Krewe of Japan

Historians Nathan Ledbetter & Dr. Samantha Perez rejoin the Krewe to continue our conversation on foreign-born samurai, this time highlighting the life of William Adams! In this episode, we explore his relationships with both Japanese & non-Japanese while in Japan, the similarities between William Adams's story & House of the Dragon (what?!), how he was a big inspiration for James Clavell's classic novel (and the adaptations) Shogun... AND SO MUCH MORE!

Joined by guest host Dr. Samantha Perez, the Krewe sits down with Princeton's Nathan Ledbetter to unpack how the term "samurai" evolved over the centuries and dig into foreign-born samurai, specifically Yasuke. Uncover everything they you need to know about the African samurai right here in this episode... AND SO MUCH MORE!

What's your Japan version of "Ain't Dere No More"? Between changes within the megalopolis of Tokyo to the struggles of keeping countryside communities alive & thriving, Azby Brown returns to the podcast to discuss urban migration, depopulation, revitalization projects, centuries-old feuds raging on today... AND SO MUCH MORE!

Joined by friend of the podcast and travel expert Rob Dyer of The Real Japan, the Krewe explores Hyogo Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Rob reveals his insight into place he calls his second home, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Hell yes to zip lining into Godzilla's mouth! Don't miss out on this fun travel episode!

Grab your bachi and join the Krewe as they sit down with Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三), world champion taiko drummer, to explore the sounds of taiko, his personal experiences and approaches to taiko, & his current adventure across the United States performing 1,000 times in all 50 states.

The Krewe is joined by journalist & author of Tokyo Vice, Jake Adelstein, to dive into the yakuza. How did these organizations gain prominence in Japanese society, and how have the police & government responded over time to their presence? What behind-the-scenes decisions went into the TV adaptation of Jake's thrilling memoir? Find out all this and more in today's episode!

Prepare for lift off as the Krewe sits down with returning guest Dr. Kate Kitagawa of JAXA to look deep into the past, present, and future of Japan's space program! From pencil rockets & SLIM landers to international collaborative efforts, discover Japan's role in exploring the far reaches of outer space.

The Krewe is joined by Patrick St. Michel, Japan-based writer for the Japan Times and author of Make Believe Melodies blog. Patrick shares his passion and expertise on all things J-Pop, what's popular now, where to find it, and so much more! Are you a life-long fan of Japanese pop music? Or maybe you are looking for ways to discover more about J-Pop after hearing Yoasobi's latest hit? This episode is for you!

The MEXT Scholarship deadline is quickly approaching (May 24, 2024 for the Nashville Consulate). But what is a MEXT Scholarship Program? The Krewe is digging into this today. We sit down with returning guest Tye Ebel, JET/MEXT Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, & a current MEXT research scholar, William Archambeault. Through both these conversations, they share some excellent insight into the application process and the programs as a whole. Don't miss out!

Japanese language programs in a non-university setting are a rarity in Louisiana, but fortunately for some students in the Greater New Orleans area, one school has them covered! The Krewe sits down with Dr. Tara Sanchez to discuss how she established a Japanese language program at Chalmette High School and how that program is providing opportunities not only for language learning but cultural exchange!

Kyoto-based geisha culture guru Peter Macintosh joins the Krewe to take a look at geisha culture, reality vs. perception, how societal changes impact the geisha scene today & much more. If you are a fan of traditional Japanese culture, this episode is for you!

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Japanese home? Is it the scent of tatami mats? Shoji-style sliding doors? What are other major components and influences that go into making the Japanese home, be it traditional or modern, as well as Japanese Architecture as a whole? With special guest Azby Brown, the Krewe is going to dig into that today!

Joined by travel expert, owner of Lifebridge Inc., & popular YouTuber Ryotaro Sakurai and fellow New Orleanian William Woods, the Krewe explores Miyagi Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Ryotaro & Will share their insight into place that are must see, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Don't miss out on this fun travel episode!

Ever wanted to learn Japanese and just not know where to start? The Krewe sits down with Walden Perry, a Louisiana native who prior to 2020 had zero Japanese language experience. What started as a personal challenge during the pandemic became a multi-year self-study language learning adventure. And as with all adventures, there are ups and downs. Tune in here for some tips and suggestions on how to get started tackling language study on your own, what mistakes to avoid, and how to take your Japanese to the next level.

On March 1st, the world lost a pop culture legend, Akira Toriyama. In today's episode, friend-of-the-podcast Matt Alt re-joins the Krewe to look a back at the legacy that Toriyama left behind and his impact on pop culture in Japan and around the world. You won't want to miss this one!

13 years have passed since the catastrophic events of March 11th's Great East Japan earthquake & tsunami, along with the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Plant. Fukushima, as a prefectural community, has demonstrated incredible resiliency in its recovery efforts, but unfortunately there still is a residual stigma attached to the prefecture. One way that Fukushima has been combating that reputation is through some creative initiatives involving education through first-hand experiences. Today, the Krewe sits down with William McMichael, an integral figure in these projects, to discuss how Fukushima University's Fukushima Ambassadors Program & Hope Tourism have helped introduce the world to Fukushima in a different way.

Kicking off Season 5 with a deep dive into the King of Monsters. Godzilla expert & author of "Godzilla On My Mind" Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui joins the Krewe to discuss the Godzilla franchise, its roots, its impact in Japan, & how it became the global phenomenon it is today. Get in touch with your inner kaiju and learn more about your favorite giant reptilian monster!

