Writing about Japan's "Have-Nots"

In this episode, we look into the history of Christianity in Japan—especially the role Christianity has played in Japanese literature. Our focus text is Shusaku Endo's Silence.Notes and sources on the episode page. Transcript available.Let RJL know what you think! (Contact us thr ... Show More

In this episode, we take a look at the Japanese proletarian writers’ movement of the 1920s and early 1930s. We also take a deep dive into the life of author Genzaburo Yoshino—not a proletarian writer, but a man who spent prison alongside them and for some of the same beliefs—and ... Show More

For the first time ever, RJL brings you information from an interview with a Japanese author—Akutagawa-winner Keiichiro Hirano. This episode takes up his life and work, the influence of Yukio Mishima on his fiction, and his most-recently-translated novel, Eclipse.CW: attempted su ... Show More

On today's episode, Jill is joined by author Emiko Jean to discuss her new book Tokyo Ever After. The pair discuss the importance of writing a character she wanted to see growing up, the interesting nuances of the Imperial Family of Japan, and stories from Emiko's time working wi ... Show More

No conversation this week, except for our host, Gil Roth, in conversation with some virtual memories of his own! On the occasion of going to the movies for the first time since 2018, to see Wim Wenders’ amazing new film Perfect Days, he reflects on a cusp-of-pandemic trip to Japa ... Show More

Katsuhiro Otomo’s vast magnum opus ‘Akira’ (1982-90) is one of the landmarks of late 20th century science fiction — a story of psychic battles, youth counterculture and technology run out of control — all set in Neo-Tokyo, a vast megastructure in the Tokyo bay. If you’ve only eve ... Show More

The Hell Courtesan (Jigoku Tayuu) is a mysterious figure that appears in art and story in Japan since the 1600s. But who is this beautiful high-ranked oiran who wears a kimono covered in images of hell? In this episode I talk about her legend and relationship with the eccentric m ... Show More

In this episode of Fratello Talks, the team (Lex, Nacho, and RJ) talks about Japanese watchmaking. From Citizen to Grand Seiko, we talk about the craftsmanship in Japanese watches, the Zaratsu polishing method, the movements, and what we've seen during our visits to Japan. J ... Show More

The Behind the Story Series was designed to accompany the regular story episodes and provide more information about the places the goops travel to. While writing for Episode 85 - Illdoit and the Street Signs of Tokyo, I found out so many interesting things about the billboards th ... Show More

Oda Nobunaga. He’s one of feudal Japan’s most infamous and consequential figures, known to many as Japan’s first ‘Great Unifier’. From humble beginnings as the daimyo of Owari province, he embarked on a mission to unite all of Japan under his sole control. But how did he emerge a ... Show More

Buy me a coffee to say thank you for the podcast! === Ryuunosuke Akutagawa is one of the most famous authors from Japan. This story is about a man called Kandata. Kandata is a bad man who went to Hell. But Buddha gives him a chance to get out. Will he accept it? Today's story is ... Show More

Mes chers camarades, bien le bonjour, et bienvenue dans ce nouvel entretien historique ! J’ai eu le plaisir d’y recevoir Julien Peltier, un spécialiste de l’histoire japonaise médiévale, et plus particulièrement de la figure du guerrier japonais, ainsi que de la période Sengoku. ... Show More

In this episode, I share a different way to enjoy Japan by exploring the daily life of Japanese people. Skip the touristy spots and opt for more secluded places where you can witness Japanese people's daily life. Experience local services such as hair, nails, and massage, and pra ... Show More