Best Navigating Japanese Society Podcasts (2024)

1
Pies and Prejudice 29:53

9h ago29:53

29:53

Episode 157 Ah, Britain—a land of rolling hills, quaint tea shops, and, apparently, rioting racists who couldn’t run a mile even if you promised them a free sausage roll at the finish line. Yes, the recent uproar in some corners of the nation has done more than just disrupt the peace. It’s exposed the far right for what they truly are: a motley cre…

1
Hop on a Bus 28:39

9d ago28:39

28:39

Episode 156 Swapping Zushi's Sun for Bradford's Clouds: A Tale of Two Cities As the summer sun beams down on the golden sands of Zushi, Japan, I find myself in a bittersweet state. Zushi, with its shimmering sea and vibrant beach life, is my haven. Every summer, the beach transforms into a lively playground where locals and tourists alike bask in t…

1
Up on the Roof 31:05

22d ago31:05

31:05

Episode 155 Once upon a time, in the not-so-distant past of 2020, a quaint little Facebook group dedicated to cycling enthusiasts was enjoying its glory days. It was a haven for discussions about the best bike trails, gear reviews, and sharing the sheer joy of cycling. But then, like a derailleur going haywire, things took an unexpected turn. It al…

1
Football’s Coming Home… Except When It Doesn’t 28:37

29d ago28:37

28:37

Episode 154 England. The country that gave the world the beautiful game, only to continually break our hearts with it. Supporting the England football team is like riding an emotional rollercoaster that’s perpetually stuck in a loop of thrilling climbs and devastating drops. It's an exercise in both loyalty and masochism, and the recent Euro final …

1
😬 Awkward 😬 18:09

1M ago18:09

18:09

Episode 153 Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed listeners of our humble podcast, it’s time for me to eat a slice of humble pie. Or, in this case, a whole bakery's worth. I've been banging on for weeks about how England didn’t stand a chance in the Euros. I mean, I’ve been more negative than a grumpy cat in a rainstorm. And now, here I am, being made to …

1
The Apprentice 40:09

1M ago40:09

40:09

Send us a Text Message. Meet Han Yean, an apprentice to a Master Craftsman of Kendo Armor. Han's journey into the world of kendo began at a young age, where his fascination with the craft of creating kendo armor took root. By serendipity, he crossed paths with a revered Master Craftsman and forged a deep friendship. Despite numerous hopefuls, inclu…

1
Let's Kick it Like it's '66 28:52

1M ago28:52

28:52

Episode 152 Why, oh why, do I do this to myself? Here I am, a 53-year-old man, dragging myself out of bed at the ungodly hour of 4 AM in Japan, all to watch England play football. Yes, England. The team that insists on playing with my heartstrings like a cat with a ball of yarn. So there I am, half-asleep, barely conscious, clutching my mug of coff…

1
Japanese Ghosts and Legends - Part 1 40:31

1M ago40:31

40:31

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of 'Taken By Japan,' Naif and Ethan delve into various Japanese ghosts and chilling tales. From vengeful spirits with smiles akin to The Joker's, to Sasquatch-like creatures haunting the mountains, they explore the eerie side of Japanese folklore. Rest assured in the comforting, soothing voices of Naif and Et…

1
Tabitha Stanmore, "Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic" (Bloombury, 2024) 33:13

1M ago33:13

33:13

Imagine: it's the year 1600 and you've lost your precious silver spoons, or maybe they've been stolen. Perhaps your child has a fever. Or you're facing a trial. Maybe you're looking for love or escaping a husband. What do you do? In medieval and early modern Europe, your first port of call might have been cunning folk: practitioners of “service mag…

1
Aaron Sherraden, "Śambūka's Death Toll: A History of Motives and Motifs in an Evolving Rāmāyaṇa Narrative" (Anthem Press, 2023) 35:03

1M ago35:03

35:03

According to Vālmīki's Sanskrit Rāmāyaṇa (early centuries CE), Śambūka was practicing severe acts of austerity to enter heaven. In engaging in these acts as a Śūdra, Śambūka was in violation of class- and caste-based societal norms prescribed exclusively by the ruling and religious elite. Rāma, the hero of the Rāmāyaṇa epic, is dispatched to kill Ś…