SEASON 5 is (almost) HERE!! This is your one week warning... as the KREWE is BACK on Friday, March 8th, 12 noon CST. Here's a sneak peek & preview of gusts & episodes to come: - The History & Evolution of Godzilla ft. Dr. William Tsutsui - Witness Fukushima's Recovery through Educational Tourism ft. William McMichael - Japanese Self-Study Strategies ft. Walden Perry - Visit Miyagi Prefecture ft. Ryotaro Sakurai & William Woods - Japanese Homes, Architecture & Aesthetic ft. Azby Brown - A Glimpse into the World of Geisha ft. Peter Macintosh - Japanese Music Scene ft. Patrick St. Michel - Pioneering Louisiana's Only High School Japanese Program ft. Dr. Tara Sanchez - Scoping Out Shojo Anime & Manga ft. Taryn of Manga Lela - as well as some other returning guests like Matt Alt, Rob Dyer, & Kate Kitagawa Get Hyped! Subscribe today on your favorite podcast app! See you on March 8th!

MOAR BONUS CONTENT! Think of this as Season 5 MINUS ONE. Godzilla expert & author of "Godzilla On My Mind" Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui joins Doug to discuss Toho's latest Godzilla film, Godzilla Minus One. What did one of the top experts on Godzilla think of this movie? Find out right here! ***DISCLAIMER*** This conversation is NOT spoiler-free. If you don't want to hear spoilers, save this one for after you see the movie! *insert Godzilla roar here*

What? Bonus content, already?! That's right! The Krewe is here with a surprise bonus episode to talk about the 2024 JET Program Application Cycle. Returning guest Tye Ebel, JET Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, is back, this time with his colleague Jonathan Contrades, Culture Coordinator at the same consulate. Together, they share some excellent insight & updates (along with crucial tips & tricks) to tackling and approaching this year's JET Application.. from Statement of Purpose (SOP) tips to handling referral letters. Don't miss out!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the end is here! Well, Season 4 anyway. Jenn, Doug, & Maddy sit down to talk about the best of Season 4, new & exciting milestones, upcoming plans for Season 5, & some listener feedback. Whether you've been along from the ride since the beginning of the season or just recently hopped on, you'll definitely enjoy catching some of the highlights and behind-the-scenes stories from this amazing season! Thank you so much to our wonderful guests for making this season magical, and thank you so much to you our listeners for tuning in to the Krewe of Japan Podcast for Season 4!!!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... in light of Japan Society of New Orleans’s upcoming 2024 Sister City Exchange Program, the Krewe sits down with Nicholas McCullough, Coordinator of International Relations for the International Tourism Division in Matsue. Nicholas takes us through some of the must-see, must-do, must-eat options that Matsue has to offer inbound visitors! Stay tuned at the end for some information on how to participate in the New Orleans-Matsue Sister City Exchange Program in 2024!

The Krewe sits down with returning guest and author of Pure Invention, Matt Alt! Matt takes the Krewe on a deep dive extravaganza into the history of the beloved Nintendo. From its humble beginnings as a playing card company to its various pivots along the way (hello taxis & love hotels) before its transformation into a behemoth in the video game industry, the Krewe explores the driving forces behind this superpower of the video game industry.

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe sits down to discuss omiyage, when to get it, who to get it for, what to get, and how to navigate the culture of gift-giving in Japan! From sneaky good ideas to absolutely DON'T DO IT mistakes, the Krewe has it all!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... HAJIME! The Krewe sits down with Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo, to take a deep dive into the way of the sword. From the historical context of how kendo came to be to the ins and outs of being a kendo practitioner, this episode will open your eyes to this intense martial art! And don't forget... KI... KEN... TAI... ICHI! (Gotta listen to get that reference!)

In this week's episodes, the Krewe is exploring the sub-culture of themed cafes! Joined by fellow Krewe member Maddy & special returning guest/friend of the podcast/Japanese theme park expert Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer, the Krewe explores what makes a cafe a "themed cafe", what some popular cafes are, what to expect, why themed cafes are such a hit in Japan (and not so much elsewhere), & so much more! Let's go!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe explores the Japanese language in a different way... by studying the Kansai Dialect with Japanese tutor Tyson of Nihongo Hongo! Learn new phrases & words while discovering the differences between standard Japanese & the Kansai Dialect.

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... discover the life and legacy of Jokichi Takamine and his lasting impact on the city of New Orleans with regards to New Orleans-Japan relations. Is he the first ever Japanese to visit New Orleans? What makes this man such a treasure? Find out these answers AND MORE right here with special guest Stephen Lyman of the Japan Distilled Podcast.

This week on Krewe of Japan... The Krewe talks with former JET Program participant Rachel of Travel Bug Art to discuss how she taps into her surroundings in Kyoto, Japan for limitless inspiration for her art. Rachel specializes in sketching and watercolor of Japan’s historical and natural landscapes. As an artist and instructor, she shares tips that every aspiring artist (or anyone with interest in art) should hear, from approaches to art in Japan & the tools available to seeking inspiration in your surroundings (Japan or elsewhere)!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe sits back down with returning guest & friend of the podcast, Shinichi Mine of TabiEats YouTube fame! Together, we explore one of Japanese most hyped and popular dish... RAMEN! From the different types and regional delicacies to etiquette and manners and recent trends, we cover it all! Bust out those chopsticks & soup spoons... ITADAKIMASU!

