This one goes out to all the ladies out there... well, and the fellas too if you're interested! The Krewe sits down with avid shojo enthusiast Taryn of Manga Lela Instagram/TikTok fame to talk all things shojo. Together they explore the variety of shojo genres, some challenges faced in the shojo industry, & what makes shojo different from those rambunctious shonen titles! Don't miss out!

Historians Nathan Ledbetter & Dr. Samantha Perez rejoin the Krewe to continue our conversation on foreign-born samurai, this time highlighting the life of William Adams! In this episode, we explore his relationships with both Japanese & non-Japanese while in Japan, the similarities between William Adams's story & House of the Dragon (what?!), how he was a big inspiration for James Clavell's classic novel (and the adaptations) Shogun... AND SO MUCH MORE!

Joined by guest host Dr. Samantha Perez, the Krewe sits down with Princeton's Nathan Ledbetter to unpack how the term "samurai" evolved over the centuries and dig into foreign-born samurai, specifically Yasuke. Uncover everything they you need to know about the African samurai right here in this episode... AND SO MUCH MORE!

What's your Japan version of "Ain't Dere No More"? Between changes within the megalopolis of Tokyo to the struggles of keeping countryside communities alive & thriving, Azby Brown returns to the podcast to discuss urban migration, depopulation, revitalization projects, centuries-old feuds raging on today... AND SO MUCH MORE!

Joined by friend of the podcast and travel expert Rob Dyer of The Real Japan, the Krewe explores Hyogo Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Rob reveals his insight into place he calls his second home, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Hell yes to zip lining into Godzilla's mouth! Don't miss out on this fun travel episode!

Grab your bachi and join the Krewe as they sit down with Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三), world champion taiko drummer, to explore the sounds of taiko, his personal experiences and approaches to taiko, & his current adventure across the United States performing 1,000 times in all 50 states.

The Krewe is joined by journalist & author of Tokyo Vice, Jake Adelstein, to dive into the yakuza. How did these organizations gain prominence in Japanese society, and how have the police & government responded over time to their presence? What behind-the-scenes decisions went into the TV adaptation of Jake's thrilling memoir? Find out all this and more in today's episode!

Prepare for lift off as the Krewe sits down with returning guest Dr. Kate Kitagawa of JAXA to look deep into the past, present, and future of Japan's space program! From pencil rockets & SLIM landers to international collaborative efforts, discover Japan's role in exploring the far reaches of outer space.

The Krewe is joined by Patrick St. Michel, Japan-based writer for the Japan Times and author of Make Believe Melodies blog. Patrick shares his passion and expertise on all things J-Pop, what's popular now, where to find it, and so much more! Are you a life-long fan of Japanese pop music? Or maybe you are looking for ways to discover more about J-Pop after hearing Yoasobi's latest hit? This episode is for you!

The MEXT Scholarship deadline is quickly approaching (May 24, 2024 for the Nashville Consulate). But what is a MEXT Scholarship Program? The Krewe is digging into this today. We sit down with returning guest Tye Ebel, JET/MEXT Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, & a current MEXT research scholar, William Archambeault. Through both these conversations, they share some excellent insight into the application process and the programs as a whole. Don't miss out!

Japanese language programs in a non-university setting are a rarity in Louisiana, but fortunately for some students in the Greater New Orleans area, one school has them covered! The Krewe sits down with Dr. Tara Sanchez to discuss how she established a Japanese language program at Chalmette High School and how that program is providing opportunities not only for language learning but cultural exchange!

Kyoto-based geisha culture guru Peter Macintosh joins the Krewe to take a look at geisha culture, reality vs. perception, how societal changes impact the geisha scene today & much more. If you are a fan of traditional Japanese culture, this episode is for you!

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Japanese home? Is it the scent of tatami mats? Shoji-style sliding doors? What are other major components and influences that go into making the Japanese home, be it traditional or modern, as well as Japanese Architecture as a whole? With special guest Azby Brown, the Krewe is going to dig into that today!

