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

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In this episode Mat and Devin conclude the epic deep dive into all things Okinawa, we have giant fruit bats in downtown Naha, 'sea grapes', tips and favourite places to go, and the thorny issue of the continued American and Japanese military presence throughout the islands.

As always, if you wantto 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.

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Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com

In this episode Mat and Devin are finally back podding together, and we ended up having so much fun that we went way over time, so we split it in half, this now being part 2 of 3 episodes on Okinawa! We begin by getting a little distracted by autumn in Japan from last episode, and a few recollections of his wedding, before picking up with the transfer of power from America to Japan, thoughts on the differences in personality and time-keeping culture of the Okinawans vs the Japanese, and a mini deep dive into the famous snake liquor!

As always, if you wantto 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/

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Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com

In this episode, Mat is forced to go solo due to Devin's recent nuptials, but do not be alarmed, he will be back and raring to go very soon! As it is, a shorter episode where Mat looked out of his window and gained inspiration from the season around him. We have fish guts, blood red leaves, and dangerously high festival floats to bring in the new season!

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.

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Email:unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com

Many apologies for the delay for the latest episode, however, in partial recompense, we have the first bumper episode in a two part series on Japan's southern islands, the Okinawa island chain, in this episode Mat and Devin unfold the layers of Okinawa's unique history and geography, that have shaped its past and continue to mold its future, from it's pristine coral beaches to unfortunate attempts to woo the emperor of China.

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Email: unfoldingjapan2025@gmail.com

In this weeks episode, Mat and Devin unfold the complexities of the Japanese language itself, learn all about the mysterious origins of the language, it's fiendishly complicated writing system, and even how the Japanese insult each other using different levels of politeness.

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 take on the bears of Japan (not literally of course!), they explore the different types of bears, where they are found, and why attacks are on the rise. More importantly, they have some tips on how to avoid having a dangerous encounter with a bear, and what Japan is trying to do about this growing problem.

As always, if you want to get intouch or find ways to support the show, please check out our patreon orinstagram 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, fresh from the chaos of 20th Century Japanese history (see last week if you're confused!) take on an altogether lighter topic, the ubiquitous Japanese drinking establishment known as the izakaya. They explore the origins, their place in society, and what and who you might find if you ever decided to go to one. And you'll find out if the izakaya really deserves the name Japanese pub or not!

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