Ever wonder what goes into the daily routine of a professional sumo wrestler? What kind of toll do tournaments take on the body? Well you're in luck! The Krewe sits down with 3-time Grand Champion & 1st foreign-born sumotori to reach the rank of Ozeki... Konishiki Yasokichi. In a candid conversation, Konishiki shares his origin story and discusses the day-to-day regiment of sumotori, the tournament lifestyle, how the pandemic impacted the sport, & so much more! Don't miss out on this massive episode!

It's nearly the halfway point in the season, and Editor Doug is currently in Japan for a couple weeks... so it's definitely a great time to announce our Mid-Season Break! But this episode is more than just that announcement; it's a full-blown preview with longer clips from the final 11 upcoming episodes of the season! Here's the line-up of what's to come: - Life of a Pro Sumo Wrestler ft. 3-time Grand Champion Konishiki Yasokichi - Craving Ramen ft. Shinichi Mine of Tabi Eats - Being an Artist in Japan ft. Rachel of TravelBug Art - Themed Cafes in Japan ft. Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer - Don't Forget Your Omiyage! - Learning Kendo ft. 7th Dan Kyoshi of Kendo Alexander Bennett - Historical Deep Dive into Nintendo ft. Matt Alt - Explore Matsue City ft. Nicholas McCullough - and a couple other episodes still in the works! Get hyped!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe sits down with Kasia Lynch of Ikigai Connections to talk about finding your ideal Japan-related job in your home country. How do you find these Japan jobs? What are some tips and tricks to polish up your resume to make you stand out above the rest of the candidate pool? Is Japanese proficiency REALLY required? All your answers RIGHT HERE, and so much more!

This week on Krewe of Japan... Jenn & Doug sit down with Chris Carlier of Mondo Mascots to explore the wide & wacky world of Japanese Mascots. Kumamon, Domo-Kun, Chiitan and so many others... Chris shares his expertise & passion for these lovable characters through stories about how they have evolved from marketing & branding tools to international sensations and cultural ambassadors, help drive tourism for small communities, & so much more.

This week on Krewe of Japan... Jenn & Doug sit down with Rin of Mainichi Kimono to better understand the intricate world of kimono. Rin shares so much knowledge about the rich history and culture surrounding one of Japan's most distinguished fashions, including the types of kimono, etiquette & accessories, & the training is involved in becoming a kimono stylist... among so much more! You won't want to miss out on this one!

Super Hero Time! The Krewe talks tokusatsu from a couple different perspectives! First Doug chats with long time friend, avid listener of the podcast, and tokusatsu aficionado Chris Gooden to discuss his take on tokusatsu and its US counterparts. Then, Doug sits down one-on-one with a former Super Sentai to talk about what it was like acting in tokusatsu. Sotaro Yasuda is best known for his role in Juken Sentai GekiRanger as Ken Hisatsu aka GekiChopper, but he also played the villain-turned-hero Jabel in Kamen Rider Ghost. Sotaro shares some great stories from times on the set and at live shows, his own experiences as a tokusatsu fan, and how he stays connected to the world of tokusatsu! You don't want to miss this one!

One of the biggest obstacles for Japanese language learners is trying to learn and master the written alphabets, specifically kanji. So many common questions come with learning kanji… What’s the right reading? Am I using the correct character? What does this kanji even mean? Well, in today’s episode, the Krewe sits down with Dr. James Heisig, author of the Remembering the Kanji book series, to discuss the series' origin story, how this method works, understanding the anatomy of kanji characters, and so much more. Hear it directly from the source right here on Krewe of Japan Podcast!

The Krewe grabs an eki-ben and hops on a Shinkansen to explore the prefecture of Hiroshima with their special guest Joy Jarman-Walsh (who listeners may also know as JJ Walsh). Long-time Hiroshima resident, Joy co-founded GetHiroshima, founded Inbound Ambassador, and is the host of the Seek Sustainable Japan Podcast. She shares with the Krewe her depth of knowledge in all topics pertaining to what Hiroshima has to offer. If you've ever had the desire to visit and learn more about Hiroshima, this is the episode for you!

Pokémon: Krewetwo Strikes Back! In Part 2 of this 2-part episode, Jenn & Doug conclude their conversation with Daniel Dockery, the author of Monster Kids: How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All. They revisit the world of Pokémon spin-off games, how Pokémon Go revitalized the brand, & talk about the most recent generation of Pokémon games, Scarlet & Violet. Then, Doug & Jenn catch up on all the Pokémon news that has gone down since our chat with Daniel back in December. Gotta catch 'em all!

Prepare for trouble, and make it double! Okay, okay the Krewe went and made it double... a DOUBLE DOSE of Pokémon content over the next 2 weeks! In Part 1 of this 2-part episode, Jenn & Doug sit down with Daniel Dockery, the author of Monster Kids: How Pokémon Taught a Generation to Catch Them All, to discuss the early days of Pokémania and how the franchise evolved with the world around it over the last 2.5 decades. Grab your Pokédex & Pokéballs, and get ready to set out on a nostalgic journey to explore the world of Pokémania.

The Krewe is back! Season 4 is going to be bigger and better, debuting with a musical journey with the shamisen. Jenn & Doug took about a year getting this special guest onto the podcast, and they're thrilled to finally welcome Norm Nakamura of the YouTube channel Tokyo Lens to share his passion and love of shamisen with the world. Norm’s fascination for the shamisen went beyond admiring the sound, as he actually learned the instrument thanks to many people, like the Yoshida Brothers, who helped grow his skills and interest. Norm shares his journey of learning the shamisen and gives the listener a glimpse at how special and unique of an instrument it is. This podcast episode was well-worth the wait... enjoy! Shamisen Intro: "Shamisen Traditional Dry C Minor" by Sumie Kaneko. Licensed, royalty-free, & available to anyone to use on Splice.

