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

In this episode Mat and Devin bring you all up to date on the history of Japan, in by far the longest episode yet (apologies!) We cover the end of the shogunate, the Meiji restoration, all the way through the various wars of expansion that culminates in the big one: WWII. Finally we briefly touch on Japan's remarkable economic recovery post war and the state of play as it is today.

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