January 18, 2023 • 10m
This episode looks at words related to shogi, also known as Japanese chess. Shogi is believed to have originated in ancient India,...Read more
February 15, 2023 • 10m
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan travels to Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, where the writer and jou...Read more
February 22, 2023 • 10m
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan travels to Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, where the writer and jou...Read more
April 26, 2023 • 10m
This episode introduces words related to wagashi, or Japanese sweets. Traditionally made to accompany the tea ceremony, they refle...Read more
May 3, 2023 • 10m
This episode introduces words related to the color blue. Its many shades were used skillfully by Japanese ukiyo-e artists who sign...Read more
May 24, 2023 • 10m
This episode introduces words related to tori, or birds. For ages, the sight of birds soaring in the sky has thrilled people the w...Read more
May 31, 2023 • 10m
This episode introduces words related to ashi, which means both foot and leg. They have many important pressure points and play a ...Read more
June 21, 2023 • 10m
This episode introduces words related to sumo. Throughout its long history, sumo has been performed as a ritual to pray for a good...Read more
June 28, 2023 • 10m
This episode introduces words related to yumiya, meaning bow and arrow. Together, they've been used for hunting, fighting and ritu...Read more
July 19, 2023 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to doro, or mud. Since ancient times, Japanese people have gotten muddy in the rice paddies,...Read more
July 26, 2023 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to kage, meaning both shadow and shade. From rooting for someone working toward their dreams...Read more
September 20, 2023 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to yu, meaning both hot water and a bath. From a nice cup of tea to a soothing bath, hot wat...Read more
September 27, 2023 • 10m
This episode features words related to neru, meaning "to sleep." Some data show that Japanese people average around only 7 hours o...Read more
October 18, 2023 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to hachi, or the number eight. Numbers have special meanings in many places around the world...Read more
October 25, 2023 • 10m
This episode focuses on words related to ne, or "root." Japan's agricultural history has inspired many unique expressions associat...Read more
November 22, 2023 • 10m
This episode focuses on unique words related to kami, or "hair."
November 29, 2023 • 10m
This episode focuses on the many words born from the ancient board game, Go, that are now a part of everyday speech.