On this episode of Japan Station, we're joined by documentary filmmaker Ema Ryan Yamazaki to talk about her latest documentary The Making of a Japanese and her latest short documentary Instrument of a Beating Heart. During the conversation we focus on the making of these films, what makes Japanese elementary schools unique, the role Japanese elementary schools play in shaping Japanese society, and more. 👉Topics Discussed About the making of the documentary The Making of a Japanese About the making of the short documentary Instruments of a Beating Heart What makes Japanese elementary schools unique Cleaning at Japanese elementary schools The good and bad of Japanese elementary schools The practice of having students serve lunch Discipline at Japanese elementary schools Teachers at Japanese elementary schools The difficulties of filming a documentary at a Japanese elementary school About getting nominated for an Oscar for Instruments of a Beating Heart And much more! 👉Subscribe to the Podcast! Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-station-a-podcast-by-japankyo-com/id1440454968 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6lDoFFt4M0HyyKaVeDyKkB 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Support for as little as $1 a month to get early access to episodes, ad free versions and occassional bonus content Support on Patreon https://patreon.com/japankyo Support via a one time donation! Ko-fi: https://www.ko-fi.com/japankyo Venmo: https://venmo.com/tonyrvega Paypal.me: https://paypal.me/tonyrvega 👉Support on Patreon & Ko-fi Use my Mobal affiliate link to get a 10% discount on their voice & data plan. Their voice & data plan is perfect for those who want a Japanese phone number while in Japan. Using this link gets you a discount and it provides me with a small commission which I use to fund JapanKyo. Get 10% off Mobal's Voice & Data plan: https://www.mobal.com/tonyjapan 👉Links, Videos, Etc. For more information about Ema Ryan Yamazaki and her work, check out her website and Instagram. Ema Ryan Yamazaki Website: https://www.emaexplorations.com/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emaexplorations/ To watch Instruments of a Beating Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRW0auOiqm4&t=2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRW0auOiqm4&t=2s Check out Ema Ryan Yamazaki's previous appearance on the Japan Station podcast via the link below. Documenting the Intense World of Japanese High School Baseball (Ema Ryan Yamazaki) | Japan Station 54: https://japankyo.com/2020/12/about-koshien-japanese-high-school-baseball/ 👉Follow on Social Media X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/japankyonews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonyrvega.bsky.social Tony R. Vega Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/tonyrvega The Anime Linguist YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist Japan Station YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@japankyonews Website: https://japankyo.com/ Tony R. Vega Personal X/Twitter: https://x.com/thevegatony
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
Oct 1, 2025 • Subscribe
More like this
Why Learning Japanese is POINTLESS (for most..) | Japan Station 123
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about why you shouldn't try to learn Japanese. Topics Discussed How AI and translation software are making it unnecessary…
Why Learning Japanese is POINTLESS (for most..) | Japan Station 123
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-shyDssbKI
JapanKyo – Exploring Japan today via news, videos and podcasts
Why Learning Japanese is POINTLESS (for most..) | Japan Station 123
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about why you shouldn't try to learn Japanese. Topics Discussed How AI and translation software are making it unnecessary…
Why life in Aomori is so DIFFERENT | Japan Station 194
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of the unique aspects of living in Aomori Prefecture. 👉Topics Discussed What it's like living in…
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
Why life in Aomori is so DIFFERENT | Japan Station 194
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about some of the unique aspects of living in Aomori Prefecture. 👉Topics Discussed What it’s like living in Aomori Prefecture…
JapanKyo – Exploring Japan today via videos, podcasts, and articles
Documenting the Intense World of Japanese High School Baseball (Ema Ryan Yamazaki)
Ema Ryan Yamazaki is a documentary filmmaker who has worked on several Japan-related projects. Her most recent feature-length documentary is titled Koshien:
Why Japanese Folklore MATTERS! | Japan Station 126
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about Japanese folklore with Thersa Matsuura of the Uncanny Japan podcast. 👉Topics Discussed About Japanese folklore About yokai About…
Why Japanese Folklore MATTERS! | Japan Station 126
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7waTdq7P-U
JapanKyo – Exploring Japan today via news, videos and podcasts
Why Japanese Folklore MATTERS! | Japan Station 126
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about Japanese folklore with Thersa Matsuura of the Uncanny Japan podcast. 👉Topics Discussed About Japanese folklore About yokai About…
Why there’s a DOGE statue in Japan! Here’s why… | Japan Station 119
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVw0OJJzLmM
JapanKyo – Interesting news on Japan, podcasts about Japan & more
Why there’s a DOGE statue in Japan! Here’s why… | Japan Station 119
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVw0OJJzLmM
JapanKyo – Interesting news on Japan, podcasts about Japan & more
Why there’s a DOGE statue in Japan! Here’s why… | Japan Station 119
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVw0OJJzLmM
JapanKyo – Interesting news on Japan, podcasts about Japan & more
The Weak Yen & Rural Japan: Why They Matter | Japan Station 132
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the importance of revitalizing rural Japan, the negative impact of the weak yen on Japan, and more with Dr.
JapanKyo – Exploring Japan today via videos, podcasts, and articles
The Weak Yen & Rural Japan: Why They Matter | Japan Station 132
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the importance of revitalizing rural Japan, the negative impact of the weak yen on Japan, and more with Dr.…
The Weak Yen & Rural Japan: Why They Matter | Japan Station 132
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the importance of revitalizing rural Japan, the negative impact of the weak yen on Japan, and more with Dr.…
Why Is It Always the Girl?
This is a response to Galvanic Media (or specifically Voyager’s) post. You’re going to need to read that before this (and that will also explain why some works…
Why there's a DOGE statue in Japan! | Japan Station 119
On this episode of Japan Station, we learn about the new statue of the famous Kabosu the shibainu (a.k.a. Doge) that was erected in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. Are…
Why there's a DOGE statue in Japan! | Japan Station 119
On this episode of Japan Station, we learn about the new statue of the famous Kabosu the shibainu (a.k.a. Doge) that was erected in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture. Are…
Takashi Yamazaki is the GOAT [Editorial]
Even though it has been several months since the premiere of Godzilla Minus One , the fallout dust resulting from warm reception of the film...
Why you should visit YAMAGATA! | Japan Station 197
On this episode of Japan Station, Alex Litz of Expedition Japan joins us to talk about tourism in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture and places/events to check out during a…
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
Why you should visit YAMAGATA! | Japan Station 197
On this episode of Japan Station, Alex Litz of Expedition Japan joins us to talk about tourism in Japan, Yamagata Prefecture and places/events to check out during a…
JapanKyo – Exploring Japan today via videos, podcasts, and articles
This is WHY Eren is Using The RUMBLING...
This is why Eren is using the rumbling to eliminate the rest of the world. Do you think Eren is making the right decision in Attack on Titan? If…
Why Japan Hates This Voice Actor
Aya Hirano is one of the most controversial seiyuu of all time. This is why. Twitter: https://twitter.com/RedJoker0808?s=09 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/redjoker0808 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RedJoker Business Email: akalive0713@gmail.com Credits: Lisa footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPflMSitDvM God knows guitar cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4rwtjkeUN0 #anime…
JAPAN, America and GENOCIDE. Why anime is constantly hammering it home.
Use code BONSAIPOPFB50 to get 50% OFF your first Factor box plus free breakfast for 1 year at https://bit.ly/4li5vH9 ! SUBSCRIBE here ▶▶ http://bit.ly/BonsaiPop Use code BPOP for Gamersupps here…
Why Is CLAMP Like This
12 Days of Aniblogging 2020, Day 6 You ever watch, read, play, or listen to something that’s so good that you’re scared of looking at the artist’s other works?…
Hand Shakers, Magic Knight Rayearth, RG Veda, Tokyo Babylon, X/1999
Why is it ALWAYS the Girl? | I’m Curious!
Figure I’ll start this off with a fairly uncomplicated question. This one’s honestly been bouncing around in my head for a long time. You know those stories that…
Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
Given the recent price hike should you still get a Japan Rail Pass for your next trip to Japan?
Why "Anime" Should be a Regional Designation | Japan Station 141
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the need for Japan to make the word "anime" a regional designation. The guest is Matt Alt, author of…
Why “Anime” Should be a Regional Designation | Japan Station 142
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the need for Japan to make the word "anime" a regional designation. The guest is Matt Alt, author of…
JapanKyo – Exploring Japan today via videos, podcasts, and articles
Why "Anime" Should be a Regional Designation | Japan Station 142
On this episode of Japan Station, we talk about the need for Japan to make the word "anime" a regional designation. The guest is Matt Alt, author of…
Anime Flu: What Is It and Why Is It So Dramatic?
A detailed and engaging article about anime flu, a common trope in anime where a character gets sick from a minor exposure to cold or rain.
Toradora!, Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Nichijou - My Ordinary Life, Steins;Gate, When They Cry
Why are vegetables so insulting in Japanese? | Japan Station 162/Ichimon Japan 14
This episode of Japan Station is a rebroadcast of Ichimon Japan episode 12. On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why are vegetables so unsulting in Japanese? On this episode we…
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
Why do Japanese train stations do that? | Japan Station 166/Ichimon Japan 03
This episode was originally released as episode 3 of the Ichimon Japan podcast. Today's Question On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese train stations do that?…
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
America is burning. Why isn’t Japan?
A voice actress has a very bad week.
This Man CHANGED The Way Anime Is Made FOREVER
Anime has come a long way since it's humble beginnings over 100 years ago. Simple drawings, basic movements and stationary camera views has been replaced with more detailed…
This Romance Anime is WAY TOO WHOLESOME
Imagine if you were neighbors with the girl most admired at school. What would that be like? That’s the case for our main character, Amane Fujimiya... Connect With Me: Film Analysis…
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun, The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten
The Executioner and Her Way Of Life – Or Is It?
The Usual Starting Cliches Yeah, this is titled in this way because what I am about to say is a pretty large cliche to the anime community. I…
Why is Trailer Music like this?
Shabu and Kor take a look at the trailer for The Wild Robot, and talk about the style and trends of trailer music. 🎵 Catch us live: https://twitch.tv/100percentumbrella 🎵 100%…
Princess Mononoke is Way More Than it Seems
Princess Mononoke is one of my favorite Studio Ghibli films, the messages, artwork, characters, and music captured my heart from the very first time I saw it. Luckily…
Wuthering Heights Is 177 Years Old!
The classic tale of Heathcliff and his revenge against those who wronged him.
Why is it Called "Attack on Titan"?
Why is it Called Attack on Titan? Aot, SnK, whatever your favorite shorthand is - Shingeki no Kyojin is one of my favorite name meanings when it comes…
Why It Works: Hope Lights the Way Through Desolation in To Your Eternity
For this week’s Why It Works piece, I wrote a response to To Your Eternity’s phenomenal first episode. I haven’t been cross-posting my Why It Works pieces, since…
Why It Works: Sing “Yesterday” For Me is this Season’s Must-Watch Drama!
The title for this one pretty much covers it – Yesterday’s premiere was fantastic, and also happened to be on Crunchyroll, so today I wrote an expanded article…
Welcome to Japan Station
Yes, it's true. Japankyo.com will be launching its first ever podcast. This is something that has been in the works for many months but it's finally almost
Why Is School Refusal On The Rise in Japan?
More kids in Japan than ever are refusing to go school, even as instances of bullying are falling. What's keeping them home?
Ask John: Why is the World Fascinated by Japan?
Question: As they say, “Imitation is the highest level of flattery” so what exactly is it about Japanese culture that compels foreigners to emulate it? What qualities does…
Hanakin: What does it mean? (Dead Japanese Slang) | Japan Station 186
On this episode of Japan Station, I dig into the world of dead Japanese Bubble Era slang. Specifically, I talk about the term hanakin (花金). Also I talk about…
Japan Station: A Podcast About Japanese Culture & the Japanese Language
Why Japan is Losing Its Sea Otters
Japan's aquariums used to host a total of 122 sea otters. Here's why they're now in danger of disappearing completely.
Blunt is one way to put it: Dokushi – BLUNT –
Back in May of 2021 I was over the moon – Higuchi Sensei had announced that after eight years that Dokushi was getting an official sequel. This being…
Why Is CLAMP Like This, Part IV
12 Days of Aniblogging 2021, Day 10 Yet again I am here to review each CLAMP manga in chronological order. We've finally reached the 2010s, and yet again I…