Podcast
DEEP IN JAPAN
Hosted by Jeff Krueger · EN
A hodgepodge of guest interviews, personal narratives, recent news, history, and Japan-related memes and cultural phenomena.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
HH#76: Gotta Catch ‘Em All… Ojisan Edition
Mar 28, 202503:25:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into the bizarre and brilliant world of Japan’s newest trading card sensation — おじトレカ / the Ojisan Trading Card Game. A quirky local trading card game from Kawara Town, Fukuoka—featuring real-life middle-aged men and their unique volunteer skills—is gaining national buzz. Created by a community council to honor local ojisan, the game has become a hit with kids and is even attracting fans from outside the region. Now seen as a creative way to connect generations, the project has caught the attention of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.Yahoo News Story (article)福岡TNC ニュース (video)The Deep in Japan Podcast is completely independent and funded by listeners like you. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting the show to help keep it going. Every contribution makes a difference. Got something to say? Drop me a line on Twitter at @DeepinJapanPod or email me deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com.Enjoying those Deep In Japan Sounds? Find more at my SUNO page. Thanks for listening!
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500 Milliliters with Mike Burke
Mar 22, 202502:29:20Tap to summarizeThe Deep in Japan Podcast is entirely independent and funded by listeners like you. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us to help keep the lights on. Every contribution makes a difference. Got something to say? Drop me a line on Twitter at @DeepinJapanPod or email me deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com.The outro and all BGM is from I AM ROBOTO AND PROUD:The Electricity in Your House Wants to SingSummer ColourThanks for listening!
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HH#75: Are You Shure?
Mar 17, 202503:45:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into Jeff’s latest obsession with a type of namazake called “domuroku”—a rich, unfiltered sake that’s as funky as it is fascinating. We also unpack the tale of how he got boondoggled into buying a cheap Chinese knockoff of the Shure SM7dB, proving once again that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. The Deep in Japan Podcast is completely independent and funded by listeners like you. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting the show to help keep it going. Every contribution makes a difference. Got something to say? Drop me a line on Twitter at @DeepinJapanPod or email me deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com. Musical outro: "Sake, Tears, Men and Women" by Eigo Kawashima. Thanks for listening!
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Zen and the Art of Audio Terror – A Brian Daizen Victoria Teaser
Mar 15, 202500:24:40Tap to summarizeIf you haven’t yet listened to my first interview with Brian Daizen Victoria from February 2021, do yourself a favor and check it out. Brian is an absolute legend, and I’m incredibly excited to have him back on the show. With any luck, the upcoming episode will sound a lot better than this test recording!The Deep in Japan Podcast is completely independent and crowd-funded, so if you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show.The BGM was the Magical Mystery Mix's 70s Japanese Jazz Mix Vol.4Got something to say? You can reach me at the following: deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.comThanks for listening!
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Munehito Realizes He's a 'Race-Traitor'
Mar 13, 202502:48:48Tap to summarizeIn this epic journey, I sit down with author and friend of the show, Munehito Moro, to discuss the following: "Nuisance streamers": Foreign streamers who cause trouble with local Japanese citizens.Japan's rising anti-foreigner sentiment.The importance of Mobile Police Patlabor 2: THE MOVIE in the history of Japanese cinema.Banned movies, including the documentary by Shiori Itō, a Japanese journalist, filmmaker, and prominent advocate for women's rights and sexual assault awareness in Japan. If you would like to pick up a copy of Munehito's book, Empire of Blood, you can find it on both US Amazon and Amazon JPN. Other related links include: Japanese Man Explodes on Australian Tourist (Twitter) Ken Shimura - English Lessons (with English Subtitles)What is a Bogan? (Wesda / Youtube) Save the Whales! (Country Joe McDonald) Bill Hader on The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On怒祭戰友魂 The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On (outro clip) Enjoying the show? Please consider supporting us on Patreon! Onshitsu isn't cheap. Got something to say? You can reach me at the following: deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.comThanks for listening!
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HH#74: The AI Waifu Retrospective
Feb 28, 202502:47:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode we reflect on Happy Hour #1: The AI Waifu. And also on our lives.... Support us on PatreonDr. Waku - How DeepSeek built cutting-edge AI without top GPUsChinese sex doll maker sees sales up by 30% in 2025 – thanks to AIGatebox's Holographic AI WaifuBig Potential | Shawn Achor1970s Japanese Jazz (BGM) cLOUDS - J. Cole. (outro) Got something to say? You can reach me at deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.comThanks for listening.
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TALKING CURE with Munehito Moro
Feb 27, 202503:05:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Munehito Moro (茂呂 宗仁), a Japanese author writing in English, to discuss his latest novel, Talking Cure, and the fascinating intersections of espionage, psychology, and storytelling. Links & More📖 About the Author (Goodreads)📚 Talking Cure on Amazon: US | Japan🎙️ Enjoying the show? Support us on Patreon!Got something to say? You can reach me at the following: deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.comThanks for listening!
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SLIGHTLY LESS Insecure Working Environment Blues with Mark Shinshu
Feb 22, 202501:35:34Tap to summarizeMark, an Associate Professor at an undisclosed university in an undisclosed region of Nagano Prefecture, was dismissed from his long-held teaching post — but he fought back and won! And we've invited him back on the show to give us an update. If you haven't heard our first episode together, you might want to give that a listen first. You can find it here. Mark's BlogMark on FacebookGeneral UnionALT – 東ゼン労組Related Yomiuri ArticleMy Friend Nigel (outro)The Deep in Japan Podcast is completely independent and crowd-funded, so if you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show.Got something to say? You can reach me at the following: deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.com
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HH#73: AI-chan Emerges from the Saitama Sinkhole
Feb 16, 202502:48:45Tap to summarizeIf you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Deep in Japan is an independent, crowd-funded project - so every yen helps keep it alive and kicking! And make sure to follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all Deep in Japan-related news: Masayoshi Son and AI in JapanVideo Footage of the Saitama Sinkhole opening up[Outro] Digital DejimaSora the Troll - Work RulesGot something to say? Catch me deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.comThanks for listening!
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JAPAN WUT? Podcast Chat with Mathew Bigelow
Feb 14, 202501:27:57Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, we welcome Mathew Bigelow, the host of the Japan Wut? Podcast, for a deep dive into artificial intelligence, societal transformation, and Japan’s technological future. If you'd like to learn more about Matt and his content, check out the following: Matt's WebsiteMatt on Twitter (or X if you prefer) And if you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon. Deep in Japan is an independent, crowd-funded project - so every yen helps keep it alive and kicking!Got something to say? Catch me deep.in.japan.podcast@gmail.comThanks for listening!
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