Best Henro Podcasts (2025)

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Japanese Tea Ceremony: A Living Tradition ft. Atsuko Mori of Camellia Tea Ceremony 51:48

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12d ago51:48

51:48

The Krewe is joined by Atsuko Mori of Camellia Tea Ceremony in Kyoto for a deep dive into the Japanese tea ceremony. Together, they explore the experience itself, the tools and etiquette involved, what guests can expect, and why preserving this centuries-old tradition still matters today. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is …

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Japan's Craft Beer Boom ft. Chris Madere of Baird Brewing & Chris Poel of Shiokaze BrewLab 1:16:26

20d ago1:16:26

1:16:26

The Krewe sits down with Chris Madere (Baird Brewing) & Chris Poel (Shiokaze BrewLab) to explore Japan’s growing craft beer scene. They discuss how Japan’s drinking culture evolved beyond the big-name breweries, what daily life is like behind the brewhouse doors, the challenges small and foreign brewers face, and the innovations shaping the future …

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Parenting in Japan: Tips, Challenges & Everyday Truths ft. Loretta Scott aka KemushiChan 1:08:00

1M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

This week, the Krewe is joined by Loretta Scott (aka KemushiChan on YouTube Channel) for a personal, insightful, and often funny look at what it’s like raising kids in Japan as an American parent. We dig into birth experiences, cultural differences from the U.S., unexpected parenting moments, and tips for families living in or visiting Japan. Curio…

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Crash Course in Japanese Politics ft. Tobias Harris of Japan Foresight 1:08:20

1M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

Japan’s political scene is changing—from new parties rising in visibility to historic moments in national leadership—so the Krewe is bringing you a timely crash course. Political analyst Tobias Harris (Founder & Principal of Japan Foresight) joins the pod to break down the foundations of Japan’s government system, how it compares to the U.S., and w…

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Making Tokusatsu ft. Takeshi Yagi, Director of Ultraman Max 48:04

2M ago48:04

48:04

Step into the world of tokusatsu with Ultraman Max director Takeshi Yagi! The Krewe chats with Yagi-san about the artistry, imagination, and behind-the-scenes magic that bring Ultraman and Japan’s iconic heroes & monsters to life. Discover how tokusatsu continues to inspire fans around the world. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Pod…

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30 Years, 2 Cities: The 2024 New Orleans-Matsue Exchange ft. Katherine Heller & Wade Trosclair 1:09:28

2M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

In this week's episode, joined by 2024 New Orleans-Matsue Sister City Exchange Program participants Katherine Heller & Wade Trosclair, the Krewe looks back & celebrates 30 years of friendship between Matsue, Japan & New Orleans, Louisiana... a sister city relationship built on cultural exchange, mutual curiosity, &shared spirit. Together, they refl…

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From Tokyo to Treme: A Jazz Trombone Tale ft. Haruka Kikuchi 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

The Krewe sits down with Haruka Kikuchi, a Japanese jazz trombonist making waves in New Orleans. From discovering jazz in Japan to second-lining through the Crescent City, Haruka shares her story of finding home through music — and how jazz bridges cultures across oceans. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic…

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Akiya: Japan's Empty Homes ft. Anton Wormann 1:03:19

3M ago1:03:19

1:03:19

DIY Enthusiast & the man behind "Anton in Japan" YouTube Channel, Anton Wörmann joins the Krewe to talk about akiya, Japan's abandoned home phenomenon, and how he’s transforming them into stunning spaces. We dig into what it’s like to buy, clear out, & renovate an akiya and how Anton’s journey from fashion to DIY restoration is reshaping what “home…

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Season 6 Midseason Update 4:59

5M ago4:59

4:59

A quick update from the Krewe on a short release break & things to come! Big things poppin' with the Krewe!! ------ 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 wherev…

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Social Media & Perceptions of Japan 48:54

6M ago48:54

48:54

Jenn and Doug dive into how social media shapes global perceptions of Japan—both the good and the misleading. From viral content to common myths, they explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and why it matters. ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check…

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Shochu 101 ft. Christopher Pellegrini 57:21

6M ago57:21

57:21

Think you know Japanese alcohol? Think again. In this episode, the Krewe dives into shochu — Japan’s most beloved distilled spirit that somehow still flies under the radar outside the country. We sit down with Christopher Pellegrini, founder of Honkaku Spirits and one of the world’s leading voices on shochu, to break it all down. Whether you're new…

