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Welcome to So Japanese Podcast! I’m Ryusuke — a chef, storyteller, and lifelong observer of Japanese culture. In each episode, I share stories and lessons from Japan that reveal the heart of everyday life — from food and family to philosophy and language. Sometimes I’ll dive into Japanese culture and traditions, and other times, I’ll teach real, natural Japanese expressions you can actually use. It’s all about discovering what makes Japan so Japanese. 日本の“日常”を、ちょっと深く、ゆるく楽しむラジオ。 If you like our content and want to buy us a coffee, click the link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sojapanese Music by Johnny Ha https://johnnyfromthe.bandcamp.com For business inquiries please contact [email protected] Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sojapanesepodcast, Youtube youtube.com/@sojapanesepodcast and TikTok http://tiktok.com/@sojapanesepodcast to suggest topics for us to talk about and to ask questions to be featured on the podcast!

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Check latest episodes from So Japanese ポッドキャスト podcast

Hatsumōde: The Tradition That Resets Japan’s Soul

2025/12/30

Why do millions of people line up at shrines at midnight every New Year’s?Hatsumōde isn’t “just visiting a shrine” — it’s a ritual that reveals how Japanese people reset their hearts, welcome luck, and start the year with gratitude.From ancient gods to modern crowds, here’s the real meaning behind Japan’s first visit of the year.なぜ日本では毎年、大晦日の深夜に何百万人もの人が神社に並ぶのか？初詣は「ただ神社へ行く行事」ではないようです。日本人が心をリセットし、福を迎え、感謝とともに一年を始めるための大切な儀式なのです。昔の神様の考え方から現代の参拝まで——日本の新年を形作る「初詣」の本当の意味を深掘りします。

10 Japanese Etiquette Rules You Didn’t Know You Needed

2025/12/11

Japan is full of tiny, invisible rules — from elevator bows to escalator sides, from sushi “don’ts” to the shocking truth about karaage lemon etiquette.In this episode, I break down the everyday manners that shape Japan, why they exist, and how they reveal the heart of Japanese culture.If you've ever wondered “Do we really have to do that?” — this one’s for you.日本には、細かくて分かりずらい“ルール”がたくさん。エレベーターで乗り降りする際のお辞儀、エスカレーターでの立つ位置、食事の際のマナー、そして…唐揚げレモン問題まで！？今回のエピソードでは、こうした日常のマナーの意味、なぜ日本人がそれを大事にするのか、その背景にある日本文化の“こころ”を深掘りします。「え、こんなことも？」と思ったことがある人に、ぜひおすすめです!!

What a Noodle Reveals About Japan’s Oldest Shrine

2025/11/20

Send us a text What if a simple noodle carried a spiritual story connected to Japan’s oldest shrine? In this episode, I travel to Sakurai City in Nara to uncover the ancient roots of Miwa sōmen, learn the legend behind its creation, and experience the powerful atmosphere of Ōmiwa Shrine. This is a story about food, history, and the surprising depth behind everyday traditions. もしシンプルな麺に、日本最古の神社とつながるストーリーがあったら…？今回は奈良の桜井市へ行って、三輪そうめんのルーツやその伝説、そして大神神社のすごいパワーを実際に感じてきました。食べ物の話なのに、日常の中にある“深み”が見えてくる、そんなエピソードです。 Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

The Japanese Art of a Mindful Life -Teinei na Kurashi

2025/11/13

Send us a text While visiting my hometown Seto, I met a ceramic shop owner who shared a very Japanese way of thinking — teinei na kurashi, or “a mindful life.” He reminded me that life isn’t just about saving things for special occasions, but about finding joy in everyday moments. This is the story of how that simple talk in a pottery shop changed my perspective on happiness. 今回の帰国中、瀬戸で訪れた小さな陶器屋さんで、ひとりの職人さんと出会いました。その店主との何気ない会話の中で教わったのは、「丁寧な暮らし」という、とても日本的な生き方の考え方。特別な日のためだけじゃなく、何気ない日常の中にこそ幸せがある。このエピソードでは、瀬戸の陶芸職人との出会いを通して気づいた、毎日を大切に生きるということについてお話しします。 Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

