25 Why does to "nyan nyan" mean "to have sex" in Japanese? (Japanese Cat Idioms)

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's the difference: Eikaiwa vs JET? (The Good & Bad of Teaching English in Japan) Topics Discussed About teaching English in Japan About working in eikaiwa (English conversation school) in Japan About working on the JET Programme About working as an ALT About the application process for getting an eikaiwa job About the application process for getting into the JET Programme A typical work day for English teachers in Japan The problems with working in eikaiwa in Japan The problems working as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan English education in Japan Eikaiwa contracts & work hours About NOVA going out of business About GEOS going out of business About the collapse of NOVA and the aftermath About life post eikaiwa/JET in Japan And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Links, Videos, Etc. Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. How (Kyle Broyles of Pintology) | Japan Station 100 How a Kyoto Hotel Survived Japan’s Entry Ban: Winston Chu, Co-Founder of Wayfarer Hotels) | Japan Station 99   We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

21 Loka 20221h 9min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's the difference: East vs West Japan? Topics Discussed Some of the differences observed in East and West Japan (higashi and nishi nihon) Differences in culture and food seen in Kansai and Kanto Where the border between East and West Japan is The difference in how people from East vs West Japan use escalators About where Ishikawa is in relation to East vs West Japan Theories about the origin of the escalator difference in East vs West Japan The difference in hertz between East vs West Japan About differences in syntax/language in East vs West Japan Language differences in Kansai vs Kanto Naosu vs Katazukeru/Shimau Shoppai vs Karai/shiokarai Sasareru vs Kamareru/Kuwareru Makku vs Makudo USJ vs Yuniba Nikuman vs Butaman Sauces used in East and West Japan Taste preferences in East vs West Japan (Kansai vs Kanto) Tamagoyaki/dashimakitamago in Kanto vs Kansai Mochi in Kansai vs Kanto How miso soup placement may vary depending on whether you are in Kansai or Kanto About aburasoba Ishikawa curry What torotaku is What monjayaki is And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. Breaking Down Kamen Rider & Super Sentai (Power Rangers) w. Sophia Staite | Japan Station 97 Tokyo Kitchen Stories: A Chat w Chef Brendan Liew | Japan Station 98 We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

21 Syys 202258min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are these things so expensive in Japan? (We're especially focusing on why randoseru, fruit and delivery pizza are so expensive in Japan) Topics Discussed Whether living in Japan is expensive The cost of Japanese movie theaters What a randoseru is The expensive price of randoseru The average price of a randoseru Why randoseru are so expensive People being unable to afford randoseru How the price of randoseru has increased in recent years How Japan's aging population may be contributing to the high cost of randoseru How Tiger Mask donates randoseru every year The existence of adult randoseru Whether fruit is expensive in Japan Why some fruit in Japan is so expensive The high cost of delivery pizza in Japan Why delivery pizza is so expensive in Japan Some of the justifications given for why delivery pizza is so expensive in Japan How much cheese the average Japanese person eats per year The real reason why delivery pizza in Japan is absurdly expensive And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the article that inspired this episode. 15 Things You've Thought About Japanese People (That Aren't True?) Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. Kitano Takeshi, Zatoichi & Japanese Movies (Dr. Jonathan Wroot) | Japan Station 93   We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

7 Elo 20221h 8min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Are Japanese...? (Stereotypes About Japan) Topics Discussed Japanese stereotypes Whether Japanese people are shy/quiet Whether Japanese people eat sushi everyday Whether all Japanese people love anime Anime as part of one's identity Whether Japanese people are good at math Whether Japanese people work long hours Whether Japanese people can handle alcohol About alcohol intolerance (allergy) in East Asian people Whether Japanese people can read and speak Chinese Whether Japanese people eat Japanese food everyday Whether Japanese people are good with their hands Whether Japanese TV is as crazy as many people think And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the article that inspired this episode. 15 Things You've Thought About Japanese People (That Aren't True?) Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. Kitano Takeshi, Zatoichi & Japanese Movies (Dr. Jonathan Wroot) | Japan Station 93   We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

7 Heinä 20221h 4min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is a famiresu? Topics Discussed What famiresu are The characteristics of famiresu (family restaurants) About the history of famiresu in Japan The first famiresu in Japan (Skylark) Some of the most popular famiresu in Japan About Big Boy and how it's an offshoot of Bob's Big Boy About Jonathan's About Bikkuri Donkey About Saizeriya Whether Sizzler is a famiresu Whether TGIFriday's is a famiresu Whether kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) should be considered famiresu And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Due to time constraints, no links for sources will be provided for this episode. All information mentioned in this episode can be found online from Japanese and English sources. If you would like a specific citation, please reach out and I can either provide you with the specific link or relevant information. Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel. JapanKyo Docs Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. Banzai Babe Ruth: Discussing Japanese Baseball History w. Robert Fitts | Japan Station 92 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Famiresu ファミレス (n) (abbr) (See ファミリーレストラン) family restaurant We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