We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! The Krewe returns back from its off-season to make a special announcement! Season 4 will officially be launching March 31, 2023 @ 12 noon CST! Here are a few of our guests & topics for this new season: - The Sounds of Shamisen ft. Norm Nakamura of Tokyo Lens - The Evolution of Pokemania ft. Monster Kids author Daniel Dockery - Exploring Hiroshima ft. Seek Sustainable Japan's Joy Jarman-Walsh (aka jjwalsh) - Henshin Talk with a Super Sentai ft. Gekiranger's Sotaro Yasuda - The Intricate Culture of Kimono ft. Rin of Mainichi Kimono - Remembering the Kanji ft. Dr. Jim Heisig - Landscape Art in Japan ft. Rachel of TravelBug Art - Japanese Mascot Mania ft. Chris Carlier of Mondo Mascots - Themed Cafes in Japan ft. Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer - Craving Ramen ft. Shinichi Mine of TabiEats ... & so much more! Get ready to pack your audio suitcases and join us once again on our weekly audio journeys into Japanese culture, history, pop-culture, and so much more! Subscribe today to stay up to date with the latest from the podcast!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... 約束の通り、日本アカデミー最優秀作品賞受賞監督の内田英治さんと日本語版のインタービューです。このボーナスエピソードは日本語と英語で放送します。内田英治監督の生活とキャリアについて話を楽しんでください！将来にもっと日本語版のゲストインタービューが出てきますので、ソーシャルメディアで是非フォローしてください。 As promised in Episode 18, here is the Japanese version of our interview with the Japanese Academy Award-Winning Director Eiji Uchida from January 2022. This bonus episode contains both full Japanese and English dialogue between Eiji Uchida, Doug, & our translator Yumi. Please enjoy this fun episode about Eiji Uchida's life and career! And stay tuned for more Japanese language interviews in upcoming seasons of Krewe of Japan Podcast! the Krewe sits down for an exclusive interview with Eiji Uchida, the director of Netflix's The Naked Director & 2020 Japanese Academy Award Winner for Best Film... Midnight Swan. In this in chat, Uchida-san discusses his career in the Japanese independent film industry, how diversity is important in movies, how internationalization via streaming platforms changed his approach to directing, Japanese biker gangs, and so much more! (Interpretation provided by Yumi Mano)

In this season finale episode, the Krewe look back on some of their favorite moments from the season, share the behind the scenes of the podcast, and look to the season ahead! It has truly been a pleasure! Thank you for joining us throughout season 3 on our weekly(-ish lol) audio journeys! For more on the Japan Society of New Orleans: https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

This week on the Season 3 penultimate episode of Krewe of Japan... Everyone knows the term culture shock, but this week Jenn & Doug back it up and put it in reverse... and take a look at REVERSE culture shock. They talk about the difference between culture shock & reverse culture shock, share some experiences with it, and how to cope when going through reverse culture shock. Travel's been back on the menu the back half of this season... but you eventually gotta go home. Might as well be prepared!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe sits down for an exclusive interview with Eiji Uchida, the director of Netflix's The Naked Director & 2020 Japanese Academy Award Winner for Best Film... Midnight Swan. In this in chat, Uchida-san discusses his career in the Japanese independent film industry, how diversity is important in movies, how internationalization via streaming platforms changed his approach to directing, Japanese biker gangs, and so much more! (Interpretation provided by Yumi Mano)

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... the Krewe is back full steam ahead on a travel train (plane?) and this time we are taking a more prefecture-specific approach like past seasons! Joined by returning guests Kay Allen of Japan National Tourism Organization & Megan DeVille of JETAA USA , we explore the prefecture of Aomori and everything it has to offer. From Hirosaki Castle & Nebuta Matsuri to apple cidre, Tsuruga JAMisen restaurants, & the tomb of Jesus Christ (what?!), there's so much to learn and love about this prefecture! Bring your notebook, because this episode is jam-packed with ideas and travel tips for your next trip to Japan!

This week on Krewe of Japan... Japanese language study is BACK on the menu!! Jenn & Doug sit down with Loretta of KemushiChan YouTube Channel fame to talk all things Japanese Language Proficiency Test (better known as... JLPT). Loretta drops some knowledge on the best study tips and things to think about when applying & preparing for the JLPT! YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE TIP #4! Benkyou shimashou!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... with the borders re-opened, the Krewe is on a travel kick lately (and is ALWAYS on a food kick)... so this week the Krewe put the two together! Joined by Shinichi of TabiEats YouTube Channel fame, we explore Japan with a food-focused filter. From crazy vending machines to a cuisine breakdown by region, this episode will help you figure out how to plan your trips around your meals... and not the other way around! ITADAKIMASU!