The Coffee Shop That Raised Me – My Parents' Final Chapter

2025/07/26

Send us a text After 40 years of running the same cozy coffee shop in Japan, my parents are finally retiring. In this special episode, I share the story of how it all began, what the shop meant to our community, and the deeper reality behind small, family-run businesses in Japan. It’s personal, a little bittersweet, and a quiet tribute to a generation who kept going—no matter what. 日本のとある小さな喫茶店。両親が40年間続けてきたそのお店が、ついに幕を閉じます。今回のエピソードでは、喫茶店のはじまりの物語、地域とのつながり、そして日本各地にある家族経営の小さなお店が抱えるリアルな現実についてお話しします。とても個人的で、少しほろ苦くて、でもあたたかいエピソード。これは、どんな時でも黙々と働き続けてきた一つの世代への、静かなオマージュです。 Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Fewer Cries, More Canes: Japan’s Quiet Shift

2025/05/01

Send us a text Japan is quietly changing—babies are fewer, and seniors are everywhere. But how did it get this way? And why haven’t all those government plans worked? In this episode, we untangle the causes of Japan’s declining birthrate and aging society through stories and insights. 日本は静かに変化しています——赤ちゃんの数は減り、お年寄りがどこにでもいます。でも、どうしてこんな社会になったのでしょう？そして、なぜこれまでの政府の対策はうまくいかなかったのでしょうか？このエピソードでは、日本の少子化と高齢化が進んだ原因を、ストーリーと考察を通じてひも解いていきます。 When it startedWhy it happenedMeasures takenWhy it didn’t workSupport the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Step By Step Of A Japanese Tea Ceremony + Street Level Japanese (Re-lease)

2025/04/24

Send us a text On this episode of the So Japanese podcast we take a deep dive into tea ceremonies. We talk a bit about the history, how it is seen as a form of mediation and we describe the steps involved in a 4 hour tea ceremony. 今回のエピソードは、日本の伝統文化”茶道”について掘り下げていきます。茶道の歴史、瞑想の形態としてどのように見られているのか、そして、４時間の茶会にでの一つ一つのステップについて話していきます。是非最後までお楽しみ下さい。 Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Bitter Sweet Memory - Matcha Goes Global

2025/04/17

Send us a text Just like matcha, some stories are a little bitter, a little sweet. In this episode, we share memories, traditions, and moments tied to Japan’s favorite green tea—and now it’s become part of everyday life around the world! 抹茶のように、思い出も少し苦くて、少し甘い。今回のエピソードでは、日本の大切なお茶「抹茶」にまつわる記憶や現状、日常の中のささやかな瞬間をシェアします。そして今や、抹茶は世界中の日常にも溶け込んでいるんです。 Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Studio Ghibli's Philosophy vs. AI Technology

2025/04/10

Send us a text From Zero to Ghibli: Why Everyone’s Running to OpenAIOne Scene, Four Seconds, Endless Heart – The Ghibli WayIt’s Cute, It’s Ghibli-ish… But Is It Really You?Will Ghibli Sue?The Rise of AI Can’t Be Stopped – What Does This Mean for Creators? Mononoke Hime as an AI Live Action? Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Cherry Blossoms & New Backpacks: April in Japan

2025/04/03

Send us a text In Japan, April is more than just the start of spring—it’s the beginning of everything! From the iconic Nyūgakushiki (school entrance ceremonies) to Hanami parties under the cherry blossoms, this episode takes you through the nostalgic beauty of Japan’s new school year. Ryusuke shares personal April memories and why this season hits so different in Japan. Japan’s New School Year Kicks Off in April Ryusuke’s Nostalgic April Stories – 懐かしい思い出Nyūgakushiki (入学式) – The Iconic Japanese Entrance CeremonyHanami (花見) & Enkai (宴会) – Cherry Blossoms, Drinks, and Good TimesSupport the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Kenson: Japan’s Favorite Way to Say ‘I Suck’ (Even When You Don’t)

2025/03/27

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into Kenson (謙遜) — the Japanese art of humility. But what does it really mean to be humble in Japan? Is Kenson just being modest… or is it actually a kind of self-deprecation? In this episode, we explore: What the heck is Kenson, really?Is being humble in Japan just... polite self-hate?Where did this whole mindset come from?Can being too humble mess with your brain?Why are Japanese artisans so damn good at pretending they’re not that good?Ryusuke spills some real talk from his days in the world of shokuninPlus: a gem of a story from Katsura Sunshine, the Canadian dude doing traditional Japanese rakugo — and absolutely nailing itSupport the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Spring’s Secret Menu: Discovering Japan’s Wild Veggie Treasures

