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Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

JapanKyo.com

Helping you better understand Japan and the Japanese language one question at a time. Every episode Tony and Ryan--two guys with master's degrees in Japanese Language & Linguistics--draw on their experiences in Japan and extensive research in both Japanese and English to shed light on all aspects of Japan. From the many interesting quirks of the Japanese language to obscure Japanese history, as well as busting misconceptions about Japan held by both Japanese peole and Westerners, Tony and Ryan cover it all. In the process they have a few laughs and sometimes even end up uncovering information that can only be found in Japanese. Episodes are released at least once a month (on the 7th). Bonus episodes are released on the 21st. Is there something that puzzles you about Japanese society? Or is there something in Japanese media/pop culture that you want us to explain? If so, then send an email with your question to [email protected]. While we can't promise that we'll be able to answer it, we'll definitely do our best to address it in some way. Ichimon Japan is a production of JapanKyo.com. For full show notes, visit japankyo.com/ichimonjapan.
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Top 10 Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - 53 What are "buruma?" (The History of Japanese School Uniforms and the "Bloomers" Scandal)

53 What are "buruma?" (The History of Japanese School Uniforms and the "Bloomers" Scandal)

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

11/07/21 • 54 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Whar are buruma?

Topics Discussed
  • What buruma/bloomers are
  • A brief overview of the history of school uniforms in Japan
  • About the gakuran style school uniform
  • About the supposed link between gakuran uniforms and Prussian military uniforms
  • About sailor uniforms (sērā fuku)
  • About "blazer" style uniforms
  • The controversy over whether it was a school in Kyoto or Fukuoka that first introduced the sailor uniform in Japan
  • The "second button" tradition
  • The story behind why schools across Japan began having female students wear bloomers in the 1960s and why they stopped in the 1990s
  • The urban legend that bloomers became popular due to the Japanese women's volleyball team wearing them in the 1964 Olympics
  • The 1993 incident in Singapore that was the final straw that led to the disappearance of bloomers from schools in Japan
  • About girls being able to wear slacks instead of skirts as part of their school uniforms
  • About koromogae (changing school uniforms in accordance with the change of the seasons)
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha , a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

Here are some of the Japanese language articles found when researching the topic of this episode.

Here's some of the English language sour...

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Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - 10 What is Panty Town?

10 What is Panty Town?

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

04/01/20 • 28 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is Panty Town?

Topics Discussed
  • The town of Shimogigaoka (下木ヶ丘) and its plan to use panty vending machines for publicity
  • The history of the town of Shimogigaoka
  • What fundoshi are
  • How rural towns across Japan are trying to both boost tourism and attract new residents through various headline-grabbing PR stunts
  • Whether "Panty Town" is real
  • And more!
Support on Patreon

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undying gratitude

Sources, Links, Videos, Etc.

To check out the article about the guy that takes off his fundoshi in all sorts of funny and creative ways, use the link below.

You can check out the April Fools' Day Japankyo articles below.

Japanese Vocabulary List

Most episodes feature at least one or two interesting Japanese words or phrases. Here’s some of the ones that came up on this episode. All information is from Jim Breen's WWWJDIC.

  • Fundoshi
    • ふんどし (n) (1) fundoshi; loincloth; traditional Japanese men's undergarment made from a length of cotton; (2) kimono underskirt; (3) (sumo) wrestler's ornamental apron
  • Shitagi
    • 下着 【したぎ】 (n) underwear
We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
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Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - ANNOUUNCEMENT I (Co)Created a Manga Crypto Universe (About B & B Bad Sisters)

ANNOUUNCEMENT I (Co)Created a Manga Crypto Universe (About B & B Bad Sisters)

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

07/30/21 • 8 min

For more information on B & B Bad Sisters, check out the official website.

Here's the link for the B & B Bad Sisters NFT shop.

Follow B & B Bad Sisters on social media.

