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Japan Explained

by Stray Toki
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Latest episodes

  • Hakkenden Explained. The Past and Present of Eight Dog Warriors with Glynne Walley

    April 15, 2024 · 51 min

    Nanso Satomi Hakkenden or Eight Dog Warriors of the Satomi Clan is a masterpiece of Edo period literature. The book was not only hugely popular in its own time but has gone on to become one of the most influential Japanese novels ever…

  • Saigo Takamori Explained. Part 3 - The Last Samurai

    March 19, 2024 · 47 min

    This time, let's take a look at what Saigo did, aspired to and dreamed of in the new era. And what he regretted or was angry about. And, most importantly, what earned him the title of the last samurai, which still inspires not only the…

  • Saigo Takamori Explained. Part 2 - Satsuma-Choshu Alliance and the Fall of the Shogunate

    February 27, 2024 · 52 min

    Saigo has returned from exile, and in Kyoto his lord, Hisamistu, fights daily with Hitoshubashi Keiki. How did Japan get into this mess, and how can it be saved? Let's take a step-by-step look at the Forbiden Gate incident, the SatCho…

  • Saigo Takamori Explained. Part 1 – Childhood, early career and exile to Amami

    November 21, 2022 · 44 min

    Saigo Takamori, the Great Saigo or the Last Samurai is the ideal Japanese man and one of Japan's most beloved historical characters. In popular imagination, Saigo is THE perfect samurai. His image is so heavily embellished that it is…

  • Tanuki Explained

    October 31, 2022 · 26 min

    Happy Halloween everyone! We started this October with kitsune, and I thought it would be great to finish it with tanuki. So let's see how tanuki and kitsune influenced each other, what tanuki has to do with the 150th anniversary of Japan…

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  • Kitsune Explained

    October 3, 2022 · 40 min

    Kitsune – Japanese foxes, who are they? Multi-tailed shapeshifters, companions of the god Inari, animals that bring good luck or beasts that inflict madness? Let's find out! Bonus episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/72879450 Support the…

  • Ikebana Explained

    September 5, 2022 · 27 min

    This time let's have a look at the Japanese art of flower arrangement also known as Ikebana. When did the first flower compositions appear in Japan? How did it evolve into complex art with sets of rules and artistic competitions? And which…

  • Sake Explained. Bonus - Expert talk with Dick Stegewerns

    August 22, 2022 · 46 min

    To help me break down the many myths about sake, this time I am joined by Dick Stegewerns, the founder of Yoigokochi Sake Importers. We talked about how sake came to Europe and America, how to choose and drink sake, what are the…

  • Sake Explained. Part 2 - From rice grain to dining table or all you need to know about sake

    May 9, 2022 · 35 min

    Continuing to uncover the truth about sake, let's see how this beverage is made, which types of sake you can find in the shop and how to drink it properly. Or maybe there are no rules at all? More info on https://japanex…

  • Sake Explained. Part 1 - The Past and Present of Nihonshu

    April 25, 2022 · 28 min

    Few things in Japanese culture are covered by so many myths as sake. For example, sake is not rice vodka and not even rice wine, but in essence it is rice beer. And it is far from being the most popular alcoholic drink in Japan. Starting…

  • Tokaido Explained. Part 2 - Travellers of the Edo period

    April 4, 2022 · 30 min

    This time let's take a look at different types of travellers using the road in the 17th-19th centuries. From foreigners who loved Tokaido to an elephant who absolutely hated the journey, there is a full range of opinions about travelling…

  • Tokaido Explained. Part 1 - The Road

    March 7, 2022 · 34 min

    Have you ever heard about Tokaido? If you live in Japan, I bet yes. If you’ve ever visited, I’m positive you took Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. And if you love art, you’ve probably seen some of the prints from the…

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About the show

Discover Japanese culture, history, food, crafts, architecture, people and more, one topic at a time. Made by Kyoto tour guide tired of old myths overstaying their welcome ;) More info: https://japanexplained.com/ Support the show: https://japanexplained.com/#support Tour with me: https://koifluence.com/en/excursion-form/ YouTube: @japanexplained_en Instagram:@japanexplained Cover design: @justlavi