Japan By River Cruise

Little message from Ollie to say that he's heading to Japan as part of his stand-up comedy tour. Tickets are available with a big JBRC discount if you use the promo code JBRC. https://tickets.olliehorn.com/tokyo - Friday May 5th @ Good Heavenshttps://tickets.olliehorn.com/fukuoka - Saturday May 6th @ Shimokitazawa- Tickets now on sale for Brighton Fringe previews and Edinburgh Fringe 2023 too!https://tickets.olliehorn.com/brighton - End of Mayhttps://tickets.olliehorn.com/edinburgh - All of AugustCheck Ollie's instagram for more information about his London dates and other touring.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Links to tickets! Get your tickets ASAP for guaranteed entry!https://peatix.com/group/12083451/events ★ Support this podcast ★

We did it! The second half of all of the news that came out of Japan in 2022. All of it. And we don't get side tracked or distracted by other chats.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Part one of a (potential?) two-part run down of every single news story that came out of Japan in 2022. ★ Support this podcast ★

★ Support this podcast ★

Joe McReynolds is co-author of a new book about how flexible micro-spaces create the spontaneity and vitality of Tokyo, and how so much the city is built on the often very niche dreams and passions of its citizens, and also slash-fan-fiction. Cruises to deal with inflation and heat stroke.Topics discussed on this episode include: What to remember about your successes or failures on the JLPT Bobby's continuing BBQ tribulations and the experience of working together as husband and wife The challenges of mass producing sauce Ollie's latest stand-up adventures and how things are finally looking up for him a bit Ollie's thoughts on therapy and clarity Gratitude for your continued patience and support Joe's book Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City How different zoning restrictions create kind of spaces/businesses that we're used to seeing in Japanese cities Japan's narrow, dingy, alleyways and how they became a vibrant part of city life The sheer massive NUMBER of drinking/dining establishments and how they're sustainable Barriers for opening restaurants in the states and UK, as opposed to Japan The difference between what people WANT to do, and what laws make it possible for people to do Weird business operations hours with Shimokitazawa as a test case Running a business versus doing something you enjoy with your life/time Which district of Tokyo does Joe find fascinating and what does the district teach us about the creation of real physical pockets of subculture How countries choose to restrict or not restrict people's creative endeavours Why Joe's background in National Security Analysis helped him tackle this topic How the cityscape of Tokyo is built out of people's dreams and allows for self-exploration The control that landlords/land-owners wield over the tone/vibe of the city and local economy How concern with property value affects possibility Bobby's experience with selling products out of his home kitchen and getting the permissions to do that/open a restaurant How much do we trust strangers with our (food) safety? Japanese reactions to food poisoning outbreaks when they happen and Japanese reactive policy in general Cultural essentialism?? Shokunin, Otaku, and Bukatsu Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Extras this time include conversations about: The Robot Restaurant Chinese Militarism and Security Policy AND SO MUCH MORE Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodGet a free therapy sessionTake the first step to a happier you by trying Better Help. Free first session if you use our link: https://jbrc.link/better-help. Social Media Links:Joe McReynold's Twitter | Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous CityOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Joe Biden's Straight Talk Express comes to Asia! WaPo Bureau Chief Michelle Ye Hee Lee joins us to talk about what Biden took away from his time in Japan. If he's anything like most Americans, we're betting that list includes a Hello Kitty T-shirt and a fake sword.Ferris Wheel and Kintsugi River boats!Topics discussed on this episode include: How much we POTENTIALLY appreciate Elon Musk Bobby's BBQ shop gets even closer to completion Ollie rails against the propertied class Bobby's kids make relationship milestones Ollie at the Brighton Fringe The highs and lows of performing live comedy Why did that couple excuse themselves from Ollie's show mid-performance? Therapy and catharsis and the overlap between joke writing and self-analysis Metaphors about the wrong kinds of transportation Gratitude for our wonderful listeners Michelle's experience covering Biden's Asian Tour Michelle being super professional in the face of very silly questions IPEF: DON'T CALL IT A COME BACK How does Japan feel about the US walking out of TPP All things politics around Biden's Asia Trip North Korean Covid: What do we know? Japan opened for limited group tours, limited group tours open for Corona-infection Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Extras this time include conversations about: How the pandemic turned Michelle's long-distance relationship into a long-distance marriage Bobby and Ollie's advice for surviving long-distance What it's like when you, as a journalist, become the focus of a piece of journalism How does Guam see its relationship with the mainland US/feel about mainland current events? US current events

Japan Scholar Oleg Benesch joins us to to talk about the past, present, and future of Japanese castles,and break down the debates around them, proving that when it comes to historical Japanese strongholds, things aren't always black and shiro.Bobby and Ollie mourn the loss of some of their river cruise sponsors, and play catch up.Topics discussed on this episode include: Our new, hopefully temporary show format Ukraine, Covid, North Korea, #japantravelban and other topics we're really trying to avoid Bobby's move to Karatsu, his girls' preschool graduation, and how being rich requires HAVING money Ollie's comedy career, his time in Barcelona, and the value of performing comedy (and podcasting) in a world that's falling apart ISSUING REFUNDS ALL THINGS CASTLES w/Oleg Benesch. Where did they come from? Why? What happened to them? Why? What's going to happen to them? WHY? Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:Oleg's books:Japan's Castles: Citadels of Modernity in War and PeaceInventing the Way of the Samurai: Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushido in Modern Japan (The Past and Present Book Series)Social Media Links:Oleg Benesch: Twitter | Homepage Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Author of Japan's Aging Peace, Tom Le, stops in to talk about Japan's security concerns and help us think about an important hypothetical question. Ok, Japan, you CAN have a military. NOW WHAT?Ollie's river cruise recommendation is actually in Ukraine this week, but don't worry, if you wait long enough, it'll come to you.Bobby learned a little bit about haiku so he thinks he's better than you.Topics discussed on this episode range from: What you can expect from Disney's Japan exclusive content programming A brief look at the crypto crash: is it a big deal? Bobby's home renovations gone wrong Why DO people buy crypto? Tom's thoughts on whether or not the aging population is going to lead to the end of Japan Lots of thanks for new members and coffee buyers! An explanation of how we've improved access to the extras, which makes it an EVEN BETTER TIME FOR YOU TO JOIN AS A MONTHLY MEMBER AND GET ACCESS TO LITERALLY DAYS OF AMAZING BONUS CONTENT from our wonderful guests Why is North Korea being so active in the opening days of 2022? What does North Korea want? How seriously we take Mobile, Alabama Is what North Korea doing... normal? Why it might be even scarier BECAUSE we all know North Korea couldn't win in a war Might makes right in the Nuclear Club and why they didn't really have to go to all that trouble to get a meeting with Trump Japan's right wing wants to amend the constitution to allow for a military. We talk about why that doesn't matter. What the public thinks about remilitarizing A comparison of the robustness of the democracies of the US and Japan Ok, Japan, you can have a military. NOW WHAT? How the current social, political, and economic situation in Japan constrains attempts to remilitarize Can Japan make up for a lack of boots on the ground with technology? The importance of the presence of America Nuclear weapons, pacing ourselves as we end civilization Is war good for the economy? If it was in America, why wouldn't it be good for Japan? Financial priorities. War or social security? Who does the JSDF try to recruit and how? What is modern Japanese security policy most concerned with? What will life in Japan look like in 30 years and how can we heed the warnings evidenced in Tom's book. How Japan might be ahead of the curve Why Tom thinks characterizing Japan as unwelcoming to foreigners is unfair to large swaths of Japan, and who in Japan isn't being represented by the government's choices As always, we highly recommend this week's extras, in which you can find: EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT YASUKUNI JINJA: WHAT'S UP WITH THAT PLACE What the Japanese government SHOULD be paying attention to in terms of keeping its population secure The role of religion in Japan's past militarism, and what it means that politics is currently divorced from religion How the fallout from Japan's imperialism and World War II taught Japan and its neighbors in East Asia very different lessons about the effects of militarism Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Tom Le: Twitter | Tom's Research | Japan's Aging PeaceOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Author Alex Kerr may be single-handedly responsible for the current global spotlight on restoring old Japanese country homes, so we talk to him about how these homes may be at the forefront of a new style of Japan tourism... if tourism in Japan ever happens again.Ollie shows us how YOU can go home again, as long as you do it by river cruise. Bobby's pleased to see more Japanese river cruise companies adopting American business practices re:COVID-19.Topics discussed on this episode range from: New Japan Post policies Our goals for season 4 which starts just now HOW BRIAN WALKED OUT ON US Bobby gets some advice from Alex about making Japanese houses livable Old styles of Japanese house construction, and the challenge of respecting the construction while keeping the house WARM enough for humans Catching up with listener messages The continuing strict foreign entry rules and how the tourism industry is weathering things Domestic vs foreign tourism, and how tourism has picked up in more minor areas BECAUSE of Covid What Alex thinks of the overwhelming Japanese public support of the foreign entry ban HOW OSCAR BOYD GOT IT ALL WRONG Alex's take on Japan's pandemic response The AKIYA(abandoned house) BOOM and what Alex thinks of the global attention to the movement he started Akiya as social problem and Japanese cultural heritage A major MYTH about Japanese architecture Is the Akiya attention in the media birthing new myths about Japan? The reality of buying the 5 dollar country house How much of future tourism in Japan will involve properties like this? An update on Alex's thinking on construction development in Japan since "Dogs and Demons" featuring the development of Yoyogi Park Why there isn't more pro-preservation activism in Japan? The paradox of Japan taking pride in its nature and history while actively destroying it. When Buddhism backfires This week's extras feature lots more insights from Alex about Buddhism, tourism, and life between Thailand and Japan. Plus, is it trueGet access to the extras for standard episodes by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Alex Kerr:  Homepage | Facebook Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses a Shure mic and a Scarlet Focusrite. Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you'd like to be entered for a chance to win Baye McNeil's book "Hi, My Name is Loco and I'm a Racist," Ann Kilzer's 禁 calligraphy, or one of three JBRC merch packs, please tweet and share your favorite episode from this year with a recommendation, and be sure to tag us in it! Archive is here!Alternatively, you can also enter by retweeting your favorite JBRC twitter joke from the year with a recommendation to follow!We love you guys, and we'll be back with more next year!★ Support this podcast ★

Author of the new book, "An Affair with a Village" and leading UK expert on Japan, Joy Hendry joins us to discuss a whole variety of things, like MEXT Scholarships, marriage, and other things that end up letting us down.Ollie gets Scandinavian with it.Bobby is surprised to find out there are as many as two.Topics discussed on this episode range from: How the current entry ban is affecting Academia Joy's perspective on the situation as someone who's been doing fieldwork in Japan for 50 years Another historical entry ban and it's effects, and the story of Ron Dore What Joy thinks people can do in the interim Actions people are taking now to deal with it The Twitter response, and the twitter activism The awesome resource share project some Twitter academics are undertaking The network and community building that's occurring The way the internet has changed Japan-research, and what Joy's earliest Japan fieldwork experiences were like Joy's book An Affair With a Village How an anthropologist approaches and analyzes the things that all foreign residents of Japan live with Why Japan thinks we can't sort our rubbish Potential conflicts of interest and how anthropologists avoid moral judgements How Joy chose what village to study Joy's work studying the types of marriages, marriage by introduction and "love marriages" What Japan thinks is an incredibly important thing to do for anyone during research in the field in Japan How LONG AGO was the 1970s in terms of what things were like in Japan Love hotels, and what people who lived in communal family country homes before love hotels The tradition of "night-creeping" and the woman who told her "night-creeping" story to Joy The shift from "introductions" to "love marriages" during the time when Joy was researching it and how the delineations between the two weren't always clear Bobby's strategy in getting his wife's family's permission to marry their daughter How deeply marriage and other life events are tied to the Japanese idea of "continuing the line of the house" and carrying on the family business Marriage as the longest-form of anthropological research This week's extras feature lots more insights from Joy and her years of work. From religion in Japan, to generational change, rules of engagement for anthropologists, and more!Get access to the extras for standard episodes by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodJoy's Book:An Affair With a VillageSocial Media Links:Joy Hendry:  Extremis PublishingOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses a Shure mic and a Scarlet Focusrite. Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic. ★ Support this podcast ★

Abe-ographer (The Iconoclast) Tobias Harris stops by to break down the power dynamics in the LDP, speculate on whether or not Kishida's going to get a belated honeymoon (and whether or not his wife will have to stand during it), and discuss why what kills US, makes Kishida stronger.Ollie does what we in the media do best: gives a platform to bigots.Bobby discovers that the stuff he loves is now devoid of humor, but at least it's more expensive than it's ever been.Topics discussed on this episode range from: The best way for this week's sponsor, oops, nope, we mean for you to benefit from a tour to Japan in 2022. Brian's looming marital crisis Commentating on Japan from afar What it's like to be an international policy and national security analyst and senior fellow for Asia and have to watch the rest of us dick about with our hot Japan takes on Twitter What Tobias thinks is the most uninformed Japan Take of All Bad Abe Opinions, and the impetus for Tobias's book What are our responsibilities when publicly posting Japan opinions? Wet aged beef Ollie's Podcast recommendation of the number one podcast for those involved or just interested in the production of beef animals and dairy herds. Kishida's approval numbers and whether or not Tobias thinks he's coming into power? The limits placed on Kishida by the LDP Past and present of LDP factions determining the course of the government The public reaction to Kishida's ban on international inbound flight and his backtracking The ratings bump he got AFTER enforcing a foreign national entry ban, and why Tobias thinks there is SO MUCH Japanese approval for that particular policy The lesson Tobias thinks Kishida learned from Abe's Pandemic Policy mistakes Is there a policy or image that Kishida might end up indelibly linked with? How much credit does Abe deserve for the latest economic stimulus package? Is it, as Abe claims, ALL OF IT? What's the legacy and the influence of Abenomics? Japan's appetite for deficit spending and what makes it sustainable What Japan's military spending bodes for it's future This is another one of those week's where the extras could've and maybe even should have been the show. Tobias is SUPER smart,Topics discussed on the extras include: The standard getting-to-know-you bullying How Tobias first got interested in Japan Ollie's assertion he liked Japan for (undisclosed) "normal reasons." How Bobby and Tobias missed Japanese pop-culture exploding worldwide by just a couple of years A recent Japan book that Tobias LOVES Did Japan miss out on the current global populist moment, or are they still in the wake of a slightly earlier one? The cause of the Japanese public's political fatigue/apathy Tipping points in being fed up with government, and why smaller things tend to galvanize the public more than HUMONGOUS THINGS Japan's revolving door prime minister era, and how it set the stage for Abe Why Tobias sees Abe as an Iconoclast, when many of us don't see him as a figure who challenged the institutional status quo Abe's ability to walk the line between nationalism/constitutional revisionism and international cooperation Does Tobias think Kono Taro will ever become PM? The secondary positive internationalizing effects of Japan's opportunistic globalist moves A continuation of the discussion in the main show, touching on potential conflict in Asia in terms of both hard AND soft power, and whether or not Japan is REALLY a pacifist country Get access to the extras for standard episodes by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Tobias Harris: Twitter | Observing JapanOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses a Shure mic and a Scarlet Focusrite. Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic. ★ Support this podcast ★

Why do foreigners in Japan speak in Katakana? Well, Bobby does it because the TV director told him it's funnier that way. But Dr. Wes Robertson has actual NON-anecdotal research into writing system/pronoun choices and how calling yourself ORE isn't conveying what you think it is.Ollie reminds us that loose lips sink ships.Bobby comes to terms. Topics discussed on this episode range from: Brian getting himself into some hot water. Scholars of the sakoku-jidai The New Entry Ban and the online twitter reactions How the Entry Ban is going to affect TV Explaining jokes The Japanese trendy words of the year and what we think should win (in which we totally overlook the eventual winner because we don't care about Shohei Ohtani) Ollie getting confused between the News and the Extras How a McDonald's Spokesperson launched both Wes and Bobby's Careers Why is Foreigner Japanese represented in Katakana? Wes research into using variations in script and what it's intended to convey Other reasons for using katakana  Reasons for varying scripting choices outside of the general conventions (katakana for loan words, etc) The affective associations with different writing systems The writing traps that non-native Japanese learners often fall into Our word choices as Japanese learners and how we might be adding social nuance that we don't intend to add Using excessive/unnecessary Kanji Choices and turtles all the way down Pronoun choices and how much of these choices are conscious or subconscious forJapanese people/Japanese authors The extensive inferences that Japanese people can make about a writer based on their scripting choices How technology has changed scripting choices, and what that can reveal about people who make those choices Young Japanese women pretending to be lecherous old men online because why not? The phenomenon of trying to represent another demographics language trends and getting it wrong Content Links:The Sociolinguists of Japanese ScriptTopics on this week's extras include:This week's extras are 40 plus minutes of intense Japanese linguistic analysis applied to joke writing and punnery, and also to Bobby's 6-year-old daughter's first heartbreak. Yes, really. And we talk more about the trending words, including "Ussee-wa." We get into some of the cultural reasons why trying to tell Japanese people you're just joking doesn't work and discover who Wes's least favorite comedian is.It's very insightful and fascinating stuff from Wes, and you'll only ever get to listen to it by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Dr Wes Robertson: Twitter | WordPress | Book | Wes's Death Metal Linguistics Podcast: Lingua BrutallicaOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Thalia Harris stops by to talk about second-class citizenship in Japan during the pandemic, and also has such an interesting story about the Titanic that we had NO CHOICE but to actually talk about a cruise ship.Ollie recommends a ship that will have to change its name now.Bobby thinks Maezawa Yuusaku is wasting his money.Topics discussed on this episode range from: The Netflix Cobbo Beebo Remake, and how, boy, oh boy, it sure is something. Brian's prospects  How Thalia got involved with Unseen Japan The way Unseen Japan is placed within the "journalistic/social advocacy" content creation environment Token White People Striking the balance between celebrating and criticizing Japan THE ONLY JAPANESE SURVIVOR OF THE TITANIC?? Fun with Homonyms! Ollie finds out about the word "ofay" and Thalia and Bobby learn the word "au faits" What were the breaking points for foreigners in Japan during the pandemic? The personal and political desire to be able to have access to your home country/culture Whether or not we're going home for the holidays this year Micro-aggggggresssssssssioonnnnnnnnsssssss Travel logistics The recipe for Japan's ineptitude cocktail Any positives to not having new incoming crops of foreigns? How informed are the folks who dream of moving to Japan? What's the generation cycle of new incoming g-folk? People going to Korea or China instead of Japan Topics covered in the Extras include: Thanksgivings The most labor intensive kind of vacation How many podcasts do we even have any more? Whether or not we listen to ourselves and how our shows age Some of our more recent episodes, and whether or not we've gotten better at talking to guests Bobby's Battle over his Mic Boom Arm Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent linksThalia's Unseen Japan pageWhat is My Worth as a Foreigner in Japan?Social Media Links:Thalia Harris: Twitter Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

NYT Tokyo Bureau Chief Motoko Rich gets onboard to talk about Kishida's first month in office. What has he done so far? What does his administration mean for Japan? And the most important test of a Japanese government official: how well can the man mull?Ollie recommends a river cruise that succeeds, but at what cost? No cost.Bobby makes a point about the secularization of Christmas that no one has ever made before.  Topics discussed on this episode range from: How the time has never been better for the Conbini Boys to make the leap to the mainstream Why Motoko turned down our first invitation to appear on the show What her experience covering the Olympics was like  When the Japanese media covers the western media coverage of Japan How all the Japan Olympic scandals stack up to other countries turns The Japanese media's interest in the NYT coverage of the royal marriage What Kishida's first month (and a half or so) has been like, and what he's been up to Why Motoko sees the LDPs victory in the general election as coming IN SPITE OF the party being on snooze, and IN SPITE of choosing Kishida as their leader Why the LDP chose Kishida Why the country's voters continue to choose the LDP Is Kishida starting to step into more power and control than he was generally expected to have? What are Kishida's policies, and what does he want to do for Japan? Kishida's incomprehensible attempts to ease travel restrictions into Japan Japan's silence on environmental reforms The lack of gender representation in Kishida's cabinet A big problematic trend with minority group political figures in Japan Topics discussed on the extras include: Crimes against Japanese food An initiative to recycle adult diapers as an alternative fuel source The TV announcer who measures "youthfulness" by the ability to impregnate idols Get access to the extras for standard episodes by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Motoko Rich: Twitter | NYTimes CoverageOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Aya Shimada tells us what the fuss over Princess Mako's nuptials tells us about Japan's treatment of women, how the media affords privacy rights to the famous, and Ollie remembered that he thinks wedding stuff is over-priced again.Bobby knows which one of the two Rising Sun post-covid cruise options he wants to take.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Why Aya thinks Japan has what she calls a "purge" culture How bullying is used in Japan to isolate and force out undesirable differences Aya's experience in both Japan and the US and how she felt trying to integrate in both places The community of Japanese people who've been abroad and come home AND the community of Japanese people who left Japan and never came back How Aya found the strength to face Japanese societal pressure, especially as a woman How that social pressure can contribute to a brain drain in Japan Subtle ways in which Aya discovered sexism applied to Princess Mako in the media More Coffee (and BBQ sauce) thank yous What Aya identified as "cyberbullying" of Princess Mako What press coverage of the marriage focused on and why How much of the general public actually cares about Royals, and why in one sense Aya thinks they should care MORE Does the media feel EXTRA ownership of Royals? R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to Aya Does the imperial family lead the culture, or represent the past? How does the Japanese imperial family struggle when it tries to adopt progressive ideas? Why all the fuss about Mako marrying a commoner? What did Japan think of the British Megxit? How the treatment of Mako in media infantilizes her and all women Some possibilities about the relationship between Mako and Kei that we hadn't considered Could she have married a non-commoner? How the conversation around this gets carried out at Japanese schools among young people, and what Aya thought about the royal family when she was a child The Heisei Emperor (whose name we totally now) and the things he did to KIND OF make statements about what they think/feel about world issues What happened with that payment to Princess Mako and also WHO CARES? The Debt thing with Komuro, and Japan being a bit hypocritical about it Will things get better for the poor, poor royal family in the future? What could be done to improve the situation and the role of the Royal family in the future? As always, the extras are FANTASTIC, and they're like getting a whole extra show for free. Well, not for free.For like 4 to 5 dollars a month.You can get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics discussed on the extras include: Aya's company CultureLabs and how she helps Japanese companies with Design Thinking Japan's attempts to diversify and how Aya navigates the need for diversification with ingrained resistance to it Aya's article about the Tokyo Olympics and what she thinks about it looking back on it Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:On Japan's 'Megxit,' We Need a Feminist and ... - NewsweekAs a Japanese citizen and a consultant, I know why the Tokyo ...Social Media Links:Aya Shimada:  Linked-IN Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Business consultant Pernille Rudlin helps us look back on the largely disappointing post-Brexit trade deal between Japan and the UK, which may have only been signed because Japan is sympathetic when it comes to saving face.Ollie remembers that people used to be shorter. Bobby gets an exclusive Aso Taro hot take on the silver lining of the death of the planet.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Bobby's NEW BBQ BUSINESS Brian's Time Off Pooey Rivers British Values and the massive post-Brexit success Pernille's time living in Japan, and the surprising connections between Japan and her current locale: Norwich Do Japanese people know who Alan Partridge is? Do you? The universal currency of silliness RingerHut and the OG Gaijin Morally Questionable Foreigners Will we ever get any dirt on Rochelle Kopp? Lots of thanks for the literal deluge of contributions that literally rocked our boat Does the UK's claims about their trade deal with Japan hold water? Why this has become a trending topic right now. How different countries use Red and Blue What a trade deal is What changed for the UK Japan-trade wise since Brexit Ways in which the latest trade deal DID do more for the UK than the EU deal What people care about/talk about the most in terms of these deals Geographical origin naming rights How necessary are some of Japan's touted geographical origin products Cheese The trade deal as a PR win for Brexit Topics discussed on the extras include: Bobby and Ollie answering all of your questions from last week, including: Komuro Kei's hair and pinstripe suit EVERYTHING IMPERIAL WEDDING Meghan-Harry Parallels Forbidden love Plus lots more Get access to lots of great extra chat by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:BOBBY'S BBQ CROWDFUNDINGBobby's Blend InstagramSocial Media Links:Pernille Rudlin: Twitter | Japan Intercultural |  Rudlin Consulting BlogOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

We're really sorry to say we were unable to get an episode to you this week, so enjoy these extras that were previously released only to our monthly members. Thank you sincerely to everybody who still supports this show by listening to the show each week, interacting with our nonsense on Twitter, and especially those who are kind enough to throw a bit of money behind the project. We really appreciate you - we'll be back soon!

