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. <br/><br/><a href="https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">picoman.substack.com</a>
Japan Vibes
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7 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
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. <br/><br/><a href="https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast">picoman.substack.com</a>
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Publishing Since
10/5/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Japan Vibes
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Recent Episodes
April 9, 2026
Japan's REAL Hard Rock Cafe (English audio)
<p>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.</p><p>Description:</p><p>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:</p><p>Is it possible to balance the life of a legendary garage-punk band with running a full-service cafe in the heart of Tokyo?</p><p>In this episode of Pico’s World Japan Vibes, we step off the streets of Koto-ku and into <strong>TriTech Cafe</strong>, a unique “Punk Rock Cafe” run by the three members of the iconic garage-punk band, <strong>Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass</strong>.</p><p>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.</p><p>The Akabane Vulgars have toured across the US, Australia, Canada, the UK and Japan.</p><p><strong>Connect with our guests:</strong></p><p>* <strong>TriTech Cafe:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/tri_tech_tokyo/">Instagram</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/TRI-Tech-TOKYO-61554391040768/">Facebook</a></p><p>* <strong>Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/akabane_vulgars/?hl=en">Instagram</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS">X (Twitter)</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAkabane/">Facebook</a></p><p>* <strong>Pre-order the new 7-inch Vinyl:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/4475320001">Available here</a></p><p><strong>Upcoming Shows:</strong></p><p>* <strong>April 2:</strong> Live gig at the Ruby Room, Tokyo (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS/status/2029463659412635792?s=20">Details</a>)</p><p>* <strong>May 6:</strong> 7-inch Record Release Event! (<a target="_blank" href="https://ticket-bird.jp/events/c5754c04-abcc-4946-84dc-4e1b9100fdf8">Tickets</a>)</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">picoman.substack.com</a>
March 31, 2026
Japanese Kite Making Master Ogawa | (English Audio)
<p><strong>Explore traditional Japanese kite making in this documentary podcast featuring Mr. Ogawa, a 4th-generation master artisan in Tokyo.</strong> Discover the 150-year history of the Ogawa Kite Shop near Morishita and Kiyosumi-shirakawa, where the ancient Edo-period craft of <strong>“Tako-e” (kite painting)</strong> meets modern Japanese culture.</p><p>In this English-dubbed episode, we dive into the technical mastery of splitting bamboo ribs and selecting the perfect <strong>washi paper</strong> to ensure stability and grace in the sky. Mr. Ogawa explains the evolution of kite designs—from heroic <strong>Ukiyo-e warriors</strong> to modern cats and mythical Kappas—and shares the secret history of why kites were once banned in Japan.</p><p>Whether you are a fan of <strong>Japanese craftsmanship</strong>, 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.</p><p><strong>Chapters:</strong></p><p>· <strong>00:00</strong> Documentary Introduction</p><p>· <strong>00:36</strong> Meeting Mr. Ogawa: “Ohayou Gozaimasu”</p><p>· <strong>01:03</strong> The History of Japanese Kites (794–1185)</p><p>· <strong>01:20</strong> Why Kites Were Originally Called “Squid” (Ika)</p><p>· <strong>01:34</strong> The Shogunate’s Ban and the Shift from “Ika” to “Tako”</p><p>· <strong>02:11</strong> Kites Around the World: Chinese Dragons vs. European Designs</p><p>· <strong>02:42</strong> Materials: The Importance of Bamboo and Washi Paper</p><p>· <strong>03:07</strong> Family Legacy: The Ogawa Family History since the Meiji Era</p><p>· <strong>03:55</strong> The Joy of Flying: Watching the Sky</p><p>· <strong>04:23</strong> Memories of the Kite-Making Workshop</p><p>· <strong>04:42</strong> Mythical Designs: The Kappa and Other Creatures</p><p>· <strong>04:58</strong> Traditional Tako-e: Ukiyo-e, Warrior Paintings, and Artistic Evolution</p><p>· <strong>05:50</strong> Modern Designs: From Pandas and Dogs to Deities</p><p>· <strong>06:09</strong> Workshop Dynamics and the Challenges of Flying in the City</p><p>· <strong>08:40</strong> The Rise of International Visitors and New Trends</p><p>· <strong>08:51</strong> Changing Demographics: The Growing Popularity Among Women</p><p>· <strong>09:11</strong> The Golden Era: Producing 20,000 Kites a Year</p><p>· <strong>09:26</strong> The Impact of 1965: Plastic Kites from America</p><p>· <strong>10:30</strong> Re-opening in 2006 and the History of the Shop</p><p>· <strong>11:00</strong> A Special Memory: The Student from Korea</p><p>· <strong>11:35</strong> Final Information: Connecting with Future Customers</p><p><strong>Ogawa Kite Shop photos and contact information for ordering kites:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064141416033">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064141416033</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">picoman.substack.com</a>
March 10, 2026
The REAL Hard Rock Cafe: TriTech Cafe Tokyo (Japanese audio 日本語音声)
<p><strong>[Note for English Listeners]</strong> This episode features the original Japanese-language documentary audio.</p><p>· <strong>English Subtitled Video:</strong> Available now on YouTube:</p><p>· <strong>English Podcast Version:</strong> Releasing here after <strong>April 1</strong>.</p><p>Is it possible to balance the life of a legendary garage-punk band with running a full-service cafe in the heart of Tokyo?</p><p>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？</p><p>In this episode of Pico’s World Japan Vibes, we step off the streets of Koto-ku and into <strong>TriTech Cafe</strong>, a unique “Punk Rock Cafe” run by the three members of the iconic garage-punk band, <strong>Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass</strong>.</p><p>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。</p><p>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.</p><p>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。</p><p><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong> <strong>今回のエピソードでは、以下の内容を取り上げます：</strong></p><p>• 00:00 – TriTech Cafeへようこそ</p><p>• 01:21 – 「TriTech」の名前の由来</p><p>• 02:48 – テキサスとデトロイトでのレア機材探し</p><p>• 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</p><p>• 09:48 – 20年にわたる音楽活動、ツアー、そして人生の教訓</p><p>• 11:03 – ケイのドラミングに影響を与えた存在</p><p>• 15:38 – ミキとのベース・グルーヴ</p><p>• 18:17 – ユミとの楽曲制作プロセス</p><p>• 24:20 – 新作7インチ盤リリースと今後の東京公演</p><p><strong>Connect with our guests お客様とつながる:</strong></p><p>* <strong>TriTech Cafe:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/tri_tech_tokyo/">Instagram</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/TRI-Tech-TOKYO-61554391040768/">Facebook</a></p><p>* <strong>Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/akabane_vulgars/?hl=en">Instagram</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS">X (Twitter)</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheAkabane/">Facebook</a></p><p>* <strong>Pre-order the new 7-inch Vinyl:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://eplus.jp/sf/detail/4475320001">Available here</a></p><p><strong>Upcoming Shows 今後の公演:</strong></p><p>* <strong>April 2:</strong> Live gig at the Ruby Room, Tokyo (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/AKABANE_VULGARS/status/2029463659412635792?s=20">Details</a>)</p><p>* <strong>May 6:</strong> 7-inch Record Release Event! (<a target="_blank" href="https://ticket-bird.jp/events/c5754c04-abcc-4946-84dc-4e1b9100fdf8">Tickets</a>)</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://picoman.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">picoman.substack.com</a>
7 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Japan Vibes?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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