A wild Rapid Fire Question Challenge appears! Season 3's 1st RFQC actually is a throwback to a couple Season 1 guests whose rapid fires never got released. The first challenger is Jennifer O'Donnell, translator & localizer who joined us for Season 1 Episode 15 called "Careers in Japanese: Translation & Localization". In that episode, we explored how to leverage Japanese language study into a career in translation and a peek behind the industry's curtain. After Round 1 finished, Megan DeVille stepped up onto the RFQ Challenge stage. Megan was our guest on Season 1 Episode 17 entitled "Accepted for JET Program... Now What?!". Megan recalls her JET Program application process, as well as talks about her experiences mentoring (and interviewing) prospective JET applicants. A fun mini-episode to hold us over until next week's episode on food-based travel, featuring an awesome conversation with Shinichi of the popular YouTube channel, TabiEats!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... What is city pop? With guest host Andre deLaneuville, the Krewe explores the musical genre that has had a renaissance over the last decade (even more so within the last 4-5 years). After talking through individual experiences with this feel good style of music, Andre & Doug dive into a conversation with former city pop idol & woman of many talents, Yu Hayami, to discuss what city pop means to her, as well as her music career that began during peak city pop era. From music industry behind-the-scenes tales to conversations about cultural identity & details about her upcoming 40th anniversary album release... we got it all (and more!) right here on this episode of Krewe of Japan Podcast!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... Meet the man who became Marvel's Man in Japan and changed the tokusatsu & pop culture game forever: Gene Pelc! With special guest host Matt Alt, the Krewe sits down with Gene Pelc and his son Ted to discuss how Japanese tokusatsu Spider-Man came to be (and its lasting impact on tokusatsu), behind the scenes tales of Kamen Rider & Super Sentai, the REAL origin story of the Power Rangers, how Japanese animation studios changed the American cartoon game, mixed martial arts... and so much more! So many untold tales RIGHT HERE on the Krewe of Japan Podcast!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... don your henro gear, grab your walking stick, & journey to Shikoku for an 800 mile, thousand year old 88 temple pilgrimage with Todd Wassel, author of the travel memoir Walking in Circles! The Krewe & Todd explore the history behind the pilgrimage, personal experiences traversing the island, some can't-miss tips for preparation, and just a general appreciation of the natural beauty of Shikoku as a whole. You don't want to miss this one!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... news of the Japanese borders re-opening to foreign independent-travelling tourists has everyone hyped! While this announcement of visa waivers & removal of daily caps isn't officially official just yet, all things are pointing to this being cemented soon. However, up until this point, 2022 hasn't been the easiest for people trying to get into Japan. However, it wasn't impossible! Doug sits down with special guest hosts (and friends-of-the-podcast) Rob Dyer of The Real Japan & Allan Richarz of Tokyo Confidential Podcast to discuss which visas helped them get into the country, their travels while there, and all the red tape and shocking surprises along the way!

This week on Krewe of Japan Podcast... Doug & Jenn sit down with elite voice actor Kyle Hebert to discuss one of the most popular genres in all of anime: Shonen Anime. Having done countless voices for characters over the years (Adult Gohan in Dragon Ball Z/Super, Kiba in Naruto, Aizen in Bleach... just to name a few), Kyle shares his thoughts on the genre, experiences & tips in voice acting, and tells us why shonen anime is here to stay. PLUS ULTRA!

The Krewe is on a short mid-season break until September 9th! We have some great episodes coming down the back-half of season 3. You aren't going to want to miss this. If you haven't already, hit that subscribe button in your favorite podcast app. In the meantime, catch us on social media (info below!), catch up on past episodes you missed, or maybe even catch us at a Japan Society of New Orleans happy hour on Sept 7th for 5pm @ Wetlands Sake! See ya on September 9th! The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

This week on Krewe of Japan... Picking right back up where that cliff-hanger left off, Part 2 of our 2-part sit-down with Albo Agunday of Albo Media features a more granular deep dive into street racing & drifting in Japan. Albo shares insight into the techniques of drifting and racing, some personal close calls, misconceptions of drifting and street racing in pop culture, considerations that come with a street racing car (maintenance & costs), and so much more!

This week on Krewe of Japan... Buckle up! In Part 1 of a 2-part series, we are hopping in the passenger seat of a Cyber S-2000 for a crash course in drifting & street racing in Japan. Jenn & Doug are joined by YouTuber and self-proclaimed Drift Hunter Albo Agunday of Albo Media to talk his interest in Japanese car culture, how he managed to break into the racing scene in Japan, & how he turned his interest into a booming YouTube channel... AND SO MUCH MORE! VROOM VROOM! Stay tuned for Part 2 next week where we get more into the technique involved, cost considerations, & more!

This week on Krewe of Japan... The Krewe talks New Orleans cuisine in Japan! Jenn & Doug take a virtual/audio trip to Osaka to get a sample of the popular Cajun-Creole cuisine of Bistro New Orleans, a restaurant owned by New Orleans-native CC Haydel. CC shares how he got into the restaurant & hospitality industry in Japan, the challenges that come with running a New Orleans restaurant not based in New Orleans, and deep dives into his menu and some of his dishes. From Jambalaya and dirty rice to gumbo and bread pudding, Bistro New Orleans has got it all! Yeah, you right! (You'll get this reference soon enough...) The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

This week on Krewe of Japan... the Krewe steps back in the ring with ChocoPro's Champion Baliyan Akki for the 2nd half of our 2-Part Special exploring Japanese Pro Wrestling! In Part 2, Akki shares with Jenn & Doug stories from his early days of navigating the Japanese wrestling scene , how he ended up in Gatoh Move, what makes Japanese Pro Wrestling different from other wrestling scenes around the world, and how ChocoPro emerged (and excelled) out of the dark times at the start of the pandemic... and so much more! The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

This week on Krewe of Japan... strap on your wrestling boots because the Krewe is stepping in the squared circle with ChocoPro's Champion Baliyan Akki in a 2-Part Special exploring Japanese Pro Wrestling! In Part 1, Jenn & Doug sit down with Akki to learn about his wrestling journey, what attracted him to Japan, and how he inevitably ended in Japan... and so much more! Make sure to come back for Part 2 next week! The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

