17 Why do Japanese people love Hawaii so much?

17 Why do Japanese people love Hawaii so much?

Author: JapanKyo.com June 7, 2020 Duration: 1:04:45

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese people love Hawaii so much?

Topics Discussed

  • Why Hawaii is such a popular travel destination among Japanese travelers
  • How many Japanese people came to Hawaii in 2019
  • How the amount of Japanese travelers to Hawaii compares to the amount of travelers from other places
  • How many Japanese people went to Guam and Okinawa in 2019
  • The surge in popularity of Guam among Japanese tourists
  • A brief look at the history of Hawaii and how it may have helped make Hawaii so popular among Japanese travelers
  • The 1948 song "Akogare no Hawaii Kōro" ("The Hawaii Cruise I Long For," 憧れのハワイ航路)
  • How much it would have cost someone from Japan to purchase a package tour to Hawaii in 1964
  • What year the average Japanese salary rose above the cost of a package tour from Japan to Hawaii
  • How pancakes from Hawaii became so popular in Japan
  • The connection between Hawaiian pizza and Canada
  • What loco moco is
  • Eggs n' Things
  • The aggressive sales tactics of some vendors in Ala Moana Center and how they target Japanese tourists
  • How much money Japanese tourists spend on average while in Hawaii and how this compares to the amount of money spent by those from the mainland U.S.
  • How you should "Discover Guam"
  • And more!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

If you would like to listen to the 1948 song "Akogare no Hawaii Kōro," you can do so via the video below.

Here are some of the main English language articles used as references for this episode.

Here are some of the main Japanese-language sources used as references for this episode.

To listen to episode 40 of the Japan Station podcast, use the link 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.

  • Akogare
    • 憧れ : 憧れ(P); 憬れ 【あこがれ】 (n,adj-no) yearning; longing; aspiration; adoration; admiration;

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

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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