Podcast
So Japanese ポッドキャスト
Hosted by Ryusuke / リュウスケ · EN
Welcome to So Japanese Podcast! I’m Ryusuke — a chef, storyteller, and lifelong observer of Japanese culture.
In each episode, I share stories and lessons from Japan that reveal the heart of everyday life — from food and family to philosophy and language.
Sometimes I’ll dive into Japanese culture and traditions, and other times, I’ll teach real, natural Japanese expressions you can actually use.
It’s all about discovering what makes Japan so Japanese.
日本の“日常”を、ちょっと深く、ゆるく楽しむラジオ。
If you like our content and want to buy us a coffee, click the link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sojapanese
Music by Johnny Ha https://johnnyfromthe.bandcamp.com
For business inquiries please contact sojapanesepodcast@gmail.com
Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sojapanesepodcast, Youtube youtube.com/@sojapanesepodcast and TikTok http://tiktok.com/@sojapanesepodcast to suggest topics for us to talk about and to ask questions to be featured on the podcast!
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Hatsumōde: The Tradition That Resets Japan’s Soul
Dec 3000:20:49Tap to summarizeWhy do millions of people line up at shrines at midnight every New Year’s?Hatsumōde isn’t “just visiting a shrine” — it’s a ritual that reveals how Japanese people reset their hearts, welcome luck, and start the year with gratitude.From ancient gods to modern crowds, here’s the real meaning behind Japan’s first visit of the year.なぜ日本では毎年、大晦日の深夜に何百万人もの人が神社に並ぶのか？初詣は「ただ神社へ行く行事」ではないようです。日本人が心をリセットし、福を迎え、感謝とともに一年を始めるための大切な 儀式なのです。昔の神様の考え方から現代の参拝まで——日本の新年を形作る「初詣」の本当の意味を深掘りします。
Transcribe →10 Japanese Etiquette Rules You Didn’t Know You Needed
Dec 1100:20:14Tap to summarizeJapan is full of tiny, invisible rules — from elevator bows to escalator sides, from sushi “don’ts” to the shocking truth about karaage lemon etiquette.In this episode, I break down the everyday manners that shape Japan, why they exist, and how they reveal the heart of Japanese culture.If you've ever wondered “Do we really have to do that?” — this one’s for you.日本には、細かくて分かりずらい“ルール”がたくさん。エレベーターで乗り降りする際のお辞儀、エスカレーターでの立つ位置、食事の際のマナー、そして…唐揚げレモン問題まで！？今回のエピソードでは、こうした日常のマナーの意味、なぜ日本人がそれを大事にするのか、その背景にある日本文化の“こころ”を深掘りします。「え、こんなことも？」と思ったことがある人に、ぜひおすすめです!!
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What a Noodle Reveals About Japan’s Oldest Shrine
Nov 2000:17:09Tap to summarizeSend us a text What if a simple noodle carried a spiritual story connected to Japan’s oldest shrine? In this episode, I travel to Sakurai City in Nara to uncover the ancient roots of Miwa sōmen, learn the legend behind its creation, and experience the powerful atmosphere of Ōmiwa Shrine. This is a story about food, history, and the surprising depth behind everyday traditions. もしシンプルな麺に、日本最古の神社とつながるストーリーがあったら…？ 今回は奈良の桜井市へ行って、三輪そうめんのルーツやその伝説、そして大神神社のすごいパワーを実際に感じてきました。 食べ物の話なのに、日常の中にある“深み”が見えてくる、そんなエピソードです。Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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The Japanese Art of a Mindful Life -Teinei na Kurashi
Nov 1300:20:39Tap to summarizeSend us a text While visiting my hometown Seto, I met a ceramic shop owner who shared a very Japanese way of thinking — teinei na kurashi, or “a mindful life.” He reminded me that life isn’t just about saving things for special occasions, but about finding joy in everyday moments. This is the story of how that simple talk in a pottery shop changed my perspective on happiness. 今回の帰国中、瀬戸で訪れた小さな陶器屋さんで、ひとりの職人さんと出会いました。その店主との何気ない会話の中で教わったのは、「丁寧な暮らし」という、とても日本的な生き方の考え方。特別な日のためだけじゃなく、何気ない日常の中にこそ幸せがある。 このエピソードでは、瀬戸の陶芸職人との出会いを通して気づいた、毎日を大切に生きるということについてお話しします。Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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The Coffee Shop That Raised Me – My Parents' Final Chapter
Jul 2600:21:40Tap to summarizeSend us a text After 40 years of running the same cozy coffee shop in Japan, my parents are finally retiring. In this special episode, I share the story of how it all began, what the shop meant to our community, and the deeper reality behind small, family-run businesses in Japan. It’s personal, a little bittersweet, and a quiet tribute to a generation who kept going—no matter what. 日本のとある小さな喫茶店。両親が40年間続けてきたそのお店が、ついに幕を閉じます。今回のエピソードでは、喫茶店のはじまりの物語、地域とのつながり、そして日本各地にある家族経営の小さなお店が抱えるリアルな現実についてお話しします。とても個人的で、少しほろ苦くて、でもあたたかいエピソード。 これは、どんな時でも黙々と働き続けてきた一つの世代への、静かなオマージュです。Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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Fewer Cries, More Canes: Japan’s Quiet Shift
May 1, 202500:34:50Tap to summarizeSend us a text Japan is quietly changing—babies are fewer, and seniors are everywhere. But how did it get this way? And why haven’t all those government plans worked? In this episode, we untangle the causes of Japan’s declining birthrate and aging society through stories and insights. 日本は静かに変化しています——赤ちゃんの数は減り、お年寄りがどこにでもいます。でも、どうしてこんな社会になったのでしょう？そして、なぜこれまでの政府の対策はうまくいかなかったのでしょうか？このエピソードでは、日本の少子化と高齢化が進んだ原因を、ストーリーと考察を通じてひも解いていきます。When it startedWhy it happenedMeasures takenWhy it didn’t workSupport the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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Step By Step Of A Japanese Tea Ceremony + Street Level Japanese (Re-lease)
Apr 24, 202500:49:27Tap to summarizeSend us a textOn this episode of the So Japanese podcast we take a deep dive into tea ceremonies. We talk a bit about the history, how it is seen as a form of mediation and we describe the steps involved in a 4 hour tea ceremony. 今回のエピソードは、日本の伝統文化”茶道”について掘り下げていきます。茶道の歴史、瞑想の形態としてどのように見られているのか、そして、４時間の茶会にでの一つ一つのステップについて話していきます。是非最後までお楽しみ下さい。Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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Bitter Sweet Memory - Matcha Goes Global
Apr 17, 202500:29:24Tap to summarizeSend us a text Just like matcha, some stories are a little bitter, a little sweet. In this episode, we share memories, traditions, and moments tied to Japan’s favorite green tea—and now it’s become part of everyday life around the world! 抹茶のように、思い出も少し苦くて、少し甘い。今回のエピソードでは、日本の大切なお茶「抹茶」にまつわる記憶や現状、日常の中のささやかな瞬間をシェアします。そして今や、抹茶は世界中の日常にも溶け込んでいるんです。 Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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Studio Ghibli's Philosophy vs. AI Technology
Apr 10, 202500:35:02Tap to summarizeSend us a textFrom Zero to Ghibli: Why Everyone’s Running to OpenAIOne Scene, Four Seconds, Endless Heart – The Ghibli WayIt’s Cute, It’s Ghibli-ish… But Is It Really You?Will Ghibli Sue?The Rise of AI Can’t Be Stopped – What Does This Mean for Creators? Mononoke Hime as an AI Live Action? Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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Cherry Blossoms & New Backpacks: April in Japan
Apr 3, 202500:31:58Tap to summarizeSend us a text In Japan, April is more than just the start of spring—it’s the beginning of everything! From the iconic Nyūgakushiki (school entrance ceremonies) to Hanami parties under the cherry blossoms, this episode takes you through the nostalgic beauty of Japan’s new school year. Ryusuke shares personal April memories and why this season hits so different in Japan. Japan’s New School Year Kicks Off in April Ryusuke’s Nostalgic April Stories – 懐かしい思い出Nyūgakushiki (入学式) – The Iconic Japanese Entrance CeremonyHanami (花見) & Enkai (宴会) – Cherry Blossoms, Drinks, and Good TimesSupport the showhttps://linktr.ee/Sojapanese
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