Krewe of Japan

JET Program acceptance letters have gone out & short-listers are on the edge of their seats waiting to find out their placements. In this episode Nigel , Jennifer , & Doug talk about the months-long emotional roller coaster of preparing to relocate to a new country (for JET or any program).  Departing JETAA Mid-South President Megan DeVille stops by to talk about her pre-departure JET experiences,...

In this week's episode, the Krewe takes a trip down memory lane to reminisce about what many consider to be the “Golden Age” of Japanese animation, 1990-2010. Nigel , Jennifer , & Doug talk some prolific titles like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Naruto, & One Piece, while paying respects to some non-mainstream (but popular) shows. Packed to the brim with loves, hates, and hot takes, they take you on...

Enjoy studying Japanese and want to work in an industry where you can apply those skills? How do you even get into translation and localization? The Krewe has you covered. In this episode, Doug & Jenn chat with another Jenn: Jenn O’Donnell, a localization director in the game industry based out of Japan. Jenn shares her career path, some challenges she had to overcome, and how Twitter played an in...

In this episode, Doug & Jenn take you on an audio journey through Japan's four seasons. From the top cultural events and natural phenomena that you have to see to believe, to the ideal weather and must try seasonal food and drinks, this episode if perfect for those reminiscing about their last trip and those planning their future one. Share with us your favorite time to visit Japan via email or so...

In this week's shorter episode,  a new contestant steps up to the Krewe's rapid fire question challenge, Bradley Trenery (guests from our "Teaching English in Japan: Eikaiwa & Private ALT" episode). Can he top the RFQ leaderboard? Tune in to find out! The second half of this episode continues our preview of a future episode focusing on the New Orleans/Japan music connections. In that preview, we p...

In this bonus episode, MattvsJapan (featured on our learning Japanese through Immersion episode) steps up to bat in our rapid fire questions challenge. This episode also contains a preview of a forthcoming episode and series dedicated to exploring the connections between New Orleans. In the preview, Doug & Nigel sit down with local music journalist William Archambeault, and they begin to dive into...

IRASSHAIMASE! Grab a milk tea and tuna-mayo onigiri and join Doug & Jennifer as they completely torture themselves talking about all the goodies you can get at Japanese convenience stores!  Discover the role convenience stores play in daily life, konbini "must buys", phrases to help survive checking out, and most importantly, the best konbini chain to rule them all. If you weren't craving a melon...

In this rapid fire questions challenge, best selling author and Japanese historian Tomoko Kitagawa competes for the top spot on the rapid fire leaderboard! Be sure to check out Tomoko's full episode "The Age of Lady Samurai" and her latest feature in the Netflix hit "Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan". Tomoko's website: https://www.tomokokitagawa.com/world.html Japan Society of New Orleans: http://...

In this episode, Doug & Jennifer unsheathe their verbal katanas as they talk about Netflix’s hit documentary Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan . Notably, the documentary introduced a cast of overlooked historical figures who played a prominent role in the Sengoku Period, the Lady Samurai. Tomoko Kitagawa , a Japanese historian and narrator featured in Age of Samurai , joins the Krewe to highlight t...

In this episode, the Krewe is neck deep in travel nostalgia! Doug, Jenn & Nigel talk about places that should be on every traveler's list. Later in the episode, Doug and Jenn sit down with Kay Allen, Deputy Manager for the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Los Angeles Office. Kay provides fantastic insight into traveling Japan, some of her favorite destinations, and how the Olympics and C...

In this episode, the Krewe sits down for a discussion on Japanese language study, goal-setting and fluency. They are joined by MattVsJapan, a popular language study YouTuber who developed his own language learning methodology called Refold. Together, Matt and the Krewe discuss the concept of “fluency”, experiences in language learning, and overcoming obstacles that can typically impede progress. C...

In this episode, Nigel and special JSNO guest host Matthew Smith (Professor of English at Tulane University) explore the life and legacy of Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo. Hearn's interest in the occult took him all over the world, including the cities of New Orleans and Matsue. Later in the episode, Doug joins Nigel and Matt to interview Hearn's great-grandson Bon Koizumi and his wi...

Welcome to our new Rapid Fire Questions Challenge! In this mini-series, we sit down with the guests from our full length episodes, and challenge them to answer as many random rapid fire questions as they can in 2 minutes. Be sure to check out multi US National Sumo Champion and director of USA Sumo, Andrew Freund's full interview on our "Talking Sumo" episode! Want your question featured in a rapi...

In this episode, Doug and Nigel sit down with multi US National Sumo champion and director of USA Sumo, Andrew Freund. In the interview, the Krewe and Andrew discuss the lifestyle and difference between amateur and pro sumo wrestlers, the origins of the US Sumo Open, Andrew's toughest competitors, and so much more! This is a supersized episode you don't want to miss!   For more on USA Sumo visit t...

In this episode of Krewe of Japan, Doug and Jenn discuss teaching English in Japan through JET and non-JET opportunities. The episode transitions to an interview with Doug and two former JET participants, John Loynes (an Eikaiwa entrepreneur) and Bradley Trenery (a private school English instructor in Japan).  Interested in pursing teaching English as a way to go to Japan, this episode is for you....

On March 11, 2011, at 2:46 p.m., the largest earthquake ever recorded in Japan struck, soon triggering deadly tsunami and meltdown of a nuclear power plant in Fukushima. The event led to around $360 billion in damage, and even worse, the tragic loss of 15,899 lives. In this episode, the Krewe mark the 10 year anniversary since the devastating events which have come to be known as 3/11. Doug and Je...

In this first part of a trilogy of episodes, the krewe dives into their picks for some of the most notable anime from the nostalgic era of anime (1960s - 1989). From anime you've probably never heard of, obscure trivia, and giants of the anime scene, this is an adventure you don't want to miss. Be on the lookout for part 2 in the near future!

In this episode, Doug and Jennifer dive into one of the largest barriers of diving deeper into Japan and its culture: the Japanese language. They discuss the basics of how the language works, how they began learning Japanese, and  useful tools to aid you on your Japanese language journey.  Halfway through the episode, Doug and Jennifer are joined by Saeko Yatsuka-Jensen, a Japanese professor at Tu...

In this episode, the Krewe gathers to discuss the iconic Japanese media franchise, Pokémon! Celebrating its 25th anniversary this February, Pokémon is the highest grossing media franchise in the world! From its anime and games, to trading cards and mobile apps, Pokémon truly unites people from across the world. Tune in to this episode to hear the krewe discuss the history, major moments, and each...

In this episode, Doug and Maddy sit down with Dr. Samantha Perez, to discuss the sister city relationship between Matsue, Japan and New Orleans, Louisiana. From notable figures and history, to unmissable sights and Matsue's Mardi Gras celebration, this is a laid back and informative conversation that you don't want to miss!   For more about the Japan Society and the Tomodachi Exchange Program visi...

This bonus episode is the unabridged interview with Matt Alt for the episode entitled "Why Japan?". In this virtual interview, Doug, Matt, and Nigel discuss in more detail Japan's pop culture rise and transformation, the video game revolution, anime & more. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media! Special thanks to Matt Alt! https://www.mattalt.com/ Buy Matt's...

In this first episode of the Krewe of Japan Podcast, we introduce you to our hosts. In addition, special guest, Matt Alt, takes us on a deep dive into how Japan's culture and products became so influential in the United States.   Check out Matt's website : https://www.mattalt.com/  Check out Matt's book : https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Invention-Japans-Culture-Conquered/dp/1984826697/ref=sr_1_1?dchil...

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