Japan Vibes

About Japan Vibes

Interviews, culture, and creative voices from modern Japan. From artists to musicians to everyday innovators, Japan Vibes brings you personal stories and fresh perspectives from Tokyo and beyond. picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Pico's World

Category

arts · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Oct 2025

Latest episode

9 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Jul 2026

   BAR NICO & Tokyo's Craft Gin Revolution (English)

   English audio podcast (auto-dubbed into English from the Japanese original, with permission) Discover how a small neighborhood bar in Tokyo became part of Japan’s craft gin movement. In this episode of PICO’s World, we sit down with Kota, owner of BAR NICO in Fukagawa, to discuss his journey from studying in the United Kingdom to running one of Tokyo’s pioneering craft gin bars. Topics include: • Life in Fukagawa and its welcoming community spirit• BAR NICO’s 21-year evolution• Why craft gin transformed Japan’s bar culture• The emergence of Japanese distilleries and artisanal spirits• The origins of FUEKI GIN• How Kota partnered with a scientific glass company to help design the Fukagawa Distillery• Local botanicals and modern Japanese gin production• Building friendships through neighborhood bars Located in Tokyo’s historic Fukagawa district, BAR NICO has spent more than two decades introducing customers to the diversity of modern gin, featuring distinctive botanical expressions from Japan and around the world. If you enjoy Japanese culture, craft spirits, Tokyo neighborhoods, and conversations with local entrepreneurs, subscribe for more episodes of PICO’s World. 📍 BAR NICO — Fukagawa, Tokyo, Japan Chapters 00:00 Introduction & History of Bar Nikko 01:38 Pivoting to a Craft Gin Specialty Bar 02:59 Launching Fukugawa Distillery 11:05 The Secret Flavor of Fueki Gin 13:33 Developing the Custom Tsuburo Distiller 14:52 Community Activism & Bridge Building 16:43 Bar Philosophy: Fueki Ryuko (The Fluid & Eternal) 18:29 Message to Visitors To view YouTube version: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   9 Jul 2026

   BAR NICO & Tokyo's Craft Gin Revolution (日本語)

   Japanese audio podcast. To view YouTube version with English subtitles: Discover how a small neighborhood bar in Tokyo became part of Japan’s craft gin movement. In this episode of PICO’s World, we sit down with Kota, owner of BAR NICO in Fukagawa, to discuss his journey from studying in the United Kingdom to running one of Tokyo’s pioneering craft gin bars. Topics include: • Life in Fukagawa and its welcoming community spirit• BAR NICO’s 21-year evolution• Why craft gin transformed Japan’s bar culture• The emergence of Japanese distilleries and artisanal spirits• The origins of FUEKI GIN• How Kota partnered with a scientific glass company to help design the Fukagawa Distillery• Local botanicals and modern Japanese gin production• Building friendships through neighborhood bars Located in Tokyo’s historic Fukagawa district, BAR NICO has spent more than two decades introducing customers to the diversity of modern gin, featuring distinctive botanical expressions from Japan and around the world. If you enjoy Japanese culture, craft spirits, Tokyo neighborhoods, and conversations with local entrepreneurs, subscribe for more episodes of PICO’s World. 📍 BAR NICO — Fukagawa, Tokyo, Japan 日本語 東京の小さな地元バーが、どのように日本のクラフトジン文化の一翼を担うようになったのか。 今回の『PICO’s World』では、深川のBAR NICOオーナーであるコタ氏にインタビューを行い、イギリス留学から東京を代表するクラフトジンバーの経営に至るまでの歩みを語っていただきました。 主なトピック： • 深川の地域文化と人々のつながり• BAR NICO 21年の歴史• 日本におけるクラフトジンの発展• FUEKI GIN誕生の背景• 理化学ガラスメーカーとの協働による深川蒸留所の設計• 深川産ボタニカルの活用• 地元バーが生み出すコミュニティ 東京・深川の歴史ある街並みに根ざすBAR NICOは、日本や世界各地の個性豊かなジンを紹介し続けています。 日本文化、クラフトスピリッツ、東京の地域コミュニティ、そして地域の起業家たちとの対話がお好きな方は、ぜひチャンネル登録をお願いします。 📍 BAR NICO — 東京都江東区深川 Chapters 00:00 Intro — A visit to Bar Nico in Fukagawa and the story behind Tokyo’s craft gin culture.イントロ — 深川のBAR NICOを訪ね、東京のクラフトジン文化にまつわる物語を紐解きます。 00:32 Why Fukagawa, Why This Bar — Kota discusses his family roots, Fukagawa’s festival culture, and Bar Nico’s 21-year history.なぜ深川なのか、なぜこのバーなのか — コタが自身の家族のルーツ、深川のお祭り文化、そしてBAR NICOの21年にわたる歴史について語ります。 02:04 Becoming a Craft Gin Specialty Bar — How Bar Nico evolved into one of Tokyo’s pioneering craft gin bars.クラフトジン専門店への変遷 — BAR NICOが東京を代表する先駆的なクラフトジンバーへと進化した経緯。 04:14 Birth of FUEKI GIN — The origins of FUEKI GIN and its connection to local events and Sekiya Rika.FUEKI GINの誕生 — FUEKI GINの起源と、地域イベントや関屋理香氏とのつながり。 06:01 From Rikashitsu to RIKAROMA — How scientific glassware inspired a pathway toward small-scale gin distilling.「理化学室」から「RIKAROMA」へ — 理化学用ガラス器具が小規模なジン蒸留への道を開いた経緯。 09:05 The Pandemic Pivot — How COVID unexpectedly accelerated the creation of a new gin project.パンデミックによる方向転換 — コロナ禍が予期せず新たなジンプロジェクトの立ち上げを加速させた経緯。 12:45 What Makes FUEKI GIN Unique — Kota explains gin, juniper, and the use of Fukagawa botanicals.FUEKI GINの独自性 — コタがジン、ジュニパー、そして深川産ボタニカルの活用について解説します。 15:26 The New Tsuburo Distiller — A look at the custom-built still inspired by historic Japanese distilling methods. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   9 Apr 2026

