So Japanese ポッドキャスト

Send us a text  What does it mean to start over by leaving everything—and everyone—behind? In this episode, We revisit memories from Ryu's younger years to understand the world of Jouhatsu, people who disappear to reset their lives in silence. Discover the fascinating, often heartbreaking, reasons behind Japan's phenomenon of voluntary vanishing, and the lives that continue in secrecy. ...

Send us a text  November 7th marks Nabe no Hi, Japan’s official day to enjoy all things hotpot! In this episode, we dive into seven beloved Japanese hotpot styles—from the rich flavors of Sukiyaki to the hearty Chanko nabe favored by sumo wrestlers. Join us as we explore the warmth and tradition behind each dish, perfect for cozying up this season.   11月7日は「鍋の日」。日本の鍋料理を存分に楽しむ...

Send us a text  Ever wondered what a Halloween party thrown by Japanese spirits would look like? Tune in as we explore Hyakki Yagyou, the legendary night when all kinds of yokai come out to play! 日本の妖怪たちが開くハロウィンパーティーがどんなものなのか、想像したことはありますか？ さまざまな妖怪たちが繰り出すとっても不気味なの夜　”百鬼夜行”　について話していきます！是非最後までお楽しみ下さい!! Su...

Send us a text  When you’re in Japan, you might notice something that’s different from other places. Why is it so clean? You won’t find garbage bins anywhere in public, yet there’s no trash on the streets. Students are cleaning their own classrooms, floors, and hallways. Inside trains, everything shines. We’re going to talk casually about why people recognize Japan as such a clean country, and wha...

Send us a text  Get ready to feast on fall with this tasty episode! We’re diving into the top 10 seasonal ingredients that take center stage in Japan's autumn kitchens. From the sweet potato  that warm your soul to the mushrooms that make you feel like a gourmet, we'll explore the flavors that make this season the ultimate foodie heaven! このおいしいエピソードで秋のごちそうを楽しみましょ...

Send us a text You’ve heard of Zen, one of the most popular Buddhist practices and philosophical approaches to life Japan is famous for but, do have you heard of Zazen meditation? Ryu shares his recent experience at zen retreat workshop outside Toronto where he experienced the incredibly rigorous zazen or sitting meditation! 禅は日本で最も認知された仏教の実践であり、人生に対する哲学的なアプローチ...

Send us a text  Ryu had a few revelations on his recent trip to Japan: September is still peak Japanese summer (get that Pocari Sweat!); you need to always have fresh clean, changes of clothes; and sometimes the fastest way of travelling isn’t always the nicest! (Who needs a bullet train?)  We’re back together for this episode as Ryu shares some special travel tips.  リュウが最近の日本旅行で気づい...

Send us a text   It’s really that hot!? But the beautiful landscapes woven by the mountains and rivers of Gifu, along with the crystal-clear water sparkling in emerald green, healed both body and soul. Staying at the best Ryokan in Gero Onsen made for a wonderful experience, and this is Ryusuke calmly narrating it all in a solo episode!  そんなにあついの！？でも岐阜の美しい山と川が織りなす風景、そ...

Send us a text Ryusuke is flying back to Japan for a two week vacay to see family and friends, relax in onsen and of course EAT! Listen to find out what Ryu is planning to do and where he’s going to go on his trip! Also stay tuned to our socials for updates on the places he’s visiting and delicious foods he’ll be eating! Is there anywhere you want Ryu to check out/eat or do? Let us know! リュウス...

Send us a text Japan is constantly hit by jishin - “earthquakes”. Most Japanese grow up experiencing dozens of earthquakes throughout their life. Earthquakes are just simply a part of living in Japan. In this episode we talk about how often earthquakes occur, how they impact Japanese society and discuss some of the biggest most destructive earthquakes that have occurred in living memory. Could Jap...

Send us a text Japanese summers can be unbearably hot and humid. We’re sharing 10 phrases you can use to express how you’re suffering during the Japanese summer or even better, to express what you need to beat the heat! Plus bonus tips on travelling to Japan during the summer, additional vocab and hot weather related onomatopoeia. 日本の夏は耐えられないほど暑く、湿気が多いです!! 日本の夏にどれだけ...

Send us a text This ep we’re talking about Kaidan or “strange tales” aka Japanese ghost stories! Japan has a long lasting love for tales of the strange and supernatural. Kaidan can include folk tales and urban legends featuring everything from yokai to ghosts and demons. They have influenced everything from kabuki plays up to manga and film. But why are we talking about ghost stories 2 months befo...