This week on Krewe of Japan... Fans of Japanese-language video games, rejoice! Jenn & Doug talk about their experiences in playing Japanese language video games, and then chat with Matt, the creator of the popular Game Gengo YouTube channel. Matt breaks down his thought process behind approaching language learning via video games, while providing some really helpful tips along the way! Who said video games couldn't be educational?! The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

This week, join the Krewe as they explore the summertime festival scene in Japan. What are some essentials to enjoy at any given summer festival? What is the Japanese government doing to help support the preservation of these cultural traditions? Find out this, along with a month-by-month breakdown of some of the top festivals to check out while in Japan. Who knows what's in store for international tourists in 2022, but it never hurts to be prepared for festival season, even if it's for summer 2023... BUT LET'S HOPE FOR SOONER!!

This week on Krewe of Japan... Jenn & Doug sit down with Ziv Nakajima-Magen of Nippon Tradings International to get the inside scoop on what the real estate market is like in Japan! Ziv drops some big-time knowledge about purchasing a home in Japan (be it, every day use or investment property). You'll be shocked it's not as capital intensive as you would think! Looking to buy property in Japan and not sure where to start? The Krewe has you covered! The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

The Krewe is BACK! Season 3 kicks off June 17th at 12p CST with a deep dive into the music genre of enka! Jenn & Doug sit down with Jerome White Jr, more famously known in Japan as ジェロ/Jero. Jero is the first African-American enka artist in Japan and his hit "Umi Yuki" soared to the top of the Oricon Charts back in 2008. Jerome shares his personal journey into becoming an enka singer, what attracted him to enka from the get-go, and how he made an impact on the genre not only in Japan but around the world. Oh yeah, and turns out that this is his first ever podcast appearance too! #KreweExclusive Don't miss out on this fantastic conversation with Jerome! The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

We're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! The Krewe returns back from its off-season to make a special announcement! Season 3 will officially be launching June 17, 2022! Here are a few of our guests & topics for this new season: - Exploring Enka ft. ジェロ (Jerome White Jr./Jero) - Drifting & Street Racing in Japan ft. Albo Agunday of Albo Media - Learning Japanese through Video Games ft. Matt of Game Gengo - Japanese Pro Wrestling ft. Baliyan Akki of Gatoh Move - Owning a Cajun/Creole Restaurant in Japan ft. C.C. Haydel of Bistro New Orleans (Osaka) - Buying Real Estate in Japan ft. Ziv Nakajima-Magen of Nippon Tradings International - A couple TOP SECRET interviews with some award-winning Japanese film directors ... & so much more! Get ready to pack your audio suitcases and join us once again on our weekly audio journeys into Japanese culture, history, pop-culture, and so much more! Subscribe today to stay up to date with the latest from the podcast!

In this season finale episode, the Krewe look back on some of their favorite moments from the season, share the behind the scenes of the podcast, and look to the season ahead! It has truly been a pleasure! Thank you for joining us throughout season 2 on our weekly audio journeys! For more on the Japan Society of New Orleans: https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

In this week's episode, the Krewe conclude their discussion with Dr. Hiromu Nagahara on the history of the Japanese Imperial Family. In part two, Dr. Nagahara teaches the Krewe about the role of the shogun throughout Japanese history, how the imperial family evolved throughout WWII, and modern controversies surrounding former Princess Mako. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Check out Dr. Nagahara's book: https://www.amazon.com/Tokyo-Boogie-Woogie-Japans-Pop-Discontents/dp/0674971698 This podcast is brought to you by the Japan Society of New Orleans: https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

In this week's episode, The Krewe sit down with associate professor of history at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.), Dr. Hiromu Nagahara for part one of their discussion on the history of the Japanese Imperial Family. In part one, Dr. Nagahara shares his background, the origins of the Japanese emperor, what makes the Japanese Imperial family distinct form other royal families, and so much more! Check out Dr. Nagahara's book: https://www.amazon.com/Tokyo-Boogie-Woogie-Japans-Pop-Discontents/dp/0674971698 This podcast is brought to you by the Japan Society of New Orleans: https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

In this week's episode, the Krewe assemble to take you on a journey through Japanese arcades. From the types of arcades you can find in Japan, to tips to win big and the Krewe's favorite experiences at arcades, they discuss it all.

In this week's episode, the Krewe conclude their awesome discussion with comedian and Youtuber, Dogen! In part 1, the Krewe got to know Dogen, his background and his journey into learning Japanese. In this part, they embark on a deep dive into learning Japanese. This discussion takes them to many places from discovering the meaning of pitch accent and how to study effectively, to setting appropriate goals and hilarious language learning stories. This is an episode you don't want to miss! For more on Dogen visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSX0NhNdBA-ZnEFkYFzdw4A https://www.patreon.com/dogen https://twitter.com/dogen This podcast is brought to you by the Japan Society of New Orleans: https://japansocietyofneworleans.wildapricot.org/

In this week's episode, the Krewe sit down with famous comedian and Youtuber, Dogen! In Part 1, Dogen shares his background including how he became interested in Japan and its culture, his background in martial arts tricking, early attempts at learning Japanese, his path to writing comedy in Japanese, and so much more. Stay tuned for Part 2 of the discussion next week, where the Krewe dives deep into Japanese study and specifically pitch-accent with the maestro himself!

The Krewe rings in 2022 with a deep-dive look back at a wild and crazy 2021. Nigel, Jenn & Doug recap many of the major news stories that came out of Japan in 2021, from the Covid-19 & Olympics to Starbucks regional fraps & Mie Prefecture's crackdown on dog pee. Join the Krewe in saying goodbye to 2021 on last time!

The return of the Rapid Fire Questions! In the first RFQ of season 2, Daniel Morales steps up to the plate to try and answer as many random questions as he can in 2 minutes! Be sure to check out Daniel's full episode "Learning Japanese Through Literature ft. Daniel Morales"!

In the final part of this 2-part episode, Doug and Nigel conclude their discussion with Rob Dyer (founder and CEO of The Real Japan). This time they tackle the specific off the beaten path recommendations in the Kansai area, from onsen town and art museums, to giant torii and castles in the sky. They also discuss helpful topics like navigating via taxis and with little Japanese. Post interview Doug and Nigel discuss their thoughts on their interview with Rob. As always, buckle up, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this part 1 of this 2-part episode, Doug and Nigel sit down with Rob Dyer (founder and CEO of The Real Japan). The Krewe and Rob cover a lot of ground in this episode from Rob's visit to the Krewe's home of New Orleans, his backstory of falling in love with Japan, and meeting his wife via a penpal exchange to Rob's first journeys to Kansai, the beginning of our conversation on off the beaten path travel, and planning for serendipity. Buckle up, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Be sure to catch part 2 of the interview airing next week!

In this episode, Doug and Jenn take a deep dive adventure into the world of Japanese trains! From what to expect when coming to Japan and taking a train, to tips, tricks, and taboos.

In this Week's episode, the Krewe take on the age old subbed vs dubbed anime debate. In addition to sharing their perspectives on the debate, they sit down with voice acting veteran, Dan Woren (Bleach, Naruto, Fate/Zero and so much more), who shares his journey into voice acting, the process of voice acting in anime and video games, and his take on the subbed versus dubbed debate. Along the way, Dan and the Krewe talk breaking toes, anime conventions, and even Star Trek?!? This is an episode you won't want to miss!

This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast, the Krewe is back with another language learning episode! In this one, they sit down for an in depth discussion on learning Japanese via literature. The Krewe is joined by translator and host of "How to Japanese Podcast", Daniel Morales. He shares with the Krewe his language learning journey, resources for those all levels of Japanese learners, and the proper mindset in approaching learning a new language. Jam packed with tons of resources, tips, and study aids, if you're looking to sharpen your Japanese skills, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode, the Krewe are re-joined by a guests from season 1, Kay Allen (Japan National Tourism Organization) to discuss all things Hokkaido! With the distinction of being the largest prefecture in Japan, Hokkaido offers some of the top winter sports experiences in Japan, incredible natural landscapes, and the chance to learn about the culture and history of the indigenous Ainu people. The Krewe and Kay take listeners on a journey through Hokkaido, exploring what to see and do, where to stay, how to travel there, and so much more! If you are planning a trip to Japan (especially Hokkaido) for the future, this is an episode you do not want to miss!

In this episode, the Krewe dive into experiencing Japan as a student via studying abroad. They share different methods of studying abroad, what studying abroad encompasses, and essential lessons they learned during their time studying in Japan. From personal experiences to tips on financing your journey, they cover it all. If you've ever had a desire to visit Japan, and are still a student, this is an essential episode for you!

In this spooky Halloween themed episode, the Krewe takes a journey into the supernatural and discusses the world of Yokai. On the journey, the Krewe are joined by authors Hiroko Yoda & Matt Alt, authors of the book "Yokai Attack: The Japanese Monster Survival Guide". From the origins and its development through the years, to questions like "is cookie monster a Yokai?!" and important locations for Yokai pilgrimages in Japan, nothing is off the table in this episode. Happy Halloween!

In this week's episodes, Strap in for a wild ride as the Krewe talks Japanese theme parks! Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug all share their own experiences and favorite parks around the country. Then, Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer joins us to talk all things theme parks! Tokyo Disney vs. Universal Studios Japan... who wins? Chris shares his top tips & tricks, along with some great insider knowledge for planning any theme park-based trip in Japan!

In this episode of the Krewe of Japan Podcast, Doug, Jennifer and Nigel dive into the world of manga. The Krewe provides an intro to manga for those unfamiliar with it, notable characteristics, and why you should consider reading it. In the second half of the episode, the Krewe sits down with Danica Davidson, author of 17 books and frequent manga writer for major publications, to discuss her career path, the manga industry, and things you might not have known about what goes into making manga! This is an episode you don't want to miss!

It’s that time of year again… and no, we aren’t talking about Christmas music already playing in stores. It’s JET Program Application SZN! Nigel, Jenn, & Doug chat with Tye Ebel, the JET Coordinator for the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, to discuss all things JET Application Process. Tye shares some great points on what to consider when considering applying for the JET Program, whether it’s for this year or preparing your resume for the future. Don’t forget.. application deadline is November 12, 2021!

TADAIMA! The Krewe is BACK! Season 2 kicks off October 1st at 12p CST, and Nigel, Jenn, & Doug are coming in hot with this super-sized special first episode! The Krewe goes down the rabbit hole that is Studio Ghibli, talking about some history behind the famous animation studio and their favorite films. Then, Steve Alpert, former Senior Vice President at Studio Ghibli and author of Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli, joins the Krewe for a deep dive into what it was like to work with Miyazaki & how he played a pivotal role in in bringing Ghibli favorites to international markets. You don’t want to miss this one! The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!

