04 What's it like being a "fake priest" in Japan?

04 What's it like being a "fake priest" in Japan?

Author: JapanKyo.com February 12, 2020 Duration: 56:34

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What's it like being a fake priest in Japan?

Topics Discussed

  • What a nisebokushi is
  • The different terminology for priests in Japanese (shinpu vs bokushi)
  • The phenomenon of having foreigners dress as priests to officiate weddings in Japan
  • How most "fake priests" in Japan tend to be white men
  • The experiences of someone who worked as a fake priest in Japan
  • How much money one might expect to get paid when working as a fake priest
  • The job duties of a fake priest
  • What is rewarding about working as a fake priest
  • How it is common to see broccoli thrown instead of a bouquet of flowers at some weddings in Japan
  • The craziest thing one fake priest ever saw happen while on the job
  • A story involving someone's head catching on fire during a wedding
  • Whether Japanese people also throw rice at weddings
  • Whether Japanese rpiests might be resentful of foreign "fake priests" for monopolizing the wedding chapel side of the wedding market
  • And more!

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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Full Show Notes

  • https://www.japankyo.com/2020/02/ichimon-japan-podcast-japanese-fake-priest/

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

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com
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