Shinto and Buddhism each offer chilling visions of the afterlife, filled with fiery pits, icy rivers, and terrifying judges. Join Jason and Paul as they explore Japan’s many “hells,” from mythic underworlds to real-world sites inspired by them!

Topics Covered:

Yomi (Shinto Hell)

Jigoku (Buddhist Hell)

Hellish Places You Can Visit

Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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Cats have prowled through Japanese history, folklore, and everyday life for centuries, from lucky maneki-neko to street-dwelling strays. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many roles cats play in Japan’s culture and society!

Topics Covered:

History

Cats in Folklore: Maneki-Neko — Nekomata — Bakeneko — Kasha — Neko Musume

Cat Culture in Japan: Cats as pets — Cat cafes — Strays — Cat Islands — Famous cats

Cat Breeds: Bobtail — Omagari-Neko —Tsushima Leopard Cat — Iriomote Cat

Podcast Meetup 2026: Saturday Feb 7th, 2026 at 6:00pm under the Nikka Whisky Sign in Susukino, Sapporo.

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Japan has a long and fascinating history, filled with emperors, warriors, poets, and rebels. Join Jason and Paul as they walk through the centuries, from creation myths to modern times!

Topics Covered:

Paleolithic Period (40,000 BC - 13,000 BC)

Jomon Period (13,000 BC - 300 BC)

Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 CE)

Kofun Period (250 - 538)

Yamato Period (250 - 710)

Asuka Period (538 - 710)

Nara Period (710 - 794)

Heian Period (794 - 1185)

Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333)

Muromachi Period (1333 - 1568)

Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568 - 1600)

Edo Period (1600 - 1868)

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

Showa Period (1926 - 1989)

Heisei Period (1989 - 2019)

Reiwa Period (2019 - Present)

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