The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleeping habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 76

The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleeping habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 76

Author: JapanKyo.com November 21, 2023 Duration: 53:08

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about the history of pillows in Japan and an absurd belief regarding the sleeping

Topics Discussed

  • About the history of pillows in Japan
  • About early pillows in Japanese history
  • About the evolution of pillows in Japan
  • About pillows during the Edo Period
  • About hakomakura (box pillows)
  • About the oldest pillow in Japan
  • X
  • About stereotypes regarding Japanese people versus Westerners
  • About the idea Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners
  • About Sobagawa/Sobakawa buchwheat pillows
  • About dakimakura (hug pillows)
  • About anime waifu dakimakura
  • About the Shironeri Ayano Oomakura (the oldest pillow in Japan) in Shosoin Temple in Nara
  • About the mistaken idea that Japanese people sleep on their sides due to being an agricultural society
  • About Japan's unique status as the only place in the world with four seasons
  • About nihonjinron
  • And much more!

Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

  • Support on Patreon
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  • Support on Ko-fi
    https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo

Links, Videos, Etc.

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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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Duration: 1:00:16
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