02 Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners?

02 Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners?

Author: JapanKyo.com February 3, 2020 Duration: 51:46
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com
SocietySociety & CultureCultureHistoryPlacesTravel

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Do Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners?

Topics Discussed

  • Whether Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners
  • The idea that longer intestines are a result of the Japanese people having a diet centering around rice, grains, and vegetables
  • The inconsistent details surrounding the idea that Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners
  • Andy Raskin's quest to determine if Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners
  • The stealing of corpses in Meiji period Japan
  • The idea that longer intestine length produces more excrement
  • The connection between the length of one's intestines and the smelliness of one's poop
  • How much longer the Japanese intestinal tract is said to be than that of Westerners
  • What both Japanese sources and English-language sources have to say on the length of Japanese intestines
  • The importance of skepticism
  • The results of a large scale scientific study that compares the length of the intestines of Japanese people and Westerners
  • The idea that intestine length is connected to the darkness of one's skin
  • And more!

Note: During the episode some information is attributed to a Reddit thread. This is inaccurate. The information attributed to said Reddit thread was instead found on news.ycominator.com.

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.

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Japan Station Episode 30

If you would like to check out episode 30 of the Japan Station podcast, which focuses on the idea of "otaku" and the history of Akihabara, please check out the link below.


Curious about why some Japanese words sound so specific or what really lies behind a historical anecdote you heard? Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com digs into exactly those kinds of inquiries. Hosts Tony and Ryan, both holding master's degrees in Japanese Language & Linguistics, use listener questions as a starting point for deep, conversational explorations. Their approach is grounded in personal experience living in Japan and thorough research using Japanese and English sources, which allows them to move beyond surface-level explanations. Within this podcast, you'll hear discussions that weave together language quirks, societal norms, and lesser-known historical threads, all while gently correcting common misunderstandings about the country. It feels less like a formal lecture and more like joining two knowledgeable friends who are eager to share what they've learned. Whether the topic is a subtle cultural practice, the etymology of a phrase, or an event from Japan's past, each episode builds a richer, more nuanced picture. The result is a consistently engaging listen for anyone wanting to move past stereotypes and develop a deeper, more informed appreciation for Japan and its language.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

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