Best Japan Podcasts (2025)

1
How Dangerous Is the Nankai Trough? | STJ 294 37:00

1h ago37:00

37:00

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
What you should know about KUMAMON (+ my CRAZY Kumamon story) | Japan Station 188 1:04:32

3d ago1:04:32

1:04:32

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk all about Jaan's most famous "local mascot" Kumamon. We cover everything you should know about Kumamoto's most beloved bear. I also share an absolutely crazy story that happened to me when I went to see the Kumamon show in Kumamoto in the fall os 2025. 👉Topics Discussed About Kumamon How Kumamon was created…

1
8-4 Play 12/19/2025: PRIME MINISTRY 1:15:01

5d ago1:15:01

1:15:01

Ring in the holidays with extended Metroid Prime 4 thoughts and an audio tour of the Nintendo Museum's new art exhibit, plus Game Awards recap / reax in news! Time — Topic Discussed 01:06 – Nicknames 25:00 – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond 51:25 – News: The Game Awards, SEGA Channel games preserved, and more!…

1
Understanding Christmas in Japan (About Japanese Christmas) | Japan Station 187/Ichimon Japan 67 1:04:50

14d ago1:04:50

1:04:50

This is a re-broadcast of episode 65 of the Ichimon Japan podcast (originally published on 12/21/2022). On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Christmas like in Japan? (About Japanese Christmas) Topics Discussed All about Christmas in Japan Japanese Christmas customs in Japan All about fried chicken and Christmas in Japan Why KFC is the t…

1
Osechi: Japanese New Year Food Traditions (Ep. 184) 26:23

15d ago26:23

26:23

What if the meal sitting in those beautiful lacquered boxes held messages from the gods? In Japan, osechi-ryōri isn't just New Year's food—it's a sacred offering. Each dish carries specific wishes: black beans for health, herring roe for prosperity, lotus root for clear vision into the future. Families prepare them before midnight, then rest for th…

1
Osechi: Japanese New Year Food Traditions (Ep. 184) 26:23

15d ago26:23

26:23

What if the meal sitting in those beautiful lacquered boxes held messages from the gods? In Japan, osechi-ryōri isn't just New Year's food—it's a sacred offering. Each dish carries specific wishes: black beans for health, herring roe for prosperity, lotus root for clear vision into the future. Families prepare them before midnight, then rest for th…

1
8-4 Play 12/5/2025: VIEWPOINT 1998 1:05:55

19d ago1:05:55

1:05:55

With Metroid Prime 4 dropping mere hours before we recorded, we went for the next best thing: a bunch of games from the late 90s! Tune in for talk of Analogue 3D, Radiant Silvergun, Viewpoint 2064, 2D gaming on the PS1, and more—plus some current-century stuff like Ball x Pit and Lumines Arise. Time — Topic Discussed 01:00 – Nicknames 05:42 – Radia…

1
Hanakin: What does it mean? (Dead Japanese Slang) | Japan Station 186 17:58

22d ago17:58

17:58

On this episode of Japan Station, I dig into the world of dead Japanese Bubble Era slang. Specifically, I talk about the term hanakin (花金). Also I talk about the days of the week during World War II in Japan. 👉Topics Discussed What is hanakin What hanakin means About the kanji used to write hanakin How I learned the days of the week in Japanese How…

1
He WALKED 3200 km across ALL of JAPAN! (Sensei Martian) | Japan Station 185 57:49

25d ago57:49

57:49

On this episode of Japan Station, Sensei Martian talks about what it was like walking 3200 km from Cape Sata, the southernmost point on mainland Japan, to Cape Soya, the northernmost point on mainland Japan. 👉Topics Discussed About the Kyushu Challenge Why Sensei Martian decided to walk 3200 km/3000 miles+ across Japan About walking the old Tokaido…

1
Going Abroad for All the Wrong Reasons | STJ 293 26:15

26d ago26:15

26:15

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
8-4 Play 11/21/2025: ALL STEAMED UP 1:14:08

1M ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Lumines (loo-meh-nez) Arise, new Hyrule Warriors, Game Awards noms, Metroid Prime 4 hopes and fears, new Steam hardware (x3) and more! 00:45 – Nicknames 13:20 – Lumines: Arise 20:32 – Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment 33:11 – News: The Game Awards, Super Mario Galaxy movie, and more!

