The Metro-classic Japanese is your perfect guide to learning about Japanese culture. Kyota Ko, the writer of the blog "The Metro-classic Japanese" explains Japan and Japanese culture from perspectives of history, geography, food, art, business, politics, philosophy and entertainment, always with a dab of humor. | Blog: https://www.metro-classic-japanese.net | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metroclassicjapanese/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themetroclassic/
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Being Modern, Being Human is a podcast about the world we live in and its transformations: from the eternal questions of human existence and current social challenges to artificial intelligence and the mysteries of nature. Writer and journalist Inna Logunova explores the spirit of our times together with inspiring minds and deep thinkers: philosophers, sociologists, journalists, artists, writers, scientists, and many others.
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#28 How to resist racism in the digital age?
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How do the mechanisms of racial inequality adapt and persist in social media and other aspects of virtual communication? What are the ways to resist racism online? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rob Eschmann—a writer, educator, filmmaker, and scholar from the University of Chicago, whose research centers around racism and inequality online. We …
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#27 How to understand people from different cultures?
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Born in Saudi Arabia, Mashael Alanizi has been living in the UK for many years. Coming from a family of doctors and has medical training herself. Together with her sister, she runs Wisal, a London-based company that focuses on creating cultural awareness in healthcare, helping patients from the East and doctors from the West connect better and mutu…
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#26 Why do we need sustainable fashion? Its potential, challenges and the future
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How can fashion become more sustainable? What obstacles do independent designers wishing to adopt sustainability face? Can big brands truly embrace sustainability? In this episode, we explore the intersection of style, society, and the environment with Liberty Imhoff, the founder of Manic Metallic, a fashion media company built around the ethos of …
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#25 Dating, friendship, and the meaning of life in the age of social media and AI
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This episode started with a conversation about modern dating and romantic relationships but organically turned to broader issues of contemporary society, such as inequality and the growing role of artificial intelligence. This is the second episode with award-winning author Gerald Everett Jones, from what turned out to be a mini-series of “Talks wi…
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#24 Modern parenting: Worldschooling, partnership and questioning societal norms
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Anarchy as a family lifestyle? In this episode, Lainie Liberti–a best-selling author, international speaker, and advocate for alternative education–shares her personal journey of schooling her son and mentoring other children outside the conventional educational framework. We explore the concepts of 'unschooling' and 'worldschooling' and discuss ho…
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#23 The journey to stardom: Exploring showbiz, Hollywood, and the art of storytelling
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In this episode, we step behind the scenes of showbiz and the entertainment industry. What sacrifices one has to make on their journey to fame? How does Hollywood operate? Where is the line between the constructed public image and the real person? We explore these questions and more with award-winning author Gerald Everett Jones whose recent novel,…
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#22 Judaica art: Connecting the past and the present
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How is the diversity of Jewish communities around the world reflected in Judaica art? How have contemporary artists adapted traditional forms? In this episode, we delve into the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Jewish art. Harrison Schley, a member of the International Society of Appraisers and a specialist in fine and decorativ…
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#21 Time travel to Edo-period Japan with Harrison Schley
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When we think of pre-20th century Japan, the tea ceremony, Japanese porcelain, and woodblock prints come to mind. The Edo period, spanning from 1615 to 1868, left a rich artistic legacy that is popular among collectors and recognizable even by non-experts. In this episode of "Being Modern, Being Human," we explore one of the most fascinating epochs…
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#20 What do the Kyrgyz epic and the Scripture have in common?
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The twists and turns of history leave behind many unexplained puzzles, such as the similarities between the Scripture and the Kyrgyz legendary epic, Manas. Richard Hewitt spent twenty years in Kyrgyzstan, living with a rural Kyrgyz family in the Tian Shan Mountains. He was given the Kyrgyz name Risbek during his time there. In this episode, we disc…
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#19 Posture as a life-changer: exploring the mind-body connection
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How do posture and body language impact our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being? In what way are technology and modern lifestyle affecting our anatomy and physiology? Most importantly, how to notice negative transformations and take action to improve your physical and mental health? We will delve into the history and science behind posture …
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#18 The art of science and the science of art
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How different are art and science from each other? What kind of mindset defines artists and scientists? What mental process is behind creative insights? In this episode, we discuss these questions with Arseniy Seroka, a founder of a successful software development company, Serokell, and an aspiring filmmaker with two short films in his portfolio. S…
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#17 Exploring the inner workings of creativity
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Creativity is the new gold of the 21st century. I invite you to get inspired, dive into the world of innovation and creativity, and take a closer look at their subtle interplay. In this episode, we speak with motion designer Leeanne Brennan, who specializes in creating illustration, animation and video for the innovation industry. She is also the h…
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#16 Immigrant Story: What does it take to be a journalist in New York City?
