While in Tokyo, we went and saw the Guinness-official World's Shortest Escalator! This pint-sized "Puchicalator" definitely lived up (down?) to our low, low expectations.
Music: Anti-Corporation Christmas Music, by Teknoaxe Fifties Shopping Music, by Teknoaxe Goofy Dubstep, by Teknoaxe Vivacity, by Kevin MacLeod
While in Tokyo, we went and saw the Guinness-official World's Shortest Escalator! This pint-sized "Puchicalator" definitely lived up (down?) to our low, low expectations.
Music: Anti-Corporation Christmas Music, by Teknoaxe Fifties Shopping Music, by Teknoaxe Goofy Dubstep, by Teknoaxe Vivacity, by Kevin MacLeod
Have you raved to your friends about your favorite anime film, only to be met with resistance and hostility? Have you ever been embroiled in a fan war with other nerds on anime forums?
Well, put down those pitchforks because Tofugu has finally put all those arguments to rest. We’ve taken the best of Japanese animation and smashed it into one list, just for you.
There is one catch though… NO STUDIO GHIBLI films! If we included Ghiblis, they would take up the most of the list (and they deserve a list of their own). This is a showcase of lesser known, but no less talented, filmmakers in Japan.
After watching the vid, head down to the comments and let us know we were right (unless you have a, I don’t know, a DIFFERENT opinion. Unthinkable!)
And if you can’t sit through the vid and want see the whole list right now, head over to Tofugu.com and read the article.
To read our review of the breakout hit, Your Name: https://tfg.li/your-name-review
To read our list of the top 13 Japanese horror movies ever made: https://tfg.li/jhorrormovies
Japanese people have eaten bugs since the Edo period. The practice spread throughout Japan in the early 20th century, then died down...until now. Japanese chefs and foodies are starting a new movement, touting insects as "the food of the future."
So we decided to find out what all the fuss was about...by eating bugs. Koichi and Michael try out two widely available Japanese canned insects:
1. Inago (Grasshoppers) 2. Hachinoko (Bee Larvae)
With the help of Kanae the intern, Koichi and Michael make insect tsukudani and chow down.
If you want to try Japanese insects, check out the article to find out about the best places to eat bugs in Japan, Japanese bug cuisine workshops, bug eating blogs, and more (manga, photobooks, etc). There's a lot in there. Enjoy, and happy bug eating!
Koichi talks about a word that doesn't exist in English: Tsujigiri. This word means "to cut someone down to test out a new / newly sharpened katana." Apparently, it happened often enough that it became an actual word, which is both awesome and terrifying.
Tofugu visited Kagaya Izakaya, an izakaya known for its owner "being crazy." The only way we could get permission to take and publish video was to keep it under a minute, "like a movie trailer with horror, sex, and violence." So, that's what we've done.
Also, you should absolutely go here. Our first and only perfect score on Tofugu.
Welcome to the second episode of Tofugu Eats. Today, Koichi and the intern try some Japanese cow tongue jerky. Is it crazy delicious? Or just plain crazy?
Music: "Aces High" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Welcome to the first episode of Tofugu Eats. Today, Koichi and the intern sample some mikan-flavored potato chips from Japan. Are they as weird as they sound? Or strangely delicious? Watch them and find out.
Music: "Aces High" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Welcome YouTube aficionados to 7日遅れ the only show that takes last week's Japan News and delivers it to your eyes and ears without the hassle of reading disgusting words.
This week, Michael and James discuss Japanese old people not getting presents, infected boy scouts, and robot that can tell if you're drunk.
Also, if you're drunk right now, prove it in the comments. We dare you.
Music: "Hep Cats"and "Night on the Docks" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Welcome once again, cherished viewers, to 7日遅れ the only show that breathes new life into old Japanese news then promptly begins to kill it.
This week, Michael and James discuss Japan's first rebooted nuclear reactor, the violent volcano near that reactor, and a buddha statue heist for the ages.