   Japan's REAL Hard Rock Cafe (English audio)

   Discover Tokyo’s hidden music scene, one dish and record at a time as we explore the intersection of Japanese punk culture, local food, and community. Description: This episode is the English dubbed version of the original Japanese-language documentary, which can be viewed, with English subtitles, as well as samples of their music and clips of their concerts and cafe, on YouTube: Is it possible to balance the life of a legendary garage-punk band with running a full-service cafe in the heart of Tokyo? In this episode of Pico’s World Japan Vibes, we step off the streets of Koto-ku and into TriTech Cafe, a unique “Punk Rock Cafe” run by the three members of the iconic garage-punk band, Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass. Join us as Yumi (lead guitar and vocals), Miki (bass guitar), and Kei (drums) share the stories behind their name, their deep connection to the 1960s Detroit proto-punk sound, and the grueling (but rewarding) search for their signature Reverend guitars in the US. We talk about staying true to an original sound for over two decades, balancing touring with baking carrot cake, and what it’s like to serve coffee while vintage vinyl spins on the turntable. The Akabane Vulgars have toured across the US, Australia, Canada, the UK and Japan. Connect with our guests: * TriTech Cafe: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tri_tech_tokyo/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/p/TRI-Tech-TOKYO-61554391040768/) * Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/akabane_vulgars/?hl=en) | X (Twitter) (https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheAkabane/) * Pre-order the new 7-inch Vinyl: Available here (https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/4475320001) Upcoming Shows: * April 2: Live gig at the Ruby Room, Tokyo (Details (https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS/status/2029463659412635792?s=20)) * May 6: 7-inch Record Release Event! (Tickets (https://ticket-bird.jp/events/c5754c04-abcc-4946-84dc-4e1b9100fdf8)) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

4. 

   31 Mar 2026

   Japanese Kite Making Master Ogawa | (English Audio)

   Explore traditional Japanese kite making in this documentary podcast featuring Mr. Ogawa, a 4th-generation master artisan in Tokyo. Discover the 150-year history of the Ogawa Kite Shop near Morishita and Kiyosumi-shirakawa, where the ancient Edo-period craft of “Tako-e” (kite painting) meets modern Japanese culture. In this English-dubbed episode, we dive into the technical mastery of splitting bamboo ribs and selecting the perfect washi paper to ensure stability and grace in the sky. Mr. Ogawa explains the evolution of kite designs—from heroic Ukiyo-e warriors to modern cats and mythical Kappas—and shares the secret history of why kites were once banned in Japan. Whether you are a fan of Japanese craftsmanship, a traveler looking for hidden gems in Koto-ku, or a history buff, join us inside this legendary workshop to explore the art of the Japanese kite. Chapters: · 00:00 Documentary Introduction · 00:36 Meeting Mr. Ogawa: “Ohayou Gozaimasu” · 01:03 The History of Japanese Kites (794–1185) · 01:20 Why Kites Were Originally Called “Squid” (Ika) · 01:34 The Shogunate’s Ban and the Shift from “Ika” to “Tako” · 02:11 Kites Around the World: Chinese Dragons vs. European Designs · 02:42 Materials: The Importance of Bamboo and Washi Paper · 03:07 Family Legacy: The Ogawa Family History since the Meiji Era · 03:55 The Joy of Flying: Watching the Sky · 04:23 Memories of the Kite-Making Workshop · 04:42 Mythical Designs: The Kappa and Other Creatures · 04:58 Traditional Tako-e: Ukiyo-e, Warrior Paintings, and Artistic Evolution · 05:50 Modern Designs: From Pandas and Dogs to Deities · 06:09 Workshop Dynamics and the Challenges of Flying in the City · 08:40 The Rise of International Visitors and New Trends · 08:51 Changing Demographics: The Growing Popularity Among Women · 09:11 The Golden Era: Producing 20,000 Kites a Year · 09:26 The Impact of 1965: Plastic Kites from America · 10:30 Re-opening in 2006 and the History of the Shop · 11:00 A Special Memory: The Student from Korea · 11:35 Final Information: Connecting with Future Customers Ogawa Kite Shop photos and contact information for ordering kites: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064141416033 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064141416033) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

5. 

   10 Mar 2026

   The REAL Hard Rock Cafe: TriTech Cafe Tokyo (Japanese audio 日本語音声)

   [Note for English Listeners] This episode features the original Japanese-language documentary audio. · English Subtitled Video: Available now on YouTube: · English Podcast Version: Releasing here after April 1. Is it possible to balance the life of a legendary garage-punk band with running a full-service cafe in the heart of Tokyo? 伝説のガレージパンクバンドとしての活動と、東京の中心部でフルサービスのカフェを経営することの両立は可能だろうか？ In this episode of Pico’s World Japan Vibes, we step off the streets of Koto-ku and into TriTech Cafe, a unique “Punk Rock Cafe” run by the three members of the iconic garage-punk band, Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass. 今回の「Pico’s World Japan Vibes」では、江東区の街角を離れ、伝説的ガレージパンクバンド「アケバネ・ヴァルガーズ・オン・ストロング・バイパス」の3人が運営するユニークな「パンクロックカフェ」トライトックカフェへと足を踏み入れる。 Join us as Yumi, Miki, and Kei share the stories behind their name, their deep connection to the 1960s Detroit proto-punk sound, and the grueling (but rewarding) search for their signature Reverend guitars in the US. We talk about staying true to an original sound for over two decades, balancing touring with baking carrot cake, and what it’s like to serve coffee while vintage vinyl spins on the turntable. ユミ、ミキ、ケイが、バンド名の由来、1960年代デトロイトのプロトパンクサウンドとの深い繋がり、そしてアメリカで自らのシグネチャーモデルとなるレヴェレンド・ギターを探す過酷（だがやりがいのある）旅路について語ります。20年以上にわたり独自のサウンドを貫くこと、ツアー活動とキャロットケーキ作りを両立させること、そしてヴィンテージのレコードがターンテーブルで回る中、コーヒーをサーブする日常について語り合います。 In this episode, we cover: 今回のエピソードでは、以下の内容を取り上げます： • 00:00 – TriTech Cafeへようこそ • 01:21 – 「TriTech」の名前の由来 • 02:48 – テキサスとデトロイトでのレア機材探し • 05:20 – エネルギッシュなパンクから親密なアコースティックセットへ • 09:48 – 20年にわたる音楽活動、ツアー、そして人生の教訓 • 11:03 – ケイのドラミングに影響を与えた存在 • 15:38 – ミキとのベース・グルーヴ • 18:17 – ユミとの楽曲制作プロセス • 24:20 – 新作7インチ盤リリースと今後の東京公演 Connect with our guests お客様とつながる: * TriTech Cafe: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tri_tech_tokyo/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/p/TRI-Tech-TOKYO-61554391040768/) * Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/akabane_vulgars/?hl=en) | X (Twitter) (https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheAkabane/) * Pre-order the new 7-inch Vinyl: Available here (https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/4475320001) Upcoming Shows 今後の公演: * April 2: Live gig at the Ruby Room, Tokyo (Details (https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS/status/2029463659412635792?s=20)) * May 6: 7-inch Record Release Event! (Tickets (https://ticket-bird.jp/events/c5754c04-abcc-4946-84dc-4e1b9100fdf8)) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

6. 

   1 Mar 2026

   Japanese Kite Making: Master Ogawa | 日本の伝統的な凧作り (Japanese Audio)

   日本の伝統的な凧作りの世界を紹介します。江東区・森下で150年続く「小川凧店」の四代目、小川さんの技と情熱の物語。 日本の伝統的な凧作りは、厳選された和紙と割った竹ひごを組み合わせることから始まります。骨組みとなる竹のバランスを細かく調整することで、風をしっかりと捉え、空高く安定して揚がる凧が完成します。 凧に描かれる「凧絵（たこえ）」は、浮世絵の流れを汲む勇壮な武者絵が伝統的ですが、現代では花やカッパといった空想上の生き物まで、多種多様なデザインが楽しまれています。小川さんの工房では、下絵から糸付けまで、わずか1時間ほどで一つの凧を仕上げる熟練の技を見ることができます。 [チャプター / Timestamps] 00:00 ドキュメンタリー導入 00:54 おはようございます：小川さんとの出会い 01:37 日本の凧、2000年の歴史 02:26 なぜ凧は「イカ」と呼ばれていたのか？ 02:53 幕府の禁止令と「タコ」の誕生 03:33 世界の凧：龍の凧と西洋のデザイン 04:30 職人の技：竹ひごと和紙 04:54 150年続く家業：明治時代からの始まり 06:31 凧揚げの醍醐味：空へ揚がる瞬間 08:33 凧絵：武者絵に込められた芸術性 09:51 現代の凧デザイン：パンダ、猫、そして神々 11:02 1時間で凧を作る方法 12:12 ワークショップにはどんな人が参加する？ 13:11 おすすめの凧揚げスポット：清澄公園・木場公園 14:03 なぜ屋上で凧を揚げなくなったのか 14:51 時代の変化：女性ファンと国際的な広がり 15:32 年間2万枚の黄金時代 16:32 1965年：アメリカからのビニール凧の波 17:25 2006年：小川凧店の再オープン 18:05 韓国との特別なつながり 19:10 伝統の逸品をオンラインで注文する方法 20:01 最後のメッセージ：一年中、凧を揚げよう！ 20:25 小川さんによるクラシックギター演奏 [リンクと情報 / Links & Info] ■ 小川凧店（オーダーメイドの凧はこちらから）:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064141416033 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064141416033) ■ YouTube Interview (English Subtitles): #JapaneseKiteMaking #MasterCraftsman #Takoage #KotoCity #KiyosumiShirakawa #KibaPark #KotoKu #SumidaKu #KibaKoen #Morishita #NorakuroShotengai #Norakurodo #TokyoDocumentary #TraditionalJapan #SamuraiArt #SmallBusinessJapan #WashiPaper #BambooCraft #EdoTradition #MasterOgawa #JapanTravel #日本の凧作り #凧の作り方 #伝統工芸士 #凧揚げ #墨田区 #江東区 #清澄白河 #木場公園 #東京ドキュメンタリー #日本の伝統 #武者絵#和紙 #竹細工 #江戸の伝統 #職人 #森下 #のらくろロード #のらくろ仲見世商店街 #ノラクロウドウ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

7. 

   7 Feb 2026

   Tokyo's Sunlight Café - 日本語

   (English follows Japanese, below). See English subtitles in Youtube version: こもれびカフェは、東京の静かな街角にひっそりと佇む小さな隠れ家。その名は「木漏れ日」を意味します。🌿『Japan Vibes / Pico’s World』の12分間のエピソードでは、こもれびカフェのオーナー・正雄さんと対談。コーヒー、コミュニティ、そして人々がペースを落とせる場所づくりについて語ります。インタビューは日本語で進行し、英語字幕付き。早朝の常連客から手作りレモネード、革細工、コーヒーを囲む深い会話まで、東京の日常をありのままに捉えています。☕ この動画で体験できること：「木漏れ日」の真の意味とカフェ誕生の理由毎日6時30分開店する理由コーヒーだけでなく会話で紡がれるカフェワンビーン哲学：年間を通して同じコーヒーを提供すること1杯に国産レモン2～3個使用した手作りレモネード 🍋店主の手作り革製財布・バッグ・カップホルダー東京の朝の静かな魔法これはカフェレビューではありません。東京の片隅で今も息づく場所の肖像、日常のリズム、人と人との繋がりの記録です。🎧 注意：音声のみでご覧の場合、会話は日本語です。完全な英語字幕付きでご覧になりたい場合は、YouTubeでご視聴ください。おすすめ：日本のカフェ、スローな旅、東京の街並み、語学学習、穏やかな会話を楽しむ方におすすめです。📍 場所：東京🗣 日本語音声 / 英語字幕Tucked away in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood is a small café named Comorebi — a Japanese word that means sunlight filtering through leaves. 🌿In this 12-minute episode of Japan Vibes / Pico’s World, we sit down with Masao, the owner of Comorebi Cafe, to talk about coffee, community, and creating a place where people can slow down.This interview is spoken entirely in Japanese, with English subtitles, offering an authentic look into everyday life in Tokyo — from early-morning regulars to handmade lemonade, leather crafts, and meaningful conversations over coffee.☕ What you’ll experience in this video:The true meaning of Comorebi and why this café was createdWhy Comorebi opens at 6:30 AM every dayA café built on conversation, not just coffeeOne-bean philosophy: serving the same coffee all yearLemonade made from 2–3 fresh Japanese lemons per cup 🍋A café owner who also hand-makes leather wallets, bags, and cup holdersThe quiet magic of Tokyo morningsThis is not a café review — it’s a portrait of a place, a rhythm of daily life, and the kind of human connection that still exists in small corners of Tokyo.🎧 Note:If you’re listening on audio only, the conversation is in Japanese.For full English subtitles, please watch on YouTube.If you love:Japanese cafés, slow travel, Tokyo neighborhoods, language learning, or peaceful conversations — this one’s for you.📍 Filmed in Tokyo🗣 Japanese dialogue / English subtitles📺 Part of Japan Vibes on Pico’s World This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

8. 

   26 Nov 2025

   Girl Bagpiper Rocks Japan — Japan Vibes

   Japan has never heard bagpipes like this.In this episode of Japan Vibes, Pico sits down with Ally the Bagpiper—the rising Japanese bagpipe talent whose street and stage performances are captivating audiences across the country. We talk about: * How she discovered the Great Highland bagpipes * Why Japanese audiences react so strongly to Celtic sound * Her rigorous daily practice routine * The future of bagpiping in Japan * Her dreams, challenges, and life as a young performer This is an energizing look into Japan’s growing Celtic music scene through the eyes of one of its most exciting young artists. Listen on Your Favorite Platform * Apple Podcasts * Spotify * Amazon Music Chapters 00:00 – Opening music00:16 – How Ally discovered the bagpipes02:10 – What draws Japanese audiences to Celtic sound05:42 – Daily practice schedule08:11 – Balancing performances with school and life12:05 – Her most emotional performance15:33 – Plans for 2025 and beyond17:50 – Final thoughts & closing music Related Episodes * Japan Vibes Ep 1 – Japan’s New Kimono Craze Connect With Pico YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PicomanZ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   5 Oct 2025

   Japan Vibes - Ep. 1 - Japan's New Kimono Craze

   ✨ Welcome to Japan Vibes — Pico’s World series on Japanese art, music, and culture. In this episode, Pico interviews Sari-san, a kimono accessories designer at the heart of Japan’s new kimono culture. 🌸👘 We talk about: - How Sari first fell in love with kimono fashion - The rise of casual and avant-garde kimono during the pandemic - Influence of brands like ROBE JAPONICA and creators like Sankaku-san - Mixing streetwear and traditional kimono (hoodies, sneakers, belts, corsets!) - The role of social media and influencers in spreading kimono culture - Why this movement matters for both older and younger generations - Advice for new fans joining the kimono boom — be inspired by Japan’s new kimono craze — a cultural wave mixing tradition and innovation that’s catching the world’s eye. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit picoman.substack.com (https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.