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Russian journalist Anastasia Chernikova moved to New York City six years ago, driven by the desire for a life and career change. Since then, she has established her own media platform Vivid Minds and become a successful and frequent contributor to quality US publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Fast Company, and others. In this episode, we d…
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#15 How to understand contemporary academic music?
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How can silence turn into music? What is the composer’s mindset, and how do you become one? How are our listening patterns changing today, and is the decrease in attention span that bad? In this episode, I’m sitting down with composer Jordan Nelson to speak about the mystery and routine of creating music. To learn more about Jordan Nelson and explo…
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#14 Positive and toxic masculinity, patriarchy and feminism from a transgender man’s perspective
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Mac Scotty McGregor is a transgender man, author and founder of the nonprofit Positive Masculinity, which helps men understand and cope with the societal pressures they face. We talk about his experiences with both genders, toxic stereotypes that prevent us from being ourselves, and ways to break down patriarchal behavioral patterns. To learn more …
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#13 Delving into NFT, digital identities and sociology of the future
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How is our digital identity different from our real-world identity? What does the newly emerged discipline of digital sociology explore? Should creatives jump on the NFT bandwagon - and if so, how? How is the Metaverse likely to change our daily lives? In a new episode, we discuss these issues with Ernestina Zhu, an artist and Ph.D. researcher in N…
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#12 Diversity, equity and inclusion in the age of AI and the new workforce
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What are the challenges of artificial intelligence for diversity and inclusion in organizations? How to understand that your organization is truly diverse and not just perceived as such? What methods can you use to evaluate the effectiveness of DEI practices? In this episode, we discuss these questions with Joe Santana, a published author and found…
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#11 How can art and beauty save the planet?
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Roberto Dutesco is an acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and environmentalist. He has worked in the fashion industry and traveled extensively around the globe, capturing the beauty of nature and people. His influential project at the intersection of art and ecology, The Wild Horses of Sable Island, has been running for nearly thirty years. By photo…
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#10 Symbolic magic in art and life: where archetypes meet modernity
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What is participatory art making? What place do rituals and symbolic magic have in modern life? In this episode, we talk with multidisciplinary artist Sarah Dixon about her exciting journey working in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Hindu Kush, studying art forms from Orthodox icon painting to corporate design, exploring feminism through intuitive pa…
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#9 Finding your solution to the world’s problems: how to start an NGO
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Joe Gonzalez is the founder of The Project Solution, a nonprofit organization that funds small infrastructure projects in countries around the world. Its focus is on water, sanitation, health and education. Since its inception in 2009, The Project Solution has funded nearly 50 projects in 12 countries and helped approximately 30,000 people worldwid…
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#8 What is a learning disability and how to live with it?
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Michelle Steiner has a learning disability that involves difficulties in math, visual perception, manual dexterity, and executive functioning. In this episode, we talk about the challenges of having a learning disability, how to overcome them, and how we can help people with learning disabilities better integrate into society. To learn more about M…
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#7 Behind the scenes of modern archaeology
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How do modern archaeologists work? What is community-based archaeology, and how does it relate to the postcolonial paradigm? What approaches do museums adopt to engage with their audiences today? We talk about these issues with Dr. Michele Koons, curator of archaeology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, lecturer on "Museums in the 21st Centu…
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#6 Do we need literature in the 21st century?
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In the fast-paced age of social media, breaking news, and instant messages, many find it challenging to consume "high literature." English professor Jason Gulya believes that pop culture is also a form of literature. In his classes, he uses films and video games to explain literary concepts. In this episode, we are talking about the transformations…
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#5 Humanity on the move: migration, digital nomadism and cultural identities
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How does migration shape humanity? What is the impact of the increase or decrease in mobility for work? In what ways does migration influence the perception of cultural identities? We discuss these questions with Neha Chatwani, an independent researcher in organizational psychology and integration ambassador for youth with migrant backgrounds in Au…
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#4 What is humankind looking for in space?
