• #162 - Why is Everything So Small & Cute in Japan?
    Jul 21 2025

    Why is Japan so obsessed with all things small, fluffy, and irresistibly kawaii? From adorable mascots to tiny replicas of food and robot puppies, Japanese cuteness is everywhere — but how did it all begin?
    We explore the deeper psychological and cultural roots of kawaii, how postwar society, youth culture rebellion, and femininity changed kawaii as a national sentiment — influencing everything from fashion and media to urban landscapes. This is your definitive in-depth exploration of kawaii land.

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • #161 - The Hidden Truth About Ninjas in Japan: Shadow Legends or Overhyped Cosplayers?
    Jul 14 2025

    Who exactly were the Japanese ninjas? Forget the legends in the films, we delve into the true history of the mythic spies and shadow warriors.
    Discover where ninjas first emerged, what they actually did (hint: it doesn't involve throwing stars!), and how they shaped Japan's history through espionage, sabotage, and survival.
    We'll also look at how the ninja legacy lives on to this day — from ninja schools and ninja tourism in Japan, to anime, cosplay, and Hollywood.

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    32 mins
  • ##160 - Too Cute to be Sad: Inside Japan's Yami Kawaii & Other Fashion Subcultures
    Jun 16 2025

    We dive into the emotional world of Japanese street fashion — from the pastel-meets-pain aesthetic of Yami Kawaii, to the mental health expression of Menhera, and the dramatic, heartbroken elegance of Jirai Kei. Discover how these styles use fashion to speak the unspeakable — blending cuteness with vulnerability, and self-expression with emotional depth.

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • #159 - Onryo and Tatari: The Ghosts That Haunt Japan
    Jun 9 2025

    We explore the eerie world of Japanese folklore through two of its most chilling concepts: Onryo; the vengeful spirits who return from the grave seeking retribution, and Tatari; the terrifying curses born from deep resentment or divine wrath.

    What happens when a soul cannot rest? How do ancient beliefs shape the way misfortune is understood in Japan? We'll dive into ghostly tales, historical legends, and the cultural impact of these supernatural forces.

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • #158 - What's Japan's ADDICTIVE Gachapon Craze All About?
    Jun 2 2025

    Welcome to the quirky world of Japan’s gachapon—capsule toy machines that are popping up everywhere from street corners to tourist hotspots. From adorable collectibles and anime figures to the downright bizarre, these little surprises have become a pop culture obsession. We dive into why gachapon are so addictive and why dropping a few spare coins into one of these machines has become a must-do for visitors and locals alike.

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    26 mins
  • #157 - Can Anime & Manga Characters Step Into Our Reality?
    May 26 2025

    What happens when anime, manga, and games hit the stage? We dive into the world of 2.5D theater—where fan-favorite characters come to life through musicals, plays, and mind-blowing stagecraft. It’s where fantasy meets reality, and the results are pure magic.

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • #156 - How to Beat the Humidity: Surviving Japan's Rainy Season
    May 19 2025

    Dealing with Japan’s rainy season? You’re not the only one battling mold, dampness, and nonstop humidity. We share easy tips and tricks on how to deal with this infamous season —think dehumidifier hacks, moisture control, and staying sane when the rain won’t quit!

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • #155 - Must-Visit Spots in Kyushu: Your Ultimate Guide
    May 12 2025

    Discover the hidden gems of Kyushu, Japan, in this episode. From a toilet museum and cat islands to rich culture and popular mascots, we take you on an immersive journey through one of Japan’s most underrated regions and let Kyushu surprise you!

    Check out our social media below👇
    https://linktr.ee/catwithbeard

    Music | 5 p.m‼ - 桜餅ルナ

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show more Show less
    27 mins