Find Someone Who Loves You Like Japan Loves Robots ft. Matt Alt

Find Someone Who Loves You Like Japan Loves Robots ft. Matt Alt

Author: Japan Society of New Orleans February 5, 2026 Duration: 58:54
From Astro Boy to Gundam to real-world robots like ASIMO and Pepper, Japan’s fascination with robots runs deep. This week, the Krewe is joined by author, cultural commentator, & robot enthusiast Matt Alt to explore how robots became heroes instead of threats in Japanese pop culture and how those sci-fi dreams quietly shaped Japan’s modern relationship with technology, AI, and everyday automation. From giant mecha and cyborg icons to robot cafés and beyond, we dig into why Japan seems so comfortable living alongside machines in an episode that’s equal parts nostalgia, culture, and future tech.

Each week, the Krewe of Japan podcast from the Japan Society of New Orleans opens a new door into the intricate layers of life in Japan. This isn't just a travelogue or a language lesson, but a series of conversations that feel like walking through a vibrant neighborhood with a knowledgeable friend. You'll hear from a wide range of voices-longtime residents, cultural scholars, artists, and everyday people who share their personal stories and professional insights. These discussions naturally explore how tradition intersects with modern society, the nuances of social etiquette, and the stories behind places both iconic and overlooked. The result is a richer, more textured understanding that goes beyond the surface. Whether the topic is a local festival, a culinary tradition, or the subtle art of communication, this podcast provides context and connection. It’s for anyone who has ever been curious about the real rhythms of Japanese life, from its bustling cities to its quiet countryside rituals. Tune in weekly to find your own point of connection within a culture that is endlessly fascinating.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Krewe of Japan
Podcast Episodes
Crash Course in Japanese Politics ft. Tobias Harris of Japan Foresight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:20
Japan’s political scene is changing—from new parties rising in visibility to historic moments in national leadership—so the Krewe is bringing you a timely crash course. Political analyst Tobias Harris (Founder & Principa…
Making Tokusatsu ft. Takeshi Yagi, Director of Ultraman Max [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:04
Step into the world of tokusatsu with Ultraman Max director Takeshi Yagi! Doug chats with Yagi-san about the artistry, imagination, and behind-the-scenes magic that bring Ultraman and Japan’s iconic heroes to life. Disco…
From Tokyo to Treme: A Jazz Trombone Tale ft. Haruka Kikuchi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:34
The Krewe sits down with Haruka Kikuchi, a Japanese jazz trombonist making waves in New Orleans. From discovering jazz in Japan to second-lining through the Crescent City, Haruka shares her story of finding home through…
Akiya: Japan's Empty Homes ft. Anton Wormann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:19
DIY Enthusiast & the man behind "Anton in Japan" YouTube Channel, Anton Wörmann joins the Krewe to talk about akiya, Japan's abandoned home phenomenon, and how he’s transforming them into stunning spaces. We dig into wha…
Season 6 Midseason Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:59
A quick update from the Krewe on a short release break & things to come! Big things poppin' with the Krewe!!
Social Media & Perceptions of Japan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:54
Jenn and Doug dive into how social media shapes global perceptions of Japan—both the good and the misleading. From viral content to common myths, they explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and why it matters.
Shochu 101 ft. Christopher Pellegrini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:21
Think you know Japanese alcohol? Think again. In this episode, the Krewe dives into shochu — Japan’s most beloved distilled spirit that somehow still flies under the radar outside the country. We sit down with Christophe…