Here's affiliate links for cryptocurrency exchanges. If you use any of these links to purchase cryptocurrency you might get a sign up bonus. Typically, these sign up bonuses are free Bitcoin. However, each exchange does things a bit differently so you may want to check what is required in order to receive the sign up bonus. Also if you use these affiliate links and receive the bonus, then I would receive a small referral bonus as well.

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Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - The FINAL Episode | Ichimon Japan 81

The FINAL Episode | Ichimon Japan 81

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

05/30/24 • 1 min

This is the last episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast! But don't worry, the show isn't really ending!

Topics Discussed
  • Why I decided to end Ichimon Japan
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

  • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Subscribe:

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
bookmark
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Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 80

Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 80

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

03/20/24 • 54 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about what the best kind of English teaching in Japan is: Eikaiwa, JET Programme (ALT) or university teacher.

Topics Discussed
  • What it is like working in an eikaiwa school in Japan
  • What the salary is for an eikaiwa teacher
  • The good and bad about working at an eikaiwa school (private language school)
  • What it is like being an assistant language teacher (ALT) on the JET Programme
  • How much you can earn while on the JET Program
  • The good and bad about being on the JET Program
  • What it is like teaching english at a college in Japan
  • What the requirements are for becoming an English teacher at a university in Japan
  • What the salary is like for an English teacher at a university in Japan
  • Which job pays more: Eikaiwa, JET or university teacher
  • What vacation is like for English teachers at Japanese univesities
  • What the contract/term limits are like for English teaching positions at universities/colleges in Japan
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

  • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

None.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
bookmark
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share episode
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - Is "Suzume no Tojimari" BAD? (Dissecting Makoto Shinkai's Latest Movie) | Ichimon Japan 79

Is "Suzume no Tojimari" BAD? (Dissecting Makoto Shinkai's Latest Movie) | Ichimon Japan 79

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

02/21/24 • 96 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about Suzume no Tojimari, the latest film by the popular Japanese anime filmmaker Makoto Shinai.

Topics Discussed
  • How Suzume no Tojimari did int he box office in Japan
  • How it ranks up to the revenue of other films
  • What Suzume no Tojimari is about
  • An overview of the story of Suzume no Tojimari
  • The hidden meaning found in Suzume no Tojimari
  • Potentially problematic parts of Suzume no Tojimari
  • The meaning of the cats in Suzume no Tojimari
  • How Suzume no Tojimari compares to other Makoto Shinkai films
  • Whether we liked Suzume no Tojimari
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

  • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Our previous episodes about Makoto Shinkai movies.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - Tales from the Tokaido Road: About the Tokaido Challenge | Ichimon Japan 78

Tales from the Tokaido Road: About the Tokaido Challenge | Ichimon Japan 78

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

01/21/24 • 54 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What was it like walking the Tokaido Road?

Topics Discussed
  • About the Tokaido Challenge
  • About what it was like walking the Tokaido Road
  • About the challenges of walking the Tokaido Road
  • About what it was like walking from Kyoto to Tokyo
  • About getting stopped by police in Kyoto
  • About walking along the Shizuoka coast
  • How long it took to walk the Tokaido
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

  • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out the Tokaido Challenge video series on the JapanKyo YouTube!

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - Japan's TOP 5 MASCOTS Ranked for 2023 | Ichimon Japan 78

Japan's TOP 5 MASCOTS Ranked for 2023 | Ichimon Japan 78

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

12/21/23 • 40 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we cover what the top Japanese mascots (yurukyara) of 2023 plus a few other ones!

