🇯🇵 Japan Episodes

*This episode was originally aired in November 2022.What happens when a pun falls flat across cultures? Why does sarcasm get lost in translation? And can you actually teach someone to understand satire in a second language?In this episode, we once again sit down with educator, researcher, author, and world-renouned pun-slinger John Rucynski Jr., co-editor of Bridging the Humor Barrier: Humor Competency Training in English Language Teaching, to explore the surprisingly complex world of teaching humor to English language learners. John walks us through:The mysterious “humor barrier” and why it trips up so many language learnersWhy jokes, sarcasm, and satire are more than just classroom distractions—they’re essential tools for cultural fluencyHow educators around the world are helping students “get the joke” in EnglishHow humor ties into sociopragmatic competence, cross-cultural adaptation, and… yes, even junior high textbooksWe also talk about stuff John may not have been fully prepared for—like where he plans to bury bones someday. Funny, right? Whether you’re a language teacher, a linguist, or just someone who’s ever bombed a joke abroad, I hope this episode will give you something to smile—and think—about.📚 Grab the book: Bridging the Humor Barrier is available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook from Multilingual Matters. 💬 Like what you hear? Leave us a review, share with your nerdy language teacher friends, and follow for more deep dives into culture, language, and laughter. And if you like what you hear, please consider supporting the show by becoming a patron at Patreon.com. Got something to day? You can reach us on Twitter @DeepinJapanPod or via email at [email protected] for listening. 

*This episode was originally aired in July 2022. They came for a year and stayed for a lifetime. In this episode, we once again sit down with educator, researcher, author, and world-renouned pun-slinger, John Rucynski Jr., to discuss his latest anthology, A Passion for Japan: A Collection of Personal Narratives, a deeply human mosaic of stories from 31 contributors who didn’t just survive the culture shock of moving to Japan—they thrived in it. If you enjoy listening to John and want to learn more, be sure to pick up a copy of his book, available here from the publisher. You can also find it on Amazon and other online booksellers.Like what you hear? Please consider supporting the show by becoming a patron at Patreon.com. And if you'd like to reach out to us for a chat, you can find us on Twitter @DeepinJapanPod or email us at [email protected] you for listening! 

Originally aired in September of 2016, this episode is the third installment of a three-part series featuring Dr. Arudou Debito, a naturalized Japanese citizen and author of Embedded Racism: Japan’s Visible Minorities and Racial Discrimination. Due to its enduring relevance and popularity, this series has become a cult classic among listeners of the Deep in Japan podcast.  Episode Overview: Dr. Debito delves into the systemic nature of racism in Japan, drawing from his personal experiences and extensive research. Key topics discussed include:The Otaru Hot Springs Case: Dr. Debito recounts his legal battle against a bathhouse in Otaru, Hokkaido, which denied entry to foreigners, highlighting issues of racial discrimination and the challenges faced by visible minorities in Japan. Concept of “Embedded Racism”: He introduces the idea that racism in Japan is not always overt but is deeply ingrained in societal structures and norms, affecting policies and everyday interactions.Naturalization and Identity: Dr. Debito shares his journey of becoming a Japanese citizen and the complexities of identity and acceptance in a society that often equates nationality with ethnicity. Legal and Social Frameworks: The discussion addresses the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in Japan and their implications for minority communities.Additional Resources: For those interested in exploring these topics further, Dr. Debito’s book, Embedded Racism, offers an in-depth analysis of racial discrimination in Japan. His website, debito.org, serves as a comprehensive resource on human rights and social justice issues in Japan. Contact: You can reach us on Twitter @DeepinJapanPod or email us at [email protected]: If you like what you hear, please support the show by becoming a patron at Patreon.com.Thanks for listening! 

Originally aired in September of 2016, this episode is the second installment of a three-part series featuring Dr. Arudou Debito, a naturalized Japanese citizen and author of Embedded Racism: Japan’s Visible Minorities and Racial Discrimination. Due to its enduring relevance and popularity, this series has become a cult classic among listeners of the Deep in Japan podcast.  Episode Overview: Dr. Debito delves into the systemic nature of racism in Japan, drawing from his personal experiences and extensive research. Key topics discussed include:The Otaru Hot Springs Case: Dr. Debito recounts his legal battle against a bathhouse in Otaru, Hokkaido, which denied entry to foreigners, highlighting issues of racial discrimination and the challenges faced by visible minorities in Japan. Concept of “Embedded Racism”: He introduces the idea that racism in Japan is not always overt but is deeply ingrained in societal structures and norms, affecting policies and everyday interactions.Naturalization and Identity: Dr. Debito shares his journey of becoming a Japanese citizen and the complexities of identity and acceptance in a society that often equates nationality with ethnicity. Legal and Social Frameworks: The discussion addresses the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in Japan and their implications for minority communities.Additional Resources: For those interested in exploring these topics further, Dr. Debito’s book, Embedded Racism, offers an in-depth analysis of racial discrimination in Japan. His website, debito.org, serves as a comprehensive resource on human rights and social justice issues in Japan. Contact: You can reach us on Twitter @DeepinJapanPod or email us at [email protected]: If you like what you hear, please support the show by becoming a patron at Patreon.com.Thanks for listening! 

Originally aired in August of 2016, this episode is the first installment of a three-part series featuring Dr. Arudou Debito, a naturalized Japanese citizen and author of Embedded Racism: Japan’s Visible Minorities and Racial Discrimination. Due to its enduring relevance and popularity, this series has become a cult classic among listeners of the Deep in Japan podcast.  Episode Overview: Dr. Debito delves into the systemic nature of racism in Japan, drawing from his personal experiences and extensive research. Key topics discussed include:The Otaru Hot Springs Case: Dr. Debito recounts his legal battle against a bathhouse in Otaru, Hokkaido, which denied entry to foreigners, highlighting issues of racial discrimination and the challenges faced by visible minorities in Japan. Concept of “Embedded Racism”: He introduces the idea that racism in Japan is not always overt but is deeply ingrained in societal structures and norms, affecting policies and everyday interactions.Naturalization and Identity: Dr. Debito shares his journey of becoming a Japanese citizen and the complexities of identity and acceptance in a society that often equates nationality with ethnicity. Legal and Social Frameworks: The discussion addresses the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in Japan and their implications for minority communities.Additional Resources: For those interested in exploring these topics further, Dr. Debito’s book, Embedded Racism, offers an in-depth analysis of racial discrimination in Japan. His website, debito.org, serves as a comprehensive resource on human rights and social justice issues in Japan. Contact: You can reach us on Twitter @DeepinJapanPod or email us at [email protected]: If you like what you hear, please support the show by becoming a patron at Patreon.com. Music: The outro was "虹” (niji | raindobw) by SHAKKAZOMBIE. Listen here. Thanks for listening!