Lafcadio Hearn: 2024 King of Carnival (A Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special)

Lafcadio Hearn: 2024 King of Carnival (A Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special)

Author: Japan Society of New Orleans January 7, 2025 Duration: 1:12:20
2024 was a special year for Carnival and the Japan-New Orleans connection! Lafcadio Hearn's life & works inspired the theme for Rex Parade 2024: "The Two Worlds of Lafcadio Hearn - New Orleans & Japan". But why Hearn? What went into the float design? What other ways has Hearn left a lasting impact on both New Orleans & Japan? Find out today with a super-sized special Mardi Gras bonus episode, featuring insights from Rex historian/archivist Will French & historian/archivist emeritus Dr. Stephen Hales, Royal Artist's float designer/artistic director Caroline Thomas, Lafcadio Hearn's great grandson Bon Koizumi, legendary chef John Folse, captain of the Krewe of Lafcadio John Kelly, JSNO's resident Lafcadio Hearn expert Matthew Smith, and even the Mayor of Matsue Akihito Uesada! Get ready for Mardi Gras 2025 by reflecting on this unique connection between New Orleans & Japan!

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
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…
Being Vegan in Japan ft. Leonore of itadakihealthy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:43
Thinking of going vegan in Japan? This week, the Krewe chats with Leonore of itadakihealthy about navigating the unique challenges of being vegan in Japan. From hidden ingredients and dining tips to nutrition and travel…
Japanese Soccer on the World Stage ft. Dan Orlowitz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
In Part 2 of our Japanese soccer series, journalist Dan Orlowitz returns to help us explore how Japan’s soccer scene is making waves across the globe! We dive into Samurai Blue’s international success, Japanese players s…
Meet the J.League ft. Dan Orlowitz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:37
We’re kicking off a 2-part series on Japanese soccer! In Part 1, journalist Dan Orlowitz joins the Krewe to break down Japan’s domestic soccer scene — the J.League. From league structure and top teams to standout players…
Inside Japanese Language Schools ft. Langston Hill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
Ever wondered what it’s like to study Japanese in Japan? This week, the Krewe sits down with Langston Hill — administrator at a Tokyo-based language school and Japanese language content creator — to dive into opportuniti…
Expo 2025: Japan on the World Stage ft. Sachiko Yoshimura [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:14
The Krewe gets an exclusive inside look at Expo 2025 Osaka with Sachiko Yoshimura, the Director General of Public Relations & Promotion! We dive into the massive planning behind the event, Japan’s rich history with World…
Rakugo: Comedy on a Cushion ft. Katsura Sunshine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
Season 6 kicks off with laughter, tradition, and international flair! The Krewe sits down with Katsura Sunshine, a Canadian-born rakugo performer bringing Japan’s 400-year-old comedic storytelling art to audiences around…
Season 6 超超超大盛 GIGAMAX Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:28
LET THEM COOK! Over the last 5 months, the Krewe has been hard at work cooking up a massive Season 6 line-up. While the main course will begin being served on May 16, how about an appetizer? Just like the carb-loaded ins…
Season 5 Recap ft. SURPRISE GUEST [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:18
This season was a long one! The Krewe re-groups to reflect on Season 5 as a whole, and everything that went into it... with a SPECIAL GUEST! Join us for one last audio journey in Season 5 as we discuss all the milestones…
The Castles of Japan ft. William de Lange [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:52
How many original castles does Japan ACTUALLY have standing? Where is Japan's oldest castle located? When counting castles in Japan, do castle ruins factor in? The Krewe is joined by William de Lange, the author of "An E…