Krewe of Japan

Jan 07 2025 118 ep. 56 mins 73
Krewe of Japan Podcast artwork

Krewe of Japan is a weekly podcast that takes listeners on audio journeys through Japanese culture. With our hosts as your guide, and the help of guest experts, Japanese natives, and ex-pats, understanding Japan is now easier than ever before.

  Society & Culture  Education  Leisure
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Lafcadio Hearn: 2024 King of Carnival (A Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special)

Jan 07 2025 72 mins  
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 super-sized special Mardi Gras bon

Season 5 Recap ft. SURPRISE GUEST

Dec 13 2024 73 mins  
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 GEAUX!

The Castles of Japan ft. William de Lange

Nov 29 2024 63 mins  
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!

Enjoying Shojo Anime & Manga ft. Taryn of Manga Lela

Oct 11 2024 51 mins  
This one goes out to all the ladies out there... well, and the fellas too if you're interested! The Krewe sits down with avid shojo enthusiast Taryn of Manga Lela Instagram/TikTok fame to talk all things shojo. Together they explore the variety of shojo genres, some challenges faced in the shojo industry, & what makes shojo different from those rambunctious shonen titles! Don't mis

Foreign-Born Samurai: William Adams ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez)

Sep 20 2024 60 mins  
Historians Nathan Ledbetter & Dr. Samantha Perez rejoin the Krewe to continue our conversation on foreign-born samurai, this time highlighting the life of William Adams! In this episode, we explore his relationships with both Japanese & non-Japanese while in Japan, the similarities between William Adams's story & House of the Dragon (what?!), how he was a big inspiration for James

Foreign-Born Samurai: Yasuke ft. Nathan Ledbetter (Guest Host, Dr. Samantha Perez)

Aug 30 2024 63 mins  
Joined by guest host Dr. Samantha Perez, the Krewe sits down with Princeton's Nathan Ledbetter to unpack how the term "samurai" evolved over the centuries and dig into foreign-born samurai, specifically Yasuke. Uncover everything they you need to know about the African samurai right here in this episode... AND SO MUCH MORE!

Change in Urban & Rural Japanese Communities ft. Azby Brown

Aug 16 2024 46 mins  
What's your Japan version of "Ain't Dere No More"? Between changes within the megalopolis of Tokyo to the struggles of keeping countryside communities alive & thriving, Azby Brown returns to the podcast to discuss urban migration, depopulation, revitalization projects, centuries-old feuds raging on today... AND SO MUCH MORE!

Hanging Out In Hyogo ft. Rob Dyer of The Real Japan

Aug 05 2024 58 mins  
Joined by friend of the podcast and travel expert Rob Dyer of The Real Japan, the Krewe explores Hyogo Prefecture and everything it has to offer! From popular spots to secret gems, Rob reveals his insight into place he calls his second home, foods that are must eat, and things that are must do! Hell yes to zip lining into Godzilla's mouth! Don't miss out on this fun travel episode!

The Thunderous Sounds of Taiko ft. Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三), World Champion Taiko Drummer

Jul 26 2024 26 mins  
Grab your bachi and join the Krewe as they sit down with Takumi Kato (加藤 拓三), world champion taiko drummer, to explore the sounds of taiko, his personal experiences and approaches to taiko, & his current adventure across the United States performing 1,000 times in all 50 states.

Yakuza: Past, Present, Future ft. Jake Adelstein, Author of Tokyo Vice

Jul 19 2024 48 mins  
The Krewe is joined by journalist & author of Tokyo Vice, Jake Adelstein, to dive into the yakuza. How did these organizations gain prominence in Japanese society, and how have the police & government responded over time to their presence? What behind-the-scenes decisions went into the TV adaptation of Jake's thrilling memoir? Find out all this and more in today's episode!