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Being Vegan in Japan ft. Leonore of itadakihealthy 59:43

6M ago59:43

59:43

Thinking of going vegan in Japan? This week, the Krewe chats with Leonore of itadakihealthy about navigating the unique challenges of being vegan in Japan. From hidden ingredients and dining tips to nutrition and travel advice, Leonore shares practical insights for plant-based living in & traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun. ------ About the Kr…

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Japanese Soccer on the World Stage ft. Dan Orlowitz 42:35

6M ago42:35

42:35

In Part 2 of our Japanese soccer series, journalist Dan Orlowitz returns to help us explore how Japan’s soccer scene is making waves across the globe! We dive into Samurai Blue’s international success, Japanese players shining abroad, and the flow of global talent into the J.League. Plus — how can fans outside Japan actually watch the matches? We’v…

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Meet the J.League ft. Dan Orlowitz 59:37

7M ago59:37

59:37

The Krewe is kicking off a 2-part series on Japanese soccer! In Part 1, journalist Dan Orlowitz joins the Krewe to break down Japan’s domestic soccer scene — the J.League. From league structure and top teams to standout players making waves right now, this episode is your perfect deep dive into the beautiful game, Japan-style. Whether you're new to…

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Outland Japan Remains on a Break... BUT WILL RETURN! 2:35

7M ago2:35

2:35

Send us a text This is a short announcement that Outland Japan continues to be on a break. Outland Japan has been running for over two years now, the most recent episode being Episode 50. I very much enjoy making the podcast but it takes quite a bit of time and effort - something I need to balance with work, family and other commitments. Looking fo…

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Inside Japanese Language Schools ft. Langston Hill 54:42

7M ago54:42

54:42

Ever wondered what it’s like to study Japanese in Japan? This week, the Krewe sits down with Langston Hill — administrator at a Tokyo-based language school and Japanese language content creator — to dive into opportunities to learn in Japan via dedicated Japanese language schools. We explore the benefits of language schools, how they compare to tra…

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Expo 2025: Japan on the World Stage ft. Sachiko Yoshimura 48:14

7M ago48:14

48:14

The Krewe gets an exclusive inside look at Expo 2025 Osaka with Sachiko Yoshimura, the Director General of Public Relations & Promotion! We dive into the massive planning behind the event, Japan’s rich history with World Expos, what to expect at the event, best times to travel, & of course... the story behind the viral mascot, Myaku-Myaku! A must-l…

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ENCORE EPISODE / Kamikochi: An Outland Japan Travel Guide 43:03

7M ago43:03

43:03

Send us a text With the podcast on a break between Season 4 and Season 5, I am republishing another of my travel guides – in this case, my guide to Kamikochi. Open to the public from mid-April to mid-November, Kamikochi is an alpine valley located within Japan’s highest mountain range, the Hida Mountains or “North Alps”. Bookended by Hotakadake in …

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Rakugo: Comedy on a Cushion ft. Katsura Sunshine 59:10

7M ago59:10

59:10

Season 6 kicks off with laughter, tradition, and international flair! The Krewe sits down with Katsura Sunshine, a Canadian-born rakugo performer bringing Japan’s 400-year-old comedic storytelling art to audiences around the world. In this episode, we explore what makes rakugo so unique, how Sunshine became one of the few non-Japanese rakugo-ka, an…

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Season 6 超超超大盛 GIGAMAX Preview 15:28

8M ago15:28

15:28

LET THEM COOK! Over the last 5 months, the Krewe has been hard at work cooking up a massive Season 6 line-up. While the main course will begin being served on May 16, how about an appetizer? Just like the carb-loaded instant yakisoba, this preview is CHOU CHOU CHOU Gigamax packed with sneak peeks at what's to come in Season 6. Some snippets include…

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ENCORE EPISODE / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: An Outland Japan Travel Guide 36:06

8M ago36:06

36:06

Send us a text The podcast is currently on a break between Season 4 and Season 5. As promised, during this period I’ll be uploading two previous episodes starting with my travel guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Open to the public from mid-April until the end of November, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route traverses Japan’s highest mountain …

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Evaluate. Design. Build. Choosing & Renovating the Right Historical Home in Japan with Marcus Consolini / Daimon Shuzo 51:10

8M ago51:10

51:10

Send us a text In Episode 50 of the podcast I speak with Marcus Consolini, owner and general manager of Daimon Shuzo - a 200 year old sake brewery in Osaka - and board member of the Minka Preservation Society. Marcus has hands on experience in the restoration of multiple historical properties in Japan including the brewery, private residences and o…

