke . Uncover everything they you need to know about the African samurai right here in this episode... AND SO MUCH MORE! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly epi...

What's your Japan version of "Ain't Dere No More"? Between changes within the megalopolis of Tokyo to the struggles of keeping countryside communities alive & thriving, Azby Brown returns to the podcast to discuss urban migration, depopulation, revitalization projects, centuries-old feuds raging on today... AND SO MUCH MORE! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly epis...

Joined by friend of the podcast and travel expert Rob Dyer of The Real Japan, the Krewe explores Hyogo Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Rob reveals his insight into place he calls his second home, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Hell yes to zip lining into Godzilla's mouth! Don't miss out on this fun travel episode! ------ About th...

Grab your bachi and join the Krewe as they sit down with Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三) , world champion taiko drummer, to explore the sounds of taiko, his personal experiences and approaches to taiko, & his current adventure across the United States performing 1,000 times in all 50 states. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Societ...

The Krewe is joined by journalist & author of Tokyo Vice, Jake Adelstein , to dive into the yakuza. How did these organizations gain prominence in Japanese society, and how have the police & government responded over time to their presence? What behind-the-scenes decisions went into the TV adaptation of Jake's thrilling memoir? Find out all this and more in today's episode! ------ About the Krewe...

Prepare for lift off as the Krewe sits down with returning guest Dr. Kate Kitagawa of JAXA to look deep into the past, present, and future of Japan's space program! From pencil rockets & SLIM landers to international collaborative efforts, discover Japan's role in exploring the far reaches of outer space. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsor...

The Krewe is joined by Patrick St. Michel , Japan-based writer for the Japan Times and author of Make Believe Melodies blog. Patrick shares his passion and expertise on all things J-Pop, what's popular now, where to find it, and so much more!  Are you a life-long fan of Japanese pop music? Or maybe you are looking for ways to discover more about J-Pop after hearing Yoasobi's latest hit? This episo...

The MEXT Scholarship deadline is quickly approaching (May 24, 2024 for the Nashville Consulate). But what is a MEXT Scholarship Program? The Krewe is digging into this today. We sit down with returning guest Tye Ebel , JET/MEXT Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, & a current MEXT research scholar, William Archambeault . Through both conversations, they share some excellent...

Japanese language programs in a non-university setting are a rarity in Louisiana, but fortunately for some students in the Greater New Orleans area, one school has them covered! The Krewe sits down with Dr. Tara Sanchez to discuss how she established a Japanese language program at Chalmette High School and how that program is providing opportunities not only for language learning but cultural exch...

Kyoto-based geisha culture guru Peter Macintosh joins the Krewe to take a look at geisha culture, reality vs. perception, how societal changes impact the geisha scene today & much more. If you are a fan of traditional Japanese culture, this episode is for you!   ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans . Che...

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Japanese home? Is it the scent of tatami mats? Shoji-style sliding doors? What are other major components and influences that go into making the Japanese home, be it traditional or modern, as well as Japanese Architecture as a whole? With special guest Azby Brown , the Krewe is going to dig into that today! ------ About the Krewe ------...

Joined by travel expert, owner of Lifebridge Inc., & popular YouTuber Ryotaro Sakurai and fellow New Orleanian William Woods , the Krewe explores Miyagi Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Ryotaro & Will share their insight into place that are must see, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Don't miss out on this fun travel episode! ------...

Ever wanted to learn Japanese and just not know where to start? The Krewe sits down with Walden Perry , a Louisiana native who prior to 2020 had zero Japanese language experience. What started as a personal challenge during the pandemic became a multi-year self-study language learning adventure. And as with all adventures, there are ups and downs. Tune in here for some tips and suggestions on how...

On March 1st, the world lost a pop culture legend, Akira Toriyama. In today's episode, friend-of-the-podcast Matt Alt re-joins the Krewe to look a back at the legacy that Toriyama left behind and his impact on pop culture in Japan and around the world. You won't want to miss this one! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Socie...

13 years have passed since the catastrophic events of March 11th's Great East Japan earthquake & tsunami, along with the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Plant. Fukushima, as a prefectural community, has demonstrated incredible resiliency in its recovery efforts, but unfortunately there still is a residual stigma attached to the prefecture.  One way that Fukushima has been combating that...