2025/03/20

Send us a text Ever tasted freshly-picked bamboo shoots or crispy tempura made from wild mountain plants? In this episode, we uncover the hidden gems of Japan’s seasonal cuisine—sansai! Tune in for stories, recipes, and tips to bring authentic Japanese spring flavors to your table. 採れたてのタケノコや、サクサクの山菜天ぷらを味わったことはありますか？今回のエピソードでは、日本の春の味覚「山菜」の魅力をたっぷりご紹介します。季節感あふれるストーリーやレシピ、おうちで楽しめる調理のコツなどをお届け。ぜひ日本の春をあなたの食卓でも感じてみませんか？ Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Ikigai: The Secret to Waking Up Happy Every Day

2025/03/06

Send us a text Ever wondered why some people seem to wake up full of purpose while the rest of us hit snooze five times? The secret might be Ikigai—Japan’s unique concept of a meaningful life. But forget the complicated life-coach diagrams! In this episode, we break it down the real Japanese way—through small joys, daily rituals, and things that make you smile (yes, even your morning coffee counts!). Tune in to discover what Ikigai really is, where it comes from, and how you might already have it without even realizing it! 目覚めた瞬間からやる気に満ちている人がいる一方で、スヌーズを5回も押してしまう人がいるのはなぜでしょう？その秘密は、日本独自の「生き甲斐」にあるかも!! でも、よくある自己啓発の考えは忘れてください！このエピソードでは、本当の日本流の生き甲斐をわかりやすく紹介します。小さな喜び、日々の習慣、そしてあなたを笑顔にするもの（そう、朝のコーヒーなど！）を通じて、生き甲斐とは何か？どこから来たのか？そして、あなたもすでに生き甲斐を持っているかもしれないということを一緒に探っていきましょう！ Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Gacha Gacha: Japan’s Capsule Toy Obsession

2025/02/27

Send us a text Ever wondered why Japan is filled with colorful vending machines that dispense tiny capsule toys? In this episode, we dive into the world of Gacha Gacha (ガチャガチャ)—where the thrill of surprise meets collectible madness! From its origins and evolution to the most bizarre and sought-after items, we explore what makes these little toys so addictive. Whether you're a casual fan or a hardcore collector, this episode will make you want to turn that dial! なぜ日本にはカラフルなカプセルトイの自販機が溢れているのか？今回のエピソードでは、*ガチャガチャ（ガチャポン)*の世界を深掘りします！コインを入れてハンドルを回すと、何が出てくるか分からないワクワク感と、コレクションの魅力が詰まった文化。ガチャガチャの歴史や進化、そして最も珍しく人気のアイテムまで、その魅力を徹底解説していきます！ Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Hadaka Matsuri: Japan’s Wildest Naked Man Festivals!

2025/02/20

Send us a text How far would you go for good luck? In Japan’s Hadaka Matsuri, thousands of nearly naked men rush through the cold, get drenched in freezing water, and battle for sacred objects—all in the name of fortune and tradition. In this episode, we explore the 3 biggest Hadaka Matsuri, from the rowdy Saidaiji Eyo in Okayama to the eerie Shin Otoko ritual in Aichi. What’s the meaning behind these wild celebrations, and why do people still participate today? Strip away the misconceptions and join us for a deep dive into Japan’s most extreme festivals! 幸運を手に入れるために、どこまでやりますか？日本の「裸祭り」では、何千人ものほぼ裸の男性が極寒の中を駆け抜け、冷水を浴び、神聖な物を奪い合います――すべては運と伝統のために。今回のエピソードでは、岡山の激しい「西大寺会陽」から、愛知の神秘的な「神男」儀式まで、日本各地で行われる3つの代表的な裸祭りを掘り下げていきます。これらの祭りの本当の意味とは？なぜ今もなお多くの人々が参加し続けるのでしょうか？ "裸の祭り"とゆう概念を取り去って日本で最も過激な祭りの世界に飛び込んでみましょう！ Support the show https://linktr.ee/Sojapanese

Podcast reviews

Read So Japanese ポッドキャスト podcast reviews

5 out of 5

17 reviews

★★★★★

pgrazini 2026/01/22

More episodes please.

These informative deep dives into a variety of Japanese related topics have given me so much invaluable information!

★★★★★

shogunv_ 2022/09/15

MY FAVORITE

awesome podcast, really informative & a great channel to learn more japanese language / culture!

★★★★★

Ihateappcrashes 2022/02/24

Great Podcast!

Ryusuke and Jon talk all things Japan and go in depth into their topics! Their first hand experience stories are always fun to listen to and help you ...

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