This week Mat and Devin have a miniature time traveling mission all the way to three weeks ago, as we delve into the traditions and history of New Year in Japan.

We explain the entrenched TV traditions, the symbolic, traditional foods that suspiciously resemble dad jokes, and the most expensive fish in the world.

As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreonor instagram pages and feel free to email us as well.

Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/

Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan

Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com

First of all apologies for the long delay! We had a busy run in to the Christmas/New year holidays with work and then family commitments, but we're back and we've got a special episode on castles to get right back into it!

We take you through the history and design of these magnificent structures, from early simple hill forts to the majestic, later warring states beauties. Learn all about how and why they were constructed, and maybe gain a few tips on the best one's to go and visit if you come to Japan, including Devin's very own Matsumoto, barely a mediaeval cannon shot's distance from his house!

As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our Patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well.

Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/

Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan

Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com

In this episode Mat and Devin prize themselves off the white sandy beaches of Okinawa and instead sit down to a performance of shamisen and sake, accompanied by a professional entertainer known as a Geisha.

Or, we would if that was remotely feasible, so, in lieu of the real thing, we will take you through the origins and roles of the Geisha, the courtesans they are often confused with, and dispel a few myths along the way

As always, if you want to get in touch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon or instagram pages and feel free to email us as well.

Instagram:instagram.com/unfoldingjapan_podcast/

Patreon:patreon.com/UnfoldingJapan

Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com