Culture Shock!

This week, Otalku #1 and Otalku #2 discuss a disturbing but real topic. "Lolicon" is drawn pornography involving very young characters. How likely are you to stumble across it? How can it even exist? Is it legal? Find out in this video.

Pachinko machines are a sort of cross between pinball game and slot machine, and they're massively popular in Japan. Why? And how do you gamble on them? Find out!

Japanese foxes, or "kitsune," have a long tradition in Japanese folkore. They trick humans, but not in the same way as Western tricksters. And they pop up in anime a lot, from Shippo in Inu Yasha to Renamon in Digimon Tamers. Find out more here. Photo credits: Fushimi Inari taisha 04, Fushimi Inari taisha 44, Fushimi Inari taisha 50, and kitsune 2. Anime artwork are screenshots from Pom Poko and Inu Yasha and art from Digimon Tamers.

Kimono and yukata are classic Japanese clothes. What are they exactly, and do people even wear them in Japan anymore? Find out! Photo credits: kimono at night, Girl in a Kimono, 3-5-7 Festiva in Asakusa, and Yukata trio.

Hundreds of fireworks shows fill the skies of Japan every summer. But why? And what are they for? Photo credits: Edogawa hanabi taikai (fireworks show), DSC01638, Japan Fireworks, Hanabi Taikai Osaka 花火大会, Koto Ward Hanabi Taikai Fireworks Festival #1, and Koto Ward Hanabi Taikai Fireworks Festival #1

Japanese martial arts organizations are known for their dōjō, or training facilities. But it goes well beyond martial arts, and has an interesting history. Brent and Evan explain. Photo credits: University Dojo, New Dojo, and Zen dojo.

Once a year, schools in Japan celebrate sports day, where the students engage in track and field competitions, human pyramids, and other, more unusual events. But why? And how did it start? All images in this episode are from the TV series Japanology Plus, made by NHK World.

You may have seen these "raccoon dogs" in anime from Inu Yasha to Pom Poko. Tanuki are real animals with a rich mythological tradition. Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

Brent and Evan explore the history of the famous Shinsengumi, the Wolves of Mibu who were central actors in the drama of Japan's opening to the West in the 1860's. Discover their doomed fate! Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

There's so much more to ramen than Top Ramen! It's a full-scale gourmet dish; Brent and Evan explain the history and reality of ramen. Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

Japanese futons are integral to Japanese culture. But they're not quite what you might be used to. Brent and Evan delve into the history and reality of futons. Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

Anime presents college entrance exams as super-intense. Is it really like that? And why? Photos used in this video are licensed for commercial use.

Brent and Evan talk about the super-fast trains of Japan, the shinkansen. Photo credits: Shinkansen, Shinkansen 400series, Shinkansen, Shinkansen For more videos like this, go to http://geekspectrum.org

Brent and Evan talk about that icon of Japan, Mount Fuji. Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/skyseeker/11061598174 https://www.flickr.com/photos/emrank/3170872652 https://www.flickr.com/photos/melanie-m/2219827045 https://www.flickr.com/photos/midorisyu/5315466701

You see them in anime frequently: the school has a cultural festival. But what is it? Where did it come from? Brent and Evan have the answers. All images in this episode are from the anime series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Brent and Evan examine the Japanese phenomenon of cram schools. Are they really as common as they're portrayed in anime, manga, and film? All images in this episode are from Let's Talk about Japanese Cram School

Where did samurai come from? How did they evolve over time? Why are there no more samurai? Brent and Evan explain. Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/68532869@N08/14583360482/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/txarli/5349519709/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/zaffi/2423828136/

What are Japanese after-school clubs like, and how are they different than those found in other cultures? Photos are from the anime series K-ON!, Shirobako, Kokoro Connect, and Higurashi: When They Cry.

Japanese love hotels cater to those who want to rent a room by the hour. But they're not as sordid as they initially appear! Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/charlottemarillet/1446160772/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinpoh/4563388587/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/antoniotajuelo/14577536045/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/antoniotajuelo/14576747722/ For more videos like this, go to http://geekspectrum.org

Brent & Evan talk about host clubs and hostess clubs, where employees are paid to talk to you. But what are the downsides? Photo credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/69486985@N08/6429897879/ and Wikimedia Commons.

A uniquely Asian feature, shopping arcades are streets lined with shops. We look at the history and current decline of shopping arcades, with some anime and manga recommendations.

A look at the traditional Japanese street theater art of kamishibai, which strongly influenced anime.

We peer into the world of amateur Japanese comics and fiction.

We peer into the world of amateur Japanese comics and fiction.

A look at traditional Japanese lunch boxes.

A beginners' level overview of the classic board game that appears often in anime and manga.

A look at the massive comics/doujinshi convention Comiket, including its history and impact.

A look at the differences between Japanese school life vs. that in the West.

A look at the differences between Japanese school life vs. that in the West.

The history and impact of one of the biggest cultural landmarks in Japan: Tokyo Tower.

A look at Japanese bath houses and the culture surrounding them.