21 Kesä 20221h

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is yōshoku? Topics Discussed What yōshoku is? About Japanese style Western food is What qualifies as yōshoku When yōshoku emerged The history of yōshoku The supposed origin of tempura How Japan began adopting more foreign ingredients and cuisine during the Meiji Period About Japan's first yōshoku restaurant in Nagasaki Examples of yōshoku About the Japanese dish curry rice About omuraisu About korokke About hamburg/hamburg steak About hayashi rice About tonkatsu The peculiar way Edokko supposedly eat tonkatsu And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Due to time constraints, no links for sources will be provided for this episode. All information mentioned in this episode can be found online from Japanese and English sources. If you would like a specific citation, please reach out and I can either provide you with the specific link or relevant information. Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel. JapanKyo Docs Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. J-Pop & the Eurobeat Boom: A High NRG Chat w Patrick St. Michel | Japan Station 89 Big Hero 6, Anime, Marvel & More: A Chat w. Artist David Nakayama | Japan Station 90 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Yōshoku 洋食 【ようしょく】 (n) (1) (See 和食) Western food; Western dish; Western cooking; (n) (2) Japanized Western cuisine We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

7 Touko 202255min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: How do you say "trombone" in Japanese? The main topics for this episode include the many uses of katakana in Japanese and how nationalists in Japan appear to have wanted people to use less katakana words during World War II. Topics Discussed About how the Japanese writing system works The many different uses of katakana The fact that words of foreign origin are not always written in katakana How much of Japanese uses words that originated in Chinese How the Japanese word for coffee has kanji How the scholar Utagawa Yōan assigned kōhī (coffee) its kanji How the code from The Matrix has katakana in it About ateji How there were efforts during World War II to eliminate the use of foreign/katakana words in Japan About Japan's unofficial World War II katakana word "ban" How baseball teams in Japan changed their names in an effort to not go against the nationalist sentiment around the time of World War II Some funny examples of needlessly long and complicated Japanese versions of foreign words The Japanese words for curry, korokke, cider, saxophone, violin, trombone Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Due to time constraints, no links for sources will be provided for this episode. All information mentioned in this episode can be found online from Japanese and English sources. If you would like a specific citation, please reach out and I can either provide you with the specific link or relevant information. Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel. JapanKyo Docs Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. Uncovering the World’s Oldest Shark Attack: A Chat w. J. Alyssa White | Japan Station 87 Digging Up Japanese Lost Media: Discussing Saki Sanobashi, the Mysterious Akihabara Tape & More (Alex from Sakura Stardust) | Japan Station 88 Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Rappa ラッパ : 喇叭 【らっぱ; ラッパ】 (n) (uk) trumpet; horn; bugle Shiru 汁 : 汁(P); 液 【しる(P); つゆ(液)】 (n,n-suf) (1) juice; sap Funshutsu 噴出 【ふんしゅつ】 (n,vs,vt,vi) spewing; gushing; spouting; eruption; effusion We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

6 Huhti 20221h 5min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Should you watch "In This Corner of the World?" (About Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) Topics Discussed About the movie Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni (In This Corner of the World) About the popularity and reception of In This Corner of the World when it was released About the crowdfunding campaign for In This Corner of the World About the serious yet lighthearted humorous tone of In This Corner of the World About the umbrella scene, the meaning of the umbrella, and the persimmon questions (kaki no ki no mondo) Trivia about In This Corner of the World Kappa Taisen The use of the Hiroshima dialect in In This Corner of the World About the ending of In This Corner of the World The normal vs entended cut of In This Corner of the World And much more! Support on Patreon & Ko-fi If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha. And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance! Support on Patreon If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page. Support JapanKyo on Ko-fi Sources, Links, Videos, Etc. Here is the trailer of In This Corner of the World(Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni). In This Corner of the World Trailer Don't forget to check out the JapanKyo Docs YouTube channel. JapanKyo Docs Check out the latest episodes of Japan Station. The Japanese Job Hunt Grind: On Shūkatsu & Gender (Anna Lughezzani) | Japan Station 85 The Japanese Job Hunt Grind: On Shūkatsu & Gender (Anna Lughezzani) | Japan Station 85 You can support JapanKyo by buying a shirt from Kimito Designs! Check out Kimito Designs Japanese Vocabulary List Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC. Omiai お見合い 【おみあい】 (n,vs) (See 見合い) formal marriage interview We Want Your Questions Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com. Special Thanks Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr) Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapanKyoNews) Twitter (@JapanKyoNews) Instagram (@JapanKyoNews) Full Show Notes https:///www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan

7 Maalis 202251min