10 What is Panty Town?

10 What is Panty Town?

Author: JapanKyo.com April 1, 2020 Duration: 28:28

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Panty Town?

Topics Discussed

  • The town of Shimogigaoka (下木ヶ丘) and its plan to use panty vending machines for publicity
  • The history of the town of Shimogigaoka
  • What fundoshi are
  • How rural towns across Japan are trying to both boost tourism and attract new residents through various headline-grabbing PR stunts
  • Whether "Panty Town" is real
  • And more!

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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

To check out the article about the guy that takes off his fundoshi in all sorts of funny and creative ways, use the link below.

You can check out the April Fools' Day Japankyo articles below.

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.

  • Fundoshi
    • ふんどし (n) (1) fundoshi; loincloth; traditional Japanese men's undergarment made from a length of cotton; (2) kimono underskirt; (3) (sumo) wrestler's ornamental apron
  • Shitagi
    • 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear

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


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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