The Tofugu Podcast: Japan And Japanese Language

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty In this episode, Michael and Koichi talk to Kanae the intern about the incredible gambling expertise she amassed from the one game of Hanafuda she played against her grandpa. They discuss the history of gambling in Japan, all the various Japanese chance games, and the future of gambling under PM Abe's new gambling law. Take a chance on us. You won't regret it. Unless you lose. Which you won't. Because you're listening to us. iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty Michael and Jamal sit down to talk with music journalist and label owner, Ian F. Martin, about the Japanese underground rock scene as detailed in his new book “Quit Your Band!”. As a journalist, Ian has written for presitgious publications such as The Guardian and The Japan Times, is an avid blogger and has been in the Japanese underground music scene for 10+ years. As a label owner, he is able to offer a unique insight into both sides of the music scene in Japan as a member of the media and a passionate patron of the art. Learn about the intricacies of navigating the underground scene as an outsider, the present state of said scene, and the sometimes harsh reality of the Japanese music industry itself. This a must listen for casual fans and aspiring rockstars alike. Ian's Most recent label releases: * Nakigao Twintail - They're the band whose song lyrics gave me the idea for the book title and they're great. Wacked-out, oddball punk. * Lo-shi - The most recen

Michael and Kristen talk with veteran video game translator Alexander O. Smith about the essential elements of good translation, especially when it comes to video games. Alex has worked on such hit games as Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XII, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. From these experiences, he's gained a lot of insight into what makes a good translation (and what makes a bad translation). If you're thinking of pursuing a career in video game localization, pay attention to what Alex has to say. You'll need more than just amazing Japanese ability. There are many more elements that go into an excellent translation. iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty Koichi and Michael talk with James, founder of http://www.altinsider.com/ to find out what it takes to get the most out of your life in Japan. James was an ALT in Japan for 8 years. During his time teaching English, he hit a wall and started to feel burned out. Classes were repetitive and he needed a change. So he MADE a change. On this episode, James shares the strategies he developed to turn his team-teaching life around. After he started using these tips in his daily life, work became fun and his level enjoyment of life in general went up. If you're in a similar situation (or are thinking of teaching in Japan someday listen to this episode. James' advice is solid (Michael's note: I can attest to this) and will do a lot to help you enjoy your life in Japan more. For more from James, check out his website: http://www.altinsider.com/ podcast: http://www.altinsider.com/thepodcast/ twitter: https://twitter.com/AltInsiderFY facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALTIn

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty Japan's most popular idol group, AKB48, has just launched a new sister-group called STU48. What makes this new sister-group different from the many, many, many, many, many others? This one is performs only on the sea. That's right, we finally get a maritime idol group. Michael and Koichi are joined by Kanae the intern to discuss the impact this has on the nation. Shiver ye timbers and batten down the glowsticks. It's time to kind of rock out to a new kind of sea shanty. iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty Tofugu's own Kristen traveled to Japan recently, but there was one problem: she's a vegetarian. You'd think Japan would be a veggie-friendly country, but no. Learn all about the trials and triumphs of travel in Japan as a vegetarian. It can be done, just take Kristen's advice and prep for yourself for the vegetarian wasteland. Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net/ Printable Cards: http://www.justhungry.com/japan-dining-out-cards Notes: The movie Kristen talks about in the podcast where Ken Watanabe is a truck drive is called "Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_Back,_Mr._McDonald iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty We talk to Peter Lackner--who runs jobsinjapan.com--about how to find a job in Japan. Turns out, Peter knows how to make it happen, no matter who you are (and how much education you have). Get a job in Japan: https://jobsinjapan.com DISCLAIMER: About a year after this podcast posted, Peter wrote back to us to let us know JESP, J-Wave, and WaveUSA aren't great programs and actually have been up to some shady business he didn't know about at the time of this recording. So he rescinds his endorsement of these programs and recommends you avoid them. iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty If you don't know what Pikotaro's I Like OJ is all about, hold onto your butts (and watch this): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCIfjcc8J2M You back? Good. Because so are Pikotaro superfans Koichi and Michael, and they're here to help you understand why the new song by the PPAP singer/songwriter is his best yet. It may even change the way you live your life (not to mention your vocabulary). iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

We talk to Tofugu translator Kristen about the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. This concept trips up a lot of Japanese learners. Even people who think they know how transitivity pairs work in Japanese, they don't really. Kristen helps you understand transitive/intransitive verbs once and for all. iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty The Tofugu Podcast becomes the PPAP Fancast. Sorry guys, we had a good run as Tofugu, but we're switching to strictly PPAP-related content from here on out. Get up-to-date news, information, and analysis on the forever-classic internet song, Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen. iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Find us at: https://www.tofugu.com/ There's a secret history of Jesus that even Dan Brown doesn't know about. It's the legend of Japanese Jesus. You see, he didn't die on the cross. Oh no, sir. He went on an amazing journey and wound up in Japan. Find out all about Jesus' amazing adventure and secret Japanese life on the Tofugu podcast. And when you're done, read the article here: https://tfg.li/japanesejesus iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty Beep boop. We are transmitting from the future, where all restaurants have become Robot Restaurant. Sure, Japan's Robot Restaurant is a fantastic show filled with music, lights, dancing, and robots, but the food is terrible. And since it's become every restaurant on earth, we are living a food nightmare (albeit an incredibly entertaining food nightmare). Come with us on a journey, as young Koichi and Michael recount their first experiences with the famous Robot Restaurant. iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Get more from us at: https://tfg.li/2fEcRty Merry Christmas! Tofugu brings you a special holiday-themed podcast episode, where you can learn everything there is to know about Japanese Christmas. If you want to celebrate the holiday in Japan, you best learn a thing or two about KFC, cake, boots, and more. Plus we learn some surprising revelations about Santa's political views. Read all about Japanese Christmas in our article: https://tfg.li/christmasinjapan iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay

Learn more about Tsujigiri: https://www.tofugu.com/japanese/tsujigiri/ Tsujigiri is a Japanese word that describes some grisly samurai tomfoolery. Find out what this word means, where it came from, and what happened to people who did tsujigiri as a pastime (sick monsters!). We also made a video about Tsujigiri: https://tfg.li/tsujigirivid iTunes:https://tfg.li/tofugu-podcast Google Play: https://tfg.li/tofugu-gplay