Best Shochu Podcasts (2025)

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What Is The Difference Between Japanese Restaurants In Japan And The U.S.? 37:41

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18d ago37:41

37:41

Our guests are Yusuke Fukuzaki and Ryo Yamazaki, co-owners of SSAW www.ssawbrooklyn.com/ in Brooklyn, New York. The duo opened SSAW in November 2024 to serve “a refined ‘New Japanese’ dining experience, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary innovation,” according to its website. Yusuke has worked at top restaurants in Japan, including …

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Ask The 18th Generation Priest: What Is Zen And How Do You Practice It Daily? 51:09

25d ago51:09

51:09

Our guest is Reverend Dr. Masaki Matsubara who is an eighteenth-generation Zen priest in the Japanese Rinzai tradition. His career is unique and impressive. Following his Zen monastic training in Heirinji Monastery in Japan, he moved to the US in 1999 to study at Cornell University where he eventually earned a PhD in Asian religions. Since then, he…

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‘Read The Room’ Mindset: What Makes Japanese Culture Unique? 48:31

1M ago48:31

48:31

Our guest is Joshua Walker who is the President and CEO of Japan Society https://japansociety.org/ in New York. Joshua has a very intriguing background. He was raised in Japan and spent his formative years in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Since Joshua left Japan at the age of 18, he has been working in global affairs and is known as a perpetual bridge-…

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Waltz: Japanese Cocktail Culture Expressed in Seasonality 44:29

1M ago44:29

44:29

Our guest is Gento Torigata https://gentotorigata.com/ who is the owner and mixologist of Waltz https://waltzbar.uk/ in East London. After diverse culinary and bartending experiences in Japan, Australia and Singapore, Gento moved to London and opened Waltz in April 2024. Waltz is truly a unique place. With his traditional Japanese mindset of apprec…

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Pioneering Sustainable Plant-Based Protein With Koji 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

My guest today is Tim Fronzek who is a co-founder of Nosh.bio https://www.nosh.bio/ based in Berlin, Germany. Plant-based protein has been gaining attention, particularly since the 2010s for our growing health and environmental concerns. However, various products in the market may not be as ideal as it was thought to be. Some are not so environment…

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Season 6 Midseason Update 4:59

2M 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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Inspiring The World With Japanese Fermentation Culture And Traditions 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

Our guest is Takashi Sato who is the 8th generation family member of Sanjirushi Jozo in Mie Prefecture and the president of San-J International https://san-j.com/ in the state of Virginia. Sanjirushi Jozo has been making soy sauce and miso since 1804, and in 1978, the company decided to expand its business to the U.S. Now, San-J is one of the most …

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Talking Kagoshima Shochu Culture with Maya Aley (ep. 90) 1:03:38

2M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

In episode 90, Stephen and Christopher chat with Maya Aley of Shochu Bar Roku about Kagoshima shochu culture.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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The Spirit of Japan: Passing Down The Tradition Of Shochu In The Modern Era 46:53

3M ago46:53

46:53

https://yamatozakura.com/　 https://www.thespiritofjapan.com/ Our guests are Stephen Lyman and Joseph Overbey who have produced the documentary The Spirit of Japan. It is the story of the Wakamatsu family, who have been making the traditional Japanese distilled spirit, shochu, at their Yamatozakura Distillery in Kagoshima Prefecture since the 1850s.…

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Social Media & Perceptions of Japan 48:54

2M 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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SingleThread: Weaving Japanese And Californian Ethos Together 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Our guest is Kyle Connaughton, who is the chef/owner of SingleThread https://singlethreadfarms.com/ in California. SingleThread is a very unique farm, restaurant, and inn, which has earned numerous accolades since its opening in 2016, including three Michelin stars, three Michelin keys and a Michelin Green Star, which recognizes the outstanding sus…

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Shochu 101 ft. Christopher Pellegrini 57:21

3M 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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From Masa To Nami Nori: A Culinary Journey of Chef Taka Sakaeda 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

Our guest is Takahiro Sakaeda who is the chef/partner of Nami Nori https://www.naminori.us/. Nami Nori is a unique concept of temaki sushi bar that serves open-style hand rolls on a U-shaped stand. Since its opening in 2019 in New York, Taka has created many fans of his beautifully made, casual and high-quality sushi. Now he operates four locations…

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The Spirit of Japan: interview with director Joseph Overbey (ep. 89) 47:59

3M ago47:59

47:59

In episode 89, Stephen chats with his longtime friend and collaborator Joseph Overbey about their upcoming film, The Spirit of Japan.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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

3M 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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A Japanese Toji Dedicated to Making Sake In America For Over 20 Years 39:19

3M ago39:19

39:19

Our guest is Takumi Kuwabara who is the toji or brewmaster at SakéOne in Forest Grove, Oregon. SakéOne (https://www.sakeone.com/) is a unique sake brewery. It was founded in 1992 by Momokawa Brewing in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, which was founded in 1889. SakéOne started sake-brewing in 1997 and since then, its sake has won multiple awards at presti…

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

3M 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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Shochu Live #1 @ Umami Mart (ep. 88) 38:08

3M ago38:08

38:08

In episode 88, Stephen chats with Kayoko Akabori of Umami Mart about the 1st ever American shochu festival! Shochu Live will be held on June 28th in Oakland, CA.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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After Two Michelin Stars In London, A Chef Returns To Japan To Reimagine Kaiseki 54:52

3M ago54:52

54:52

Our guest is Yoshinori Ishi who is the executive chef and producer of Auberge TOKITO https://www.aubergetokito.com/en/ in Tachikawa, Tokyo. Chef Ishii’s background is unique and spectacular. He worked at one of the top Kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto called Arashiyama Kiccho as a sous chef and moved abroad to cook at the United Nations Ambassador's Re…

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Cooking Authentic Kaiseki Cuisine in New York For Two Decades 32:13

4M ago32:13

32:13

Our guest is Isao Yamada who is the chef-owner of Yamada https://www.yamadanewyork.com/ in New York. He was classically trained in Kyoto as a Kaiseki chef and opened his own restaurant at the age of 25 in his hometown Fukuoka. He could have successfully built his career in Japan but he decided to move to the U.S. in 2006 to pursue new challenges. C…

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

4M 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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Merging French And Japanese Cuisines In Harmony 38:17

4M ago38:17

38:17

Our guests are Rahul Saito and Mitsu Nagae. Rahul is the owner and Mitsu is the co-owner and executive chef at l’abeille https://www.labeille.nyc and l’abeille à côté https://www.labeilleacote.nyc/ in Tribeca, New York. The duo opened l’abeille in March 2022 and shortly after, they won a Michelin star, thanks to Mitsu’s unique and outstanding culin…

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Inside Japanese Language Schools ft. Langston Hill 54:42

4M 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

4M 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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Live Show! Koji Spirits Chat at Charleston Wine & Food Festival (ep. 87) 1:13:01

4M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

In episode 87, Stephen chats koji spirits in Charleston, South Carolina as a guest of Imbibe Magazine's editor in Chief, Paul Clarke (listen to episode 69 for more of his thoughts on Japanese spirits) and James Beard Award winning author, bartender, and bar owner, Julia Momose. The trio hosted a live panel discussion of koji spirits to a group of g…

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

5M 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

5M 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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A Ginza Sushi Chef Who Connects Authenticity And Evolution 31:02

5M ago31:02

31:02

Our guest is Takatoshi Kadowaki who is the chef-owner of Sushi Kadowaki https://sushi-kadowaki.jp/eng/ in Tokyo. He started his sushi-chef training at 17 and after his master retired, he moved to the U.S. and developed a global mindset. Now he serves authentic Edomae-style sushi in the Ginza area of Tokyo, where every sushi chef dreams about openin…

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A Career In Sake: Curating Sake Lists, Collaborating With Breweries And Educating Future Professionals 55:40

6M ago55:40

55:40

Our guest is Daniel Bennett who is the sake sommelier at Sushi-san www.sushisanrestaurant.com and The Omakase Room at Sushi-san www.theomakaseroom.com in Chicago. Both are a part of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, which is an independent, family-owned restaurant group that owns, manages and licenses more than 110 restaurants nationwide with over…

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Heavensake: Traditional Sake Made In The Style of Champagne 47:08

6M ago47:08

47:08

Our guests are Régis Camus and Carl Hirschmann, co-founders of Heavensake https://www.heavensake.com/, which was founded in 2016. Heavensake is truly unique. It is the first sake producer that introduced the blending (assemblage) technique to the traditional sake-making process. The mastermind behind Heavensake is Régis Camus who led the renowned C…

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Hilo Beverly Hills: Earnest Pursuit Of Deliciousness With Hawaiian Hospitality 43:54

6M ago43:54

43:54

Our guest is Hilo Mahelona who is the chef and founder of Hilo Beverly Hills https://www.hilobh.com/ in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in Hawaii under Japanese and Hawaiian parents, Hilo has a unique yet authentic sushi-making philosophy. And the moment you step into his restaurant, you will feel his bright, warm hospitality. The combination o…

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Noma Kyoto 2024 Recap And The Future Of Noma 57:29

6M ago57:29

57:29

Our guest is Thomas Frebel who is the creative director at Noma https://noma.dk/. Noma is the famed restaurant in Copenhagen with numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ No.1 spot. Since its opening in 2003, Noma’s chef/owner René Redzepi has been inspiring the world through his strong philosophy of c…

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Surgeon General's Warning (ep. 86) 23:52

6M ago23:52

23:52

In episode 86, Stephen spends some time musing on the recent announcement that the U.S. Surgeon General recommends cancer warnings on beverage alcohol labels.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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How A Bowl Of Ramen Changed The Whole Life Of An American 54:08

6M ago54:08

54:08

Our guest today is Tim Anderson who is a chef and food writer based in London. Tim’s early interest in Japanese food led him to global adventures in L.A., Japan and the U.K. A bowl of ramen he encountered in L.A. fueled his passion for studying it and he moved to Fukuoka, Japan. Then he opened his ramen restaurants in the U.K. after winning the pop…

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The First Sake Brewery In The U.K. Promotes The True Market Value of Japanese Traditions 51:46

7M ago51:46

51:46

Our guest is Kumiko Hashimoto who grew up in the family of the 200-year-old sake brewery in Osaka. She now plays a key role at Dojima Sake Brewery https://fordhamabbey.co.uk/ near Cambridge in the U.K., which the family founded in 2018. Dojima Sake Brewery is the first sake brewery in the U.K. It is known not just for the quality of sake it produce…

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Mandaracha In Kyoto: A Frenchman’s Quest For Japanese Tea 1:18:47

7M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

Our guest is Alexander Nicolau who is the founder of Mandaracha https://www.mandaracha.com/ in Kyoto, which opened in 2019. Originally from France, Alex fell in love with Japanese tea while he was working in the fields of food technology and open innovation. Mandaracha is a very special place where you can find a variety of Japanese tea, which Alex…

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The Joy Of Making Soy Sauce With A Winery Partner in Bordeaux 34:45

7M ago34:45

34:45

And my guest today is Toshio Shinko who is the fifth-generation owner of Marushin Honke in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1881 and since then, it has produced high-quality traditional Japanese food products, such as miso and soy sauce. In 2002, in addition to managing Marushin Honke, Toshio founded the new company Yuasa Shoy…

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Merging Michelin-style French Cuisine And Japanese Home Cooking Seamlessly 29:06

8M ago29:06

29:06

Our guest is Emily Yuen who is the executive chef at Lingo https://www.lingobk.com/, a unique Japanese American restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. Emily has an impressive culinary background. She worked at top French restaurants in the world, including Le Gavroche in London, DB Bistro in Singapore and Boulud Sud in New York. She also studied Japanes…

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HAD 253 - Guinness 36:12

8M ago36:12

36:12

We’ve talked about Guinness before, in lots of ways, but never as its own subject. Let’s change that and see what there is to learn about them. I’m sure they have never been involved in anything illegal or unethical. What could we possibly talk about? At any rate we will still Have a Drink. We're trying out some formatting changes to the audio and …

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The First Japanese Culinary School Opened In London 31:03

8M ago31:03

31:03

Our guest today is Yoshihiko Shida who is the chief Instructor of Tokyo College of Sushi & Washoku London www.sushicollege.uk, which opened in September 2024. The opening is exciting since the school is the first major Japanese culinary school in Europe. Chef Shida has worked as an educator and instructor in Japanese culinary institutes for over 32…

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What Is Ikigai? Restaurant Ikigai Exemplifies The Idea 29:15

8M ago29:15

29:15

Our guest is Rafal Maslankiewicz who is the chef at Ikigai www.ikigai.nyc in New York, which opened in July 2024. Ikigai is a very unique concept. First of all, it is a not-for-profit organization, which is highly unusual for a restaurant. Secondly, beyond covering the fundamental costs of running a business, all proceeds are donated to a food bank…

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Okay, so who is Stephen Lyman? (ep. 85) 47:28

8M ago47:28

47:28

In episode 85, Stephen Lyman finally gets around to introducing himself.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Shojin Ryori: Healthy, Sustainable Japanese Plant-based Diet 43:58

9M ago43:58

43:58

Our guest is Kakuho Aoe https://www.instagram.com/kakuhoaoe_nakamichi0316/ who is the chief Buddhist priest of the Ryokusenji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Kakuho Aoe joins me to discuss why food is important in the Buddhist practice and beyond, why the Buddhist diet called Shojin Ryori is great diet for vegan, vegetarian and sustainable-minded people …

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Who is Christopher Pellegrini? (ep. 84) 45:56

8M ago45:56

45:56

In episode 84, Christopher Pellegrini finally gets around to introducing himself.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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Japanese Rice: A Culinary Delight And A Symbol Of Spirituality 43:33

9M ago43:33

43:33

Our guest is Jun Mattison who is the assistant manager at The Rice Factory New York https://trf-ny.com/. The Rice Factory New York is an importer, wholesaler and retailer of premium rice. The company offers the best taste and flavor possible by fully controlling the quality of rice from farming, storing, milling and transporting. Rice is eaten all …

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

9M 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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Big News! UNESCO Koji Fermentation is an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ep. 83) 34:37

9M ago34:37

34:37

UNESCO Koji Fermentation recognition? In episode 83, we discuss the recent announcement that Japanese koji alcohol fermentation has been named an intangible cultural heritage.By Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman

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

10M 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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Sushi by Scratch: America’s Own Omakase Sushi 55:29

10M ago55:29

55:29

Our guest is Phillip Frankland Lee who is the chef/owner of Sushi by Scratch. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants began in Los Angeles and New York marks its tenth location, which opened in September 2024. Phillip is known for innovative omakase-style sushi preparations, while still respecting the values set by sushi masters. For example, he uses premium …

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

10M 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! ---…