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Shikoku Henro: Walking Japan's 1200km, 88 Temple Pilgrimage with Shingon Buddhist Priest Kōei Ervin / Shikoku Tours 46:45

9M ago46:45

46:45

Send us a text Episode 49 of the podcast takes us to the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, Shikoku, and onto the Shikoku Henro. Associated with the life and teachings of legendary Buddhist monk Kūkai - also known as Kōbō Daishi – the Shikoku Henro is an 88 temple, 1200km / 745 mile pilgrimage circuit that circumambulates the island. Long-known…

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Fish. Farm. Hunt. A Year in the Kyoto Countryside with Vincent Ng / Kyoto Insider 46:03

9M ago46:03

46:03

Send us a text In Episode 48 we travel to rural Kyoto Prefecture to speak with Vincent Ng, otherwise known on Instagram as Kyoto Insider. As Kyoto Insider, Vince documents his life in rural Kyoto, and in doing so, explores the interconnection of food chain origins while showing off his lifestyle. He is hands on in that exploration, embracing all as…

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Understanding the Buddhist Swastika in Japan with Rev. Dr. TK Nakagaki / Heiwa Peace & Reconciliation Foundation of New York 44:10

10M ago44:10

44:10

Send us a text In Episode 47 I speak with Reverend Dr. TK Nakagaki. Rev. Dr. Nakagaki is the author of the book 'The Buddhist Swastika and Hitler’s Cross: Rescuing a Symbol of Peace from the Forces of Hate'. Published in 2017, the book presents a cross-cultural history of the “swastika”, a symbol of peace used by multiple Eastern religions, includi…

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Amatomi Trail: Hiking Japan's Most Accessible Trail, Away from the Maddening Crowds with Kouhei Nishida / Shinano Discovery 42:40

10M ago42:40

42:40

Send us a text In Episode 46 of the podcast I speak with outdoor guide, Kouhei Nishida. Kouhei is the founder of Shinano Discovery - an outdoor guiding company - and a key member of the team behind creation of the Amatomi Trail. Opened to the public in 2021, the Amatomi Trail stretches 86km / 54 miles from Nagano City through Myoko Togakushi Renzan…

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Tohoku: A Guided Journey Through Japan's Wild, Alluring North with Photographer Alfonso Calero 42:52

11M ago42:52

42:52

Send us a text Episode 45 transports us to Tohoku in the north-east of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Tohoku is a large region comprised of six prefectures – Fukushima, Yamagata, Akita, Miyagi, Iwate and Aomori – known for its open and striking landscapes and distinct local traditions. Leading us on this exploration is photographer Alfonso Calero. …

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Saving the Japanese Giant Salamander & Environmental Advocacy in Japan Pt.2 with Richard Pearce / Sustainable Daisen 41:18

11M ago41:18

41:18

Send us a text This is the second half of Episode 44 of the podcast, my cha with Richard Pearce of Sustainable Daisen. Originally from the UK, Richard founded and operates Sustainable Daisen – an NPO dedicated to the protection of the Japanese Giant Salamander and effective conservation of its habitat. Richard and I discussed the salamander, the th…

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Saving the Japanese Giant Salamander & Environmental Advocacy in Japan Pt.1 with Richard Pearce / Sustainable Daisen 48:00

11M ago48:00

48:00

Send us a text In Episode 44 we travel to the southwest of Japan’s main island of Honshu and onto Tottori Prefecture to speak with Richard Pearce of Sustainable Daisen – an NPO dedicated to the conservation of the Japanese Giant Salamander and the habitat it is reliant upon. Originally from the United Kingdom, Richard founded and operates Sustainab…

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Restoring & Living in a 117 Year Old Farmhouse on the Beautiful Noto Peninsula with Lauren Scharf / Minka Preservation Society 46:27

12M ago46:27

46:27

Send us a text Episode 43 takes us to the beautiful Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture to speak with guest, Lauren Scharf. Lauren and her husband live in a 117 year old ‘kominka’ (farmhouse / folkhouse), a home they have restored themselves and as such, they are part of an enthusiastic community of ‘minka’ owners across Japan. In support of that…

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Lafcadio Hearn: 2024 King of Carnival (A Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special) 1:12:20

12M ago1:12:20

1:12:20

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 …

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Shugendo: Japan's Mountain Faith Systems & The Sacred Peaks of Togakushi with Dr. Caleb Swift Carter / Kyushu University 46:09

12M ago46:09

46:09

Send us a text Episode 42 of the podcast takes us in the mountains once again as we explore Japan’s mountain religion of Shugendo. My guest leading us in that discussion is Dr Caleb Swift Carter of Kyushu University. Dr Carter specialises in Buddhist Studies and the medieval and early modern religious history of Japan, with a focus on the mountain …

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Smoke. Sulphur. Snow. Skiing Hokkaido's Volcanoes with Chuck Olbery / Hokkaido Powder Guides 44:42

1y ago44:42

44:42

Send us a text In Episode 41 of the podcast we return to Hokkaido and onto its most famous volcanoes as I chat with Chuck Olbery of Hokkaido Powder Guides. Operating for 20 years, Hokkaido Powder Guides offers backcountry, free and customised tours across Japan’s northern island including touring of its most prominent volcanoes – including Mount Yo…

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Season 5 Recap ft. SURPRISE GUEST 1:13:18

1y ago1:13:18

1:13:18

This season was a long one! The Krewe re-groups to reflect on Season 5 as a whole, and everything that went into it... with a SPECIAL GUEST! Join us for one last audio journey in Season 5 as we discuss all the milestones, top moments, challenges, & fun anecdotes, in addition to a look ahead to Season 6 & listener feedback! Let's GO! ------ About th…

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Iwanai, Hokkaido: Japan's Best Cat Skiing & Snowboarding Mountain with John Greiner / Iwanai Resort 47:38

1y ago47:38

47:38

Send us a text Episode 40 takes us to Japan’s northern island of Japan to speak with John Greiner, founder of Iwanai Resort. Blessed with Hokkaido’s legendary powder and without the crowds of nearby Niseko, Iwanai is regarded as Japan’s best cat skiing and snowboarding mountain. While the lower resort is open to the public, it is Iwanai’s cat opera…

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The Castles of Japan ft. William de Lange 1:03:52

1y ago1:03:52

1:03:52

How many original castles does Japan ACTUALLY have standing? Where is Japan's oldest castle located? When counting castles in Japan, do castle ruins factor in? The Krewe is joined by William de Lange, the author of An Encyclopedia of Japanese Castles & many other Japan-related publications, to get the answer to these questions and so many more! ---…

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Wild. Fine. Old. New. The Culinary Tradition of Michelin-Starred Chef Kuwakino Keiko / Satoyama Jujo 44:35

1y ago44:35

44:35

Send us a text In Episode 39 of the podcast we travel to the deep snow country of Minami-Uonuma to speak with Kuwakino Keiko. Keiko is the head chef of Sanaburi, the Michelin-starred restaurant within the renowned hotel, Satoyama Jujo. Awarded that Michelin-star in 2020, Keiko has since gone on to receive a Terroir Award and a score of 15.5 by Gaul…

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The Memory Salesman: Acquiring, Valuing & Selling Vintage Japanese Furniture with Osaka Gaku / Solashima 43:32

1y ago43:32

43:32

Send us a text In Episode 38 of the podcast we travel just outside of Nagano City to speak with Osaka Gaku, the owner of Solashima. Solashima is a vintage and antique store selling furniture and other items. As Gaku explains during the interview, the furniture and other pieces he acquires and sells range in age, design and condition. In collecting …

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Minakami, Gunma: Backcountry, Whitewater, Onsen & More with Zack Berman / Momi-no-Ki Lodge 47:10

1y ago47:10

47:10

Send us a text Episode 37 of the podcast takes us to Minakami in Gunma Prefecture to speak with Zack Berman of Momi-no-Ki Lodge. Originally from the United States, Zack and his wife Amanda own and operate the large self-contained lodge in the heart of Minakami – a hot spring town now well-established as one of Japan’s best outdoor destinations. We …

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Enjoying Shojo Anime & Manga ft. Taryn of Manga Lela 51:09

1y ago51:09

51:09

This one goes out to all the ladies out there... well, and the fellas too if you're interested! The Krewe sits down with avid shojo enthusiast Taryn of Manga Lela Instagram/TikTok fame to talk all things shojo. Together they explore the variety of shojo genres, some challenges faced in the shojo industry, & what makes shojo different from those ram…

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ANNOUNCEMENT: The Podcast is Renaming as 'Outland Japan' & the New Season Begins Tuesday 22nd October 3:26

1y ago3:26

3:26

Send us a text I am pleased to announce that the podcast will be returning with the first episode of Season 4 on Tuesday 22nd October, under the new name of 'Outland Japan'. The podcast has now been running around a year-and-a-half, and during that time, I've discovered more and more stories I’d like to bring you, that lie outside of the snow count…

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ENCORE EDIT / Finding, Fixing & Furnishing a Home in the Snow Country with Gianpaolo Camplese / Nereto Woodwork 19:30

1y ago19:30

19:30

Send us a text The podcast remains on a break between seasons but as promised, here’s another shorter, edited version of one of the most popular episodes to date - Finding, Fixing & Furnishing a Home in the Snow Country with Gianpaolo Camplese. This was Episode 22 of the podcast, in which I speak with woodworker and musician Gianpaolo Camplese abou…

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ENCORE EDIT / Shiga Kogen: Japan's Largest Ski Resort with Robel Zemichael / Shiga International Ski School 21:36

1+ y ago21:36

21:36

Send us a text The podcast is currently on a break between Season 3 and Season 4. As promised, during this period I’ll be uploading previous episode or two, beginning with this edit of what was the Episode 13 of the podcast, and the first of Season 2 – Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Japan’s Largest Ski Resort. In this episode I spoke with two-time Olympia…

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Foreign-Born Samurai: William Adams ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) 1:00:57

1+ y ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Historians Nathan Ledbetter & Dr. Samantha Perez rejoin the Krewe to continue our conversation on foreign-born samurai, this time highlighting the life of William Adams! In this episode, we explore his relationships with both Japanese & non-Japanese while in Japan, the similarities between William Adams's story & House of the Dragon (what?!), how h…

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Norikura: Japan's First Zero Carbon National Park with Ogawa Yui / Norikura Zero Labo 43:26

1+ y ago43:26

43:26

Send us a text In Episode 36 of the podcast we head into the North Alps – Japan’s highest mountain range – and onto Norikura. Standing 3026 metres / 9927 feet above sea level, Mount Norikura or Norikuradake is one of the highest peaks in North Alps, a volcanic mountain which straddles the border of Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. It is here, in the vi…

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Foreign-Born Samurai: Yasuke ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez) 1:03:32

1+ y ago1:03:32

1:03:32

Joined by guest host Dr. Samantha Perez, the Krewe sits down with Princeton's Nathan Ledbetter to unpack how the term "samurai" evolved over the centuries and dig into foreign-born samurai, specifically Yasuke. Uncover everything they you need to know about the African samurai right here in this episode... AND SO MUCH MORE! ------ About the Krewe -…

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Shiga Kogen Highlands: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with Photographer & Nature Guide Yokota Shinji 47:27

1+ y ago47:27

47:27

Send us a text Episode 35 of the podcast takes us to Shiga Kogen Highlands in Nagano Prefecture. Declared a UNESCO Biopshere Reserve in 1980, Shiga Kogen is an alpine landscape which includes major peaks such as Mount Shiga and Mount Kusatsu-Shirane – one of Japan’s most active volcanoes – renowned for its biodiversity, wetlands and distinct season…

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Change in Urban & Rural Japanese Communities ft. Azby Brown 46:46

1+ y ago46:46

46:46

What's your Japan version of "Ain't Dere No More"? Between changes within the megalopolis of Tokyo to the struggles of keeping countryside communities alive & thriving, Azby Brown returns to the podcast to discuss urban migration, depopulation, revitalization projects, centuries-old feuds raging on today... AND SO MUCH MORE! ------ About the Krewe …

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From Dream to Reality: Owning Your Own Ski Lodge in Japan Pt.2 with Dan Solo / Snowball Japan 44:40

1+ y ago44:40

44:40

Send us a text This is the second half of Episode 34 of the podcast, my chat with Dan Solo of Snowball Japan. Originally from Australia, Dan and his wife Andy first travelled to Japan more than 20 years ago and fell in love with life in the snow country. They set themselves to one day run their own ski lodge, a dream that came to fruition when they…

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Hanging Out In Hyogo ft. Rob Dyer of The Real Japan 58:19

1+ y ago58:19

58:19

Joined by friend of the podcast and travel expert Rob Dyer of The Real Japan, the Krewe explores Hyogo Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Rob reveals his insight into place he calls his second home, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Hell yes to zip lining into Godzilla's mouth! Don't mi…