Join writer/Japanophile Josh Furr on a treasure hunt through the "back" of Japan: the underrated and overlooked Hokuriku region, including present day Fukui, Niigata and Toyama prefectures.
Episode 36: Talking Heads and Awashima (Niigata's OTHER island)
“Stop making sense”, you Backers! (That’s a lyric)
You’ll have to excuse the musical references as I’m all hopped up on Talking Heads thanks to Jonathan Gould’s excellent story of New York’s seminal 1970s band…who are STILL making waves in the music industry today! Check them out here (but listen to THIS podcast first: https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/talking-heads-radio (https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/talking-heads-radio)). Give Burning Down the House a shot and let it “take you to the river”.
Apropos to water, we’re hopping a catamaran - or ferry - from Murakami’s shores alllllll the way to Niigata’s biggest little island. Nope nope, not you, Sado (even though we love you). It’s Awashima-ura! With no vending machines, one bar, one onsen and almost as many horses as citizens, it’s the perfect spot to find some peace and quiet. And also delicious fish. And ramen with octopus. Buy the ticket and take the riiiiiide!
“This must be the place”, Backers 🏝️ 🍣 🍜
28 Aug 2026
Episode 35: Cosmic Horror and the City of Murakami, Pt. 1
It’s the end of the (world) summer, Backers!
Despite the changing of months, maybe you’re still sweating it out with our pesky source of light and heat. We’ve got a cure for that. I recommend the cold chill of dread that only comes with existential cosmic horror. Take two doses of John Langan’s The Fisherman and call me in the morning. WARNING: this product contains Lovecraftian elements of forbidden knowledge, ancient indifferent entities, slices of Americana and weird cults. Disuse if symptoms include recurring diarrhea or significant loss of sleep. Bring a change of pants!
Speaking of change, we’re switching up the ol’ BoJ formula here and going on a Hokuriku tour from the top of Niigata prefecture aaaaallllll the way down to the tip of Fukui prefecture (which apparently needs no help with promotion). In part one of a two-parter, we’re sinking our teeth into the Salmon City of Murakami, Niigata’s biggest city by far and all the mouth-watering goodies that come with this charming castle town. Think umami-rich fish, rich buttery wagyu and the highest tea in the nation.
See you in school, Backers 🏫 🐟🍣
30 Jul 2026
Episode 34: West Coast Punk and Digging Niigata's Green Season
Hey ya super sweaty Backers,
If there’s one thing hotter than a greenhouse-induced summer in 2026, it’s East Coast punk that rose up in the late 1970’s, particularly two bands: The Mutants and The Cramps (of “Goo Goo Muck” fame). If that’s your scene, do yerselves a favor and check out the ultra-brief yet iconic documentary “We Were There to Be There”, in which aforementioned bands played a free show for psychiatric patients at the Napa State Hospital in California. Can’t get more punk than that.
Speaking of off-the-beaten path, this episode we’re throwing a spotlight onto Niigata’s criminally overlooked Green Season and all the sunny goodies that come with it. Believe it or not, the Snow Country has more than just that eponymous white stuff. There’s mountain-climbing, trail blazing, coast cycling, camping/glamping, and bevy of spectacular sights that can only be accessed during the warmer months. Full transparency, due to the sheer abundance of “green” attractions, I may have egregiously left out a few unintentionally…
Don’t wait until the dark cold winter! Shed that sweater and soak up some good Niigata weather!
There'll be a hot time in the ol’ town tonight, Backers ☀️🌿⛩️
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
34
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
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Questions about The Back of Japan
Who hosts The Back of Japan?
Josh host the show. Published by Joshua Furr.
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The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
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