Anne Crescini talks about how Japanese schools don't have the resources to properly combat bullying, because those resources get used on student hair color and fingernail length.Ollie FINALLY starts studying Japanese again. Wait, wow WAS Bobby looking at the Holocaust before?Topics discussed on this episode range from: Brian's Birthday The HELL that is the PTA and how her experiences with it affected Anne's Japan-facing online persona How horrible it is to have to join a line group chat The reactions Anne's received so far since she's shifted into slightly more Japan-critical territory The Praise-Japan-for-pay career track The way your foreignness gets wielded against you when you try to advocate for change Bullying among adults in Japan A very ill timed request for more of your money "Black School Rules," what are they and how they are and are not enforced Anne's daughter's experience with "hair color verification" rules in her high school  What a human rights lawyer told Anne about these kinds of school rules The Osaka case in which a girl was forced to die her natural hair, and the way the Japanese courts refused to actually take a position Ollie's time as a Japanese high school student How students are able to practice self expression on Japanese school campuses How hot are those napes, guys? Did you see those napes? WHY Japan tries to exert control over children's appearance The overemphasis on conformity and how it affects people who naturally do not conform Noah's Unseen Japan article on hair regulations When and why were some of these rules initially put in place How these rules can be applied to discriminate or harass Elementary school training bra rules The cultural difference around the responsibility on the part of the school to "parent" and instill moral values in students The way in which Japan tends to rely on and even voice a desire to have authorities regulate them The Japanese approach to the "it takes a village" philosophy How the attempts to force kids to conform can lead to bullying The pressure placed on schools to take care of kids even outside of the school Why schools step back when it comes to bullying A recent incident of suicide in which the school actively withheld information about bullying from the family A theoretical focus on bullying without any effort dedicated to practical intervention Anne's hope for the future Get access to lots of great extra chat with Anne by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:Unseen Japan Article about Hair RegulationsSocial Media Links:Anne Crescini: Twitter | Anne-chan Kara Miru Nippon Blog | YouTubeOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Syukuro Manabe and some other people win the Nobel Prize, illustrating a lot about how and why Japan claims  people as Japanese. We talk to Mary Kobayashi about how she defines her Japanese identity, and how media representation works to define "Japanese..." as sexy, anime robot.The average age of Ollie's friends is getting lower.Bobby recycles.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Brian's back! Performance anxiety and the introvert/performer paradox Syukuro Manabe's Nobel Prize Win  How Japan latches on to successful members of the diaspora even when they've left Japanese people trying to monopolize all the good qualities A thorough interrogation of how Bobby racially profiles his children How using "Japanese people are okay with us loving their culture" to defend cultural appropriation Mary's research into who the most popular Japanese characters are The stereotypes that get used in Western Media to depict Japaneseness The stages of minority representation, and how anti-stereotype roles are still racist Mary's experience with adult swim and in the entertainment industry Her take on how Western Media handles Asian representation, whitewashing and tokenism How Korean Entertainment contributes positively to representation Terrace House How the discussion of what Japaneseness is has moved from one that happens mostly in Japan to one that happens globally Topics discussed on the extras include: Mary's mom knew who Bobby was How Bobby curates his personality depending on what jobs he's doing. The teenage Ollie Horn who's beating Ollie out of the google search results Mary's experience in comedy, music, and entertainment overall The unfortunate timing of her departure from Adult Swim due to a move, and the advent of remote work The experience of having to do entertainment on ZOOM MUCH MUCH MORE Get access to the extras for standard episodes by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Mary Kobayashi:  Twitter Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Japan's likely new Prime Minister, Marc Matsumoto talks about how to wield Japanese recipes responsibly, and more.Ollie's doing another podcast's work for them.Bobby looks at the new, very strict, tourist entry dress code .Topics discussed on this episode range from: NO PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE FROM BRIAN A question that is decidedly outside of Marc's expertise Successful predictions Marc's technique driven food content Demystifying Japanese cooking Japanese chefs hoarding secrets The Clarissa Wei post about claiming mastery of Asian stuff What Marc thinks about the idea of Culinary Cultural Appropriation The cross-pollination that lead to what we think of as regional cuisines today The David Schlosser sakura mochi incident Pippa Middlehurst getting flack for writing a book on Chinese cuisine Miin Chan's article about white people dominating the public view  Why Marc would never call himself a "Washoku chef" The cultural differences between how different countries approach cuisine How those cultural differences can affect who becomes the face of ethnic cuisines Marc teaches us about how "Konbucha" became what it is in the West Food getting transformed through misinterpretation and misrepresentation When racism does rear its head to give certain people credit for culinary culture Wagyu Beef How real food culture/trends get brandified and what suffers because of that Topics discussed on the extras include: How Marc decides what recipes to do on his YouTube channel How Google Algorithms rule us all More details on Marc's technique-driven approach to teaching LOTS of geeking out about cooking and food A discussion of what changes when you start cooking professionally Measuring stuff for recipe creation and all the ways Japan cheats on tis Marc's potentially blasphemous 15-minute curry sauce recipe Get access to the extras for standard episodes by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:"Shibumi Instagram Post Sparks Outrage in LA's Japanese-American Community - Eater LA" https://la.eater.com/platform/amp/2021/4/27/22395971/shibumi-instagram-post-david-schlosser-sparks-outrage-la"Lost in the Brine"https://www.eater.com/2021/3/1/22214044/fermented-foods-industry-whiteness-kimchi-miso-kombuchaSocial Media Links:Marc Matsumoto: No Recipes  | Twitter |  YouTube |  Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Who will be Japan's next Prime Minister? Japanese Margaret Thatcher? The often shaken AND stirred Kono, TARO Kono? Mr. Speak-softly-and carry-no-nukes? Or Woman woman? Former Diet Aide Derek Wessman tells us "the thing" about each of the four candidates.Ollie's disappointed that the new boat doesn't work with the old charger.Bobby is tired of Japan asking him if he's cold.Topics discussed on this episode range from: How hard we all tried to avoid this. Something that's been weighing on Brian Podcast guest scheduling issues How Derek wields his Twitter account and why his following loves him When and why he does his deep dives into Japan politics Thanks for all the TELL Step Up Challenge Donations Why we're seeing a PM replacement just before a general election How and why Suga's popularity plummeted A look back on Derek's Suga predictions from our Super Suga Special Show Suga's efforts to prioritize the coronavirus pandemic post step-down What Suga got right and what the LDP hopes to continue to carry on Suga's CO2 Policies Perennial Candidate Noda Seiko and what her chances of leading the LDP are The Fukuoka/Kitakyushuu Rivalry Noda Seiko's weaknesses as a candidate, and whether or not she's just here to steal votes from Kono How the office looks very different now that we're post Olympics, post vaccinations Hardline conservative Takaichi Sanae, and the power of the backing of Abe The root of what her candidacy is about, and what the actual give and take is between conservative supporters and conservative politicians The truth about what revising Japan's constitution to allow it to have a military would mean Takaichi's Margaret Thatcher obsession and what we can learn from it Kishida Fumio and the complicated web of LDP relationships and support Kishida's long game Bobby get's the word for denuclearization COMPLETELY WRONG: it's HIKAKUKA 非核化 KONO TARO, and why non-G-folks generally like him His vaccine roll-out and how he may have been pretty effective in navigating bureaucracy His progressiveness What DISADVANTAGES Kono in this election Who Derek thinks has the best chance Ollie asks which candidate would be the best if your goal is to tank the LDP Topics discussed on the extras include:Get access to the extras for standard episodes by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Derek Wessman: TwitterOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Ollie's going to eat both of those pizzas by himself, but HEY, it's his birthday.Bobby looks at the river cruise unions ALLS-WELL-THAT-ENDS-WELL philosophy.Topics discussed on this episode range from: The "rulebook for integration" in Japan, and why it's never been properly translated.  The actual rulebooks that are actually made in an attempt to help non-Japanese integrate in the way Japanese people want.  Ollie's black and white striped t-shirt  The lowdown on the Indian community in Japan.  The stereotypical Indian migrant, and how its changing.  The effect on Covid-19 on your ability to get a good Indian set lunch.  How the entry ban has affected the Indian population in Japan Whether India has been treated worse than other countries.  Cross-boarder relationships.  Ollie getting himself in knots trying to ask what was actually a very simple question about India getting wealthier and gender equality.  Ollie's claim that people not wanting to be friends with him is because of where he's from not who he is.  Also check out the the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. They'll be released a little later than usual this week. But if you want them, you can  become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodIndian Migrants in Tokyo: A Study of Socio-Cultural, Religious, and Working Worlds In the Age of COVID-19 – Indian restaurants and the Indian cooks in Japan Social Media Links:Megha Wadhwa:  Twitter | Japan Times Article ListOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Selena Hoy, outreach director from Suicide Prevention Lifeline, TELL, stops by to talk about the different cultural approaches to managing mental health, and why English-speakers in Japan can benefit from a service like TELL, in one of the rare episodes where we ask you to support something that ISN'T our riverboat.Ollie recommends a cruise that may have set their sights a little high.Bobby recommends a cruise that DEFINITELY did.SUPPORT THE JBRC TEAM in the STEP-UP CHALLENGE by GIVING MONEY HERETopics discussed on this episode range from: The true value of Brian TELL  World Suicide Prevention Day What IS TELL's Step Up Challenge to raise funds and awareness of suicide prevention in Japan and how does it work What's different right now in terms of our collective, global mental health One possible downside of trying to look on the bright side The buoys put their money and their feet where their mouth is. Support us here. Loopholes  The origin of TELL and how it works Are English-speakers more likely to use mental-health support services? Are anonymous services more easily accessible to Japanese people? What are the cultural stigmas around mental health in Japan? The range of issues faced by the people who use the TELL help line? First-time mental health seekers and other situations that TELL sees regularly by virtue of being a help line IN JAPAN The Japanese criteria for judging the severity of mental health issues How common mental-health related work leave in Japan: is this a good thing or a bad thing? Why prioritizing mental health is in the interests of... capitalism Battle of the analogies Different cultural responses to the risk of suicide A recent immigrant in Japan death that has raised the issue of suicide Why do people walk on eggshells around the topic of suicide, especially as it pertains to certain cases What precautions news organizations take to prevent copycat suicides The glamorization of suicide TELL counseling during Covid, and how entry restrictions have changed the nature of the calls TELL gets As always, the extras are FANTASTIC, and they're like getting a whole extra show for free. Well, not for free.For like 4 to 5 dollars a month.You can get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics discussed on the extras include: Selena's Coming-to-Japan story and how she ended up working with TELL Ollie tries to do the show IN the extras Is the idea of "mental health" and how it's measured fundamentally different in different countries? The British "Stiff Upper Lip," compared to Japan The recent high-profile examples of public figures prioritizing mental health (in order of importance: Osaka, Koike) Japans cultural peccadillos around the expression of emotion, and instances in which it's acceptable The way sports creates a safe space for things like crying in Japan, and homoerotic play in the West Rugby Rugby AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WE LOVE RUGBY .com China cracking down on Western Culture, including non-traditional masculinity How gender-roles and toxic masculinity and the repression of emotion relates to suicide Statistics by gender around who seeks mental help and who dies by suicide Japan's suicide rate in the last decade, and how covid has changed it/who it has changed it for Shinjuu （心中）double-suicide/forced suicide when a parent takes their children with them, and whether or not it's more common in Japan Why the way we phrase references to suicide and other deaths MATTER semantically speaking How we ended up dealing with this topic The infinite potential for collaborative brand deals between depression, darkness, and stand-up comedy Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodCONTENT LINKS:Donate to TELL HereParticipate in the Step Up ChallengeSocial Media Links:Selena Hoy:  Email: outreach@tell.jp | Twitter | TELL Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Hiromu Nagahara talks about Princess Mako's engagement and upcoming move to New York and the split in Japanese public opinion, between nationalists, who are angry, and normal people, who don't care.Ollie pays close attention to the head chopping facilities list on this week's cruise recommendation.Bobby does NOT like that thing that you all like.Topics discussed on this episode range from: How sometimes it's okay to just do something to connect Hiromu's recommendation for a way to enjoy studying Japanese history Amy Stanley's book: Stranger in the Shogun's City How learning about the history of the place you live can enrich your day-to-day Japan's history of leveraging Japanese art and Bobby and Ollie getting to feel like they contribute to the conversation The relationship between exporting/importing cultural products and political developments Ollie and Bobby find out that "Japanning" DOESN'T refer to becoming a high-functioning alcoholic "Enjoyment" as a catalyst of social change for VERY IMPORTANT REASONS The Japanese elite generation who loved Opera and saw their own stuff as backwards Princess Mako's upcoming nuptials and relocation to New York Why is this a big deal and why are nationalists so upset about it? A brief background of the current Imperial Family What's the debt scandal around her fiancee Komuro Kei, and his mom's broken off engagement The possibility that Princess Mako will turn down and "snub" the lump sum cash gift that royal daughters get when they marry The opportunistic timing of Komuro's mom's ex-fiancee's claims How Imperial succession works and why that places Princess Mako in a more important (but not THAT important) spot How the Ultra-nationalists see Princess Mako, and her duty to not "sully the dignity" of the royal family Not all Imperial Princesses are equal The unprecedented abdication of the previous emperor whose name I do not know The constitutional restrictions placed on the Imperial family A comparison between the actual authority of different countries' Imperial households throughout history How Japanese emperors have, nonetheless, influenced policy decisions How recent decisions and movements in Japan's symbolic monarchy bring up questions of constitutional legality; where do private decisions or expressions of opinion cross over into the iffy legal territory of swaying political decisions What's the anxiety around Princess Mako becoming Americanized? Who do Japanese royal daughters tend to marry and why? The reasons being used against Princess Mako moving to the states The fear that Princess Mako could be Japan's Prince Harry As always, the extras are FANTASTIC, and they're like getting a whole extra show for free. Well, not for free.For like 4 to 5 dollars a month.You can get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics discussed on the extras include: Japanese emigration throughout history Hiromu's own families  Reasons for and against Japanese people to seek employment/opportunity/adventure abroad What it means to be "kikokushijo: returning ex-pats" in Japan Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Hiromu Nagahara:  Twitter | MIT Profile | Tokyo Boogie-Woogie: Japan's Pop Era and Its DiscontentsOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

An hour-long celebration of JBRC's 97th episode! We take a moment to catch up and make sure Ollie is actually surviving, roast some headlines, and have an extremely rare discussion about some things we love about life in Japan.Ollie recommends a river cruise that thinks you should quit nursing that beer, pussy.Bobby tells a group of people how they can get what they deserve.Topics discussed on this episode range from: A service that provides MORE than everything you need to do nothing Ollie's fringe fiasco, and how he's benefitting from the fact that everyone else but him (maybe) has Covid How the Fringe is radically different from the last time it was held The vaccination/situation A weird biophysical phenomenon during performing The power of mind over body The construction of a comedy hour and how it differs cultural Fidelity to an ostensible theme Consistency The Russian Man who Swam To Hokkaido IOC Chairman's Bach Returns to Japan for the Paralympics The Yakuza Boss who was sentenced to death for ordering murder Why our show tends to skew-anti-Japan Our attempts to describe why we like Japan without getting into Japan cliches The difference between enjoying life in JAPAN and just enjoying life AWAY FROM YOUR HOME COUNTRY UNCLE OLLIE'S DISCOUNT RUGS The feeling that Japanese employees care about your employee experience How we've already failed with our terms for the show A debate about whether or not Japan is more cycling-friendly than other countries, including a discussion of the difference between cycling tourists and cycling commuters The splendor of Michi-no-eki The Ten-million dollar toilet The extreme rarity of tourist traps in Japan Why it's always important to remember that Japan is not defined by its major cities and vice versa Why doing the above can undermine your otherwise worthwhile take The ubiquity of cheap or free snacks The non-ubiquity of drugs Strict drug laws and what that means for the drugs that you do come across What it means in terms of parenting Is the lack of drugs the reason why alcoholism is so bad? Comparatively less pressure placed on the middle class to get a useless expensive academic education Comparatively higher value placed on a dedication to a trade/craftsmanship/art/athletics Better labor laws How hard it was to think of content for this show You can get access to the extras (for OTHER shows) by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

After the unprecedented rain and landslides in western Japan, disaster sociologist Dr. Wes Cheek talks about the country's future, and how facing the climate crisis may require never-before-seen levels of "shikata-ga-nai."Ollie recommends a climate change simulating cruise that is ALREADY behind the times.Bobby throws some classic comedic misdirection in your face.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Whatever happened to all those RAINBOW HATS? Updates with Ollie's continuing run of terrible luck at the Fringe, and how he's discovered that his pain is funny Wes's wild journey from bourgeoise JET ALT to MMA Photographer to disaster recovery researcher, and how 311 (not the band) changed the direction of his life Brian's in a bit of a mood The JBRC Alumni network and Wes's work adjacent to previous guest Angela Ortiz How we're funding the boathouse The extreme weather and its effects on southern Japan Wes getting caught in the weather in Kagoshima, Bobby being in it in Fukuoka A brief description of rain Exactly HOW severe the level of precipitation was and how this is creating challenges for areas that didn't see these challenges How Japan's topography makes it vulnerable Japan immigrant pessimism from Alex Kerr's 'Dog's and Demons' but how Japan's tendency to put concrete everywhere can actually be good What are the extreme lengths Japan might have to go in preventative measures? How Japan news media is reframing its approach to covering extreme weather stories What does that "Once in hundred year" storm terminology actually refer to statistically? A very clear illustration of why we invite people who are smarter than us on the show What motivates politicians to gamble with disaster preparedness Why politicians frame disasters as unforeseeable and what disaster researchers try to do balance that out The inherent conflict between running day-to-day politics and caring about the long-term Helplessness in the face of disaster Geographical climate crisis triage When should we give up? Is there messaging that can get people to not adapt a shikata-ga-nai attitude towards man-made climate disasters? The proliferation of "Bousai" (disaster preparedness) content in Japan The effect of measuring the value of a society based on its GDP, and how that relates to who we put the responsibility for saving the planet on Why Wes tells his children not to recycle (not really) How is Japan positioned to face the future? What sort of things should Japan concern itself with going forward? As always, the extras are FANTASTIC, and they're like getting a whole extra show for free. Well, not for free.For like 4 to 5 dollars a month.You can get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics discussed on the extras include: How Ollie and Wes think that being able to edit podcast audio makes them fucking Keanu Reeves How the new internet economy screws you guys, sorry Wes gets a brief education on UK sitcoms before he SURPRISE SURPRISE moves to London. TWEET AT HIM ABOUT his soon to be defunct @ on twitter! Wes's podcast Atticus Shrugged, covering US politics in the south How the names of places work, and how Florida politics skew, plus a brief moment where Bobby pretends to remember college football A definition of "florida crackers" that we were unfamiliar with Why Wes hates thinking about good things Once Wes almost ran for Congress against Matt Gaetz Are there parallels between current US populism and Japanese political trends? How legacy politics and elite association membership controls the relationship between politics and the media The western tendency for people to define their personal/social identity based on their political affiliation and how that doesn't really happen in Japan at large The US pulling out of Afghanistan, and Japan's reaction The relationship (financial and otherwise) between Japan and Afghanistan over the years Nakamura Tetsu How Japan doesn't accept refugees, except they gave it to that Myanmar Soccer Goalie The Utada Hikaru contradicition: How Japanese people choose whether or not they consider someone Japanese How lots of countries will make "humanitarian" choices when it involves people who are good at sport Should Kobe Bryant and Mike Tyson have been forgiven? (HOW THE HELL DID WE GET HERE?) How the US rightwing is just trolling Bobby's lighting fail when we made that Olympic video Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Dr. Wesley Cheek:  Twitter | Podcast-Atticus ShruggedOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Disability activist and historian Mark Bookman talks about how accessibility progress is bolstered by the international spotlight of the Paralympics but hampered by the lack of accessibility at the policy-making table.Ollie interrogates the patriarchy.Bobby seems pretty consumed by his anxiety about how much time we have left.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Ollie's disastrous start to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and how a Brian intervened to save the Day How AirBNB does in terms of accessibility How Japan travel accommodations do with accessibility overall What Mark's work as a disability activist entails, and how his daily life and interactions inform his activism The concrete web of support that's required to make a disabled person's The challenging of advocating for people with invisible disabilities in Japan The importance of inclusivity in accessibility conversations The Paralympics as an opportunity to reflect and improve on accessibility How Corona has illustrated some of Japan's social barriers to accessibility Japan's over-reliance on care networks for disable people How Japan's aging population and shortage of caregivers highlights disability and accessibility issues The chance that the Paralympics offers to address some of these issues How incredibly sporty we all are Mark's experience being consulted by the Japanese government to work on accessibility issues How Japan's attitude towards accessibility compares to other countries Japan's legal history around accessibility How transportation accessibility has rippled out to other areas How Japan's inclusion TARGETS set them apart from other countries A brief history of Japanese disability welfare laws and where they excel WHY they excel in those areas Disability visibility in government, and how it affects public perception Japan's history of high-profiled disability How the Paralympics can function to create "undesirable accessibility" How the Paralympics can be helpful to some and harmful to others Some really disastrously bad Paralympic advertising messaging What Mark tells a government when they ask what they should do Why the government needs to do more than just ask Mark what they should do Topics discussed on the extras include:Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent links:Mark's Ted Talk: Paralympics as Possibility: The Past, Present, and Future of Accessibility in JapanArticle on Covid-19: The Coronavirus Crisis: Disability Politics and Activism in Contemporary JapanAccessibility Mapping ProjectSocial Media Links:Mark Bookman: Twitter | Bookman ResearchOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Japan Times Journalist Magdalena Osumi updates us on Japan's border entry sitch, and outlines Japan's new "vaccine passport" system, which could help lift some restrictions when entering certain countries (Not Japan, tho).Ollie is MIA and Bobby won't even watch the pirated stuff. Topics discussed on this episode range from: Brian's big debut What happened with the Belarusian Olympic sprinter who criticized her coaches on Instagram Differences in public reactions to the above story and the story of the Ugandan athlete who absconded from the Olympic village Japan's fishy attitudes towards asylum granting How Japan's entry/re-entry situation has changed for non-Japanese residents Why Japan seems doomed to repeat some of its administrative mistakes Japan's unique, over-focus on border control as pandemic control The ongoing wait for new entry visas in Japan, and the effects on the Japanese economy Trouble with re-entry/quarantine logistics What a vaccine passport is meant to do Who does and doesn't accept Japan's vaccine passport Who's eligible for a vaccine passport Is it unreasonable to still have to quarantine on re-entry after using a vaccine passport? Japan's problems with understanding give-and-take How the way the Olympics is playing out might affect future entry restrictions Where Japan might be better served to focus it's pandemic control measures Topics covered in the Extras include: European Cultural Compatibility Vaccine passport reciprocity Who's NOT on Japan's good list Why Japan is missing out by keeping it's doors closed Japan's vaccine hesitancy Whether or not Japan could ever see a vaccine requirement for services domestically Koike's efforts to encourage young people to get vaccinated How Japan might dodge a bullet with a technicality for the vaccine passport rollout What REALLY prompted the introduction of this passport system Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent linksMagdalena's Work on the Japan Times:Belarusian Olympic sprinter receives humanitarian visa from ...Japan's vaccine passports: Here's what you need to know ...Uneven start for rollout of Japan's vaccine passports | The ...Social Media Links:Magdalena Osumi: Twitter | Story ArchiveOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

What's that awful groaning sound?? Nope, it's not us talking about the Olympics, it's Japanese horror!Lindsay Nelson tells us all about the world of scary Japanese movies, and seven days later, we die.Ollie recommends a battery powered river cruise that has run into a familiar problem. Bobby used to like that quote about how on a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero, but now he's worried that the long enough timeline isn't long enough.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Bobby and Ollie's spec script about zombie kappas Much to Brian's dismay, some brief Olympic developments including:Naomi OsakaSkateboardingJapan medalsHow the Olympics works to conflict usHeatstroke athletes The extent of the success of JBRC's first ever video content Other, better, Ollie Horns What Lindsay's "Haunted Japan" Class covers What sets Japan apart from English language horror, and how those differences are surprisingly western-influenced Why we watch horror, and how it might reflect our privilege? What Lindsay expected vs what she got in terms of her enjoyment of horror during the pandemic How mainstream IS horror in Japan? How successful is it at the box office? A couple of different answers to the question "Why study Japanese horror?" What Japanese horror teaches us about the social issues Japan grapples with including:social isolationsingle motherhoodbullyingsuicideanxiety over new media/social media How the new media issues are reflected in the story as well as the production of modern Japanese horror Bobby discovering that his ideas are sequel quality Ollie's anxiety about the word "kaidanbanashi," or ghost stories How Japanese horror interacts with Japanese daily life, and the places in which we feel safe How Japanese horror that features bullying as an inciting incident can function more as revenge fantasies than straight up scare-fests Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics discussed on this week's BETSU BETSU 1-on-1 extras include:OLLIE SECTION: The movie about the suicide forest, and why you shouldn't publicize a suicide hotspot How that movie was actually shot in SERBIA! The ban on filming within that forest Different religious traditions/takes around suicide Obon and Japanese views on life and death How people in the West are more terrified of death and want to be distanced from it Kaidanbanashi Universal tropes around ghosts versus specifically Japanese ones, and how those Japanese topes have spread around the world Lindsay's class on Japanese horror movies, and what her students have to do for their final project How she had to adapt a class intended for exchange students to a pandemic year where there were no exchange students BOBBY SECTION (mostly movie geeking): The movie about the suicide forest, again, and WHY Lindsay didn't see it as similar to a Japanese movie The multiple remakes of the movie the Grudge, including the new Sam Raimi version Where the term "J-horror" came from, and what it actually encompasses How faithful western remakes of Japanese horror movies have been Bobby and Lindsay's movie recommendations Did the J-horror movie boom in the early 2000s translate into crossover for Japanese creators? How Japanese and Hollywood movie studios went about green lighting horror movies, and marketing them. The crazy reason why the director of the Ring, Nakata, accepted the job in the first place, and how he ended up sticking with horror The crossover phenomenon with Eastern directors, and how trying to produce movies outside of a culture makes things more difficult, and how the insular nature of Japanese filmmaking contributes to this To what extent the western element of misogyny in horror also happens in Japan The final girl trope, and how the lack of it in the Japanese movie "Audition" made it very unsettling for audiences Bobby's favorite scene in the movie "The Final Girls" The deconstruction of horror movies Lots of movie recommendations and lots of Bobby going, "Have you seen this one?" Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodOUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS which will be showing our first ever Video:JBRC PRESENTSWhy Tokyo 2020 is F*ckedSocial Media Links:Lindsay Nelson: EigaFile | Twitter Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

The Olympics have begun, but more importantly, the MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE OLYMPICS HAS BEGUN! Officially accredited press person Oscar Boyd tells us about all of the rules the press are ignoring, and why he's rooting for American Samoa.Ollie recommends an Amazon sponsored river cruise that helps teach you how to save the planet, while having one foot out the backdoor.Bobby cleans up some poop.Topics discussed on this episode range from: How Oscar broke both his arms The stress of being a gaijin while injured at a hospital Ollie's fast approaching Edinburgh Fringe residency, and the FANTASTIC poster he's produced for his new show. Ollie's previous Fringe shows and, much like this very podcast, the ambiguous reviews What's it like to be part of the media team covering the Olympics The Olympic Press Bubble How Oscar ended up being the official journalist for the American Samoan team How many foreign visitors are in Japan for the Olympics, and ARE THERE too many journalists? What are the journalists actually doing? The guidelines released for foreign journalists based on what kind of contact you have with athletes, and the PCR testing regimen Where did all these PCR tests come from? The Japanese media reporting on the foreign Olympic media Oscar's impressions of how seriously the foreign press is taking Japan's pandemic situation What Oscar thinks cause the apathy towards Japan's rules, (where it does exist) How more foreign media in Japan means more stereotypical Japan trope stories Anti-sex beds and why that non-story might have been particularly primed to spread Why the media might be focused on these kinds of random angles The Olympic condoms thing Athletes and media personalities popping up on dating apps, and trying to HIDE their Olympic affiliation How one of the angles in the reporting is the "Fire Festival" nature of Japan's welcome wagon Will there be fallout for Japan long term after hosting a disastrous Olympics Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics discussed on the extras include: More amazing insights from Oscar on the heat Climate change and how the Olympics might inspire change Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.com - it works now.or Tweet to us at @jbrcpodOUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS which will be showing our first ever Video:JBRC PRESENTSWhy Tokyo 2020 is F*ckedSocial Media Links:Oscar Boyd: Instagram | Twitter | PodcastOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Japanese comedian Meshida talks what it's like to be a Japanese resident of Tokyo during the ramp up to the Olympics, and how yeah, we're "witnessing history," but so were Black Death survivors.Ollie recommends a cruise that accidentally discovers what's more popular than "canal."Bobby gets into the rainy season cruise spirit.Topics discussed on this episode range from: What Anti-Japanese Groups actually think about the Olympics How Brian's Eikaiwa work is going Bach-kaicho calling the Japanese, "Chinese" What Meshida thinks is the MOST racist thing you can say to a Japanese person Why Bach has China on the brain The super gracious performance by Bach's Japanese translator Which one is Ollie, and which one is Bobby A VERY REAL thought experiment Meshida's AIRBNB experience, hosting a comedy show for tourists, and what jokes they enjoy the most A full rundown of Olympic developments over the last two weeks Ollie's successful petition for a spectatorless olympics The personal opportunity loss we've suffered by how these Olympics have played out What Meshida thinks of the Japanese Honne and Tatemae in terms of why people care about the Olympics The Japanese fixation on being emotionally moved by sports How maybe most Japanese people just don't care either way at this point How Meshida feels about seeing news around new Olympic related corona infections Why Meshida hates BACH (the IOC chief, not the pianist) Whether or not this will be a HISTORIC Olympics, and the way Meshida draws a parallel to other Japanese history How the increase in "support" for the Olympics is actually "resignation to the Olympics." The change Meshida thinks we'll see in the media once the games start The elevator thing. YES, THE ELEVATOR THING Why we've seen an increase in foreign discrimination during pandemic/ahead of the Olympics Why we kind of feel bad for the hotel Why it is and isn't a big deal Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics Discussed on the Extras:Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodMatt's New Yorker Article "Japan's Olympic Sized Problem"Social Media Links:Meshida: Twitter | YoutubeOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Dogen drops by to talk about keeping professional and personal separate, how to mine the same old Japan for new jokes, and to settle the issue of whether or not sarcasm exists in Japan, which is great, because NO ONE ELSE has EVER had ANYTHING to say about it.Ollie recommends a River Cruise that teaches the traditional Japanese custom of "commercialism."Bobby finds out what's gonna happen to all of those bafflingly useless technological marvels from SoftBank.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Dogen's views on our recent vial tweet where we cleverly juxtaposed the Japanese not using sarcasm and the Japanese people complementing foreigners when they speak Japanese.  Building jokes with the theme of tatemai v. honnne  How sarcasm might be used differently in the west How sarcasm is actually used in Japanese comedy  How we plan to infringe Dogen's copyright with some new merch How to create comedy content in Japan How Dogen started out on YouTube, and the "years of failure" before. Dogen's online strategy of having his social media as a portfolio rather than a diary How Dogen comes up with a viral tweet joke, and the process behind it Using social media as means to generate customers, and knowing your market Dogen's reluctance to share his personal life in his social media Ethical dilemmas relating to putting your family on social media Conflation of content and personal life and standards of acceptable behaviour that audiences demand of content creators How the same topics are addressed by content creators, and what value that provides What a saturated market means for content quality  Bobby's explanation of why he has no qualms at all with newer, younger, better looking, and more talented YouTubers creating more successful and better content than he made ages ago.  How comedy translates Also check out the the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Just become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Dogen:  Twitter | YouTubeOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Unseen Japan's new manager Noah Oskow stops by to talk social media social justice, how Summer Sonic's hopes to skip the visa application line up for THEIR lineup, and how Olympic Fever is on the rise, starting with the Ugandan Team...Ollie talks about the harder to get delicacies available aboard the Olympic Athlete's Dining Cruise.Bobby has news about GariGari-kun doing something VERY GROSS and VERY ON BRAND.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Noah's beef with a "Kosher" Kobe River Cruise Some super-meta Brian shit The growth of UnseenJapan, its goals, its audience, and its Twitter presence What happens when you translate Japanese voices into English for a twitter audience The trials, tribulations, and pitfalls of doing Social Justice online, and how it resulted in a pretty impactful shakeup at Unseen Japan Bobby's Twitter clout chasing, social media addiction, and how the twitter "call-out" cycle escalates "Never send to know for whom the Twitter mob calls out. It calls out thee." The shift in UnseenJapan's focus and how it wields it's Twitter presence Summer Sonic's announcement that it plans to bring in international artists and why people are so upset How genuine the announcement really is? The feasibility of them actual doing this, with some insight from Ollie into what it takes to get an entertainer's visa A weird diversion into Arianna Grande and James Corden Noah's situation being separated from his fiancee by Japan's entry visa restrictions Japan's lack of flexibility or exceptions for people with real pressing reasons to get into Japan, and Japan's current timeline  The recent pandemic-influenced changes in attitudes in other countries towards giving even non-married couples visa leeway  How is being in Japanese study abroad or employment limbo indefinitely affecting people's academic/professional careers and personal lives The potential economic effects on Japan of NOT being able to bring in new foreigners to live, study, or work The impact of the treatment on the hands of the government on foreigner's desire to live and work in Japan, and why Noah suspect's that the current suffering probably won't matter to Japan in the long run The Olympics as a test case for the ability to run major "international" events Also check out the the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Just become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics Discussed on the Extras: Noah's recent article on the history and current status of Japanese school laws regulating hair color Japanese school uniforms Pronouns Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodUnseenJapanSocial Media Links:Noah Oskow:  Twitter | Unseen Japan Article ListOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

A 50-yr-old Japanese lawmaker says it would be "absurd" if he got arrested for sleeping with a 14-yr-old. The fascinating, funny Dr. Alexandra Hambleton talks about the issues surrounding this story, and also demonstrates how to deny consent when she refuses to let us scan her zairyuu card.Ollie continues to be British.Bobby continues to think way too highly of his parenting abilities.Topics discussed on this episode range from: What every father really wants for father's day We finally find out how to pronounce BRIAN How the response to our tweets this week was really clearly split between followers in Japan, and followers who aren't The Zairyuu Card authentication app, and the mixed reactions to it The reasons why we're uncomfortable with the ways people might use the app, and how it could be exploited What a police officer claimed when he stopped Alex to check her zairyuu card When Ollie took a stand against a hotel that demanded to see his card The potential for this app to give ordinary Japanese citizens the power to become immigration officers Our 88th episode! (and how you can help us celebrate it) Where to go to find out what happened to all of the loose threads in Ollie's life in Malaysia Representative Honda Hiranao's public apology for his statements, and what those statements where What Alex thinks this says about Japanese society/government at large What struck Kawakami Mieko most about said comments What DEFINES a sexual offense Ollie's legal opinion about why sometimes, individual consent doesn't supercede law What is the actual age of consent in Japan, and how does it work Can you give consent to sex when you're 13? The difference between 14-year-olds having sex and 14-year-olds having sex... with adults The MOST REMARKABLE THING about Honda's comments The pros and cons of confidence What the meeting that Honda messed up with his comments was actually about A short summary of recent revisions and developments in sexual assault laws and why Japan still has a lot of work to do How consent is dependent on "the nature and the purpose of the act" The two-headed approach Japan needs to take to see real feminist change in Japan How people are socialized around the question of consent in Japan? Why Japan has trouble introducing progressive sex ed curriculums What happens when young people don't have access to sex ed How media representation of Japanese women in porn and elsewhere could be improved Why it's so important to have, first, ANY REPRESENTATION of female sexual pleasure in media, and secondly, diverse representation of female sexual pleasure How concerned Bobby is about this, as a man who owns two daughters Alex is a charming, hilarious, super knowledgable guest, and we can't wait to have her back! In the meantime, hear what she had to say in the the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Just become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics Discussed on the Extras: Why Alex wants to have her students do online-media based theses The article she wrote about one of Japan's biggest soft-core porn stars turned TV personality Dan Mitsu How Bobby became a HUGE Dan Mitsu fan Why Alex thinks Dan Mitsu is one of the few examples of a woman who turns the male gaze to her advantage, and what happens to the ones who aren't so savvy Ollie's experience with something statutorial Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodAlex's Scholarly WorkMale Gaze: Dan MitsuSocial Media Links:Dr. Alexandra Hambleton:  Twitter | Elements of Japan Nonnative CreativeOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Japan's closed borders mean that foreign production crews can't get in to produce Japan travel features, so creator Alisha Ivelich is taking the opportunity to fill the demand with a Japan travel series that actually cares about Japan.Ollie recommends a privacy-focused cruise that, due to the ToS, we are not allowed to tell you about.Bobby looks at how our favorite indoor river cruise, "It's a Small World," is getting a little smaller.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Naomi Osaka's press conference decision, and how it highlights a new focus on prioritizing mental wellness A SURPRISING comparison of Naomi Osaka to Donald Trump?  Ollie's vaccine appointment  Why Alisha isn't leveraging her YouTube fame to get into pro-sports How Alicia tried to work with the pandemic without giving it too much of a presence in her travel series "Elements of Japan"  Combining a cinematic travel show approach with an on-the-ground documentary Alisha's teammate on the project Irwin Wong and how awesome his skills and gear are How Alisha tries to present Japan in a different way from both existing YouTube Japan content and studio produced Japan travel content What she thinks is the main difference in terms of the focus in her production Why it's important to have a production team/host that understands the local area Why the bumbling fish out of water host format is so popular and how Alisha takes that into consideration when putting together her show  The opportunity the pandemic has presented for local production teams to step up  Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics Discussed on the Extras: A weird night long ago when a bunch of early Japan YouTubers got together Alisha's journey with English Channel 101 The Japan Pod 101 umbrella/business model How Online language learning has developed The cult of personality attached to larger YouTube channels Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodThe Iwate Episode of Elements of JapanEnglish Class 101Social Media Links:Alisha Ivelich:  Twitter | Elements of Japan Nonnative CreativeOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Sarah Moon, anime and game translator, talks about her journey from "weeb suspicious of translation," to "translator that weebs are suspicious of," in the great anime circle of waifu.Ollie recommends a cruise for animal lovers but not loved animals.Bobby looks at how one river cruise company is leveraging the power and lack of power of petitions.Topics discussed on this episode range from: This Nike Japan Commercial: New Girl, New Play What to do you if you want to do stuff, but you have a vagina What the show COULD have been called The correct response to someone asking for privacy for the sake of their mental health Rochelle Kopp's battle against the Tokyo Olympic Live viewing site, which we talked about here and how it kind of worked? How transparent the pivot to "Covid-vaccinations" is How tired we are of talking about the Olympics every week Japan's big vaccine related self-owns this week Sarah being our first (?) fully vaccinated guest A new addition to our merch packages  Twitter wars over Japanese anime, manga and game translations The big difference between translation and localization, and who's responsible for what Sarah's journey from Weeb to Translator The truth about the team behind "Westernizing" Japanese anime, and who is for/against it What it means for a Japanese work to be accessible, and WHY accessibility is desirable Sarah's translation litmus test Katrina Leonoudakis's  HigurashiGou Big Brudder/Nii-nii translation controversy and what the reactions say about the fanbase What IS Sarah's translation process, and what are the drawbacks to the current Simulcast translation model At precisely what point do translators inject their liberal feminist politics into their work? What it means that people fixate on a handful of lines as evidence of the above Do lines about things like patriarchy and slut-shaming in a standard anime? How do you evaluate whether or not those sorts of translations are valid interpretations or reflect a translator's individual politics? The consequences of infighting between anime fans, and the subset of anime fans that are translators What Sarah wants critics to understand about translators as employees and weebs Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics Discussed on the Extras: Why it's crucial to watch Sarah's DragonMaid video to the end for the hilarious, hilarious end credit song parody SUBS VS DUBS, and why many subtitle translators often sing the praises of DUBS The language limitations on subtitles that the consumer doesn't know about How being a language nerd can decrease your enjoyment of foreign language content Some insight into Ollie's ongoing struggle with being able to just ask a guest a question Animating faces to match voices, and why they don't reanimate for foreign language dubs What is an edgelord? The FASCINATING world of Otome Games Choose your own adventure romances, and how Sarah often has to remove sexism/borderline abuse from the Japanese versions to make them work for Western audiences Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSarah's Dragonmaid Video Essay "Feminist SJW Translators"Social Media Links:Sarah Moon:  Twitter | YouTubeOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Go sign the petition! And here's your eco/anti-olympic activism vocab list:剪定 (せんてい、sentei) pruning of trees伐採 （ばっさい、bassai) felling of trees請願書 (せいがんしょ、seigansho) petition署名者 (しょうめいしゃ、shoumeisha) signers of a petition★ Support this podcast ★

Author of "Regimes of Desire: Young Gay Men, Media, and Masculinity in Tokyo," Dr. Thomas Baudinette talks about Japan's young gay men and the emotional damage done by the pressure to act out their gayness in an unfortunate way, namely emulating straight dudes. Ollie's recommendation is pretty worthless this week, because there's NO WAY you don't already know about it.Bobby greats ready for Pride on a river boat and sets some google alerts for Hashimoto Kotoe and Sugita Mio.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Rochelle Kopp's Petition to stop the cutting down of trees in Yoyogi Park for the sake of the Olympics. Please sign it. The first-ever Japan By River Cruise Drinking Game! The problem with teaching "the problem of weeaboos" to weeaboos How Thomas approaches teaching Japanese studies to people who are enamored of Japan for some of the wrong reasons. Cringey Waifu comments Why Thomas finds the Japanese culture that raises gay Japanese men problematic Assumptions that interest in a culture equates to exclusive sexual attraction to members of that culture The overlap between studying Japan and fetishizing it PRIDE! (kind of) What Thomas's goals were with his studies and the gap between what he thought he would find and what he found How young gay men do or do not rely on media to make sense of their position in the world How gay men in Japan react to Japan's particular issues with same-gender romance, and Japan's patriarchy/heteronormativity What Thom expected from Shibuya 2-chome, Japan's most famous gay town The dark-side of 2-chome How gay men deal with not living up to the "norms" in Japan, especially the ヘテロシステム The unfortunate way Japan has traditionally understood male homosexuality, and the way the gay community (and it's own subculture media) has evolved to diametrically oppose it How reclaiming masculine stereotypes might sound emancipating, but can end up damaging the people who don't conform/want to conform to those stereotypes The "curse of the beautiful boy" in Japan, and how gay culture was sometimes thought to have helped Japan recuperate it's masculinity The overwhelming pressure to align with norms in all of Japan's gay media How internalizing and aligning with those norms does psychic damage to people who fail to meet them What Thom hopes for in the future of gay spaces in Japan Where homophobia comes from in the West compared to in Japan YAY for WESTERN IMPORTS, AGAIN How queer Japanese activism predates the gay rights movements in the west and Japan can and does advocate for itself Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics Discussed on the Extras:Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:Dr. Thomas Baudinette: Twitter | Wordpress| Regimes of Desire (pre-order)Ollie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Author of "PURE INVENTION," (sorry) Matt Alt takes us through his latest for the New Yorker on "Japan's Olympic Sized Problem."If you want to find out just WHAT exactly that Olympic-sized problem is, you'll have to listen to the show.Ollie recommends a cruise that features a very traditional brand of online-connectivity. Bobby seeks adventure on the high... rivers.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Ollie's continued transformation into man who lives in his mum's basement Kono Taro's omurice tweeting Being disconcerted over older politicians acting like instagram influencers What Chicken Rice is What Matt sees as improvement in the tech savvy of Japanese politicians Lunch picture popularity on Social Media The flurry of international coverage of the controversy over the Olympics, and what kicked it off The Takarajima-sha anti-olympics ad that we kind of discussed with Chelsea Szendi Schieder here. Takarajima-sha's history of being a company who makes statements, and it's slightly odd fixation with WWII/post-WWII as a golden age in Japanese history The difference in points of focus/emphasis in pro-Olympic messaging and the concerns of the citizenry The safest place in Japan The big question that's left unaddressed by the IOC and Tokyo's commitment to safety statements How Japan MIGHT be able to pull off a Seniors only Olympic volunteer brigade Can athletes be relied upon to stick to their pledge? How the Olympic situation is (understandably) compounded by the ONGOING STATE OF EMERGENCY How the claim that no one has tested positive at MOCK Olympic events is slightly undermined by the fact that people have already been infected at ACTUAL Olympic events How the government's priorities have come into very clear focus and angered the citizenry as the Olympics gets closer The reasons for going forward, and how the decision to go forward or to cancel should be evaluated           Some predictions for what might cause cancellation, plus the contract issues that have Tokyo over a barrel, as discussed in previous episodes with Rochelle Kopp and Atsuro Tsujino Why the Olympics was supposed to be so important as a PR opportunity, and who might have succeeded where Japan has failed so horribly Japan's "regional rival, China" How we've forgotten that at the time of the original bid for the Olympics, much of Japan seemed like they didn't even want it The decade-long history of the resistance to the 2020 Olympics How different the effects of Olympics in 1964 were on Japan The prescient Olympic protest future of Akira Looking to Akira for Corona solutions Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode by becoming a member at http://buymeacoffee.com.Topics Discussed on the Extras: Matt's podcast journey to promote his book, after we initiated him to the magical world of white guys with recording equipment The home recording studio Matt built to record his audio book All of the best praise that Matt can heap on us and vice versa, and more podcast sausage making in terms of how we run our podcast and invite guests How Presentation and speaking skills transfer to the world of podcasting Ollie's visa overstay amnesty in Malaysia Corona refugee-ism America coming into it's Japan-style Lost Decades, and what Matt thinks of the idea of Japanese social trends as a weird cultural outlier is flawed, and what trends in Japan teach us about late-stage capitalism/fallen societies Japan's blueprint for consumption and LACK of a blueprint for creation/monetization Japan's prototype for the gig economy How the internet supercharged Japanese trends The appeal of the Olympics, sports, and the way it ties into national identity Why Sports and sports in manga is so big in Japan, emotionally, culturally and historically Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodMatt's New Yorker Article "Japan's Olympic Sized Problem"Social Media Links:Matt Alt: Instagram | Twitter | AltJapan | Pure InventionOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Japanese history scholar Chelsea Szendi Schieder talks about the inconsistent ways Japan chooses to deal with the dark chapters of its past and how denial is NOT just a river with some amazing cruises.Ollie looks into how the Sumidagawa River Cruise is finally adapting to foreign widths.Bobby makes a joke that hinges on ignoring the difference between a ワクチン and a 予防接種Topics discussed on this episode include: Chelsea's book Coed Revolution about the female voices in social movements in Japan in the 1960s and 70s How Chelsea thinks current activism in Japan compares to past activism Why students are more prone to becoming activists The difference between being political and being politically active, and why people think Japan isn't political Why activists in Japan are SHY The multiple uses of hammers How being a historian/academic colors Chelsea's experience of the Japan twitter-sphere This Anti-Olympics advertisement What the 1964 Olympics did to create an image of Japan and how they went about it Lots of anecdotal evidence The only kind of positivity expected to accompany this year's Olympics Who has more of whose money South Korean and Japanese tensions that get brought to light by things like the Olympics Everything you never ever wanted to have to know about the euphemistically called "Comfort Women" How Japan presents a different attitude to international and domestic audiences about what they think is an appropriate response to calls for accountability  What COULD a government due to make up for its past atrocities What Japan stands to lose by taking responsibility for war crimes Why past efforts to do so have fallen short, and why some victims have refused compensation from Japan Where are today's students even GETTING their history How history may be, by default, the most ideologically biased school subject WHY this case has global ramifications Revisionist history and high minded defenses as a cover for bigotry Anti Korean sentiment in Japan, and how Chelsea's experience working on Comfort women research has sensitized her to it Why a CERTAIN group of Comfort Women WERE afforded something like justice and others weren't What Chelsea thinks are the key factors that contributed to the time lag for these calls for Justice What are the reasons for continuing to fight the fight to have Japan acknowledge its history  The argument that facing up to Japan's war crimes is unnecessarily masochistic or self-flagellating Why conservative white people align themselves with conservative Japanese Why Ramseyer and Kindergarteners might not be fully qualified in their Japan expertise Topics discussed in the extras include So much stuff. Seriously, so much good stuff about the Ramseyer article, the source-based rebuttal to it, which Chelsea was on the team for, and Chelsea's approach to historical scholarship that would be more than enough fodder for three other episodes. You should get these extras. Do so by supporting the podcast for about $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:Coed Revolution: The Female Student in the Japanese New LeftThe Rebuttal Article, "Seeking the True Story of the Comfort Women"Social Media Links:Chelsea Szendi Schieder: Twitter | HomepageOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic  ★ Support this podcast ★