In this brief podcast update, the Krewe discuss the recent major hurricane which made landfall in Louisiana, how each member of the Krewe is doing and provide an update on the progress of season 2. Get ready to pack your audio suitcases and join us once again on our weekly audio journeys into Japanese culture, history, pop-culture, and so much more! Season 2 will officially be launching October 1, 2021! Subscribe today to stay up to date with the latest from the podcast!

In this between season bonus episode, the amazing Matt Alt (our very first podcast guest) stops by for a Rapid Fire Question Challenge. From Rick James, Big Tex McDonalds sandwiches, and sake flavored KitKats, nothing is off limits in this challenge! Been missing your weekly audio journeys to Japan?! Keep your eyes peeled for more information on our season 2 launch coming soon! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and to our social media to stay up to date with the latest from the podcast!

Just like that, Season 1 comes to a close! Nigel, Jenn, & Doug peel back the curtain and reflect on all the behind-the-scenes effort & challenges that went into launching, continuing, and finishing the inaugural season of Krewe of Japan! They discuss their favorite episodes , re-visit bloopers (#DougThings), read out some listener feedback, & tease what’s to come! Don’t miss out on this fun stroll down memory lane and help re-live the first season (of hopefully many) of the Krewe of Japan Podcast. See you in August for Season 2! Mata kondo ne!

Did you know New Orleans is the home to the Gulf Coast’s only sake brewery? The Krewe didn’t until a few weeks ago! In this episode, Doug& Nigel sit down and reminisce about their first encounters with sake before sitting down for a sake deep dive with Brian Ashcraft, author of the award winning Japanese Sake Bible. Brian talks about what led to his interest in Japan and sake, shares some behind-the-scenes info into the creation of his comprehensive guide to Japanese rice wine, and provides insight on things that all sake enthusiasts need to know. Kanpai!

In this episode, the Krewe finally concludes their discussion on the greatest anime of all time. Doug, Jenn, and Nigel discuss the biggest anime of today, how streaming anime legally helped make anime cool, and what factors lead to creating an anime hit! Thank you so much for tuning in to this mini-series, and be on the lookout for a future manga series in season 2! For more on the Japan Society of New Orleans: http://www.japansocietyofneworleans.org

JET Program acceptance letters have gone out & short-listers are on the edge of their seats waiting to find out their placements. Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug talk about the months-long emotional roller coaster of preparing to relocate to a new country (for JET or any program). Departing JETAA Mid-South President Megan DeVille stops by to talk about her pre-departure JET experiences, from interviews to arriving at a tiny regional airport in Aomori Prefecture. She also talks about life after JET and how to keep Japan in your life despite returning to your home country.

In this week's episode, the Krewe takes a trip down memory lane to reminisce about what many consider to be the “Golden Age” of Japanese animation, 1990-2010. Nigel, Jennifer, & Doug talk some prolific titles like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Naruto, & One Piece, while paying respects to some non-mainstream (but popular) shows. Packed to the brim with loves, hates, and hot takes, they take you on a fun audio journey exploring shows they loved growing up and how the ingestion and perception of anime changed with the world around it.

Enjoy studying Japanese and want to work in an industry where you can apply those skills? How do you even get into translation and localization? The Krewe has you covered. In this episode, Doug & Jenn chat with another Jenn: Jenn O’Donnell, a localization director in the game industry based out of Japan. Jenn shares her career path, some challenges she had to overcome, and how Twitter played an interesting role in her journey to becoming a video game localizer.

In this episode, Doug & Jenn take you on an audio journey through Japan's four seasons. From the top cultural events and natural phenomena that you must see, to the weather and must try seasonal food and drinks, this episode if perfect for those reminiscing about their last trip and those planning their future one. Share with us your favorite time to visit Japan via email or social media!

In this week's shorter episode, a new contestant steps up to the Krewe's rapid fire question challenge, Bradley Trenery (guests from our "Teaching English in Japan: Eikaiwa & Private ALT" episode). Can he top the RFQ leaderboard? Tune in to find out! The second half of this episode continues our preview of a future episode focusing on the New Orleans/Japan music connections. In that preview, we pick up right where we left off last week with local music journalist William Archambeault. Be on the lookout for that full episode in the future!

In this bonus episode, MattvsJapan (featured on our learning Japanese through Immersion episode) steps up to bat in our rapid fire questions challenge. This episode also contains a preview of a forthcoming episode and series dedicated to exploring the connections between New Orleans. In the preview, Doug & Nigel sit down with local music journalist William Archambeault, and they begin to dive into the New Orleans-Japan music exchange. Be on the lookout for the full music connection episode and series soon! *Correction to episode: MattvsJapan's total number of questions answered was 8*

IRASSHAIMASE! Grab a milk tea and tuna-mayo onigiri and join Doug & Jennifer as they completely torture themselves talking about all the goodies you can get at Japanese convenience stores! Discover the role convenience stores play in daily life, konbini "must buys", phrases to help survive checking out, and most importantly, the best konbini chain to rule them all. If you weren't craving a melon soda and famichiki before, consider this an apology in advance. MATA OKOSHI KUDASAIMASE!

In this rapid fire questions challenge, best selling author and Japanese historian Tomoko Kitagawa competes for the top spot on the rapid fire leaderboard! Be sure to check out Tomoko's full episode "The Age of Lady Samurai" and her latest feature in the Netflix hit "Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan".