Unfolding Japan
Episodes
Edo Period Deep Dive - The Long Peace Part 3
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Mat and Devin lift the lid on the state of Edo to peer into the lives of the ordinary city dwellers. We explore the flourishing of the...
Edo Period Deep Dive - The Long Peace Part 2
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Mat and Devin delve further into the governance of the Edo period, exploring how the families of the daimyos were kept as respected gu...
Edo Period Deep Dive - The long Peace Part 1
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Mat and Devin embark on another multi-part epic about everything Edo, the long period of peace and isolation that still in many ways d...
New Year in Japan - Superstition, Family, and a lot of Firsts
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week Mat and Devin have a miniature time traveling mission all the way to three weeks ago, as we delve into the traditions and history of New Yea...
Japanese Castles - Stone, Wood, Violence and Aesthetics
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
First of all apologies for the long delay! We had a busy run in to the Christmas/New year holidays with work and then family commitments, but we'r...
Sex, Lies, and Geisha
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, acco...
Okinawa - Japan's Tropical Paradise Part 3
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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', ti...
Okinawa - Japan's Tropical Paradise Part 2
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Autumn in Japan
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Okinawa - Japan's Tropical Paradise Part 1
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Unfolding Japanese
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode, Mat and Devin unfold the complexities of the Japanese language itself, learn all about the mysterious origins of the language, ...
Japan - Bear Country
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
The izakaya - Japan's answer to the pub?
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 lig...
A Brief History of Japan Part 3
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
On The Road - North East Japan Part 2
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Mat and Devin continue their discussion of the very first Unfolding Japan road trip! On this episode they move through Yamagata, visit...
On The Road - North East Japan Part 1
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Mat and Devin recount their adventures on the very first, albeit accidental, Unfolding Japan road trip! Travel along as they devour va...
A Brief History of Japan Part 2
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mat and Devin continue their foray into Japanese history, starting at the end of the Heian period and the decline of the emperor, mov...
A Brief History of Japan Part 1
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Episode, Mat and Devin take you on a whistle stop tour of Japan from the earliest prehistory all the way to the Heian Period of classical Japa...
Fake Priests, Real Weddings
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In celebration of Devin's upcoming nuptials, this week Mat and Devin take a look at the weird and wonderful world of Japanese weddings, from their...
Musings on Ramen
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mat and Devin take a look at the super popular Ramen, delving a little into it's origins, major types and their own personal favourites. It's a huge t...
Akiya - Japan's Empty Houses Explained
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the first ever in depth episode of the Podcast, Mat and Devin take a closer look at the phenomenon of Akiya - empty houses. A growing phenomenon i...
Introduction to Unfolding Japan
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just a short introduction to us, and to the podcast, welcome to Unfolding Japan!Hosted by Mat Owens & Devin HurtTheme by:shakuhachi stretching 29 ...