Let's Talk Japan Podcast

In this episode, Nick speaks with JET Program alumni Chelsea Reidy and Elayna Snyder about their upcoming 900-mile bicycle tour of Shikoku’s famous 88 temple pilgrimage.

Listen to hear them describe their creative “Temple by Temple Project,” which they are funding through Kickstarter, and how they plan to share their adventure with others.

To learn more, check out their website, www.bigricefield.com, and the Temple by Temple Project on Kickstarter.

In this episode, Nick speaks with Aaron Packard, assistant curator of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, which is located within the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Together they discuss:

• The history of bonsai
• How Aaron became interested in this art form and was able to make it a full-time career
• The contents of the National Arboretum’s bonsai and penjing collection
• The rewards and pressure that can come from working with bonsai
• Advice for anyone interested in starting a bonsai collection

Below are photographs of the four trees from the museum’s collection that Nick and Arron discuss:

Resources for anyone interested in learning more about bonsai:

• The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum
• Aaron’s great blog, Capitol Bonsai

Recommended books for bonsai beginners:

• Bonsai Survival Manuel, by Colin Lewis
• The Complete Book of Bonsai, by Harry Tomlinson
• Indoor Bonsai for Beginners, by Werner Busch

The podcast receives a small percentage of each sale from the links above to help offset production costs. Thanks for your support!

In this episode, Nick speaks with Keiko Eto Fore, a close family friend, about her experiences growing up in wartime Japan, surviving the Hiroshima atomic bomb, and raising a family in rural America.

Keiko and her older sister Michiko

Keiko in kimono standing on the far left with her father behind her. Keiko’s mother is standing far right. [Bottom Photo]

Keiko and Jesse on a date.

Keiko and Jesse, center, with their infant daughter and Keiko’s extended family.

Keiko and Nick at Keiko’s home.

Some of the many certificates at Keiko’s home recognizing her extensive volunteer work.

Here is an article from a local newspaper about Keiko’s life.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to leave a positive rating in iTunes. As always, email questions or comments to [email protected] and follow the podcast on Twitter @LetsTalkJapan.

It’s late summer, and that means hundreds of new JET Program participants have recently started their new life in Japan. In this episode, I share my thoughts on what steps they can take to have an enjoyable and memorable Japan experience.

The Association for Japan Exchange and Teaching

Smile Kids Japan

Temple University Japan Testing Center

Monbukagakusho Scholarship Information

In this episode, Nick speaks with Johnnie Stroud, the owner of Sake ́ Nomi, a premium sake ́ shop and tasting bar in Seattle, Washington. Together they discuss how Johnnie discovered sake ́, what motivated him to open a business specializing in sake ́ , and why you should be drinking more sake ́, preferably bought from Sake ́ Nomi!

Johnnie and Sake ́Nomi were featured in a Japanese manga comic titled “Kurodo” by Akira Oze. In my opinion, they definitely nailed Johnnie’s likeness!

The Price for a tasting flight of all three – a “kikizake sampler” – was $20 (2 oz. pour of each)

Here are the official tasting notes and prices of the sake ́ I sampled during my visit. (Pictured above, right to left)

#1 Yaegaki Mu “Nothingness” – Junmai Daiginjo from Hyogo Prefecture

Light amber tint, with crisp apple aroma. Wonderfully settled and calm, melting and smooth. Layered, complex, well-rounded, and balanced, Brewed with the “king” of sake ́rice, Yamada Nishiki.

$12 for 4 oz. in house pour; $40/720 ml bottle; $22/300 ml bottle.

#2 Narutotai “Ginjo Shiboritate” Nama Genshu from Tokushima Prefecture

Yeasty, sweet grain aromas. Soft, full, gentle mouthful, with ripened fruit sweetness and slight minerality. Lingering finish shows a touch of mint. The “oil can” would be ideal at a barbecue or with fatty sashimi. The brewery was established in 1804.

$15 for 4 oz. in house pour; $ 50/720 ml can

#3 Tedorikawa Kinka “Gold Blossom” Daiginjo from Ishikawa Prefecture

Floral nose, with notes reminiscent of dates and raisins, Mild spice, minerality, and cinnamon notes on the palate. Subtly layered, soft and settled. Deep, rich, mature, and mellow, especially for a namezake (unpasteurized sake ́).

$15 for 4 oz. in house pour; $ 48/720 ml bottle

Be sure to check out Sake ́ Nomi’s great website, “like” their Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter.