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PODCAST

Cat with Beard from JAPAN

文化放送PodcastQR

Interested in Japan? Cat with Beard from JAPAN is the best podcast to explore the colorfulness of everything Japan! We explore the Japanese culture & sub-cultures from a foreigner"s perspective including guests involved in the industry, such as cosplay/modelling, anime/manga, radio and television broadcasting, music, video games, etc.This program is hosted by Tokyo-based crossdressing wrestler, singer and YouTuber, Ladybeard from Australia and Cathy Cat who is a TV personality and YouTuber from

society & culture

All Episodes

41:24

#167 - Japan's Relationship with Emptiness & Minimalism

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/08/25

Why does Japan seem so good at appreciating nothingness? From tea rooms and zen gardens to MUJI's beige minimalism, Japan has a unique way of turning empty space into something emotionally powerful. Let's explore the philosophy, history amd evolution of emptiness and minimalism in Japanese culture. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

23:52

#166 - This Japanese Food Is Fake and That’s the Point

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/08/18

It looks delicious at first sight. Perfect ramen, glossy sushi, fluffy pancakes until you realize it's not real. Welcome to the world of Japanese food replicas, or sampulu (サンプル), where plastic food is not just decoration, it's a multi-million dollar industry and an art.We explore the intriguing history of Japan's hyper-realistic restaurant windows. Spawned from functionality and refined through craftsmanship, these mock foods have assisted diners in comprehending menus for more than a hundred years

en-US

36:52

#165 - It’s Blazing Hot but Japan are Wearing Jackets...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/08/11

Summers in Japan isn't just hot, it's a battlefield against the sun. We look into why Japan is so obessed with covering up during the hot and humid weather, its cultural roots and why modern sun protection of all sorts is a multi-million dollar business. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

39:29

#164 - Why Japan Is Obsessed With Modern Horror

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/08/04

What scares Japan today? From traditional ghost tales and vengeful spirits to viral videos, survival horror video games, and haunted escape rooms — Japanese horror has extended far beyond the traditional.We explore how Japan's romance with horror has evolved in the modern era. No longer rooted in centuries-old folk stories and religious superstitions like yūrei and yokai, horror has also turned digital for the modern age. We’ll discover how horror is experienced in real life too —

en-US

31:10

#163 - Transformation of Akihabara: From Otaku...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/07/28

One-time unchallenged holy land of otaku, Tokyo's Akihabara was a heaven for anime, manga, video game, maid café, and collector's items. But today. it is different. So what happened to Akihabara?We chart the past from Akihabara's early days as an electronics district to its growth in the 1990s–2010s as a thriving subculture hub during the golden era of otaku culture. We'll then look at which anime, doujinshi, figure fever, and maid cafés transformed the district into a fans'

en-US

31:23

#162 - Why is Everything So Small & Cute in Japan?

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/07/21

Why is Japan so obsessed with all things small, fluffy, and irresistibly kawaii? From adorable mascots to tiny replicas of food and robot puppies, Japanese cuteness is everywhere — but how did it all begin?We explore the deeper psychological and cultural roots of kawaii, how postwar society, youth culture rebellion, and femininity changed kawaii as a national sentiment — influencing everything from fashion and media to urban landscapes. This is your definitive in-depth exploration of

en-US

31:37

#161 - The Hidden Truth About Ninjas in Japan: Shadow...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/07/14

Who exactly were the Japanese ninjas? Forget the legends in the films, we delve into the true history of the mythic spies and shadow warriors.Discover where ninjas first emerged, what they actually did (hint: it doesn't involve throwing stars!), and how they shaped Japan's history through espionage, sabotage, and survival.We'll also look at how the ninja legacy lives on to this day — from ninja schools and ninja tourism in Japan, to anime, cosplay, and Hollywood. Check out our social media

en-US

32:41

##160 - Too Cute to be Sad: Inside Japan's Yami...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/06/16

We dive into the emotional world of Japanese street fashion — from the pastel-meets-pain aesthetic of Yami Kawaii, to the mental health expression of Menhera, and the dramatic, heartbroken elegance of Jirai Kei. Discover how these styles use fashion to speak the unspeakable — blending cuteness with vulnerability, and self-expression with emotional depth. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

34:50

#159 - Onryo and Tatari: The Ghosts That Haunt Japan

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/06/09

We explore the eerie world of Japanese folklore through two of its most chilling concepts: Onryo; the vengeful spirits who return from the grave seeking retribution, and Tatari; the terrifying curses born from deep resentment or divine wrath. What happens when a soul cannot rest? How do ancient beliefs shape the way misfortune is understood in Japan? We'll dive into ghostly tales, historical legends, and the cultural impact of these supernatural forces. Check out our social media

en-US

25:56

#158 - What's Japan's ADDICTIVE Gachapon Craze All...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/06/02

Welcome to the quirky world of Japan’s gachapon—capsule toy machines that are popping up everywhere from street corners to tourist hotspots. From adorable collectibles and anime figures to the downright bizarre, these little surprises have become a pop culture obsession. We dive into why gachapon are so addictive and why dropping a few spare coins into one of these machines has become a must-do for visitors and locals alike. Check out our social media

en-US

28:56

#157 - Can Anime & Manga Characters Step Into Our...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/05/26

What happens when anime, manga, and games hit the stage? We dive into the world of 2.5D theater—where fan-favorite characters come to life through musicals, plays, and mind-blowing stagecraft. It’s where fantasy meets reality, and the results are pure magic. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

31:13

#156 - How to Beat the Humidity: Surviving Japan's...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/05/19

Dealing with Japan’s rainy season? You’re not the only one battling mold, dampness, and nonstop humidity. We share easy tips and tricks on how to deal with this infamous season —think dehumidifier hacks, moisture control, and staying sane when the rain won’t quit! Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

27:28

#155 - Must-Visit Spots in Kyushu: Your Ultimate Guide

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/05/12

Discover the hidden gems of Kyushu, Japan, in this episode. From a toilet museum and cat islands to rich culture and popular mascots, we take you on an immersive journey through one of Japan’s most underrated regions and let Kyushu surprise you! Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

45:39

#154 - Stronger Than Ever After Controversy! feat Berry

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/05/05

We're joined by the talented gaikai idol, Berry to dive deep into the controversy surrounding SORB3T. She opens up to the stuggles she faced during the backlash on cultural appropriation and the shocking revelations of her ordeal... ・Berry | Website |YouTube | Instagram | TikTok Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

33:57

#153 - All Aboard the Bloo-BERRY Idol Train Journey!...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/04/28

We're diving into the world of Berry, a talented Japanese-American idol who first made waves as part of the idol group SORB3T. Berry launched her solo career, and she's been captivating fans ever since with her energetic music and vibrant personality. Berry is in the studio to talk about her journey and what makes her a standout in the idol scene! ・Berry | Website |YouTube | Instagram | TikTok Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee

en-US

25:23

#152 - Chugoku: The Amazing MIDDLE Kingdom of Japan

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/04/21

Chugoku (Chuugoku / Chūgoku), or 'middle country,' has long been thought of as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world. While the region is best known for Hiroshima Prefecture, it's also fascinating to investigate the surrounding areas of Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In this guide, we'll discuss the best attractions, hidden gems, and reasons why you should make time to visit this amazing part of Japan. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5

en-US

34:25

#151 - Being Multi-cultural J-Pop Idols feat RiA &...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/04/14

RiA and GUMi of Crazy Fantasy have popped in for a chat about all things J-Pop Idols. Although Australian-born, they are well-rooted in the culture of Japanese idols and strive to provide their fan base with a unique and vibrant music experience. They gave us a unique perspective on their journey to idol stardom... ・Crazy Fantasy |Website |YouTube | Instagram | Twitter/X | TikTok Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for

en-US

27:20

#150 - What's a RPG Idol Group?!? feat RiA & GUMi...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/04/07

Crazy Fantasy is a mischievous RPG concept idol group located in Tokyo, Japan, and consists of four members, two of which are Australian-born, RiA and GUMi! They've paid a visit to Cat with Beard HQ for a chat about their journey to J-Pop Idol culture. ・Crazy Fantasy |Website |YouTube | Instagram | Twitter/X | TikTok Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

29:05

#149 - Discover Japan's CRAZIEST High-Tech Toilets!

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/03/31

We're going to take a journey through Japan's most high-tech toilets and the groundbreaking features that make them so special. From heated seats to high-tech bidet capabilities, we'll do it all and analyze the science behind these state-of-the-art toilets and why they're so popular in Japan. Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

38:37

#148 - Championship Winning Foreign Wrestler in...

Cat with Beard from JAPAN ·

2025/03/24

We got a championship winning pro-wrestler in the studio! Akari, hailing from Chile, talks to us about how she ended up in Japan, what made her become a wrestler in the Japanese circuit and why she is awesome! ・Akari | Instagram | Linktree | YouTube Check out our social media below👇https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

168 results

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