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Why do we need space exploration? What does it take to be a space explorer? When will we see affordable commercial space flights? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Haider I Mohsin, a senior scientist at NASA. He works on the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon in preparation for missions to Mars. Official web…
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#3 How can religions address the environmental crisis?
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What can the world's religions do to address pressing ecological issues? What steps are they already taking? How is environmental discourse being integrated into the religious narrative? We discuss these questions with Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, founders of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology and researchers at Yale's School of the Enviro…
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#2 The true story behind coffee and social responsibility
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How are our coffees related to climate change, civil wars, and migration? In this episode, we talk with James Harper – the author of Filter Stories, a critically acclaimed documentary that helps coffee drinkers understand how their morning cup of coffee impacts tens of millions of people around the world. To learn more about one of the world's most…
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#1 What are the ethical and legal challenges of artificial intelligence?
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What is artificial intelligence? What should we be wary of as we develop and adopt this technology? In the first episode of Being Modern, Being Human, we discuss the current state of AI and the changes it is bringing to our society with Maura Declercq-Mindrila – a Belgian mergers and acquisitions lawyer turned entrepreneur and CEO of the deep tech …
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Ghibli’s Spirited Away: Cultural walkthrough Part III
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In this third part of this Spirited Away cultural walkthrough series, show host Kyota clarifies the mystery of Chihiro's sudden maturing and the trick Miyazaki plays in the scene where Chihiro signs an employment contract. Support the showBy Kyota Ko
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Ghibli’s Spirited Away: Cultural walkthrough Part II
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In this second part of the Spirited Away cultural walkthrough series, show host Kyota clarifies who all the absurd-looking monsters are and the peculiar nature of the world Chihiro wanders into. Support the showBy Kyota Ko
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Ghibli’s Spirited Away: Cultural walkthrough Part I
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Ghibli's Spirited Away is undoubtedly one of the best films of all time, but fully "getting" what goes on in the movie may be difficult without some knowledge of Japanese culture. In this podcast series, Japanese culture researcher/enthusiast/The Metro-classic Japanese show host Kyota Ko will share with you insights that will help you to enjoy the …
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Heroes or hypocrites? Buddhist soldier monks of middle-age Japan
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Buddhist monks are not supposed to harm anyone, but "soldier monks" were a long-lasting profession in middle age Japan - why did these people arm themselves and why were they even allowed to exist? Podcast host Kyota Ko explains the historical controversy in this insightful and hilarious podcast episode. Support the show…
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Samurai were the fathers of Japanese goldfish
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Samurai were not only busy swinging around swords and spears taking people's lives. They also gave life. To goldfish. Goldfish were mass-produced and became a popular pet among Japanese people in the 18th-19th century, thanks to a creative samurai. Show host Kyota Ko narrates how the beautiful Japanese breeds of goldfish came to be, tracing back th…
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Many Japanese people didn't even have last names until around 150 years ago. In this short episode, show host Kyota Ko explains the background and potentially embarrassing secrets behind Japanese names. Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese culture. Support the show…
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Japanese proverb: Turning to God in times of trouble
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Japanese people are terrible at being religious. Shintoism allows Japanese people to be religious whenever and only when they need supernatural help. In this episode, show host Kyota Ko explains the meaning and cultural background behind the proverb 困った時の神頼み "Turning to God in times of trouble". Great listen for students looking for an interesting …
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Japanese proverb: "Waterfall climbs of feeble Koi"
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The Japanese language, like any other language, has a rich inventory of witty and useful proverbs. In this short episode, show host Kyota Ko explains the meaning and cultural background behind the proverb 及ばぬ鯉の滝登り "Waterfall climbs of feeble Koi". Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese culture. Supp…
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Japanese proverb: "No entry into a tiger's den brings about no capture of its cub"
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The Japanese language, like any other language, has a rich inventory of witty and useful proverbs. In this short episode, show host Kyota Ko explains the meaning and cultural background behind the proverb 虎穴に入らずんば孤児を得ず "No entry into a tiger's den brings about no capture of its cub." Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more …
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Japanese proverb: ”The minds of women and the autumn sky”
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The Japanese language, like any other language, has a rich inventory of witty and useful proverbs. In this short episode, show host Kyota Ko explains the meaning and cultural background behind the Japanese proverb 女心と秋の空 "The minds of women and the autumn sky." Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese…
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The Japanese train experience of today and yesteryear
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12:36
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Trains are not just a transportation means or infrastructure in Japan, but a cultural experience. If your next trip is to a Japanese city such as Tokyo or Osaka, prep for it with this podcast to enrich your Japanese train experience. Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese culture. Support the show…
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Nihonbashi is a must-go location for second-timers to Tokyo looking to experience a modern yet cultural Japan. As a Tokyo local, show host Kyota Ko introduces his reasons for having made Nihonbashi one of his favorite weekend hangout place. Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese culture. Support the…
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Is Japan a stressful place to live? Yes, until you figure it out.
