
All Things Japanese with John Ota
Join John Ota, architectural writer, designer, historic preservationist on a journey to explore all things Japanese! This podcast was created to provide information and connect with Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre members and the public during the Spring and Summer of 2021 to provide hope, information and entertainment during the lock-down months.
Episodes
13 episodes
Origami: The Art of the Fold
Origami requires only one material to perform – paper. Rooted in history, how did this art form became so prevalent in the lives of many beyond Japan? How does contemporary artists elevate this art form? In exploring these topics, John Ota is j...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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23:06

Valentine’s Day In Japan
Valentine's Day - A day of chocolate, cards and romance is the norm in North America. But what about Japan? Is there Valentine’s Day in Japan? Is it the same as in North America? Join us in exploring the topic of love , evolvi...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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24:38

Episode 11 (Christmas Special): Anne of Green Gables in Japan
“Christmas morning broke on a beautiful white world. It had been a very mild December and people had looked forward to a green Christmas; but just enough snow fell softly in the night to transfigure Avonlea. Anne peeped out from her frosted...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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34:41

#10 Halloween Special: Spooky Japan with Rui Umezawa, Author of Strange Light Afar
“Please,” It whispered. “Let me in.” Please join us for a special podcast episode on Horrors and Ghost Stories from Japan. Our special guest is Rui Umezawa - Toronto novelist, as well as a storyteller, essayist, chi...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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24:00

#9: The Story of Samurai
Episode 9: Did you ever wonder, who are the samurai? What did they do? Who are these guys? Please join us for our latest podcast episode on The Story of Samurai. Our special guests will be Michael Wert, Professor of His...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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18:12

#8: Judo - Olympic Special!
Episode 8: The 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games is here and we are excited! John Ota sits down with architect and judo sensei, Ken Fukushima to talk about judo, from the sport's philosophy to its introduction to the Olympic Games in 1964 when Japan hos...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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16:41

#7: Sake
Episode 7: With the Province of Ontario finally reopening in the summer of 2021 after a world record lockdown, the City of Toronto is buzzing and ready for for celebration. What better way to celebrate than to watch the Tokyo Olympics while dri...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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23:00

#6: SUMO
Episode 6: This episode, John Ota sits down with Toronto Japanese Film Festival (TJFF) director James Heron and novelist David Benjamin, the author of SUMO: A Thinking Fan's Guide to Japan's National Sport to discuss one of the world's...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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17:26

#5 Toronto Japanese Film Festival
This episode, John Ota dwells into JCCC's very own Toronto Japanese Film Festival - from tidbits about trends, movie stars to the ingenuity of the Japanese film industry when compared to Hollywood blockbusters. Podcast guests for this ep...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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22:35

#4 The Story of Kimono
Join John Ota in exploring the story of Kimono - from cultural history to its depiction in films like The Devil Wears Ju-Ni Hitoe Kimono. Podcast guests for this episode are a...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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19:12

#3 The Magic of Sakura – Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees
Join John Ota in exploring the magic of Sakura - from symbolisms and national pride to cherry blossoms in the city of Toronto, Canada. Podcast guests for this episode are James Heron, Consul-General Sasayama Takuya, and Chako Setoyama, Sa...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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17:40

#2 Traditional Japanese Houses
Episode 2: Join John Ota in exploring: Traditional Japanese HousesPodcast guests for this episode includes: James Heron and Eiri Ota, principal architect at UUfie Architecture and Design Studio. To see pho...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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18:35

#1 Japanese Gardens and the History of the Toronto Japanese Garden Club.
Join John Ota, architectural writer, designer, historic preservationist in exploring the question: What is a Japanese Garden?Podcast guests for this episode includes: James Heron, Irene Foulkes, and Jiro Fukushima.To access the v...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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16:55
