15 Have you ever had any weird experiences in Japan?

15 Have you ever had any weird experiences in Japan?

Author: JapanKyo.com May 9, 2020 Duration: 45:30

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Have you ever had any weird experiences in Japan?

Topics Discussed

  • Weird/crazy/surprising experiences had in Japan
  • Peculiar Japanese coworkers/teachers
  • A teacher who wanted to go to France to become a witch
  • Whether English is the lingua franca of witches trained in France
  • Eating cat... not really, but kind of
  • Being accosted by an individual that appeared to be a far right nationalist
  • A sarcastic Japanese guy
  • Getting called handsome by a yakuza while urinating
  • And more!

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Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

In the story about the yakuza in the bathroom a magician named Sero is mentioned. This is the Japanese pronucniation of his name. His real name is Cyril Takayama. Also, it should be noted that it was mistakenly stated that is part Turkish. According to Wikipedia he is of French, Moroccan, and Japanese descent. He has performed in many countries around the world and even had numerous specials air on Japanese television.

As for the temple in Kyoto that was mentioned during this episode, it is called Sanjūsangen-dō. It is a place I (Tony) highly recommend visiting when in Kyoto and if you would like to know more about it you can start by checking out the Wikipedia page for it. Another thing you can do is listen to episode 22 of the Japan Station podcast.

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.

  • Majo
    • 魔女 【まじょ】 (n,adj-no) witch
  • Otokomae
    • 男前 【おとこまえ(P); オトコマエ】 (n) handsome man; man's looks; good looks
  • Neko
    • 猫 【ねこ(P); ネコ】 (n) (1) cat (esp. the domestic cat, Felis catus); (2) shamisen; (3) geisha; (4) (abbr) (See 猫車) wheelbarrow; (5) (abbr) (See 猫火鉢) clay bed-warmer; (6) (uk) (col) (ant: タチ) bottom; submissive partner of a homosexual relationship

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
Podcast Episodes
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