Podcasts about Shinto

What does Spirited Away actually mean? And who—or what—is No-Face really supposed to be? In this episode of For the Love of History, we dive deep into the Japanese folklore, Shinto mythology, and yokai legends that inspired one of the most beloved animated films ever made: Spirited Away. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, the film is packed with references to kami, yokai, purification rituals, and ancient spiritual beliefs that many viewers outside Japan may not recognize. You'll learn ✨ The meaning of kamikakushi — the folklore concept of being “spirited away” by the gods ✨ Why the spirit bathhouse reflects Shinto purification rituals and onsen culture ✨ The real folklore behind Haku's dragon form and river spirits ✨ The environmental message hidden in the Stink Spirit scene ✨ The possible yokai inspiration behind Yubaba and mountain witches ✨ And the true meaning behind No-Face, one of the most mysterious characters in animation From ancient Shinto beliefs about spirits in nature to the strange world of Japanese yokai, this episode uncovers the folklore that shaped Spirited Away's spirit world. If you love Japanese mythology, anime history, folklore, or Studio Ghibli, you're in the right place. Website (

Joy isn't something you chase. It's something you notice, when you finally stop, put down your phone, and look around. In this episode, Peter Fenger sits down with Hiroko Yoda, a Tokyo-born cultural historian, writer, and journalist who has spent decades making Japanese spirituality, folklore, and tradition feel alive and accessible for Western audiences. A certified Shinto cultural historian and former Miko shrine dancer, Hiroko has authored and co-authored numerous books exploring Japan's rich spiritual heritage, and co-founded AltJapan Co., Ltd., a creative bridge helping Japanese storytellers in video games, anime, manga, and film share their work with the world. Her latest book, “Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisdom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan”, is at once a memoir, a travel log, and a cultural deep dive. Drawing on the Shinto concept of kami, the countless unseen presences said to inhabit everything from mountains and oceans to the words we speak, Hiroko invites readers to loosen their grip on rigid ideas of belief and discover spirituality as something far more flexible, practical, and personal. Part grief journey, part cultural history, the book shows how small rituals, reverence for nature, and a spirit of play can make us feel less alone, even in the hardest seasons of life. Today, we explore what it means to live as though everything has a spirit, and why that simple shift in perspective might be one of the most powerful tools we have.   For more information about “Eight Million Ways to Happiness: Wisodom for Inspiration and Healing from the Heart of Japan“ by Hiroko Yoda, please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735293/eight-million-ways-to-happiness-by-hiroko-yoda/ For more information about Hiroko and her work, please visit: https://www.hirokoyoda.com Join Hiroko's newsletter at: https://blog.hirokoyoda.com Connect with Hiroko on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/hi_yoda_1/ Connect with Hiroko on Tiktok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiroko_yoda Connect with Hiroko on X at: https://twitter.com/Ninetail_foxQ

Sacred spirits everywhere... Get cozy and relax! This podcast is funded by advertising. Info and offers from our sponsors: https://linktr.ee/PodcastForSleep Here's the Wikipedia article (revised): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto CC BY-SA 4.0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Receiving forgiveness from God and granting forgiveness to others are two fundamental and related principles in Christianity. Even though all positive religions emphasize the latter, many do not subscribe to the former. You will be surprised what Buddhism, Hinduism, New Age Spirituality, Shinto, Theosophy, The Law of Attraction, A Course in Miracles, and even the biblical revelation teach concerning this all-important concept that is so essential to the healing of the heart.Comparative religion website: www.thetruelight.net Ministry website: www.shreveministries.org The Catholic Project website: www.toCatholicswithlove.org Video channel: www.YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries All audio-podcasts are shared in a video format on our YouTube channel. Mike Shreve's other podcast Discover Your Spiritual Identity—a study on the biblical names given to God's people: https://www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/discoveryourspiritualidentity Mail: P.O. Box 4260, Cleveland, TN 37320 / Phone: 423-478-2843Purchase Mike Shreve's popular book comparing over 20 religions:In Search of the True LightPurchase Mike Shreve's new book comparing Catholicism to biblical Christianity: The Beliefs of the Catholic Church

Ok, damn, this Shinto "religion" (it's not a religion) is the shit. Honestly, where has Shinto been all our life? Well, it has been in Japan but it's never too late to start bringing some of the good stuff into our lives.

Talking with writer, reader, wanderer Znore , anonymous author of the blog Group Name for Grape Juice and his essay collection exploring imagination across philosophy, religion, literature, conspiracy, culture, a name plucked from Finnegans Wake, a pseudonym as portal, a thumb raised to the Dao of ideas.On hitchhiking as a philosophy of life, on synchronicities, on conversations continuing between strangers, on looking for the connective narrative between Blake and Nietzsche and McLuhan, on perception as incarnation, on bodying forth a world through the senses, on Nietzsche's claim that we are all greater artists than we know, on the imagination as Christ, on supercharging passive perception into active creation, on the non-dual lurking beneath, on CS Lewis and Tolkien and the myth that is also history, on Owen Barfield and original participation, on Steiner's evolution of consciousness, on animism as the religion of the earth, on the 8 million kami of Shinto and finding spirits in toilets and trees and rocks, on idolatry as the epoch of separation, on Philip K. Dick and the band that only played once but left many recordings, on finding God in the litter of the street, on Joyce and the refusal to separate high and low culture, on Finnegans Wake, on Vipassana, on prayer as the fastest route to sacred space, on Meister Eckhart's , on the original sangha and the early Christians as communists, on Marx's alienation mapped onto Barfield's idolatry, on the potlatch and the destruction of surplus, on Robert Anton Wilson's axiom that communication only happens between equals, on politics as the great distraction from the spiritual project, on the Chöd ritual and monks inviting demons to devour them in charnel grounds, on the eye atop the conspiracy pyramid being your own ego, on Jacob Böhme's God of wrath and God of love as one God, on AI as both Pentecost and Antichrist, on masks as honest practice, on raising children, on quiet resistance, on the cosmic communism of saving all beings from suffering, on life, on practice, on love.ExcerptsOn HitchhikingEvery time you're on the road and you put your thumb out, you're tapping into the DAO and just any ride that you get, completely alters the course of your life in a certain way.On ImaginationThe primary imagination is the imagination of the I am, which is God, but it's reflected in us through our perception.And so we all have this, we all have the imagination of God in the sense that we perceive things and we create the world that we behold with our senses. It's already anti-authoritarian. But I'll call myself an anarchist anyway, just to just to emphasize that, that my main focus is freedom and liberty, right? And especially that includes above all the freedom of the imagination. The liberty of the imagination.On PoliticsCosmic communism, not related to state control and Stalinism, none of that, but it's save all beings from suffering. That's what my politics are all about…Death Sweat of the Cluster: Selected Essays from Groupname for Grapejuice.By ZnoreAn inebriated exploration of reality and other myths featuring Finnegans Wake, William Blake, Robert Anton Wilson, Philip K. Dick, Emma Goldman, Ezra Pound, Robert Duncan, Terence McKenna, Gertrude Stein, Carl Jung, Marshall McLuhan and others as guides and waylayers. A cast of hundreds. Blog becomes book becomes new medium entirely. Synchronicity, siddhis, numerology, psychedelics, anarchy, the gods, yes. The poetics of anti-authority. Beautifully illustrated. Read with tea.Group Name for Grape Juicehttps://groupnameforgrapejuice.blogspot.com/ Get full access to Leafbox at leafbox.substack.com/subscribe

Send a textPsalm 27:4,5 Net een ding het ek van die Here gevra en dit sal ek najaag: dat ek my hele lewe lank in sy huis mag woon om sy goedheid te belewe en daaroor na te dink in sy tempel. Op die dag van gevaar sal die Here my wegsteek in sy huis, my veilig laat skuil in sy woonplek, my hoog op 'n rots laat staan; Teenspoed, is nooit welkom nie. Ek verstaan dit. En tog, wanneer dit wel toeslaan, hoe pynlik dit ook al mag wees, is dit waarskynlik een van die grootste geleenthede wat God jou ooit sal gee.In die 1930's is Esther Kim, 'n Koreaanse Christen, deur die Japannese gevange geneem omdat sy geweier het om voor 'n Shinto-beeld te buig. Omdat sy geweet het wat watter straf sy gaan kry, het sy maande lank gevas, gebid en die Skrif gememoriseer.In die tronk is sy gemartel, sy is verhonger, en sy het siek geword, maar sy het God se Teenwoordigheid as haar daaglikse krag beskryf. Sy het later geskryf: My lyding het die poort geword om Hom dieper te ken. Sy het deur hierdie aaklige omstandighede radikaal verander. Deur haar isolasie en mishandeling, het sy God op intieme, glorieryke maniere ontmoet.Koning Dawid was nóg iemand wat drieduisend jaar gelede deur sy verskriklike beproewinge dieselfde ding ontdek het: Psalm 27:4 Net een ding het ek van die Here gevra en dit sal ek najaag: dat ek my hele lewe lank in sy huis mag woon om sy goedheid te belewe en daaroor na te dink in sy tempel. Op die dag van gevaar sal die Here my wegsteek in sy huis, my veilig laat skuil in sy woonplek, my hoog op 'n rots laat staan;As die antwoord so duidelik is, kan ‘n mense nie verstaan waarom mense in hul donkerste uur sê dat hulle nie tyd kan vind om saam met God deur te bring nie. Die bekende skrywer Richard Blackaby het gesê: As jy dink jy is te besig om tyd saam met God deur te bring, is jou opinie van God heeltemal te laag en jou opinie van jouself heeltemal te hoog.Bring tyd in God se Teenwoordigheid deur. Waardeer sy skoonheid. En onthou in jou donkerste oomblikke, dit is waarskynlik die grootste geleentheid wat Hy jou ooit sal gee om sy krag te beleef.Dis God se Woord. Vars … vir jou … vandag.Support the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

Pokemon Day 2026 is here! Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokemon with the Krewe by reliving the 25th anniversary of Pokemon! lol Digging deep in the vault to pull out a special Pokemon Day throwback to Season 1, Episode 3 of the podcast... where we have the WHOLE OG Krewe freshly hatched out of our podcast Pokemon egg!  ++++++ In this episode, the Krewe gathers to discuss the iconic Japanese media franchise, Pokémon! Celebrating its 25th anniversary this February, Pokémon is the highest grossing media franchise in the world! From its anime and games, to trading cards and mobile apps, Pokémon truly unites people from across the world. Tune in to this episode to hear the krewe discuss the history, major moments, and each krewe member's favorite Pokémon! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy! ------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------ Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode! Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season! Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  ------ Past KOJ Pokemon/Nintendo Episodes ------ The History of Nintendo ft. Matt Alt (S4E18) The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 2] (S4E3) The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 1] (S4E2) We Love Pokemon: Celebrating 25 Years (S1E3) Why Japan? ft. Matt Alt (S1E1) ------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------ JSNO Event Calendar Join JSNO Today!

The Krewe wraps up Season 6 with an episode looking back at the highs, the lows, & what's to come! Join Doug & Jenn for listener feedback and behind-the-scenes stories as they put a bow on the 6th chapter of KOJ Podcast! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy! ------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------ Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode! Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season! Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  ------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------ JSNO Event Calendar Join JSNO Today!

Send a textDiscover the hidden folklore of Japan's most mystical flora in this episode of Supernatural Japan, where we explore the ancient beliefs surrounding magical plants like bamboo, mugwort, sakura, cedar, wisteria, and foxglove, and uncover how these plants were once thought to ward off evil, attract spirits, grant protection, or even curse the living, blending Shinto traditions, Buddhist symbolism, and rural folk practices into a rich tapestry of supernatural history that reveals how deeply the natural world shaped Japan's spiritual imagination and its enduring legends.Follow the podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapanBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socialX: https://x.com/MadForMapleEmail: supernaturaljapan@gmail.comTales from Kevin Podcast (my weekly diary-style podcast):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevinWebsite: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.comSupport the show

The rightwing media, both mainstream and alternative, along with top social media influencers, are sharing videos of the Japanese Speaker of the House, Fukushiro Nukaga, announcing the dissolving of the House of Representatives: “Following Article 7 of the Constitution of Japan, the House of Representatives is dissolved." These sources are saying the video is breaking news, though it was recorded in mid-January. They are repeating the talking point, however, that the video shows the Japanese government banning Islam and all its associated elements. The same media and influencers are repeating the line that the current Japanese Prime Minster, Sanae Takaichi, was just elected and her first order of business was to target Islam. But she was elected in October 2025, her first orders of business being temporary tax breaks, addressing the lowered value of Yen and the cost of living, and dealing with law-breakers of the foreign variety. The same media is likewise taking the illegal immigration issue and painting it was anti-Islam. Another video, this time of Mizuho Umemura, a member of the House of Councilors and part of the Sanseito Party, has been shared with captions that it shows the new Prime Minister banning Islam. The video is from 2024, is of Umemura, and the only connection to Islam is her stance on letting local officials handle burial issues which apply to everyone. What is happening here?The Muslim population in Japan is approximately 0.3%, about double what it was in 2020. The Christian population is approximately 1-1.5%. Attempts to paint any issue in Japan with the brush of western, conservative, Judaeo-Christianity is abhorrent and ignorant. While western culture has been embraced in Japan for over 100 years, conservative values in the country are not driven by the same fuel they are in the west. Japanese conservative is simply is not driven by Christianity, Jesus, and certainly not the Judeo element of new Christianity. Therefore, it is not driven by the spiteful loathing Western Christians have for Arabs and Muslims. Any shared sentiment in Japan is driven by interaction and experience (possibly exaggerated social media claims), not by theology, or Christian and Jewish cultural propaganda. The root source of animosity towards foreigners, where it does exist, is almost exclusively Chinese. It is also driven by the infamous Japanese cultural motif of order in society. Japan has certainly become more liberalized in the past 100+ years, meaning that strong conservative traditions at minimum stem from a time when Christianity was almost non-existent in the country. Going back to 1614 when the Japanese government banned Christianity, it was because the Tokugawa regime wanted strict social order and Christians were both foreigners and disruptive. This ban on the religion was extended to all religions not Buddhist or Shinto. What is happening here? Theory: social media has also provided a platform for a pattern to be exposed. Japanese issues with immigration and refugees, while ultimately little, have been shown to result from people like Rochelle Kopp, managing principal of Japan Intercultural Consulting; Amy Pope, head of the UN International Organization for Migration, who works with HIAS; Beate Sirota Gordon, translator for General Douglas MacArthur and author of key sections of Japan's current constitution. All of these people have one or more things in common. As did Rahm Emanuel when he was ambassador. What is happening now appears to be connected to the early 20th-century when Japanese immigrants to the US were targeted because of their innate ability to be successful but lower standard of living; and the mid-20th-century when Japan's economy was undermined by the US Federal Reserve, run then by the people implied mentioned above, including Arthur Burns and Paul Vocker. Japan is currently the number one holder of US Debt and is planning to dump a portion or all it at some point. That, and social media has been linking the Japanese demon Tengu to this story too.Interestingly, just before the above propaganda about Japan and Islam began, the Prime Minister noted after the landslide victory to give her a supermajority that the goal was to revise the Japanese constitution to strengthen Japan. This is a major plan on top of the current plan to have zero illegals in Japan. It appears that the people responsible for subjugating Japan and attempting to culturally obliterate it are terrified of its renewed strength. It appears that the conservative shift in Japan is what the MAGA cult in the United States wanted but did not get. Media is attempting to blend the two together when they are not one and the same. It appears the goal is to subvert the shift and make it about Islam when clearly the source of these problems, while not discussed in general Japanese policies, is not Muslim. The western media push to do this is driven secondarily by Christians attempting to project their beliefs on an atheistic country that maintains more order, cleanliness and respect than the nation that worship Jesus supposedly. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.

In The Sacred Science of Ancient Japan, you will discover the Japanese equivalent to Atlantis: records of ancient legends handed down as historical texts, stories of an age when gods and men interacted. Avery Morrow examines the provenance of these works, but more importantly, he discuss the importance of their content and the important messages they have for the world, through a rough comparison to the works of Julius Evola and René Guénon. Avery Morrow is the author of The Sacred Science of Ancient Japan and various articles providing new perspectives on Eastern traditions. He is currently studying the Eastern classics and Shinto esotericism at St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Avery's Website: www.avery.morrow.name Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the spirit of Carnival season, here's a special bonus rebroadcast of our Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special released in January 2025 about a unique connection between New Orleans, Japan & Mardi Gras that took place in 2024! ++++++2024 was a special year for Carnival and the Japan-New Orleans connection! Lafcadio Hearn's life & works inspired the theme for Rex Parade 2024: "The Two Worlds of Lafcadio Hearn - New Orleans & Japan". But why Hearn? What went into the float design? What other ways has Hearn left a lasting impact on both New Orleans & Japan? Find out today with a super-sized special Mardi Gras bonus episode, featuring insights from Rex historian/archivist Will French & historian/archivist emeritus Dr. Stephen Hales, Royal Artists float designer/artistic director Caroline Thomas, Lafcadio Hearn's great grandson Bon Koizumi,  legendary chef John Folse, Captain of the Krewe of Lafcadio John Kelly, JSNO's resident Lafcadio Hearn expert Matthew Smith, and even the Mayor of Matsue Akihito Uesada! Get ready for Mardi Gras 2025 by reflecting on this unique connection between New Orleans & Japan!------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ Music Credits ------Background music provided by: Royalty Free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for Free Sound Music http://freesoundmusic.eu FreeSoundMusic on Youtube  Link to Original Sound Clip------ Audio Clip Credits ------Thanks to Dominic Massa & everyone at WYES for allowing us to use some of the audio from the below Rex Clips:Segment about Royal Artist & Float DesignFull 2024 Rex Ball Coverage (Krewe of Lafcadio/Nicholls State segment)Thanks to Matsue City Hall & Mayor Akihito Uesada for their video message below:Message from Matsue Mayor Akihito Uesada------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! ------ Past KOJ Hearn/Matsue/History Episodes ------30 Years, 2 Cities: The 2024 New Orleans-Matsue Exchange ft. Katherine Heller & Wade Trosclair (S6E11)From Tokyo to Treme: A Jazz Trombone Tale ft. Haruka Kikuchi (S6E10)Foreign-Born Samurai: William Adams ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) (S5E17)Foreign-Born Samurai: Yasuke ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) (S5E16)Explore Matsue ft. Nicholas McCullough (S4E19)Jokichi Takamine: The Earliest Bridge Between New Orleans & Japan ft. Stephen Lyman (S4E13)The Life & Legacy of Lafcadio Hearn ft. Bon & Shoko Koizumi (S1E9)Matsue & New Orleans: Sister Cities ft. Dr. Samantha Perez (S1E2)------ Links about Rex ------2024 Rex Parade/Float PDF with Full DesignsCaroline Thomas's Website------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------JSNO Event CalendarJoin JSNO Today!

What's on your mind? Let CX Passport know...CX to sin. Peak-end to forgiveness. Episode 250 won't be what you're used to.This milestone episode examines how experiences actually end, and why organizations avoid designing that moment. In a wide-ranging conversation with Joe Macleod, CX Passport connects customer experience to religion, environmental responsibility, shame, and the circular economy. The conversation challenges the idea that endings are merely operational details rather than emotional and moral ones. Joe also becomes the show's first guest from Sweden, adding a perspective shaped by consensus, systems thinking, and responsibility.5 Key Insights from the EpisodeMost organizations never ask “How does this end?” as an experience, only as an operational handoffThe customer journey builds empowerment and agency, then abandons customers at the moment of exitShame appears when responsibility for disposal, data, or materials is shifted entirely to the customerReligious and cultural frameworks offer richer language for endings than modern consumer systemsPoorly designed endings damage brand memory and trust long after the relationship is overChapters00:00 Intro02:00 Designing beginnings while ignoring endings05:20 Shame vs guilt at the end of the customer journey08:40 Dark patterns, abandonment, and off-boarding11:30 Consumption and environmental responsibility13:10 Sweden, the UK, and systems thinking16:45 First Class Lounge21:30 Religion, forgiveness, and consumer psychology24:50 Buddhism, Shinto, and product endings28:00 Brand damage caused by poor endingsGuest LinksAndend website  https://www.andend.coLinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmacleod/Ends (book, affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3M3zDKLEndineering (book, affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4atZWmy Ends ebook — https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/744267 25% off discount code: NCKEVEndineering ebook — https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1116883 25% off discount code: NCKEVIntroduction to Endineering course — https://www.andend.co/introductionendineering-125% off discount code: 7D7AQF5Continue the JourneyListen: https://www.cxpassport.com Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@cxpassport Newsletter: https://cxpassport.kit.com/signupI'm Rick Denton and I believe the best meals are served outside and require a passport.DisclaimerThis podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).

Send us a message!Let's explore the origins of Japanese mythology, from the creation of the islands to the emergence of the Gods. Music is by Alexander Nakarada.Support the show

You may not realize it, but there's a lot of prayer going on all around the world. In Tibet they use spinning prayer wheels; the more the better to attract the attention of the gods. In Japan in the Shinto shrines they clap hands to get the attention of the spirits and light candles to gain the favor of their ancestors.  In Saudi Arabia carpets are carefully placed on the floor so worshippers can pray in the direction of the holy city of Mecca, believing that geography determines the effectiveness of one's prayers. In Jerusalem prayers are recited by the western wall of an ancient temple – written on small pieces of paper and stuffed into the cracks in the wall - also believing its location adds extra oomph to one's prayers. All around the world people are praying. But Jesus flips all this on its head with one word and takes prayer to a level no one ever anticipated. Find out more in this episode of Gospel Wabi Sabi.

Big Mom from One Piece is on a rampage in Japan, and the only thing that can quell her fury is a very specific Japanese Christmas Cake. In this episode of Systematic Geekology's "Geeks on a Roll" series, our host Joshua Noel takes the reins as GM while Christian Ashley is joined by a special return guest, Mark Flower, to team up and tackle this outrageous mission together. Their eclectic squad, featuring Batman, Sanji from One Piece, Aqua from Kingdom Hearts, Rivet from Ratchet and Clank, and the Shinto goddess Amaterasu, dives into a culinary quest that's as chaotic as it is whimsical. With the fate of Japan hanging in the balance, they must navigate through a series of hilarious mishaps, uncover the recipe's hidden secrets, and ultimately serve up a cake that could either save the day or send Big Mom into a full-blown frenzy. Tune in for a delightful mix of role-playing and thoughtful reflections on the power of food, community, and a sprinkle of geeky humor along the way!A delightful clash of cultures and fandoms unfolds in this episode of Systematic Geekology's 'Geeks on a Roll' series. The team finds themselves in a quirky scenario where Japan is under siege by Big Mom from One Piece, who's on a rampage in search of a specific Japanese Christmas Cake. To pacify her, a ragtag team of heroes including Batman, Sanji, Aqua, Rivet, and Amaterasu must embark on a culinary quest to uncover the cake's elusive recipe. What ensues is a chaotic blend of humor, teamwork, and clever twists as they navigate through challenges, revealing deeper themes of loss, community, and the power of food to bring people together. Amidst the laughter and light-hearted banter, the players explore how culinary traditions can hold emotional significance, echoing the sentiments of those who have passed. With clever detective work, the team's collaboration shines, leaving listeners both entertained and pondering the importance of food in their own lives. Listeners are treated to a splendid adventure as the crew tackles a looming threat in a whimsical, food-centric narrative.With Big Mom on a rampage, the superheroes must work together to find the perfect Christmas cake recipe that can calm her down. The team, featuring iconic characters like Batman and Sanji, engages in witty banter and clever problem-solving as they navigate through various challenges and clues. The episode cleverly intertwines humor with significant themes, such as how food can encapsulate memories of loss and joy. As they delve into the story behind the cake, the players reflect on their own connections to food and the stories it tells. The light-hearted approach, combined with deeper philosophical discussions about companionship and community, creates an enriching experience that resonates with both fans of the respective franchises and those who appreciate good storytelling. This episode promises laughter, adventure, and a thoughtful exploration of culinary traditions.Takeaways:In this episode, Joshua, Christian, and Mark craft a whimsical narrative where Big Mom from One Piece wreaks havoc in Japan, necessitating a culinary quest to create the perfect Japanese Christmas Cake to calm her down.The players utilize a diverse team featuring iconic characters like Batman, Sanji, Aqua, Rivet, and the Shinto goddess Amaterasu, each bringing unique skills to the table in their madcap adventure.The podcast explores the deeper connections between food and emotion, illustrating how the act of cooking can serve as a form of storytelling and cultural expression, emphasizing the importance of context in recipes.Through clever banter, the team discusses the...

From Astro Boy to Gundam to real-world robots like ASIMO and Pepper, Japan's fascination with robots runs deep. This week, the Krewe is joined by author, cultural commentator, & robot enthusiast Matt Alt to explore how robots became heroes instead of threats in Japanese pop culture and how those sci-fi dreams quietly shaped Japan's modern relationship with technology, AI, and everyday automation. From giant mecha and cyborg icons to robot cafés and beyond, we dig into why Japan seems so comfortable living alongside machines in an episode that's equal parts nostalgia, culture, and future tech.------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! ------ Matt Alt Links ------Matt's WebsitePure Invention - Publisher's PageMatt's NewsletterPure Tokyoscope PodcastMatt on IG------ Past Matt Alt Episodes ------Akira Toriyama: Legacy of a Legend ft. Matt Alt (S5E3)The History of Nintendo ft. Matt Alt (S4E18)How Marvel Comics Changed Tokusatsu & Japan Forever ft Gene & Ted Pelc (Guest Host, Matt Alt) (S3E13)Yokai: The Hauntings of Japan ft. Hiroko Yoda & Matt Alt (S2E5)Why Japan ft. Matt Alt (S1E1)------ Past KOJ Pop Culture Episodes ------Enjoying Shojo Anime & Manga ft. Taryn of Manga Lela (S5E18)The History & Evolution of Godzilla ft. Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui (S5E1)Thoughts on Godzilla Minus One ft. Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui (S4Bonus)Japanese Mascot Mania ft. Chris Carlier of Mondo Mascots (S4E8)Tokusatsu Talk with a Super Sentai ft. Sotaro Yasuda aka GekiChopper (S4E6)The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 2] (S4E3)The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 1] (S4E2)Japanese Independent Film Industry ft. Award Winning Director Eiji Uchida (S3E18)Talking Shonen Anime Series ft. Kyle Hebert (S3E10)Japanese Arcades (S2E16)How to Watch Anime: Subbed vs. Dubbed ft. Dan Woren (S2E9)Manga: Literature & An Art Form ft. Danica Davidson (S2E3)The Fantastical World of Studio Ghibli ft. Steve Alpert (S2E1)The Greatest Anime of All Time Pt. 3: Modern Day Anime  (2010's-Present) (S1E18)The Greatest Anime of All Time Pt. 2: The Golden Age  (1990's-2010's) (S1E16)The Greatest Anime of All Time Pt. 1: Nostalgia (60's-80's) (S1E5)We Love Pokemon: Celebrating 25 Years (S1E3)------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------JSNO Event CalendarJoin JSNO Today!

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Snow and Tradition: A Setsubun Journey at Fushimi Inari Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-02-02-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 冬の朝、京都の伏見稲荷大社には、雪が静かに降り積もっていました。En: On a winter morning, snow was quietly piling up at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto.Ja: 千本鳥居が続く道は、雪で白く輝き、神秘的な雰囲気を漂わせています。En: The path lined with a thousand torii gates shone white with snow, exuding a mystical atmosphere.Ja: 大学生の遥は、その光景を見つめながら、心を引き締めました。En: Haruka, a university student, looked at the scene and steeled her heart.Ja: 彼女のテーマは、日本の伝統的な祭りについての論文です。En: Her thesis is on Japan's traditional festivals.Ja: 節分の祭りから学ぶことは、彼女の考えを新たにします。En: Learning from the Setsubun festival provides her with new insights.Ja: 伏見稲荷で準備が進む中、遥は案内役のサトシと出会いました。En: As preparations progressed at Fushimi Inari, Haruka met Satoshi, her guide.Ja: 彼は地元のガイドで、神道の祭りに情熱を持っていました。En: He was a local guide with a passion for Shinto festivals.Ja: しかし、サトシは最初、遥に心を開きませんでした。En: However, Satoshi did not initially open his heart to Haruka.Ja: 以前、外部の人々が祭りの神聖な雰囲気を乱したことがあったのです。En: In the past, outsiders had disrupted the sacred atmosphere of the festival.Ja: 遥は考えました。「どうすればサトシさんの信頼を得られるだろうか？」En: Haruka thought to herself, "How can I earn Satoshi-san's trust?"Ja: そこで彼女は、サトシのツアーに参加することを決めました。En: So she decided to join Satoshi's tour.Ja: さらに、祭りの準備を手伝うことにしました。En: Furthermore, she decided to help with the festival preparations.Ja: 彼女の一生懸命な姿に、サトシは少しずつ心を動かされました。En: Seeing her earnest efforts, Satoshi's heart slowly began to change.Ja: 節分の夜、境内は賑やかでした。En: On the night of Setsubun, the temple grounds were lively.Ja: 鬼を追い払うため、「鬼は外、福は内」と人々が豆を撒きます。En: To drive away demons, people scattered beans while chanting "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi"—"Demons out, fortune in."Ja: 遥はその光景に魅了され、サトシの指導の下、共に祭りを楽しみました。En: Haruka was captivated by the scene and, under Satoshi's guidance, enjoyed the festival together.Ja: お互いの信頼が深まり、サトシはついに遥に伝統の裏話や、あまり知られていない儀式を教えてくれました。En: Their mutual trust deepened, and Satoshi finally shared with Haruka stories behind the traditions and lesser-known rituals.Ja: 例えば、伏見稲荷での特別な豆まきの仕方や、お守りの意味について、サトシ自身の体験を織り交ぜて話しました。En: For example, Satoshi talked about the special way of bean-throwing at Fushimi Inari and the meaning of the omamori, weaving in his personal experiences.Ja: 遥はメモを取りながら感謝の気持ちを忘れずに伝えました。En: Haruka took notes and expressed her gratitude without forgetting to do so.Ja: 翌日、祭りは終わり、静けさが戻りました。En: The next day, the festival ended, and tranquility returned.Ja: 遥は充実した心持ちで京都を後にしました。En: Haruka left Kyoto with a fulfilled heart.Ja: 彼女の論文には、祭りの真髄と日本文化の深さが反映されるでしょう。En: Her thesis will reflect the essence of the festival and the depth of Japanese culture.Ja: サトシもまた、伝統を大切にする人と共有する価値を再確認しました。En: Satoshi also reaffirmed the value of sharing traditions with those who cherish them.Ja: 遥とサトシの心はつながりました。En: The hearts of Haruka and Satoshi connected.Ja: 文化の橋渡しは、新しい信頼と理解をもたらしました。En: The cultural bridge brought about new trust and understanding.Ja: この経験から、どちらもそれぞれの成長を感じました。En: From this experience, both felt their own growth.Ja: そして、伏見稲荷は、彼らの出会いを静かに見守り続けました。En: And Fushimi Inari continued to quietly watch over their encounter. Vocabulary Words:atmosphere: 雰囲気mystical: 神秘的steel: 引き締めるthesis: 論文insight: 考えpreparation: 準備initially: 最初disrupt: 乱すearnest: 一生懸命captivated: 魅了されるchanting: 唱えるdemons: 鬼fortune: 福trust: 信頼rituals: 儀式weaving: 織り交ぜるgratitude: 感謝tranquility: 静けさfulfilled: 充実したessence: 真髄reaffirmed: 再確認するcherish: 大切にするencounter: 出会いbridge: 橋渡しgrowth: 成長scattered: 撒くguide: 案内役participate: 参加するexpress: 伝えるtraditions: 伝統

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: From Mist to Clarity: Haruto's Journey of Self-Forgiveness Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2026-01-27-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 京都の冬、霧に包まれた沼地が、静かに動き始めた。En: In the winter of Kyoto, the marshland shrouded in mist began to stir quietly.Ja: 木々は寒さで裸になり、空を見上げると曇り空が広がっている。En: The trees were bare from the cold, and when you looked up at the sky, it was overcast.Ja: 今日は節分の日、古い悪を追い払い、新しい幸せを呼び込む日である。En: Today is Setsubun, a day to drive away the old evils and invite new happiness.Ja: 晴仁（はると）は沼地に足を運んだ。En: Haruto ventured into the marshland.Ja: 心は重く、過去の失敗が胸を締め付けていた。En: His heart was heavy, squeezed by the failures of his past.Ja: 「本当にこれでうまくいくのか」と心の中でつぶやく。En: "Will this really work?" he muttered to himself.Ja: 気持ちがもやもやしたまま、霧の中を歩き始めた。En: With his feelings still in turmoil, he began walking through the mist.Ja: しばらくすると、アイコとリョウが前方に見えた。En: After a while, Aiko and Ryo appeared ahead.Ja: 彼らも今夜の神道の祓（はらい）に参加するために来ていた。En: They too had come to participate in tonight's Shinto purification ceremony.Ja: 「こんにちは、ハルちゃん。また一緒だね」アイコが微笑んで声をかけた。En: "Hello, Haru-chan, here we are together again," Aiko said with a smile.Ja: リョウは「霧がすごいね。でもこれもまた神秘的だ」と言って、空を見上げた。En: Ryo looked up at the sky, saying, "The mist is intense, but it's also quite mystical."Ja: 晴仁は二人と一緒に進んだ。En: Haruto continued on with the two of them.Ja: 辺りには鈴の音が響き、祈りの言葉が静かに聞こえた。En: The sound of bells resonated around, and the words of prayer could be heard quietly.Ja: 霧がさらに濃くなり、彼の視界はほとんどなくなっていた。En: The mist grew even thicker, nearly blinding his vision.Ja: 「自分の心の中もこんなに曇っている」と晴仁は思った。En: "My heart, too, is clouded like this," Haruto thought.Ja: やがて、儀式が始まった。En: Before long, the ceremony began.Ja: 火が焚かれ、清めの祓が進む。En: Fires were lit, and the purification rituals proceeded.Ja: 晴仁は目を閉じ、心の奥底に耳をすました。En: Haruto closed his eyes and listened deeply to the depths of his heart.Ja: そこで彼は過去の自分と向き合った。En: There, he faced his past self.Ja: 失敗の記憶、悔しさ、痛み。En: Memories of failure, frustration, pain.Ja: それらは彼を苦しめ続けていた。En: These had continued to torment him.Ja: 「許されたい」と心の奥から願いが湧き上がった。En: "I want to be forgiven," a wish rose from deep within him.Ja: その時、晴仁の心に変化が起こった。En: At that moment, a change occurred in Haruto's heart.Ja: 自分を許せないと思っていたが、突然、そのままでいいのだと感じた。En: Though he thought he couldn't forgive himself, he suddenly felt that it was alright as it was.Ja: 「失敗しても、それは自分自身の一部であり、成長のための一歩だった」と理解した。En: "Even if I fail, that is a part of me and a step towards growth," he understood.Ja: 儀式が終わり、晴仁は深い息を吸った。En: The ceremony ended, and Haruto took a deep breath.Ja: 霧の中にいた彼の心は、ようやく晴れ渡り始めた。En: Deep within the mist, his heart finally began to clear.Ja: 「ありがとう」と静かに呟くと、アイコとリョウの元に戻った。En: "Thank you," he murmured softly, returning to Aiko and Ryo.Ja: 「どうだった？」リョウが訊ねる。En: "How was it?" Ryo asked.Ja: 「少し軽くなった気がするよ」と晴仁は笑顔を返した。En: "I feel a little lighter," Haruto replied with a smile.Ja: 彼は沼地を去る。En: He left the marshland, carrying with him new hope and direction.Ja: 心に新しい希望と方向性を持って。En: The answer he found in the mist would surely guide his future path.Ja: 晴仁はついに自分を許し、新たな一歩を踏み出したのだった。En: Haruto had finally forgiven himself and taken a new step forward. Vocabulary Words:marshland: 沼地shrouded: 包まれたovercast: 曇り空ventured: 足を運んだheavy: 重くsqueezed: 締め付けてmuttered: つぶやくturmoil: もやもやparticipate: 参加するpurification: 祓mystical: 神秘的resonated: 響きblinding: なくなっていたclouded: 曇っているrituals: 儀式torment: 苦しめ続けていたforgiven: 許されたいgrowth: 成長understood: 理解したmurmured: 呟くdirection: 方向性guide: 道しるべcleared: 晴れ渡り始めたinvite: 呼び込むappeared: 見えたintense: すごいproceeded: 進むdepths: 奥底self: 自分happiness: 幸せ

This bedtime story about Japanese mythology begins with the world creation myth by Amaterasu. Then we will explore Japan's spiritual tradition: Shinto, and its countless Kami. We will also follow the path of Emperor Jimmu's legendary journey, and discover beloved folktales like Momotaro and The Sparrow with the Slit Tongue, before closing with the powerful story of the 47 Ronin. #sleep #bedtimestory #asmr #sleepstory #mythology #japan Welcome to Lights Out Library Join me for a sleepy adventure tonight. Sit back, relax, and fall asleep to documentary-style bedtime stories read in a calming ASMR voice. Learn something new while you enjoy a restful night of sleep. Listen ad free and get access to bonus content on our Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/LightsOutLibrary621⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Enjoy my audiobook on Ancient Egyptian History, Myths & Mysteries: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6mCqX5FoO6uCilrWCS8mB9?si=e1ecb983d2534d69⁠ Listen on Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LightsOutLibraryov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ¿Quieres escuchar en Español? Echa un vistazo a La Biblioteca de los Sueños! En Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1t522alsv5RxFsAf9AmYfg⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ En Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/la-biblioteca-de-los-sue%C3%B1os-documentarios-para-dormir/id1715193755⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ En Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LaBibliotecadelosSuenosov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this episode of Supernatural Japan, explore the mysterious origins of Setsubun, Japan's traditional festival for driving out demons and welcoming good fortune. Learn about oni folklore, bean-throwing rituals (mamemaki), ehō-maki customs, and how families, schools, and temples celebrate this seasonal turning point. Blending Japanese folklore, Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, and modern traditions, Setsubun: Driving Out Demons, Welcoming Fortune reveals the supernatural meanings behind one of Japan's most enduring cultural rituals.Follow the podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supernaturaljapanBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/madformaple.bsky.socialX: https://x.com/MadForMapleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/supernaturaljapanEmail: supernaturaljapan@gmail.comTales from Kevin Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tales-from-kevin/id1767355563Support the podcast (Help fund the creation of new episodes) https://buymeacoffee.com/busankevinYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusanKevinNEW podcast companion blogs! https://justjapanstuff.com/Website: https://supernaturaljapan.buzzsprout.comSupport the show

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I., served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000. In Today's Show: Can Catholic's visit Shinto shrines? Can you take the last name of a saint as your confirmation name? Are Catholics required under pain of sin to do penance? Did Mary experience any pain in childbirth? Is it a sin for Catholics to pray with Eastern Orthodox Christians? Does the USCCB have the right to set penance for all of the United States? What is the theological evidence for Marian consecration? And more Resources: Fr. Elias' 2026 Pilgrimage to Japan: Click here Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Before fully diving into 2026, the Krewe takes a minute (or 64) to reflect on Japan in 2025, recapping & remembering the good, the bad & the wacky. From the top news stories of 2025 to the year's biggest pop culture stand outs, this episode covers it all!------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! Get your very own JAPAN BEAR SHELTER------ Past KOJ Episodes Referenced ------Crash Course in Japanese Politics ft. Tobias Harris of Japan Foresight (S6E13)Social Media & Perceptions of Japan (S6E8)Japanese Soccer on the World Stage ft. Dan Orlowitz (S6E5)Meet the J.League ft. Dan Orlowitz (S6E4)Expo 2025: Japan on the World Stage ft. Sachiko Yoshimura (S6E2)Checking Out Miyagi ft. Ryotaro Sakurai (Guest Host, William Woods) (S5E5)Thoughts on Godzilla Minus One ft. Dr. William (Bill) Tsutsui (S4Bonus)Visiting Themed Cafes in Japan ft. Chris Nilghe of TDR Explorer (S4E15)The Life of a Sumotori ft. 3-Time Grand Champion Konishiki Yasokichi (S4E10)Japan 2021: A Year in Review (S2E13)Japanese Theme Parks ft. TDR Explorer (S2E4)Greatest Anime of All-Time pt. 3: Modern Day Anime (2010-Present) (S1E18)Talking Sumo ft. Andrew Freud (S1E8)------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------JSNO Event CalendarJoin JSNO Today!

email us! twroadpodcast@gmail.comhttps://buymeacoffee.com/twrpod  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wandering-road/id1678025434https://open.spotify.com/show/4bntTTtDjBkilDqT4rIgS7In this chilling episode of The Wandering Road, Chris sits down with JJ from Southern Demonology to journey deep into the shadowed corners of Japanese folklore and modern paranormal belief. Together, they unravel the terrifying world of Japanese curses, the vengeful spirits known as onryō, and the dark rituals believed to bind rage, grief, and unfinished business to the living world.The conversation moves beyond legend into lived experience as JJ recounts an unsettling encounter during a house-hunting trip in Japan—an experience that blurred the line between bad luck, spiritual warning, and something far more sinister. From exorcisms rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions to the cultural fear of lingering spirits that refuse to move on, this episode explores why Japan's supernatural reputation is so deeply feared—and respected.Equal parts folklore, theology, and personal horror, this episode is a slow-burning descent into curses that follow, spirits that watch, and the terrifying possibility that some places never want to be lived in at all.Support the showSOCIAL MEDIATwitter: @TWRoadpodcastIG: twroadpodcastWant to be a guest or share your paranormal experiences? Email us!twroadpodcast@gmail.com

The Krewe sits down with Amy Hever, Executive Director of the MLB Players Trust, and Chris Capuano, former MLB pitcher & Chair of the Players Trust Board, to explore how MLB players give back through community-driven initiatives. Discover the mission of the MLB Players Trust, player-led philanthropy, & how baseball continues to bridge cultures between Japan & the United States through youth programs, education initiatives, & meaningful cross-cultural engagement beyond the field.------ About the Krewe ------The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, Threads: @kreweofjapanpodcast & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode!Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season!Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan! ------ About MLB Players Trust ------MLB Players Trust WebsitePlaymakers Classic Info & TicketsMLB Players Trust on IGMLB Players Trust on X/TwitterMLB Players Trust on LinkedInMLB Players Trust on Facebook------ Past KOJ Traditional Japan Episodes ------Japanese Soccer on the World Stage ft. Dan Orlowitz (S6E5)Meet the J.League ft. Dan Orlowitz (S6E4)Kendo: The Way of the Sword ft. Alexander Bennett, 7th Dan in Kendo (S4E16)The Life of a Sumotori ft. 3-Time Grand Champion Konishiki Yasokichi (S4E10)Talking Sumo ft. Andrew Freud (S1E8)------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------JSNO Event CalendarJoin JSNO Today!

Send us a message!In this first episode, we step into the world of Japanese mythology. From ancient creation stories to modern anime, we explore how Shinto spirits, Buddhist legends, and centuries‑old texts shaped a vibrant, living tradition that still echoes through Japan today. Music is by Alexander Nakarada.Support the show

Happy New Year!  As we start a new year, here is a new recap, covering all of the previous year and bringing us up to date with where we are today.  Enjoy! As usual, we have our sources and more over at our website:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/newyears2026   Rough Transcription: Shinnen Akemashite!  Happy New Year and Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua, and this is the New Year's Recap episode for 2026! Here's hoping that everyone has had a great new year.  I'm not sure about everyone else, but this past year seemed particularly long, and yet what we have covered on this podcast is only a relatively small part of the history of Yamato, so let's get into it. And in case anyone is wondering, this is covering episodes 118 to episode 140, though we will likely dip a little bit into the past as well, just to ensure we have context, where needed. We started last year in the 650's, in the second reign of Takara Hime, where we know her as Saimei Tennou.  We discussed Yamato's place in the larger world, especially in connection with the Silk Road.  In fact, we spent several episodes focused on the wider world, which Yamato was learning about through students, ambassadors, and visitors from far off lands.  Of course, that all came to a head at the Battle of Baekgang, when Yamato and their ally, Baekje, were defeated by a coalition of Tang and Silla forces, putting an end to the Kingdom of Baekje and driving Yamato to fall back and reinforce the archipelago. This was also the start of the formal reign of Naka no Oe, who would go on to be known as Tenji Tennou.  Naka no Oe would be a major proponent of substantial reforms to the Yamato government, as well as moving the capital to a new, more defensible location called Ohotsu, on the shores of Lake Biwa, in the land of Afumi.  He also introduced new concepts of time through water clocks both in Asuka and in the Afumi capital. Upon Naka no Oe's death, almost immediately, violence broke out between the Yamato court's ruling council led by Naka no Oe's son, Prince Ohotomo, and Naka no Oe's brother, Prince Ohoama.  Ohoama would emerge victorious and ascend the throne, being known as Temmu Tennou.   During his reign he took his brother's government and placed upon it his own stamp.  He reinvigorated Shinto rites while also patronizing Buddhism.  Meanwhile, relations with the continent appear to be improving. So that is the summary, let's take a look at what we discussed in more detail. First off, back to the reign of Takara Hime, aka Saimei Tennou—as opposed to her first reign, where she is known as Kougyoku Tennou.  Takara Hime came back to the throne in 654 after a nine-year hiatus, having abdicated in 645 when her son, Prince Naka no Oe, had killed Soga no Iruka in front of her at court, violently assassinating one of the most powerful men in Yamato. Naka no Oe had then gone on to take out Soga no Iruka's father, Soga no Emishi, a few days later.  Upon abdicating, Taka Hime's brother, Prince Karu, aka Koutoku Tennou, took the throne, but there are many that suggest that the real power in court was Naka no Oe and his allies—men such as the famous Nakatomi no Kamatari.  When Karu passed away, Naka no Oe still did not take the throne, officially, and instead it reverted back to his mother. Takara Hime is interesting in that she is officially recognized as a sovereign and yet she came to the throne when her husband, known as Jomei Tenno, passed away, even though neither of her parents were sovereigns themselves.  This may have something to do with the fact that much of the actual power at the time was being executed by individuals other than the reigning sovereign.  First it was the Soga family—Soga no Emishi and Soga no Iruka—but then it was Naka no Oe and his gaggle of officials.  This makes it hard to gauge Takara Hime's own agency versus that of her son's. Still, the archipelago flourished during her reign.  This was due, in no small part, to the growing connectivity between the Japanese archipelago and the continent—and from there to the rest of the world.  And that world was expanding. We see mention of the men from "Tukara" and a woman—or women—from Shravastri.  Of course it is possible, even likely, that these were a misunderstanding—it is most likely that these were individuals from the Ryukyuan archipelago and that the Chroniclers bungled the transcription, using known toponyms from the Sinitic lexicon rather than creating new ones for these places.  However, it speaks to the fact that there were toponyms to pull from because the court had at least the idea of these other places.  And remember, we had Wa students studying with the famous monk Xuanzang, who, himself, had traveled the silk road all the way out to Gandhara and around to India, the birthplace of Buddhism.  The accounts and stories of other lands and peoples were available—at least to those with access to the continent.  This helped firm up the Japanese archipelago's location at the end of a vast trading network, which we know as the Silk Road.  Indeed, we find various material goods showing up in the islands, as well as the artisans that were imported to help build Buddhist temples. And just as all of this is happening, we hit a rough patch in relations between Yamato and the Tang dynasty.  In fact, in one of our most detailed accounts of an embassy to date, thanks to the writings of one Iki no Hakatoko.  Because the fateful embassy of 659 saw the Tang take the odd step of refusing to let the embassy return to Yamato.  It turns out that the Tang, who had, for some time now, been in contact with Silla, had entered into an alliance and were about to invade Baekje.  It was presumed that if the Yamato embassy left the Tang court they might alert Baekje, their ally, that something was up.  And so it was safer to place them under house arrest until the invasion popped off. Sure enough, the invasion was launched and in less than a year King Wicha of Baekje and much of the Baekje court had been captured.  With the initial invasion successful, the Yamato embassy was released, but that is hardly the end of the story.  Baekje had sent a request to Yamato for support, but it came too late for Yamato to muster the forces necessary.  That said, some factions of the Baekje court remained, and one of their Princes was still in Yamato.  And so, as they had done in the past, Yamato sailed across the strait with the goal of restoring a royal heir to the throne. Unfortunately, this was not quite as simple as it had been, previously.  For one thing, the Tang forces were still in Baekje, and the fight became long and drawn out.  Things finally came to a head in the early months of 663, at the mouth of the Baekgang river—known in Japanese as Hakusuki-no-e.  This was a naval battle, and Yamato had more ships and was also likely more skilled on the water.  After all, much of the Tang fighting was on land or rivers, while the Wa, an island nation, had been crossing the straits and raiding the peninsula for centuries.  Even with all of the resources of the Tang empire, there was still every reason to think that the forces from the archipelago could pull off a victory.  However, it was not to be.  The Tang forces stayed near the head of the river, limiting the Wa and Baekje forces' ability to manuever, drawing them in and then counterattacking.  Eventually the Tang ended up destroying so much of the fleet that the remaining Wa ships had no choice but to turn and flee. This defeat had profound consequences for the region.  First and foremost was the fall of Baekje.  In addition, Yamato forces pulled back from the continent altogether.  Along with those Baekje refugees who had made it with them back to the archipelago they began to build up their islands' defenses.  Baekje engineers were enlisted to design and build fortresses at key points, from Tsushima all the way to the home countries.  These fortresses included massive earthworks, some of which can still be seen.  In fact, parts of the ancient fortifications on Tsushima would be reused as recently as World War II to create modern defenses and gun placements. Even the capital was moved.  While many of the government offices were possibly operating out of the Toyosaki palace in Naniwa, the royal residence was moved from Asuka up to Ohotsu, on the shores of Lake Biwa.  This put it farther inland, and behind a series of mountains and passes that would have provided natural defenses.  Fortresses were also set up along the ridgelines leading to the Afumi and Nara basins. And all of this was being done under a somewhat provisional government.  The sovereign, Takara Hime, had passed away at the most inconvenient time—just as the Yamato forces were being deployed across to the peninsula.  A funerary boat was sent back to Naniwa, and Naka no Oe took charge of the government.  That there was little fanfare perhaps suggests that there wasn't much that actually changed.  Still, it was a few years before the capital in Ohotsu was completed and Naka no Oe formally ascended the throne, becoming known to future generations as Tenji Tennou.  Naka no Oe's rule may have only formally started in the 660s, but his influence in the government goes all the way back to 645.  He assassinated the Soga family heads, and then appears to have been largely responsible for organizing the governmental reforms that led that era to be known as the Taika, or era of great change.  He served as Crown Prince under Karu and Takara Hime, and from that office he ensured his supporters were in positions of authority and instituted broad changes across the board. He continued in this position under the reign of his mother, Takara Hime, and so the transition upon her death was probably more smooth than most.  This also explains how things kept running for about three years before he took the throne. In officially stepping up as sovereign, however, Naka no Oe continued to solidify the work that he had done, focused largely on consolidating power and control over the rest of the archipelago.  There were tweaks here and there—perhaps most notably changes to the ranking system, which allowed for a more granular level of control over the stipends and privileges afforded to different individuals as part of the new government.  This work was presumably being done with the help of various ministers and of his brother, Ohoama.  Ohoama only really shows up in the Chronicle around this time, other than a brief mention of his birth along with a list of other royal progeny of the sovereign known as Jomei Tennou. We also see the death of the Naidaijin, Nakatomi no Kamatari—and supposedly the head of what would become known as the Fujiwara family.  His position as Inner Great Minister was not backfilled, but rather Naka no Oe's son, Ohotomo, was eventually named as Dajo Daijin, the head minister of the Council of State, the Dajokan, placing a young 20 year old man above the ministers of the left and right and in effective control of the government under his father—though his uncle, Prince Ohoama, maintained his position as Crown Prince. However, even that wasn't for long.  As Naka no Oe became gravely ill, he began to think of succession.  Ohoama, having been warned that something was afoot, offered to retire from his position as Crown Prince and take up religious orders down in Yoshino, theoretically clearing the line of succession and indicating his willingness to let someone else inherit.  His actual suggestion was that Naka no Oe turn the government over to his wife, who could act as a regent for Ohotomo.  What actually happened, however, was that the movers and shakers in the Council of State pledged their loyalty to the Dajo Daijin, Prince Ohotomo, who was named Crown Prince and ascended the throne when his father passed away. Here there is a bit of a wobble in the historical record.  The Chronicles never mention Prince Ohotomo formally assuming the throne and therefore the Chroniclers never provide him a regnal name.  It isn't until more modern times that we get the name "Kobun Tennou" for his short-lived reign. And it was short-lived because early on Ohoama raised an army, and after several months of fighting, took the throne for himself.  