Ep. 17 - Japan's Vending Machine Mania Japan Reach podcast

10:16

The samurai were a warrior class in feudal Japan, emerging around the 10th century and rising to prominence under the rule of the shogunate. Originally provincial warriors serving powerful landowners, samurai became elite military nobility who followed the bushido code—a strict code of honor, loyalty, and discipline. Their influence peaked between 1185 and 1868, when they served as both warriors and bureaucrats. The Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked the decline of the samurai class, as Japan modernized and adopted a conscripted army, formally abolishing the samurai’s privileges and role in society. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 26 - Ninja Warriors: Japan's Secret Society of Assassins 9:17

6 days ago9:17

9:17

Ninja warriors, or shinobi , were covert agents in feudal Japan known for their skills in espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and guerrilla warfare. Unlike the noble samurai, ninjas often operated in secrecy and were employed by feudal lords during times of conflict to gather intelligence or carry out assassinations. Their training emphasized stealth, agility, and unconventional tactics, often blending martial arts, disguise, and knowledge of poisons and explosives. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 25 - Blue Zone Central: Japan's Long Lived People 6:48

10 days ago6:48

6:48

Japan’s "Blue Zone" refers to Okinawa, a region identified as one of the five places in the world where people live significantly longer, healthier lives than average. Researchers studying Blue Zones found that Okinawans have unusually high rates of centenarians and low incidence of age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer. This longevity is attributed to a combination of factors including a plant-based diet rich in vegetables and tofu, strong social support systems, regular physical activity through daily routines, and a cultural mindset known as ikigai —a sense of purpose that provides motivation and meaning in life. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 24 - Shotengai: Japan's Endless Shopping Streets 6:35

13 days ago6:35

6:35

Japan's shōtengai (shopping streets) have a rich history as merchants began clustering along pilgrimage routes and temple grounds to sell goods to travelers and locals. Over time, these informal markets evolved into more structured, permanent retail corridors that became central to neighborhood life. In the post-World War II era, shōtengai flourished as Japan rebuilt its economy, offering affordable daily necessities and fostering close community ties. These arcaded streets typically housed family-run shops, groceries, eateries, and services, often protected from the weather and located near train stations or residential hubs. Although the rise of large shopping malls and e-commerce has challenged their relevance in recent decades, many shōtengai remain vibrant symbols of local culture, adapting through tourism, festivals, and creative revitalization efforts. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 23 - Religion in Japan (Part 4): Christianity, Resilience in the land of the Rising Sun 10:38

17 days ago10:38

10:38

Christianity was introduced to Japan in the 1500s by European missionaries, from Portugal and Spain. At first, it spread quickly, with many Japanese converting to the new faith. However, the government soon saw Christianity as a threat to its power and traditional beliefs, so it banned the religion and persecuted Christians, forcing many to practice in secret. For hundreds of years, Christianity stayed underground, only re-emerging openly in the 1800s when Japan reopened to the world. Today, Christianity is a small minority religion in Japan, but it still influences parts of Japanese culture, especially in things like weddings and holidays like Christmas. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 22 - Religion in Japan (Part 3): Buddhism, Japan's first Foreign Religion 11:05

20 days ago11:05

11:05

Japanese Buddhism is a religion that came to Japan from China and Korea over 1,000 years ago. It teaches people how to live a peaceful life, and reach a state of wisdom called enlightenment. There are different types, or schools, of Buddhism in Japan, like Zen and Pure Land, each with its own way of praying and understanding the teachings. At times, there was conflict between Buddhism and Shinto, Japan’s native religion, especially when Buddhist temples started gaining power, and later Christianity. Eventually, the government tried to separate them, and some Buddhist temples were even destroyed. Still, Buddhism is an important part of Japanese culture today. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 21 - Religion in Japan (Part 2): Shinto, The Way of the Kami 8:49

24 days ago8:49

8:49

Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, is deeply rooted in nature, tradition, and ancestral reverence. Centered around the worship of kami —sacred spirits or gods associated with natural elements, objects, and ancestors—Shinto emphasizes harmony between humans and nature. Unlike many organized religions, it lacks a formal scripture or founder, instead drawing from ancient myths, rituals, and community practices. Shinto shrines, found throughout Japan, serve as sacred spaces for rituals, festivals ( matsuri ), and offerings. Although it often coexists with Buddhism in Japanese life, Shinto continues to shape Japan’s cultural identity, seasonal celebrations, and views on purity and the spiritual world. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 20 - Religious Traditions in Japan: Part 1, An Overview 10:24