1
Hey,Joe. 31:40

1M ago31:40

31:40

Episode 151 Watching Joe Biden in the presidential debate was like watching your grandad try to operate an iPad for the first time—painful, confusing, and slightly concerning. There he was, the most powerful man in the world, fumbling around with his words like they were a set of keys he’d lost down the back of the sofa. You could almost hear the c…

1
Driving a Car in Japan - Ethan Talks 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of "Taken By Japan," join Ethan as he shares his 12-year journey of driving in Japan. Discover the detailed process he went through to obtain his driver's license, the unique challenges he faced, and hear fascinating stories from his time on the road. Whether you're curious about the intricacies of driving in…

1
The Eternal Quarter-Finalists 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

Episode 150 I rip open the festering wound that is England's footballing history. If you're an England fan, you're well-acquainted with the gut-wrenching cycle of hope, hype, and inevitable heartbreak. This show is for you, the masochists who get up at 4 AM to watch yet another uninspiring performance, only to ask yourself, "Why do I do this to mys…

1
An Older Lady’s Play Thing 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

Episode 149 It was 2006, a year filled with dubious fashion choices, bad pop music, and me, at the ripe old age of 35, freshly single and drowning in self-pity at a bar that could only be described as a dive for people too drunk to notice. Picture it: the kind of establishment where the air is thicker than a Glaswegian accent and the floor sticks t…

1
Centenarian Cock. 37:46

2M ago37:46

37:46

Episode 148 100-year-old World War II veteran, Harold Terens, and his sprightly 96-year-old bride, Jeanne, tying the knot in Normandy. Yes, you read that correctly. With a combined age of 196, these two lovebirds have decided to spend their twilight years not in a serene retirement home, but in the throes of wedded bliss. Harold, who once stormed t…

1
Things We Love About Japan 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

Send us a Text Message. In this captivating episode of Taken By Japan, hosts Naif and Ethan delve into a myriad of aspects that enamor them about Japan. From its delectable cuisine to its enchanting destinations, this episode offers a delightful glimpse into their cherished experiences. Stay tuned as we eagerly prepare to explore more of our passio…

1
Are Foreigners Ruining Japan 43:44

2M ago43:44

43:44

Send us a Text Message. Join Naif and Ethan in this episode of "Taken By Japan" as they delve into the intriguing question: Are foreigners (mainly Influencers and Youtubers) inadvertently disrupting Japan with their unconventional and disruptive behavior? The duo begins their exploration by dissecting a notable sign positioned outside a bustling To…

1
Meth,Money,Mayhem 30:09

2M ago30:09

30:09

Episode 147 In the ever-entertaining saga of American politics, President Biden seems to be playing a high-stakes game of legal whack-a-mole with Trump, aiming to keep him occupied with courtroom dramas as the 2024 election looms. It's almost as if Biden is hoping to score a political knockout before the big rematch. But hold on to your hats! If Tr…

1
Thersa Matsuura, "The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth" (Adams Media, 2024) 30:36

2M ago30:36

30:36

Discover everything you’ve ever wondered about the legendary spirits, creatures, and figures of Japanese folklore including how they have found their way into every corner of our pop culture from the creator of the podcast Uncanny Japan. Welcome to The Book of Japanese Folklore: An Encyclopedia of the Spirits, Monsters, and Yokai of Japanese Myth (…

1
Sohini Pillai, "Krishna's Mahabharatas: Devotional Retellings of an Epic Narrative" (Oxford UP, 2024) 43:19

3M ago43:19

43:19

Between 800 and 1700 CE, a plethora of Mahabharatas were created in Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu, and several other regional South Asian languages. Sohini Pillai's Krishna's Mahabharatas: Devotional Retellings of an Epic Narrative (Oxford UP, 2024) is a comprehensive study of premode…