Joined by travel expert, owner of Lifebridge Inc., & popular YouTuber Ryotaro Sakurai and fellow New Orleanian William Woods, the Krewe explores Miyagi Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Ryotaro & Will share their insight into place that are must see, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Don't miss out on this fun travel episode!

Ever wanted to learn Japanese and just not know where to start? The Krewe sits down with Walden Perry, a Louisiana native who prior to 2020 had zero Japanese language experience. What started as a personal challenge during the pandemic became a multi-year self-study language learning adventure. And as with all adventures, there are ups and downs. Tune in here for some tips and suggestions on how to get started tackling language study on your own, what mistakes to avoid, and how to take your...

On March 1st, the world lost a pop culture legend, Akira Toriyama. In today's episode, friend-of-the-podcast Matt Alt re-joins the Krewe to look a back at the legacy that Toriyama left behind and his impact on pop culture in Japan and around the world. You won't want to miss this one!

13 years have passed since the catastrophic events of March 11th's Great East Japan earthquake & tsunami, along with the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Plant. Fukushima, as a prefectural community, has demonstrated incredible resiliency in its recovery efforts, but unfortunately there still is a residual stigma attached to the prefecture. One way that Fukushima has been combating that reputation is through some creative initiatives involving education through first-hand...

Kicking off Season 5 with a deep dive into the King of Monsters. Godzilla expert & author of "Godzilla On My Mind" Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui joins the Krewe to discuss the Godzilla franchise, its roots, its impact in Japan, & how it became the global phenomenon it is today. Get in touch with your inner kaiju and learn more about your favorite giant reptilian monster!

SEASON 5 is (almost) HERE!! This is your one week warning... as the KREWE is BACK on Friday, March 8th, 12 noon CST. Here's a sneak peek & preview of gusts & episodes to come: - The History & Evolution of Godzilla ft. Dr. William Tsutsui - Witness Fukushima's Recovery through Educational Tourism ft. William McMichael - Japanese Self-Study Strategies ft. Walden Perry - Visit Miyagi Prefecture ft. Ryotaro Sakurai & William Woods - Japanese Homes, Architecture & Aesthetic...

MOAR BONUS CONTENT! Think of this as Season 5 MINUS ONE. Godzilla expert & author of "Godzilla On My Mind" Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui joins Doug to discuss Toho's latest Godzilla film, Godzilla Minus One. What did one of the top experts on Godzilla think of this movie? Find out right here! ***DISCLAIMER*** This conversation is NOT spoiler-free. If you don't want to hear spoilers, save this one for after you see the movie! *insert Godzilla roar here*

What? Bonus content, already?! That's right! The Krewe is here with a surprise bonus episode to talk about the 2024 JET Program Application Cycle. Returning guest Tye Ebel, JET Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, is back, this time with his colleague Jonathan Contrades, Culture Coordinator at the same consulate. Together, they share some excellent insight & updates (along with crucial tips & tricks) to tackling and approaching this year's JET Application.....

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the end is here! Well, Season 4 anyway. Jenn, Doug, & Maddy sit down to talk about the best of Season 4, new & exciting milestones, upcoming plans for Season 5, & some listener feedback. Whether you've been along from the ride since the beginning of the season or just recently hopped on, you'll definitely enjoy catching some of the highlights and behind-the-scenes stories from this amazing season! Thank you so much to our wonderful guests for...

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... in light of Japan Society of New Orleans’s upcoming 2024 Sister City Exchange Program, the Krewe sits down with Nicholas McCullough, Coordinator of International Relations for the International Tourism Division in Matsue. Nicholas takes us through some of the must-see, must-do, must-eat options that Matsue has to offer inbound visitors! Stay tuned at the end for some information on how to participate in the New Orleans-Matsue Sister City Exchange...

The Krewe sits down with returning guest and author of Pure Invention, Matt Alt! Matt takes the Krewe on a deep dive extravaganza into the history of the beloved Nintendo. From its humble beginnings as a playing card company to its various pivots along the way (hello taxis & love hotels) before its transformation into a behemoth in the video game industry, the Krewe explores the driving forces behind this superpower of the video game industry.