Topics Discussed
  • What the Yuruverse Grand Prix is (ゆるバースグランプリ2023年・Yurubāsu Grand Prix 2023)
  • Who won the Yuruverse Grand Prix 20203 competition
  • About the transition from the Yurukyara Grand Prix to the Yuruverse Grand Prix
  • What the top 5 Japanese mascots are
  • Who the top yurukyara in Japan is
  • About Udonnow
  • About Inunakin and Yurunakin About Echigon
  • About Sadandy
  • About Muvio
  • About Melonkuma
  • About Zushihokki
  • About Johnny the tofu shop mascot
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

  • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

Here is the full list for the 2023 Yuruverse Grand Prix competition

Here is the video of the coronavirus fighting Japanese mascot Koronon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-a975JMdCY

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleeping habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 76

The STUPIDEST belief about Japanese sleeping habits EVER! (About Pillows in Japan) | Ichimon Japan 76

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

11/21/23 • 53 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we talk about the history of pillows in Japan and an absurd belief regarding the sleeping

Topics Discussed
  • About the history of pillows in Japan
  • About early pillows in Japanese history
  • About the evolution of pillows in Japan
  • About pillows during the Edo Period
  • About hakomakura (box pillows)
  • About the oldest pillow in Japan
  • X
  • About stereotypes regarding Japanese people versus Westerners
  • About the idea Japanese people have longer intestines than Westerners
  • About Sobagawa/Sobakawa buchwheat pillows
  • About dakimakura (hug pillows)
  • About anime waifu dakimakura
  • About the Shironeri Ayano Oomakura (the oldest pillow in Japan) in Shosoin Temple in Nara
  • About the mistaken idea that Japanese people sleep on their sides due to being an agricultural society
  • About Japan's unique status as the only place in the world with four seasons
  • About nihonjinron
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month. Patrons get first access to podcast episodes, as well as updates on what I'm working on for JapanKyo.com. If you join the $3 a month tier you get access to the back catalog of the Japanese Plus Alpha podcast (a short series on interesting Japanese words and features of the Japanese language). If you would like to do a one time donation, that is also possible. Just use the Ko-fi link below. All donations are greatly appreciated! And if you can't support financially, that's ok. Consider telling a friend about the show!

  • Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo
  • Support on Ko-fi https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo
Links, Videos, Etc.

No links this time.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com - What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) | Ichimon Japan 71

What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English) | Ichimon Japan 71

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com

play

04/21/23 • 41 min

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: What is wasei eigo? (Funny "Japanese" English)

Topics Discussed
  • What wasei eigo is
  • About English sounding words made in Japan
  • tenshon ga takai
  • pākā
  • How SNS is not English
  • arubaito
  • nōtopasokon
  • buraindotacchi
  • misu
  • misesu
  • rippukurīmu
  • hocchikisu
  • OL
  • sararīman (salaryman)
  • shīchikin
  • interi
  • haiso
  • furonto
  • hōmu
  • chakku
  • majikkutēpu
  • majikku
  • majikkumirā
  • Gpan
  • jampāsukāto
  • wagomu
  • atakku
  • faito
  • charenji
  • And much more!
Support on Patreon & Ko-fi

If you enjoy Ichimon Japan and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. You can join for just $1 a month and that comes with perks like early access to episodes, a shout-out at the beginning of a future episode, bonus content, and discounts to Kimito Designs. For $3 a month you get all that plus access to Japanese Plus Alpha , a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and its many quirks. Whether you are studying Japanese or just enjoy learning about language and linguistics, you'll enjoy Japanese Plus Alpha.

And it goes without saying that if you sign up, you'll also get my undying gratitude. Thanks in advance!

If you would just like to do a one time contribution, then please go to our Ko-fi page.

Links, Videos, Etc.

No links.

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to [email protected].

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

Follow Japankyo on Social Media Full Show Notes
bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com have?

Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com currently has 86 episodes available.

What topics does Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com cover?

The podcast is about Culture, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Japan, History and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com?

The episode title 'Eikaiwa vs JET vs University Teaching: Which is the better English teaching job in Japan? | Ichimon Japan 80' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com?

The average episode length on Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com is 51 minutes.

How often are episodes of Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com released?

Episodes of Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com are typically released every 14 days, 4 hours.

When was the first episode of Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com?

The first episode of Ichimon Japan: A Podcast About Japan and the Japanese Language by JapanKyo.com was released on Dec 20, 2019.

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