So Japanese ポッドキャスト
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 sojapanesepodcast@gmail.com
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!
Episodes
218 episodes
The Sacred Origins of Sōmen — The Ancient Noodle Born at Ōmiwa Shrine
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 p...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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17:09
Teinei na Kurashi – Everyday Life Is Special
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, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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20:39
The Coffee Shop That Raised Me – My Parents' Final Chapter
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, fami...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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21:40
Fewer Cries, More Canes: Japan’s Quiet Shift
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 birthra...
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Season 2
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Episode 60
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34:50
Step By Step Of A Japanese Tea Ceremony + Street Level Japanese (Re-lease)
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 59
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49:27
Bitter Sweet Memory - Matcha Goes Global
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 58
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29:24
Studio Ghibli's Philosophy vs. AI Technology
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 57
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35:01
Cherry Blossoms & New Backpacks: April in Japan
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 throug...
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Season 2
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Episode 56
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31:58
Kenson: Japan’s Favorite Way to Say ‘I Suck’ (Even When You Don’t)
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? I...
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Season 2
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Episode 55
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35:10
Spring’s Secret Menu: Discovering Japan’s Wild Veggie Treasures
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 54
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47:31
Ikigai: The Secret to Waking Up Happy Every Day
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 53
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41:19
Gacha Gacha: Japan’s Capsule Toy Obsession
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 orig...
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Season 2
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Episode 52
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34:29
Hadaka Matsuri: Japan’s Wildest Naked Man Festivals!
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, w...
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Season 2
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Episode 51
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41:04
Maneki Neko: The Lucky Cat’s Secret Origins
Ever wondered why so many shops and restaurants have a waving cat at their entrance? In this episode, we explore the origins of Maneki Neko, the famous Beckoning Cat of Japan. From legendary tales to the meanings behind different color...
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Season 2
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Episode 50
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44:57
Ichigen-san Okotowari: Kyoto’s Mysterious No-First-Timers Rule
Imagine walking into a restaurant, only to be politely turned away—not because you lack a reservation, but because you're a first-time guest. This episode unpacks Kyoto’s Ichigen-san culture, explaining why exclusivity plays a vital ro...
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Season 2
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Episode 49
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44:31
Omotenashi: The Heart of Japanese Hospitality
What makes Japanese hospitality so unique? In this episode, we dive into the concept of Omotenashi, exploring its meaning, origins, and how it shapes everyday interactions in Japan. Learn how this selfless service differs from hosp...
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Season 2
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Episode 48
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44:03
Kagami Mochi: More Than Just Fancy Rice Cakes
Ever wondered why those two-tiered rice cakes with a tiny orange on top are everywhere in Japan during the New Year? Meet Kagami Mochi! In this episode, we unwrap the symbolism, history, and spiritual significance of this unique tradition—from ...
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Season 2
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Episode 47
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31:38
Osechi, Soba, and Curry Rice!? – What’s on Japan’s New Year Menu?
Join us for a culinary countdown to the Japanese New Year! Discover why soba is the noodle of choice, the golden secrets of Osechi Ryori, and the story behind rice cakes that house a deity. Plus, a peek into some modern twists, like cozy ...
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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46:52
10 Years to Master Sushi: Tradition or Obstacle?
We explore the rigorous 10-year training path to becoming a sushi chef in Japan. Is this time-honored tradition still relevant in the modern culinary world, or has it become an unnecessary barrier? Join us as we dive into the philosophy o...
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Season 2
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Episode 45
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35:35
Steamy Secrets: Mastering Onsen Etiquette Like a Pro
Ready to soak your worries away in a Japanese hot spring? Hold up—there's an art to doing it right! In this episode, we spill the tea (or hot water) on essential onsen etiquette. From neatly folding your clothes to avoiding the dreaded "y...
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Season 2
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Episode 44
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34:46
Beyond Fans: How "Oshi Katsu" Became a Way of Life
What does it mean to have an "oshi" and dedicate yourself to 推し活? In this episode, we break down the meaning of this viral term, its roots in Japanese fan culture, and why it has captured the hearts of millions. Discover how this phenomen...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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31:13
Nanashi 9 - Comfort Food Chronicles: A Taste of Childhood
Let’s talk comfort food—my ultimate edible time machine! From sprinkling furikake on rice as a kid to perfecting the art of Tamago Kake Gohan, and yes, cup noodles when I couldn’t wait for my lunch. Get ready for some delicious, feel-good...
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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30:11
Timeless Japanese Folktales: Momotaro, The Monkey and the Crab, and Hanasaka Jiisan
This episode delves into the essence of Japanese storytelling with three iconic folktales—Momotaro's heroic adventures, the moral lessons of The Monkey and the Crab, and the enduring kindness of Hanasaka Jiisan. このエピソードでは、桃太郎の英雄的...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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45:30
Erased Identities: The Untold Story of Japan's Jouhatsu
What does it mean to start over by leaving everything—and everyone—behind? In this episode, We revisit memories from Ryu's younger years to understand the world of Jouhatsu, people who disappear to reset their lives in silence. Discover t...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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37:13
Warm Up with Japan’s Favorite Hotpots: Celebrating Nabe Day!
November 7th marks Nabe no Hi, Japan’s official day to enjoy all things hotpot! In this episode, we dive into seven beloved Japanese hotpot styles—from the rich flavors of Sukiyaki to the hearty Chanko nabe favored by sumo wrestlers. Join...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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43:38