1
Japanese Moon Lore: Selfless Rabbits, Murdered Goddesses, and Tsukimi (Ep. 183) 30:46

1M ago30:46

30:46

Don't point at the moon—you might wake up without your ears. In Japan, the moon rabbit isn't just making mochi. Its image was placed there by the gods to honor an act of pure sacrifice, a Buddhist tale that traveled from India through China and transformed along the way. In this episode we explore Tsukimi moon-viewing traditions, the violent origin…

1
Japanese Moon Lore: Selfless Rabbits, Murdered Goddesses, and Tsukimi (Ep. 183) 30:46

1M ago30:46

30:46

Don't point at the moon—you might wake up without your ears. In Japan, the moon rabbit isn't just making mochi. Its image was placed there by the gods to honor an act of pure sacrifice, a Buddhist tale that traveled from India through China and transformed along the way. In this episode we explore Tsukimi moon-viewing traditions, the violent origin…

1
I walked across KYUSHU! Here's what happened (Kyushu Challenge Wrap Up) | Japan Station 184 55:03

1M ago55:03

55:03

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about the Kyushu Challenge, my recent 558 km walk from Iwakuni, Yamaguchi to Sakurajima, Kagoshima. 👉Topics Discussed About the Kyushu Challenge The route I took to walk from Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture to Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture About how a restaurant owner gave me money How I appeared on TV …

1
Did an Old Man Yakuza Beef End in Arson? | STJ 292 32:09

1M ago32:09

32:09

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
How I got my CHEAPEST Japan ticket EVER! | Japan Station 183 30:12

1M ago30:12

30:12

On this episode of Japan Station, I talk about how I was able to save money on airfare for my latest trip to Japan. I also share how I almost lost money due to a luggage issue and I talk about why regional JR passes can save you lots of money while traveling in Japan. 👉Topics Discussed How I get the cheapest plane ticket to Japan ever About smartfa…

1
8-4 Play 11/7/2025: RTX-5090 Z-A HD-2D TURBO 1:12:44

2M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Hear all about (deep breath) Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake (exhale) and the A-Z of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, with a side of Nintendo news and Halloween in Japan. Time — Topic Discussed 00:47 – Nicknames 17:30 – DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake 25:31 – Pokémon Legends: Z-A 35:00 – News: Nintendo Switch 2 sales, Animal Crossing updates, Halo on PlaySt…

1
The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleep habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Japan Station 182/Ichimon Japan 76 55:36

2M ago55:36

55:36

This is a rebroadcast of episode 76 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about the history of pillows in Japan and an absurd belief regarding the sleeping Topics Discussed About the history of pillows in Japan About early pillows in Japanese history About the evolution of pillows in Japan About pillows during the Edo Period Ab…

1
Hōichi the Earless: A Lafcadio Hearn Reading (Ep. 182) 30:51

2M ago30:51

30:51

A blind musician is summoned to perform in the darkness. But who is listening? And what terrible price awaits a moment's oversight? Today I read to you one of Lafcadio Hearn's most famous Japanese ghost stories: "Mimi-nashi Hōichi" or "The Earless Hōichi." Please Note: Some of the links are affiliate links (both Amazon and other). This means that a…

1
Hōichi the Earless: A Lafcadio Hearn Reading (Ep. 182) 30:51

2M ago30:51

30:51

A blind musician is summoned to perform in the darkness. But who is listening? And what terrible price awaits a moment's oversight? Today I read to you one of Lafcadio Hearn's most famous Japanese ghost stories: "Mimi-nashi Hōichi" or "The Earless Hōichi." Please Note: Some of the links are affiliate links (both Amazon and other). This means that a…

1
How Japanese terms get abbreviated! Explaining 4 MORA words | Japan Station 181 16:33

2M ago16:33

16:33

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about 4 more words in Japanese. What's a mora? And why are there so many four mora words in Japanese? We talk about all taht and more! 👉Topics Discussed What is a mora? What's the difference between a mora and a syllable The possible origins of nikujaga How Japanese love to shorten terms to four mora/…

1
What Empty Spaces Need (Audio Drama) (Ep. 181) 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

🎃 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 🎃 This year's Halloween episode is a full-length audio drama based on the urban legend of Sukima-onna—the woman who watches from the gaps. An American English teacher in Japan loses everything: his job, his apartment, his passport. Drunk and desperate during a snowstorm, he finds shelter in an abandoned house. But he's not alone…

1
What Empty Spaces Need (Audio Drama) (Ep. 181) 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

🎃 HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 🎃 This year's Halloween episode is a full-length audio drama based on the urban legend of Sukima-onna—the woman who watches from the gaps. An American English teacher in Japan loses everything: his job, his apartment, his passport. Drunk and desperate during a snowstorm, he finds shelter in an abandoned house. But he's not alone…

1
First Female Prime Minister of Japan! | STJ 291 31:46

2M ago31:46

31:46

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
8-4 Play 10/24/2025: ONE-UPPED 1:16:01

2M ago1:16:01

1:16:01

1UP Show memories, Hollow Knight 2, Little Nightmares 3, Ninja Gaiden 4, FIIIIIVE GOLD-EN! RINGS!! Plus more FFT, RIP Itagaki-san, and a buncha news. Time — Topic Discussed 00:00 – Nicknames 09:32 – Hollow Knight: Silksong 17:21 – Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles 20:59 – Little Nightmares 3 26:25 – Ninja Gaiden 4 30:00 – News: Remember…

1
Ame-onna - Rain Woman's Original Ghost Story (Ep. 180) 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

We're getting closer to Halloween. How about another ghost story? Ame-onna, the rain woman - a haggard looking thing, soaked to the bone, wandering rainy nights. There's lore about her, rumors, theories... but she doesn't have her own ghost story. So I fixed that. First, I'll tell you the fascinating history: from Toriyama Sekien's 18th century yok…

1
Ame-onna - Rain Woman's Original Ghost Story (Ep. 180) 27:13

2M ago27:13

27:13

We're getting closer to Halloween. How about another ghost story? Ame-onna, the rain woman - a haggard looking thing, soaked to the bone, wandering rainy nights. There's lore about her, rumors, theories... but she doesn't have her own ghost story. So I fixed that. First, I'll tell you the fascinating history: from Toriyama Sekien's 18th century yok…

1
Tokyo Tourist Traps: Are these popular Tokyo destinations worth your time? | Japan Station 180 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of Tokyo's most popular tourist sites. Are they tourist traps or worth your time? We're also joined by stand up comedian and tour guide Shuhei "Shoe" Murakami. 👉Topics Discussed Is Tokyo Skytree a tourist trap? Should you visit it? Should you visit Tokyo Tower? Should you visit Tokyo Disneyland? …

1
Party in TOKYO! (November 1st at Pintology Tokyo) 3:55

2M ago3:55

3:55

Hey guys! I'm holding another get together in Tokyo. This time it's to celebrate the end of the Kyushu Challenge. It will be on Nov 1st at 6 pm at Pintology Tokyo! Here is Pintology Tokyo's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pintologytokyo/ I'll be back soon enough with the usual programming!By JapanKyo

1
What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) | Japan Station 179/Ichimon Japan 71 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

This episode was originally broadcast as an episode of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) Topics Discussed What wasei eigo is About English sounding words made in Japan tenshon ga takai pākā How SNS is not English arubaito nōtopasokon buraindotacchi misu misesu rippukurīmu hocchiki…

1
No Coallition = No Prime Minister in Japan | STJ 290 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
8-4 Play 10/10/2025: THE SILENT HILLVALICE CHRONICLES 1:35:58

3M ago1:35:58

1:35:58

Clutch your digiballs and sharpen your sickles as we dive into Silent Hill f, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Digimon Story Time Stranger, Mario Galaxy 1&2, a bunch of obscure Alfa System games, the latest news, and more! Time — Topic Discussed 00:37 – Nicknames 08:49 – Silent Hill f 33:38 – Oreshika & Gunparade March 44:55 – Final F…

1
Japan's Most Famous Ghost: My Retelling of Oiwa and the Yotsuya Kaidan (Ep. 179) 34:25

3M ago34:25

34:25

By SpectreVision Radio

1
Japan's Most Famous Ghost: My Retelling of Oiwa and the Yotsuya Kaidan (Ep. 179) 34:25

3M ago34:25

34:25

By SpectreVision Radio

1
Why LIES are RED in Japanese (Japanese idioms that use 赤/red) | Japan Station 178 24:21

3M ago24:21

24:21

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about Japanese idioms involving the color red (赤, aka, seki). For example, have you ever wondered why lies are red in Japanese? Listen to find out! 👉Topics Discussed Japanese idioms involving the color red Why 真っ赤なウソ/makka na uso means a "complete lie" and what the color red has to do with lies Also d…

1
Blame Foreigners for Everything! Japan: FIXED! | STJ 298 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
This documentary reveals why Japan is the way it is?! (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 177 51:14

3M ago51:14

51:14

On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki to talk about her latest documentary The Making of a Japanese and her latest short documentary Instrument of a Beating Heart. During the conversation we focus on the making of these films, what makes Japanese elementary schools unique, the role Japanese elemen…

1
8-4 Play 9/26/2025: TOKYO GAME SHOW 2025 2:08:34

3M ago2:08:34

2:08:34

It's our favorite time of year: Tokyo Game Show! A cavalcade of special guests pop through to talk about everything we saw at and around day 1 of the show, including Marvel Tokon, Onimusha, RE9, Yakuza Kiwami 3, Age of Imprisonment, Nioh 3, Ghost of Yotei, Dragon Quest 1&2, and lots more! Time — Topic Discussed 04:48 – TGS Vibes & Merch 08:42 – CAP…

1
Sanseito Says Gayness Is Contagious | STJ 288 31:15

3M ago31:15

31:15

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/c/smalltalkjapan

1
Supernatural Japan: A Spooky & Fun Japan Podcast! 11:34

3M ago11:34

11:34

Check out the links below for more Supernatural Japan episodes! Supernatural Japan Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supernatural-japan/id1616675498 Supernatural Japan Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/35FkGE7Kc9bXFGpt37ZF2yBy JapanKyo

1
How a Brit ended up designing FONTS in Japan | Japan Station 176 56:28

3M ago56:28

56:28

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the history of font design in Japan, the history of the Nintendo font and how Daniel Kaihatsu became a type face designer in Japan. 👉Topics Discussed Why Daniel Kaihatsu became interested in learning Japanese How Daniel Kaihatsu became interested in Japanese font design About doing research for …

1
8-4 Play 9/19/2025: SILK STRONG 1:06:07

3M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Get your canned beverage of choice and your ticket for the green car -- it's time to board the bullet train for TGS! For the ride over, we've got a Tight 60 filled with Silksong impressions and a breakdown of all the big news out of last week's mega-sized Nintendo Direct. Time — Topic Discussed 00:48 – Nicknames 07:37 – Hollow Knight: Silksong 24:4…

1
Sanshi: The Three Body-Parasite Problem (Ep. 178) 26:10

3M ago26:10

26:10

I finally got to go on a walk again after all the oppressive August heat. I live around rice fields, mostly. There are some houses, of course, along the main road, and then every so often, a knee-high stone tower or stele. These are called kōshintō. What I found particularly intriguing was how these connect to some rather unsettling beliefs about s…

1
Sanshi: The Three Body-Parasite Problem (Ep. 178) 26:10

3M ago26:10

26:10

I finally got to go on a walk again after all the oppressive August heat. I live around rice fields, mostly. There are some houses, of course, along the main road, and then every so often, a knee-high stone tower or stele. These are called kōshintō. What I found particularly intriguing was how these connect to some rather unsettling beliefs about s…

1
What's so scary about the hour of the ox? (About Ushi no Koku Mairi) | Japan Station 175/Ichimon Japan 21 53:21

3M ago53:21

53:21

This was originally broadcast as episode 21 of Ichimon Japan. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's so scary about the hour of the ox? Topics Discussed All about Japan's old way of telling time that was based on the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac (eto) Which "animals" in the old Chinese Zodiac based way of telling time correspond to whi…

1
Another Prime Minister Gone | STJ 287 33:56

3M ago33:56

33:56

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
Australian Tourist Steals From Grave Drinks Offering | STJ 286 37:38

4M ago37:38

37:38

Enjoying the show? Please support us on Patreon and get access to our members-only videos! : https://www.patreon.com/smalltalkjapan

1
Kaze 風 vs Kaze 風邪! What's the difference?! | Japan Station 174 21:15

4M ago21:15

21:15

On this episode of Japan Station, we're talking about the difference between the Japanese word kaze (cold, 風邪) and kaze (wind, 風). Why do they share the same pronunciation? Are they related? Or is this all just a big coincidence? Listen to find out! 👉Topics Discussed About visiting Japan for the first time What the difference between kaze (風邪) and …

1
8-4 Play 9/5/2025: WHAT A THRILL 1:11:07

4M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

Turn down the Silksong BGM and turn UP the talk about Metal Gear Solid Delta, the Lumines Arise demo, Exit 8 and Platform 8, and a whole buncha news. Time — Topic Discussed 00:52 — Nicknames 03:32 — Exit 8 and Platform 8 19:50 — Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater 30:50 — Lumines Arise demo 45:16 — News: Nintendo Direct rumors, PS6 rumors, and more…

1
A Handful of Deadly Beach Beauties (Ep. 177) 25:50

4M ago25:50

25:50

Japan's summer heat is inescapable, driving people to seek relief at the beach. But what if I told you there are supernatural dangers lurking along Japan's 14,125 islands that make rip currents seem harmless? In this episode, I share what I discovered about two particularly deceptive coastal yōkai: the iso-onna (coastal woman) who drains visitors o…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Japan Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide