So Japanese

About So Japanese

Welcome to So Japanese Podcast! I’m Ryusuke — a chef, storyteller, and lifelong observer of Japanese culture. In each episode, I share stories and lessons from Japan that reveal the heart of everyday life — from food and family to philosophy and language. Sometimes I’ll dive into Japanese culture and traditions, and other times, I’ll teach real, natural Japanese expressions you can actually use. It’s all about discovering what makes Japan so Japanese. 日本の“日常”を、ちょっと深く、ゆるく楽しむラジオ。 If you like our content and want to buy us a coffee, click the link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sojapanese (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sojapanese) Music by Johnny Ha https://johnnyfromthe.bandcamp.com (https://johnnyfromthe.bandcamp.com) For business inquiries please contact sojapanesepodcast@gmail.com Find us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sojapanesepodcast (@sojapanesepodcast), Youtube youtube.com/@sojapanesepodcast (So Japanese Podcast) and TikTok http://tiktok.com/@sojapanesepodcast (@sojapanesepodcast) to suggest topics for us to talk about and to ask questions to be featured on the podcast!

Publisher

Ryusuke / リュウスケ

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

12 Dec 2021

Latest episode

30 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

221 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Dec 2025

   Hatsumōde: The Tradition That Resets Japan’s Soul

   Why do millions of people line up at shrines at midnight every New Year’s? Hatsumōde isn’t “just visiting a shrine” — it’s a ritual that reveals how Japanese people reset their hearts, welcome luck, and start the year with gratitude. From ancient gods to modern crowds, here’s the real meaning behind Japan’s first visit of the year.なぜ日本では毎年、大晦日の深夜に何百万人もの人が神社に並ぶのか？ 初詣は「ただ神社へ行く行事」ではないようです。 日本人が心をリセットし、福を迎え、感謝とともに一年を始めるための大切な 儀式なのです。 昔の神様の考え方から現代の参拝まで—— 日本の新年を形作る「初詣」の本当の意味を深掘りします。

2. 

   11 Dec 2025

   10 Japanese Etiquette Rules You Didn’t Know You Needed

   Japan is full of tiny, invisible rules — from elevator bows to escalator sides, from sushi “don’ts” to the shocking truth about karaage lemon etiquette. In this episode, I break down the everyday manners that shape Japan, why they exist, and how they reveal the heart of Japanese culture. If you've ever wondered “Do we really have to do that?” — this one’s for you.日本には、細かくて分かりずらい“ルール”がたくさん。 エレベーターで乗り降りする際のお辞儀、エスカレーターでの立つ位置、食事の際のマナー、そして…唐揚げレモン問題まで！？ 今回のエピソードでは、こうした日常のマナーの意味、 なぜ日本人がそれを大事にするのか、その背景にある日本文化の“こころ”を深掘りします。 「え、こんなことも？」 と思ったことがある人に、ぜひおすすめです!!

3. 

   20 Nov 2025

   The Sacred Origins of Sōmen — The Ancient Noodle Born at Ōmiwa Shrine

   Send us a text What if a simple noodle carried a spiritual story connected to Japan’s oldest shrine? In this episode, I travel to Sakurai City in Nara to uncover the ancient roots of Miwa sōmen, learn the legend behind its creation, and experience the powerful atmosphere of Ōmiwa Shrine. This is a story about food, history, and the surprising depth behind everyday traditions. もしシンプルな麺に、日本最古の神社とつながるストーリーがあったら…？ 今回は奈良の桜井市へ行って、三輪そうめんのルーツやその伝説、そして大神神社のすごいパワーを実際に感じてきました。 食べ...

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

30,466

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

17 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

121 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 78 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

89

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

92