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You hear it on the Internet. Japan is a paradise on Earth when you visit there as a tourist, but not so much when you try to live there. Many Japanese people will agree to that, as Japanese society can suffocate you with loads of rules and social guidelines. But that's not the whole story. Japan is in fact a paradise on Earth for those, Japanese or…
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Hilarious! Early modern Japanese porno-artistic paintings “Shunga”
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"Japanese culture, once upon a time, encouraged and celebrated sex openly. Now we do so secretly." Shungas are windows to the sexually liberal lives of 17th to 19th century Japanese people, and a vital hint to solving the mysterious gap between the clean, polite and disciplined image of Japan and the fact that the keywords "Japanese" and "Hentai" b…
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When & how did samurais disappear from Japan?
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Samurais used to rule Japan for over 9 centuries, but they are nowhere to be found anymore. Where did they go? Show host Kyota Ko explains how samurais disappeared from the face of Japan. Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese culture. Support the show…
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Japanese horror stories that will break your positive Halloween spirit
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13:59
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Japan has a treasury of horror stories that will traumatize you and ruin your day, whether it be old folklore or modern urban myths. Show host Kyota Ko brings you one of each, to contribute some scare to your Halloween experience. Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese culture. Support the show…
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Spilling the tea of Japanese tea ceremony
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22:53
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What's the point of Japanese tea ceremony? Show host Kyota Ko explains in layman terms its enlightening goal, its link with Zen, its intriguing gimmicks, and why you should make it your next new hobby. Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for more fun content on Japanese culture. Support the show…
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Tsunayoshi: 17th century Japanese ruler with the ethics of the future
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TOKUGAWA Tsunayoshi was an iconic ruler of Japan during the age of the samurais. Nicknamed Dog King, he is remembered as a maker of laws that beheaded people for killing or straying puppies, and was criticized for devaluing human lives. But recent studies have reevaluated Tsunayoshi's policies as perhaps a major contributor to developing Japanese p…
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How the world's most populated city, Tokyo, got itself to the top
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Metro-Tokyo houses the world's biggest population at 37 million people, having gone through rapid growth at an unprecedented pace since the 17th century. As strange as it sounds, the driver of its population growth was in "disastrous losses." Show host Kyota Ko explains the secrets behind Tokyo's immense success as a megacity. Check out The Metro-c…
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The unromantic AND romantic reasons Japanese men suck at saying “I love you”
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Japanese men are incapable of saying "I love you." There are a couple of cultural reasons behind it and they are both absurdly unromantic and romantic. The key lies in the Japanese language and Japanese history. Show host Kyota Ko gives an explanation to the indirectness of Japanese love. Check out The Metro-classic Japanese Blog and Instagram for …
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Japan used to be ruled by an incredible woman, HINO Tomiko
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Japan is still a male-dominant society - on the surface. Throughout its history, Japan has seen women pulling strings behind the scene and HINO Tomiko is an extreme but great example representing how women often outsmart men in Japan. Show host Kyota Ko narrates the incredible and incredulous life of HINO Tomiko, the woman who practically ruled Jap…
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Average stay: 12 years. Hidden secrets of employee retention & job security of Japanese businesses
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Job retention in Japan is second highest in the world - employees stay at an organization for an average of 12 years. Employees just almost never get fired or laid off. Show host Kyota Ko explains the 400-year old reason behind the peculiar business culture. More discussion on this topic in his blog The Metro-classic Japanese. https://www.metro-cla…
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