27 days ago10:24

10:24

Religious traditions in Japan are a unique blend of Shinto, Buddhism, and, to a lesser extent, Christianity. Shinto, the indigenous religion, centers on the worship of kami—spiritual beings connected to nature and ancestors—and is expressed through seasonal festivals, shrine visits, and life rituals. Buddhism, which arrived from China and Korea in the 6th century, focuses on teachings about suffering, impermanence, and enlightenment, and plays a key role in funeral customs and ancestor veneration. Christianity, introduced by European missionaries in the 16th century, has a smaller following but has left a cultural mark, especially in areas like education, holidays such as Christmas, and wedding practices. Many Japanese people blend elements from these religions, resulting in a rich and layered spiritual landscape. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 19 - Yakuza: Loyalty and the Lawless Life 9:13

4 weeks ago9:13

9:13

The Yakuza is a Japanese organized crime syndicate with roots tracing back to the Edo period, known for its strict codes of conduct, hierarchical structure, and deep entrenchment in Japanese society. Traditionally involved in gambling, extortion, and black-market operations, the Yakuza has also operated semi-openly, often maintaining offices and engaging in charitable acts to cultivate a Robin Hood-like public image. Despite its criminal nature, the organization has at times cooperated with authorities during disasters, blurring the lines between outlaw and protector. In recent years, however, Japan has intensified crackdowns, leading to a decline in membership and influence, though the Yakuza's shadow still lingers in parts of Japan's business and underworld. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 18 - Yuki Onna: Spirit of the Silent Snow (Folktale) 8:52

5 weeks ago8:52

8:52

The Japanese folktale of Yuki Onna , or the "Snow Woman," tells the haunting story of a beautiful, mysterious spirit who appears during snowstorms. With pale skin and long black hair, she glides over the snow without leaving footprints and is known for her chilling breath that can freeze people to death. In this tale she spares a young man named Minokichi after killing his companion, warning him never to speak of her. Years later, he marries a woman who mysteriously resembles Yuki Onna—only to discover the truth when he breaks his promise. Upon hearing his confession, she forgives him for the sake of their children but vanishes, never to be seen again. The tale blends beauty, mystery, and a sense of eerie melancholy, reflecting themes of nature’s power and the fragility of human promises. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 17 - Japan's Vending Machine Mania 6:08

5 weeks ago6:08

6:08

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Ep. 16 - Radio Taiso (Japan's Joyful Daily Jumpstart) 7:34

6 weeks ago7:34

7:34

Radio Taiso is like Japan’s secret weapon for keeping everyone limber and cheerful before tackling their day. Picture this: a mix of calisthenics, feel-good piano music, and instructions cheerfully calling out moves like “swing your arms like you’re swatting mosquitoes!” It’s essentially a morning group stretch with a side of charm, done in parks, schools, and workplaces. It's fitness with flair! Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 15 - Bon Chan Toyko's Terrific Turtle 6:50

6 weeks ago6:50

6:50

Bon-chan is a beloved, real-life turtle from Japan who became an internet sensation and a local celebrity in Tokyo. He is known for his daily walks around the city of Tokyo. He became famous for his habit of strolling through the bustling streets charming passersby with his slow and steady pace. His journey through the urban landscape captivated the hearts of many people, and photos and videos of him became popular on social media. Bon-chan's popularity grew due to his unique and endearing presence in a city that is typically fast-paced and crowded. His gentle nature and ability to navigate the busy streets of Tokyo made him a symbol of calm in the hustle and bustle of modern life. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 14 - Pokémon Origins (with Pokémon Trainer Molly) 4:55

7 weeks ago4:55

4:55

Pokémon got its start in 1996 when Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori at Game Freak published it for the Game Boy, Pokémon quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, expanding into an animated TV series, trading card game, movies, toys, and various spin-off games. The core concept revolves around capturing, training, and battling fictional creatures called Pokémon, with players assuming the role of Pokémon trainers. The franchise's success lies in its ability to adapt to new generations of gamers, with each installment introducing new creatures, regions, and gameplay mechanics. Over time, Pokémon became one of the highest-grossing media franchises, maintaining its popularity through constant innovation and nostalgic appeal to multiple generations. Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time. www.japanreach.org…

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Ep. 13 - The Great Hanshin Earthquake 7:04

7 weeks ago7:04