Because the year this happened was known by its sexagenary term as "Jinshin", often colloquially known as a Water Monkey year, the conflict is known as the Jinshin no Ran.  "Ran" can mean disturbance, or chaos, and so is often translated as "Jinshin Disturbance", "Jinshin Revolution", or the "Jinshin War".  The entirety of the fighting is given its own chapter in the Chronicles, known as either the first year of Temmu or sometimes as the record of the Jinshin War.  This chapter actually shows some stylistic differences with the chapter on Tenji Tennou, just before it, and tells the story of the events slightly differently, in a light generally favorable to Ohoama, who would go on to become Temmu Tennou.  As such, while the broad strokes and military actions are likely correct, there are a lot of questions around the details, especially around the motivating factors. Regardless, what is known is that Ohoama was able to quickly move from his quarters in Yoshino eastward towards Owari and Mino, where he was able to cut off the capital from support and gather troops from the eastern lands.  The Court tried to take the Nara Basin—a huge symbolic and strategic point—as well as cut off his supply lines, but these actions were thwarted by those loyal to Ohoama.  Attempts to gather troops from the west had mixed results, with several allies of Ohoama resisting the Court—most notably Prince Kurikuma, who at that time was the head of the government presence in Kyushu, where a large number of troops had been stationed to defend against a possible Tang invasion.  Eventually, Ohoama's troops defeated those of the Court.  Ohotomo was killed, and those running the government, including Soga no Akae, Nakatomi no Kane, Soga no Hatayasu, Kose no Hito, and Ki no Ushi, were either executed or exiled. Ohoama then swept into power.  He moved the court back to Asuka—the move to Ohotsu had not been a popular one in the first place—and took up residence in his mother's old palace, renovating it.  It would eventually be known as the Kiyomihara palace.  From there Ohoama continued his brother's reforms, though with his own spin. First off was a reform to the ceremonies around royal ascension.  Taking the existing feast of first fruits, the Niiname-sai, Ohoama made it into a new public and private ceremony known as the Daijo-sai, which is still practiced today upon the elevation of a new sovereign.  He reformed the government court rank system and also instituted reforms around the ancient kabane system—the ancient rank system that contained both clan and individual titles. These old kabane titles had certain social cachet, but were otherwise being made obsolete by the new court ranks, which were, at least on paper, based on merit rather than just familial connections.  Of course, the truth was that family still mattered, and in many ways the new kabane system of 8 ranks simply merged the reality of the new court with the traditions of the older system. And this was something of a trend in Ohoama's reign.  The court seems to have taken pains to incorporate more kami-based ritual back into the court, with regular offerings, especially to gods associated with food, harvest, and weather.  There is also a clear focus on the shrine at Ise.  The Chroniclers claim that Ise was established and important since the time of Mimaki Iribiko, but it is only rarely mentioned, and while its founding story might be tied to that era, the Chroniclers, who appear to have started their work this reign, appear to have done their best to bolster that connection. As for actual governance, we see another change from the government of Naka no Oe.   The former sovereign relied heavily on noble families to run the government, granting them positions of responsibility.  In the Ohoama court, however, most of those positions appear to lay dormant.  Instead we see copious mention of princes—royal and otherwise—being delegated to do the work of the throne. Indeed, Ohoama seemed to want to reinstate the majesty of the royal society, including both the royal family, but also others with royal titles as well.  Still, there were plenty of ways that the noble families continued to have an influence in various spheres of government, they just weren't handed the kind of prime ministerial powers that previous generations had achieved. Within the royal family, itself, Ohoama attempted to head off future succession disputes.  He had been through one himself, and history was littered with the violent conflicts that followed on the heels of a sovereign's death.  So Ohoama gathered his family together, to include sons and nephews of consequence, and he had them swear an oath to support each other and the Crown Prince.  After doing so, he seems to have utilized them to help run the country, as well. Of course, we've seen how such pledges played out in the past, so we'll have to wait to see how it all plays out, eventually.  I'm sure it will be fine… Whilst the archipelago was going through all of this transition—from the death of Takara Hime, and then the reign and death of her son, Naka no Oe, along with the Jinshin no Ran that followed-- we have a glimpse of what was happening on the peninsula.  Yamato had fortified against a combined Silla-Tang invasion, but it seems they needn't have done so.  First off, that alliance's attention was turned northwards, to Goguryeo.  With the death of the belligerent tyrant and perpetual-thorn-in-the-side-of-the-Tang-Court, Yeon Gaesomun, the Tang armies were finally able to capture the Goguryeo court.  However, for years afterwards they were dealing with rebellions from those who had not gone quite so quietly.  And to make matters worse it turns out that these Goguryeo recalcitrants were apparently being funded by none other than Silla, the Tang's supposed ally. From the Yamato perspective this manifested, initially, as embassies from both the Tang court and the Silla court.  While the content of the embassies' messages are not fully recorded, we can imagine that both the Tang dynasty and Silla were looking for support.  At one point there was a direct request for military support, but Yamato offered a half-hearted reply along the lines of the fact that they didn't have as many able-bodied men as they once did—not after the fighting in Korea.   And that might have even been true. Either way, the Tang embassies petered out, as the Silla influence came to dominate the embassies and trade more generally.  The Tang attempted to push back against Silla, militarily—their alliance now long since dead.  Silla took some initial losses, but ultimately was able to push the Tang off of the peninsula, uniting everything from Pyongyang south.  North of Pyongyang, though still nominally under Tang dynasty control, a rebel Goguryeo court continued to act as though they were still a going concern.  They hitched a ride on Silla ships and traveled to Yamato for regular missions, maintaining diplomatic ties. As such, Yamato itself relaxed, to a certain extent, its defensive posture—but not entirely.  They continued to maintain the fortresses and there were several edicts addressing military preparedness, so as to ensure that Yamato would be ready should anything occur. And though the missions to the Tang court themselves may have been stymied in this period, it doesn't mean that Yamato lost interest in continental learning.  They had acquired numerous texts, and appear to have been devouring them, as well as generating their own observational data.  They were recording a variety of phenomena, some more clearly consequential than others.  Some of that was practical, but, in a time where there was very little dividing the natural and the supernatural in the minds of the people, they were just as likely to record a storm or an earthquake as they were the finding of a white or albino animal that is not normally that color.  Science, myth, and legend often clashed and intermingled.  Regardless, they carried on, figuring out what they could and filling in the gaps where they had to do so. And I believe that catches us up for the year.  If I were to add anything, it would probably be a short note on Ohoama's wife, Uno no Sarara hime.  Uno no Hime is only mentioned occasionally during Ohoama's reign, and yet those few times are more than many others appear to have been mentioned.  She is explicitly said to have traveled with him when he went on campaign, and is said to have been there when he made his prayers to Ise shrine.  She was also there when the family was gathered to swear to assist each other in the smooth running of the government. There is plenty to suggest that, especially with many of the Great Minister roles left empty, that Uno Hime had a much greater role in the administration of the government than is otherwise assumed.  This may have also been the case with Naka no Oe's wife.  Both women are mentioned in ways that suggest they were considered to have some amount of political clout and savvy, and had greater agency than one might otherwise conclude.  Remember, Takara Hime had twice reigned in her own right, and we aren't so many generations removed that people wouldn't know the name of Kashikiya Hime, aka Suiko Tennou.  We also know that there was a lot more going on, but the focus of the Chronicles is pretty firmly on the sovereign, and it is only with the greatest  of reluctance that the Chroniclers turn that lens on anyone else except the sovereign who was reigning at the time.  So I think it is safe to say that Uno likely played a large role in the court, and we will see even more of that in the coming year. But first, there is going to be more to say about the reign of Ohoama.  After all, we aren't entirely through with his reign.  We have only barely touched on the various Buddhist records in the Nihon Shoki, nor some of the various court events, as well as some sign of how the government enforced these new laws and punishments—the Ritsuryo system.  Finally, we'll talk about Ohoama's dream and vision for a new capital—a permanent capital city unlike anything that had yet been seen.  Ohoama would not see that through to completion, but we can talk about what it meant, the first permanent capital city in the archipelago:  Fujiwara-kyo. Until then, I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season.   As usual, thank you for listening and for all of your support.  Thanks also to my lovely spouse, Ellen, for their continued work at helping to edit these episodes! Remember, if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website, SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to Tweet at us at @SengokuPodcast, or reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.

What happens when ancient mythology collides with modern travel, sibling dynamics, and a very tight bus schedule? In this episode of Rainy Day Rabbit Holes, Shea takes us deep into the mountains of Nagano Prefecture to explore Togakushi Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred—and least touristy—Shinto sites. Along the way, we unravel the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who plunged the world into darkness after her brother Susanoo’s chaos drove her into hiding inside a cave. As Shea hikes the same forest paths once walked by gods—beneath towering 800-year-old cedar trees—Japanese legend comes vividly to life. We explore the five shrines of Togakushi, the divine doorway sealed shut to save the world, dancing gods, nine-headed dragons, spiritual power spots, and what it really means to experience Japan beyond the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This episode blends Japanese mythology, spiritual travel, off-the-beaten-path adventure, and real-life mishaps, including sprinting down mountain roads, surviving a hair-raising taxi ride, and realizing—too late—that the bus was actually running behind schedule. If you’re fascinated by Shinto legends, sacred hikes, authentic travel experiences, or Japan beyond the tourist crowds, this episode is your invitation to step into the forest, slow down, and walk where the gods once did.