Episode 19 is all about Natsume Soseki's timeless novel, Kokoro. A study of isolation, guilt, love, and the struggle between traditional and modern Japanese values at the end of the Meiji Era, Kokoro continues to be read and loved by millions worldwide. I also talk true crime, contemporary art, and Japanese pizza. Watarium Art Museum: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFT4eJb2UBVi75b4A Seirinkan: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RbXGQUpo89r2WmKR8 My...

In Episode 18 of Japan Media Tour we dip our toes into the world of the polarizing photographer Nobuyoshi Araki. Safe to say that without him street photography would not be what it is today. He experimented with many different styles but is most known for his erotic photos of women in Japan. We also talk Hiromix, Japanese films, and overtourism in Kyoto. Tokyo Photographic Art Museum: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mqhXLDzNrsHugqv27 Dote no...

Episode 17 is all about the incredibly consistent post-hardcore band Bloodthirsty Butchers. This cult classic rock band was part of the early migration from Hokkaido to Tokyo in the late 80s and early 90s. Beloved by music enthusiasts and other bands, they never achieved true mainstream success, but are nevertheless legends in the Japanese music scene. We also talk about Supercar, the Far East Network, and izakaya. Nikka Bar Rita: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pyVagrMjK9ZcCLXa6 Nomidokoro...

Our 16th instalment brings us back to the 90s with the games that defined the Millennial generation, Pokemon. It's the highest selling franchise of all time, and it's still going strong. We also talk about Japanese bugs, retro vending machines, and yokai. Used Tire Mart Sagamihara Store - Vending Machine Corner https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZtbGL3zC3NkNnzHu8 Kitchen Punch: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DrLuUnnkrvDv85on7 My...

Episode 15 looks at Juzo Itami's 1985 masterpiece, Tampopo. Billed as a "Ramen Western", it's a parody of the Spaghetti Westerns of the 1960s. Tampopo also happens to be one of the best food movies of all time. We also talk about love, sex, and conformity in 80s Japan. Soba House Konjiki-Hototogisu: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5gSvGXuS9g9b9eUz5 My Twitter: https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

In episode 14 we dig deep into City Pop, the sophisticated music of Japan's bubble era in the late 1980s. City Pop made a comeback in the late 2010s, with artists like Mariya Takeuchi and Miki Mastsubara inspiring genres like future funk and vaporwave. We also talk about anime, karaoke, and the Tokyo club scene. Henry's Burger: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PcqsXQ4KZv2HAB879 Womb: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wqBcs9SwWsqahuRR6 My...

Episode 13 is a tribute to Akira Toriyama, the man who introduced the world to shonen manga and anime. People always say that they miss 80s and 90s manga and that it just looked so much better. Well, a lot of the nostalgic style we love and miss was created by Toriyama, from Dr. Slump, to Dragon Ball. We also talk about Shonen Jump magazine, Nagoya's cuisine, and kaiju. Misen Ramen Imaike: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XAgCz6at5gvbNL8j7 Pizzeria Braceria...

In episode 12 we discuss the life of the prominent Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. She has been a trendsetter for almost a century, and is one of the most important and impactful artists of the modern era. We also talk about castles, mental health, and Andy Warhol. Naoshima Island: https://maps.app.goo.gl/19UnsfU7EzQ2J4du8 Matsumoto Castle: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ydhLgo2zb2vrTaKKA My...

Episode 11 takes a look at the history of yōkai, and why these mythical creatures should matter to you. We don't go into detail about any one work of art or literature, but rather give an overview of various media involving yōkai. We also talk about Japanese wolves, Pokemon, and udon. Oiwa Shrine: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2CQZMRcrzGNy9BRU8 Yamabiko Fushimi: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yKv5rDukfnGgB2ka9 My...

Episode 10 is all about one of Japan's most creative and important fashion brands: Comme des Garcons. The genius behind the brand is Rei Kawakubo, and her creations force us to think about deep philosophical questions. We also discuss Harajuku, Yohji Yamamoto, and Sushi. Dover Street Market Ginza: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CNQ3uKoCmHFZWe8p6 Ikina Sushi Dokoro Abe Aoyama: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KcDuKqZKD4hw7MCo7 My...

In episode 9 we analyze one of the most creative and influential horror movies of the last 30 years. Kuniyoshi Kurosawa's 1997 film Cure forces us to question the nature of our reality and to debate between fate and free will. We also discuss hikikomori, izakaya, and hypnosis. Andy's Shin Hinomoto: https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2SDNyJFj1MNaNWb9 My Twitter: https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

This week we take a pilgrimage to the Edo Era to talk about the most famous haiku poet of all time, Matsuo Basho. Through his teachings we can learn to appreciate nature, and to leave the superficial behind in favour of all that is peaceful and natural in this world. We also discuss cherry blossoms, rap music, and ukiyo-e. Risshaku-ji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ry4byKCxYha5Jes8A My...

In episode 7 we revisit my childhood to talk about The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This game, like the Zelda series in general was absolutely groundbreaking in terms of the scale and scope of the map and the storytelling. We also discuss Christianity, Shigeru Miyamoto, and The Lord of the Rings. Super Potato Akihabara: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vGJVtCCk4QaPzs4SA My...

In episode 6 we dig into the history of Kansai's beloved Hanshin Tigers baseball club. Learning about this team can teach us a lot about Japanese history and culture. We also go deep on the infamous Curse of the Colonel, and talk about some Osaka cuisine you just can't miss! Koshien Stadium: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qKuMauT2nX4LwgKU9 Abaraya: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f9T6UU7RixYV8u1s8 My...

In episode 5 we analyze Yasujiro Ozu's legendary 1953 film Tokyo Story. We discuss intergenerational conflict, postwar Japan, minimalism, and family dynamics. This movie has definitely earned a spot in my top 10 Japanese films of all time. We also chat about stray cats, hot springs, and quaint cafés. Mionomichi Cafe: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QFEgt7Z4avAxgQXx7 Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL_XbCjaodWzdrCNnOKA5vg

In episode 4 we head to Northern Japan. The year is 1995 and a band called Supercar is just getting started. Supercar is known for their brand of super melodic rock, and their experimentation with synths and electronic music. We also talk convenience stores, baseball, pizza, and bars. Pop Pizza: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1g3x7Q1QgLs6USK6 Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

In episode 3 we travel back to the Edo Period to find out why The Great Wave Off Kanagawa is worth the hype. We look at how Hokusai changed both Japanese and Western art and culture forever. Other topics include natural disasters, foreign invaders, manga, and ghost stories. PS: I said Kohada Keiji, but the skeleton ghost is actually called Kohada Koheiji. Sumida Hokusai Museum: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eDvq8PStez8oPcaW7 Tonkatsu...

In episode 2 we help Ness defend the world from an alien invasion in the cult classic video game Earthbound, also known as Mother 2. The game is an emotional rollercoaster with a pretty shocking finale. We also talk New Years, burgers, The Simpsons, and Salvador Dali. Handsome Burger Nagoya: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KxV9gpxLnzbhMv478 Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour

SPOILER WARNING. The inaugural episode takes a look at the visually striking 1973 film Lady Snowblood, in which a young woman seeks vengeance for her mother. We also talk bears, Tarantino, Bakeries, and the Meiji Restoration. A lot of major plot points are discussed, so check out the film if you haven't already. Maruki Bakery: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vroxkzzy3YACcFte7 Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JapanMediaTour