1
Bali 47:54

3M ago47:54

47:54

Episode 146 I recently had the pleasure of hosting my friend Dale on my podcast to discuss his favorite travel destination: Bali. Dale’s been visiting Bali since 1979 and has seen the island evolve through every decade. From the bustling streets of Kuta to the serene landscapes of Ubud, Dale’s experiences paint a vivid picture of this enchanting is…

1
My ALT Journey - Ethan Talks 33:34

3M ago33:34

33:34

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a fascinating journey with Ethan as he shares his experiences as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japan. In this captivating solo episode of Taken By Japan, Ethan delves into the highs and lows of his unique journey, from humble beginnings to the fulfilling present. Join him as he navigates through the challe…

1
Portrait of a Madman 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

Episode 145 In the grand halls of Buckingham Palace, the unveiling of King Charles's latest royal portrait was nothing short of a spectacle. The room buzzed with anticipation, aristocrats and art critics alike whispering in hushed tones. As the velvet curtain was drawn back, revealing the artwork, gasps echoed through the room. There, emerging from…

1
West Timor 53:27

3M ago53:27

53:27

Episode 144 Ah, the late '80s and '90s in West Timor—a time of adventure, mischief, and unforgettable experiences for my friend Jamie, a wide-eyed 18-year-old setting foot on foreign soil for the very first time. Picture this: a young lad brimming with excitement and naiveté, ready to take on the world and all its quirks. Jamie's escapades in West …

1
Golden Week Adventures and The Taken By Japan Questionnaire 1:05:47

3M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a cultural odyssey as we gather five fascinating individuals from different corners of the world for a special episode of "Taken By Japan." Ethan from the US, Naif from Brunei, Hugh from South Africa, Jojo from the US, and Fabien from France come together to share their diverse experiences during Japan's Golden Wee…

1
Tractor Boys 29:44

3M ago29:44

29:44

Episode 143 It’s been 25 years since that fateful day when Bradford City threw a spanner in the works of Ipswich Town’s Premier League dreams. As the football world turned its attention elsewhere, a simmering hatred was born in the hearts of the East Anglian faithful – a grudge that has since twisted and morphed like a vindictive caricature, findin…

1
Banksy 39:08

4M ago39:08

39:08

Episode 142 Banksy, the enigmatic street artist from Bristol, emerged onto the global art scene like a whirlwind, leaving behind a trail of thought-provoking, often satirical works that challenge societal norms and conventions. The rise of Banksy is a captivating story that blurs the lines between art, activism, and anonymity. Born in Bristol, Engl…

1
The Back 9 35:52

4M ago35:52

35:52

Episode 141 Navigating the turbulent waters of my upbringing wasn't just challenging; it was downright treacherous. Growing up with a mother whose moods swung like a pendulum and the constant fear of being sent back to the children's home looming overhead made for a childhood filled with more hurdles than happiness. My mother had a talent for turni…

1
Anime and Manga Part 1 37:26

4M ago37:26

37:26

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Naif and Ethan talk about their favorite manga and anime. Some are popular, while some are a little less known, but it seems that most are from the 90s! Some controversial statements might be made, but they are all up for debate! Please enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7zsihOprSLh_VMSdQJgBPQ…

1
Cathy Yue Wang, "Snake Sisters and Ghost Daughters: Feminist Adaptations of Traditional Tales in Chinese Fantasy" (Wayne State UP, 2023) 36:07

4M ago36:07

36:07

Contemporary Chinese film and literature often draw on time-honored fantastical texts and tales which were founded in the milieu of patriarchy, parental authority, heteronormativity, nationalism, and anthropocentrism. Cathy Yue Wang's Snake Sisters and Ghost Daughters: Feminist Adaptations of Traditional Tales in Chinese Fantasy (Wayne State Univer…

1
Red or Dead 30:16

4M ago30:16

30:16

Episode 140 Back in the 80s, if a kid dared to complain about the wrong pair of shorts, they might have risked getting a swift clip round the ear, right? But fast forward to today, and instead of reaching for the nearest hand to deliver justice 80s style, we're more likely to engage in a full-blown debate over the pros and cons of each pair of shor…

1
Japanese Myth Busting Part 2 30:36

4M ago30:36

30:36

Send us a Text Message. Ethan and Naif talk about different myths that people have about Japan and bust them up! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7zsihOprSLh_VMSdQJgBPQBy Ethan

1
Gen X’er Kinks 31:19

4M ago31:19

31:19

Episode 139 Ah, the super-rich Gen Xers, living in their ivory towers, sipping champagne while the world burns. These folks are like a real-life episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," except with less plastic surgery and more tax evasion. They've got more money than they know what to do with, so they spend it on ridiculous things like solid …

1
Caravanning: Where Rain and Boredom Collide 35:33

5M ago35:33

35:33

Episode 138 You're a kid growing up in the 80s, and your parents are avid caravanners. Every weekend, like clockwork, they drag you off to these desolate fields in the middle of nowhere, where the rain seems to have a permanent residency. You arrive, and what do you see? Endless rows of caravans, all looking like they've seen better days. And let's…

1
From Acid to Asphalt: The Tennessee Race Born on LSD. 39:14

5M ago39:14

39:14

Episode 137 Ah, the Barkley Marathons, the stuff of legend, the race that laughs in the face of conventional marathons and says, "Hold my water bottle." Imagine a race so challenging, so obscure, that even attempting it feels like signing up for a journey to the edge of the known universe. Welcome to the Barkley Marathons, where the organizers are …

1
Shakuntala Gawde, "Narrative Analysis of Bhagavata Purana: Selected Episodes from the Tenth Skandha" (Dev Publishers, 2023) 32:58

5M ago32:58

32:58

Shakuntala Gawde's book Narrative Analysis of Bhagavata Purana: Selected Episodes from the Tenth Skandha (Dev Publishers, 2023) presents an analytical study of selected narratives of the tenth skandha of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa with the framework of Narratology. It checks the possibilities of interpretation of some popular narratives from Kṛṣṇa saga. …

1
John O’Connor, "The Secret History of Bigfoot: Field Notes on a North American Monster" (Sourcebooks, 2024) 52:28

5M ago52:28

52:28

Bigfoot is an instantly recognizable figure. Through the decades, this elusive primate has been featured in movies and books, on coffee mugs, beer koozies, car polish, and CBD oil. Which begs the question: what is it about Bigfoot that's caught hold of our imaginations? Journalist and self-diagnosed skeptic John O'Connor is fascinated by Sasquatch.…

1
The Rapture 46:09

5M ago46:09

46:09

Episode 136 Ah, the joys of teaching in a place that could make a reality show seem tame. Picture this: a depressed Norwegian woman, a short-tempered Japanese man who's as sensitive as a little princess, and you, the unsuspecting protagonist trying to survive it all. Welcome to the sitcom we never knew we needed! Let's start with the Norwegian. Pic…

1
Why Feb the 28th Holds the Key (to me) 47:38

5M ago47:38

47:38

Episode 135 Death,Fights,Flights,Passing Tests,Starting Afresh. On February 28th, amidst the chaos of life's unpredictability, a peculiar phenomenon occurs. It's as if the universe conspires to sprinkle a bit of magic into the air, weaving moments of serendipity and joy into the fabric of the day. For me, February 28th isn't just a date on the cale…

1
Getting Tightened Up 36:47

6M ago36:47

36:47

Episode 134 Like a rare breed of confidence, rocking a face that's as unpredictable as a pair of bad tits.It's like my face decided to rebel against the laws of gravity and embrace its own unique shape, just to keep things interesting. While Hollywood's leading men are busy perfecting their chiseled jawlines, lm out there flaunting a face that's as…

1
Imani D. Owens, "Turn the World Upside Down: Empire and Unruly Forms of Black Folk Culture in the U.S. and Caribbean" (Columbia UP, 2023) 1:05:20

6M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

In the first half of the twentieth century, Black hemispheric culture grappled with the legacies of colonialism, U.S. empire, and Jim Crow. As writers and performers sought to convey the terror and the beauty of Black life under oppressive conditions, they increasingly turned to the labor, movement, speech, sound, and ritual of everyday “folk.” Man…

1
Empty Nesters - WTF Do You Do Now? 27:16

6M ago27:16

27:16

Episode 133 So, you know you've officially hit empty nest status when your house starts echoing your thoughts louder than your own voice. It's like you've upgraded from a bustling family home to a quiet monastery overnight. You find yourself walking around, marveling at the newfound peace, only to realize it's just you and the tumbleweeds having a …

1
"The Fujisawa Fugitive'' Satoshi Kirishima's 50-Year Runaround 41:21

6M ago41:21

41:21

EPISODE 132 In the clandestine underbelly of Japan's history, there exists an elusive figure named Satoshi Kirishima, a man who has spent five decades living in the shadows, leaving no tales in his wake. His life, a covert odyssey, unfolds far from the prying eyes of the law, an enigma hidden in the intricate folds of society. Satoshi is a master o…

1
Suzanne Oakdale, "Amazonian Cosmopolitans: Navigating a Shamanic Cosmos, Shifting Indigenous Policies, and Other Modern Projects" (U Nebraska Press, 2022) 54:22

7M ago54:22

54:22

In Amazonian Cosmopolitans: Navigating a Shamanic Cosmos, Shifting Indigenous Policies, and Other Modern Projects (U Nebraska Press, 2022), Suzanne Oakdale focuses on the autobiographical accounts of two Brazilian Indigenous leaders, Prepori and Sabino, Kawaiwete men whose lives spanned the twentieth century, when Amazonia increasingly became the c…

1
Sunshine & Sacrifice 40:38

7M ago40:38

40:38

Episode 131 Your friendly guide through the highs, lows, and unexpected bends of living beyond borders. In this episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty – the sacrifices, the gains, and the tough decisions that sneak up on you. Picture this: you've taken the plunge, left friends behind, tightened the budget, and embraced a life that promises bet…

1
Joseph C. Russo, "Hard Luck and Heavy Rain: The Ecology of Stories in Southeast Texas" (Duke UP, 2022) 34:14

7M ago34:14

34:14

In Hard Luck and Heavy Rain: The Ecology of Stories in Southeast Texas (Duke UP, 2022) (Duke UP, 2023), Joseph C. Russo takes readers into the everyday lives of the rural residents of Southeast Texas. He encounters the region as a kind of world enveloped in on itself, existing under a pall of poverty, illness, and oil refinery smoke. His informants…

1
Jakob Norberg, "The Brothers Grimm and the Making of German Nationalism" (Cambridge UP, 2022) 1:00:25

7M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are probably history’s most famous folklorists. Their collection of folk tales – the Children’s and Household Tales – is one of the world’s most translated literary works. Living in a time of upheaval and war, the Grimm brothers were also passionate German nationalists. They insisted that Germans must reject alien regimes an…

1
0530 Airport Bar - The Holiday Starts Here 37:42

7M ago37:42

37:42

Episode 130 5:30 am at an airport bar – a time when even the coffee looks at you and says, "Amateur hour, mate." It's like a scene from a twisted comedy, where weary travelers are torn between the existential crisis of ordering a pint or pretending they're responsible adults with a cup of tea. The bar becomes a stage for jet-lagged performers, atte…

1
From Pontins to Paradise. 40:43

7M ago40:43

40:43

Episode 129 In the nostalgic maze of holiday comparisons, the generation gap is a Grand Canyon. My holidays, back in the day, started with the delightful symphony of Mum peeing in a plastic bucket. It was my version of a morning alarm, a less-than-soothing wake-up call to the fragrant reality of life. Now, fast-forward to the offspring's adventures…

1
William G. Pooley, "Body and Tradition in 19th-Century France: Félix Arnaudin and the Moorlands of Gascony, 1870-1914" (Oxford UP, 2019) 58:24

7M ago58:24

58:24

The moorlands of Gascony are often considered one of the most dramatic examples of top-down rural modernization in nineteenth-century Europe. From an area of open moors, they were transformed in one generation into the largest man-made forest in Europe. Body and Tradition in Nineteenth-Century France: Félix Arnaudin and the Moorlands of Gascony, 18…

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Navigating Japanese Society Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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