Music: "Hep Cats"and "Night on the Docks" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Tofugu is giving away one of our favorite Japanese textbooks. If you're a beginner of Japanese, or someone who hasn't started learning Japanese, these textbooks might be perfect for you!
Nuts are a delicious and healthy snack. But they're still considered a bar food in Japan. So offerings are salty and oily. Not great for the healthy conscious. Luckily, Tofugu's found some places where you can buy nuts with your bare hands and in person.
Welcome once again, beloved viewers, to 7日遅れ the only show that brings old Japanese news that's not that old, but still pretty old when you consider this video is on the internet.
This week, Michael and James talk about PM Abe making everyone angry (again), the devious plans of two Japanese high schoolers, and snack crackers made from crazy-lookin' sea monsters.
Music: "Hep Cats"and "Night on the Docks" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
"Maybe Tomorrow" and "Chill Blues" by Nicolai Heidlas soundcloud.com/nicolai-heidlas Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Koichi details a nice tip that will add 1000+ Japanese vocabulary to your reading/writing/speaking/listening arsenal in a matter of weeks. How is this possible? You actually already know these words. Kinda.
Tofugu asks Japan about honne and tatemae, that is true feelings vs. outward feelings. What are ways to find out Japan's true feelings and innermost secrets? Is this trait unique to Japanese people? (The answer to both is no, btw)
Music: "Brandenburg No4-1" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Welcome once again, precious viewers, to 7日遅れ the only show that brings you hard-hitting news padded with a soft fluffy lateness of seven days. FLUFFY!
This week, Michael and James talk about the world's most powerful laser, the Tokyo Olympic logo mix-up, and the healing powers of moss.
Music: "Hep Cats"and "Night on the Docks" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Koichi takes a detour on his way to the Robot Sex Museum and discovers a hidden shrine tucked away next to a waterfall. Read all about where Koichi and Shinnosuke go next:
Today Tofugu explores the murky origins of the kappa, Japan's green amphibious river demon. It loves cucumbers, butts, and farting. Learn all about how to defend against a kappa and how to befriend it.
Welcome back, friends, to 7日遅れ the only show bold enough to report on news that everyone else forgot about. BOLD!
This week, Michael and James talk about Toshiba's $1 billion accounting error, Japan's space lettuce projects, and the hottest new celebrity couple, Keanumon.
Music: "Hep Cats" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
IMPORTANT NOTE: We got this Chu-Hi as a preview sample from Sangaria. It's not for sale yet. Links to the buy page coming soon. Sangaria told us they're still working out some things and the link to buy Chu-Hi in the United States will be ready in a week or so. We'll post the links as soon as we get them.
Koichi taste tests a sample can of the new Chu-Hi from Sangaria, which will be for sale in the United States. Until now, the only Chu-Hi available in the US was in a bottle and made of malt liquor instead of the real deal shochu vodka. But now we have real, actual Chu-Hi available in the US. How does it measure up? Watch Koichi's reaction and find out.
Music: "Aces High" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Welcome again my beautiful friends to 7日遅れ, a show where we deliver last week's Japanese news long after other news outlets wouldn't dare touch it.
This week Michael and James talk about Abe's landmark decision to militarize Japan, a hotel from the weird future, and the cutest little squishballs under the sea.
ALSO! The divine head of Hayao Miyazaki informs Michael's life choices.
Music: "Hep Cats" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Koichi reveals a new learning tip this week. He explains how to make connections in Japanese more easily and build a Japanese study regimen that works FOR YOU! It'll take some writing and research, but once you're done you'll have clear view of what you know, an awareness of how well you know it, and tons of ideas for what to study next.
Welcome to Tofugu's new series, Yokai 101. We're gonna teach you all kinds of things about spooky, fun, and magical Japanese creatures. This episode: the magnificent and regal kitsune!
You've probably seen him around. A brown fuzzy square with beady eyes and a big mouth. He was super popular a few years ago and has remained a steady part of internet culture. But who his Domo-kun? What's his deal? Is he poop? (No, he's not.) Is Domo popular in Japan? All these questions and more are answered in this video! Except the poop one. I just answered it. No, he's not poop.
Here comes the second episode of 7日遅れ, a new show where we deliver last week's Japanese news long after it's relevant.
This week Michael talks about young babies allowed to vote, the future of tattoos in onsen, and a mysterious renegade trespassing at an elementary school.
Koichi's brain is filled with all kinds of useful tips that help you attack Japanese learning from new and different angles. In this show, he gives some of his work day to you and dishes out interesting language learnings ideas.
This first episode is all about reading in Japanese. Japanese reading can feel intimidating, but chances are you're selling yourself short. Learn the mistake that's probably cheating you out of a lot of knowledge gains.
Welcome to Tofugu's new series, Yokai 101. We're gonna teach you all kinds of things about spooky, fun, and magical Japanese creatures. We'll start with the tanuki, the magical canine with giant balls.
You wanted it. You asked for it. Now, finally, you get it: our exposé on the Kinugawa Hihouden Robot Sex Museum! Contains VERY questionable content. You might want to get a cold shower ready.
Music: Cylinder Six - Chris Zabriskie Hip Hop Sax - Teknoaxe As I Figure - Kevin MacLeod Marty Gots A Plan - Kevin MacLeod Gonna Start - Kevin MacLeod
Find us on: http://www.tofugu.com facebook.com/TofuguBlog twitter.com/tofuguWhat Does Japan Think of Anime?Tofugu2015-05-29 | We all love anime. Snuggled up in our Naruto pajamas eating Sailor Moon cereal, we have wondered, "What does Japan, the source of anime, think of its own creation, anime, which I love so much?"
Finally, Tofugu got the definitive answer by simply interviewing Japan. This is: Tofugu Interviews Japan.
Music: "Brandenburg No4-1" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
"Boo" by Elvis Herod & Ergo Phizmiz Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0How Long Should I Study Abroad in Japan?Tofugu2015-05-22 | Do you have questions for Tofugu? Ask them in the comments or post them on Twitter with the hashtag #ASKTOFUGU
Today Koichi answers a question from Emily Morse about how to long to stay in Japan on study abroad. More importantly, he reveals how much study abroad time it takes to "level up" your Japanese.
Music: "MJS Stings" and "Vibe Ace" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0How Can a Foreigner Practice Medicine in Japan?Tofugu2015-05-08 | Do you have questions for Tofugu? Ask them in the comments or post them on Twitter with the hashtag #ASKTOFUGU
Today Michael answers a question from Lava Yuki about how to practice medicine in Japan
Music: "MJS Stings" and "Vibe Ace" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0Tsudome and the Nisshin Donbe Tube SliderTofugu2015-05-01 | During the Sapporo Snow Festival, we ventured out to the Sapporo Community Dome. What we found will SHOCK YOU! Naw, it won't really. I'll tell you right now. It was a big slide.
Music: "Bach Prelude in C BWV 846" - MANWOMANCHILD "Your Call" - Kevin MacLeod "Digital Survival Loop" - Teknoaxe
Today Michael answers a question from Nolan Swart about why Japanese TV shows have that little picture-in-picture box in the corner of the screen that shows celebs laughing or reacting to on screen footage. Where did it come from? And why has it remained so popular?
Today Koichi answers a question from Mitarashi Fox about how to incorporate Japanese into your daily life and begin learning Japanese as an extreme beginner nooblet.
Music: "MJS Stings" and "Vibe Ace" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0How to Read Unfamiliar KanjiTofugu2015-03-31 | Do you have questions for Tofugu? Ask them in the comments or post them on Twitter with the hashtag #ASKTOFUGU
Today Koichi answers a question from Jamie Taylor about what to do when you're reading some manga and you run across a kanji you have absolutely no idea what the heck it is.