Music industry and Visual Kei Insider Sarahphina teaches Bobby and Ollie about stuff they're totally unfamiliar with, like X Japan, Japanese rock fandom and humility.Ollie looks into a river cruise dating service for vaccinated singles. All ten of them.Bobby organizes the kind of tourist activities HE wants the foreign Olympic athletes to experience.Topics discussed on this episode include: This Tweet Ollie's lack of decoration and decorum Sarahphina's amazing cottage core interior design Sarahphina's efforts to connect and protect the modeling/talent community in Tokyo and why it's sadly necessary Some uncharacteristic positivity re: people, their dreams, and helping to achieve them Our continued success as a web-based River Cruise podcast Why and how YOU should "do the needful" and join as a member The anniversary of the death of Hide, and why he was the reason for Sarahphina's entire decision to come to Japan Hide's work and career, why his fans are so passionate, and how X Japan created the genre of Visual Kei What Visual Kei meant when it started, who coined it, and how it's evolved The western inspirations for Visual Kei Why androgyny and make-up and beauty is an element built into Visual Kei Gatekeeping and faction-based elitism in the Visual Kei fandom How Nocturnal Bloodlust used Visual Kei to build a fanbase so they could stop being Visual Kei Gackt and Roland, and creating a public persona based on luxury, wealth, and beauty, much like Bobby and Ollie have done Different portrayals of masculinity from Culture to Culture WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC? What could Hide have accomplished had he lived, and what his goals may have been How Hide's work spanned all kinds of creative fields, and how that continues to inspire people What happens when famous creatives decide what projects to take on or who to work with based on evaluating their quality or ability, and not just how famous they are Whether or not there is anything notably unique about FANDOM in Japan, and how Visual Kei helped create more of an interactive commercial based fandom Crossover between Visual Kei and Idol marketing, and how Bobby and Ollie might be able to implement some of those techniques (Get ready to buy random polaroids of us, some of which might be our members.) Topics discussed in the extras include How 'Cycle Around Japan' coped with the restrictions that meant you could no longer cycle around Japan. The lame thing Sarahphina does to work out. Ollie's Covid-safe approach to exercise. How Ollie tested his theory that spin instructors don't listen. Saraphina discusses how if you left her in the middle of some woods she'd survive. Why Saraphina had a bear in the back of her truck, and why that was fine. A discussion about Mary Had a Little Lamb, and other bangers. The Tokyo wilderness, and a Nagano from Tokyo hike. How Sarahphina got the 'Cycle Around Japan' gig, and what is required of the presenters. Sarahphina's zombie apocalypse survival plan. Some first-hand evidence as to why Japan isn't as safe as people claim. Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for about $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:ENeDi Official TwitterThe Man Who Coined The Term Visual KeiSocial Media Links:Saraphina: Twitter | InstagramOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Co-founder of Tanuki Games, Stephen Case talks about the relationship between community building and quality of life abroad and how the rhythms of Japan expat experience have changed during the past year. (They're f***ed.)Ollie recommends a river cruise that's partnered with Elon Musk, so you know it's got its priorities in line.Bobby does a quick self-exam to make sure we're not liable for fraud.Topics discussed on this episode range from: How many memberships Brian should buy How Comedy Fukuoka got started What Curling is Ollie's various failings but what ultimately makes him worth it How Stephen and Ollie have adapted (or failed to adapt) to online comedy and the absence of international Comedy Festivals Our online gratitude show, and why we're so grateful to all of you beautiful people, as well as who are you The most recent accolade that has been bestowed upon us by the BEAUTIFUL people at feedspot.com Golden Week and why it doesn't matter Community building in the expat community What makes a party a party The kinds of Japan immigrants you find on Twitter Board games The secret to being a well-rounded foreigner in Japan The distinction between coming to Japan TO do something and coming to Japan AND doing something The social aspects of life in Japan that have been removed by pandemic conditions How people who run gaikokujin facing businesses factor in the ebb and flow of immigration to Japan What makes an expat community LAST in Japan How being an expat affects the kind of social scene you have access to our seek out Whether or not beggars can be choosers and why Stephen thinks the limited pool of potential friends is actually better than the unlimited friends you'd meet in your environment of origin What Westerners in Japan have in common Mutual hobbies as relationship builders Copyrightable aspects of games Stephen's company, Tanuki Games, and it's Family Feud ripoff game, So Says Japan Topics discussed on the extras range from:Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent Links:Tanuki GamesSocial Media Links:Stephen Case: Twitter | InstagramOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Sustainable travel consultant JJ Walsh (and everyone else in Hiroshima) gets a free PCR test! Here's hoping this saliva-filled undertaking amounts to more than just spitting into the wind.Ollie recommends our first ever Fukushima based river cruise, with some pretty interesting side effects.Bobby recommends a Ramadan cruise that should make things WAYYYYY easier for all of our practicing Muslim listeners.Topics discussed on this episode range from: What Ollie did to pay his respects for Prince Philip's Passing JJ's super prolific content production schedule, and how she manages time differences Ollie finally getting kicked out of Malaysia What happened with Malaysia's pandemic visa overstay amnesty program How EVERYONE on the show is undergoing testing Pro's and cons of PCR tests types Quarantine Food What JJ misses about not being able to travel New JBRC Merch JBRC reporting from @ahnpankaahnman and @kumayama100 on Hideki Matsuyama's Masters Win Hiroshima's prefecture wide TEST EVERYBODY plan, and JJ's experience with it Why Hiroshima is doing this... now? How every little ailment these days makes us wonder whether or not we've got the virus. JJ's Covid Article series, and how it might actually be more effective than Japan's messaging What stands to be gained from the testing initiative. How Hiroshima citizens are responding What the PCR test actually measures, and how it actually works from (SURPRISE SURPRISE) one of us who got infected The trend for people all across Japan to want to buy homes or make their homes as comfortable as possible JJ's own experience and the people she's talked to about reforming homes Property buying and second-hand home buying culture (or lack thereof) in Japan Opportunities to pick up a super cheap house The negative effect of corona-related mortgage defaulting on the property buying Corona-discrimination against people who want to take out a home alone The legality of the above? Why Bobby can't get his unemployment insurance AND a home loan Topics discussed on the extras range from:Get access to the extras by supporting the podcast for less than $1 an episode. Become a member at http://buymeacoffee.com. Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodSocial Media Links:JJ Walsh: Twitter | YouTubeOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeOther things to click onSome are affiliate links because we're sell-outs We record remotely using Squadcast and the podcast is hosted on Transistor.  Bobby uses the Samson Go Mic and Ollie uses the AT2005USB mic ★ Support this podcast ★

Jason Mitchell, from Nihongodomo, a resource for parents "raising kids in Japanese," stops by to talk about how his parenting process is basically the opposite of Bobby's, by which we assume he means, HE'S doing a GOOD job.Ollie makes the most of an online resource to gather river cruise recommendations, while he still can.Bobby is on the worst trip ever, and it's affecting his ability to make light parody.Topics discussed on this episode range from: Brian's kids Jason and his family dealing with the pandemic in the States Why Jason wanted to come on the show after hearing Woke Dad Japan (w/Daniel Yoder) The differences between what Jason is doing in the US and what Bobby and Dan were doing here All the latest developments with Ollie's fur baby What Horny Cats and Stand-up comic Ollie Horn have in common Why there's never been a better time for YOU to support the podcast financially JBRC reporting on Japanese schools still in session during Covid Why there's more to say about bilingual parenting The big question we forgot to answer in our first discussion with Dan, and what it says about English-centrism that it didn't come up What's different when Japanese is the minority language The connection between learning languages and empathy What are the goals for raising bilingual children Why some people are opposed to the idea of children learning multiple languages from a young age Potential problems with kids going to international school in Japan Ollie shit-talking Bobby's kids language abilities What a hoshuko is and why/how the Japanese government runs them Ollie's joke about a guitar that was WAY too true for Bobby Whether or not there are parents who force their kids to be weebs The interview process for getting into a hoshuko Jason discovering the difference between kid-Japanese and adult Japanese How culture is embedded in language, sometimes in naturally ways and sometimes in very forced ways What disadvantages might there be in terms of teaching your kids the minority language What Jason thinks about teaching his kids Japanese with the current rise in hate crimes against Asian and anti-asian sentiment What parenting "success" looks like Extras will be up soon, yo! Get them by becoming a member here:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/japanbyrivercruiseTopics discussed on the Extras:Have something you'd like to say? Send us a fax at japanbyrivercruise.comor Tweet to us at @jbrcpodContent links Nihongodomo The show we reference, Woke Dad Japan (w/Daniel Yoder) Social Media Links:Jason Mitchell: Nihongodomo| TwitterOllie Horn: Twitter | InstagramBobby Judo: Twitter | Instagram | YouTube★ Support this podcast ★

David McNeill explains why sometimes the ancient art of jya-narizamu intersects with the even more ancient art of bullshitto, and how exoticizing foreign countries meant the British newspaper industry died a little slower than it could have done.

Rochelle Kopp tackles the question of whether or not Japan has finally crossed the Rubicon when it comes to going forward with the Olympics? If they have, we hope they checked out the really nice Rubicon River Cruise while they were in the area.

Former-idol, former-hostess, and current maid Alice talks about how the pandemic has devastated nightlife businesses, and how the fact that that they might never bounce back could be a blessing in disguise, if the disguise is a really sparkly cocktail dress.

Long time editor of "Fukuoka Now" Nick Szasz brings his inbound expertise to bear on the proliferation of virtual tourism in Japan, a trend in which regional tourist destinations all over Japan try to learn how to use the internet.