Send us a text  Are Japanese trains really this punctual? They arrive and depart so accurately that it's almost unbelievable. We will delve into this question by comparing them to the current train situation in Canada, while also sharing two personal experiences!  本当にこんなにも時刻表が正確でいいのだろうか？と、思う程正確に発着する日本の電車。今のカナダの電車と比較しながら、二人の体験談も交...

Send us a text Doyou no Ushi no Hi is a day steeped in tradition and cultural significance in Japan. Join us as we explore why eel is the preferred dish on this day, the historical context behind the custom, and how it has become a beloved part of Japanese summer. We'll also share personal stories and experiences related to this unique celebration.   土用の丑の日は、日本において伝統と文化的な...

Send us a text The warmest months of the year call for some of Japan’s biggest matsuri or festivals from Kanda matsuri in Tokyo, to the famous Gion matsuri in Kyoto, not to mention all the hundreds of local obon festivals held all across the country in August. This episode we’re talking about the key components, events, traditions and of course street food ! - that make up the classic, Japanese su...

Send us a text Pride in Japan pt 2! In this half we lean into Trans visibility from a straight and a gay perspective. How are trans people perceived in Japan? What sort of challenges do they face? This episode we offer an overview of transgenderism in Japan and our understanding of trans experiences in Japan based on the insights and perspectives from friends and people we’ve met. ハッピープライド...

Send us a text Happy pride! To celebrate pride this year we’re talking about the history of pride in Japan. What kind of pride events go on across the country as well as the origins of Japan’s first Pride events. We also take a look at where Japan stands on LGBTQ+ rights and laws and the fight for marriage equality! Did you know Japan is the only G7 country without full marriage ? ハッピープライド...

Send us a text What are popular things to eat in during Japan’s sweltering, hot humid summers? From sweet refreshing Kakigori to cold noodles and grilled unagi, here’s our top 10 most popular summer foods in Japan! 日本のうだるような暑さ、湿気の多い夏に人気の食べ物は何でしょう？甘くてさっぱりしたかき氷から冷たい麺、焼きうなぎまで、日本で最も人気のある夏の食べ物トップ10を紹介していきます！是非最後...

Send us a text  We’re travelling back to the earliest period in Japanese history to learn about Japan’s oldest type of sake  (rice wine) : kuchikamisake - sacred rice wine brewed by chewing and spitting out rice!  (as seen in the famous anime film Your Name!) Learn just how important kuchikamisake was in ancient Japanese society and communal bonding. Plus! we talk about traditional home brewed sak...

Send us a text We’re talking about yuru kyara aka Japanese mascots! There’s a mascot for everything and anything in Japan and not just the kind you see at ballgames! We’re talking from prefectural governments to your local enema clinic. Learn why Japanese mascots are unique and so playfully… “loose”.    今回のエピソードは日本のマスコット、別名‘’ゆるキャラ‘’について話していきます!球技大会で見かける...

Send us a text We’re talking about the hottest show of this year! SHOGUN. We couldn’t wait any longer to talk about how much we enjoyed shogun so here’s our rough review/ramble of how we felt about the show and its production. One episode isn’t truly enough to cover all aspects of the show we loved so don’t worry, we’ll be covering more in-depth topics around the show in the future! 今年一番ホット...

Send us a text This episode we’re highlighting Ise Jingu, Japan’s MOST important shrine/holy site! Ise Jingu is considered the heart of Shinto and a focal point of Japanese culture. An immortal shrine that has been perpetually rebuilt for almost 2000 years! Learn about the unique history and architecture with us!  今回は、日本で最も重要な神社/聖地である伊勢神宮に焦点を当てます。伊勢神宮は神道の中...

Send us a text 10 ways you can break the ice when meeting new people , either for making new friends or asking out that cute coworker, this episode  is about casually getting to know someone and making simple plans to hang out or go on a date! 新しい友達を作るためにも、かわいい同僚をデートに誘う時でも、新しい人に会うときにもすぐに打ち解けあえる10 のフレーズ！このエピソードは、気軽に誰かと知り合い...

Send us a text This nanashi episode we’re talking about why neither of us have moved back to Japan. Why not live in Japan again? Why has Ryu decided to stay in Canada? So many people idolise living in Japan and although it is an amazing place to live for the food, culture and conbini alone, there is a dark side too.  We discuss the pros and cons and why some Japanese choose to live abroad. 今回の...

Send us a text It can be a little nerve racking trying to understand all the formal customer service speech Konbini staff will throw at you when you visit Japanese convenience stores. We’re here to give you some insight on the common questions/phrases you’ll hear when shopping at a Konbini so you can buy your Fami chicken without stress! 日本でコンビニ行ったとき、コンビニスタッフが喋る堅苦しい顧客...