Hey all you crisp/cool Backers!
Yes indeed, the "ber" months are upon us again! This season give Columbus Day and pumpkin spice the cold shoulder, and head straight to your local library. 'Tis the season for your nose to be stuck inside the pages of a great read, specifically the wild world of Mikhail Bulgakov's posthumous masterpiece, "The Master and Margarita". No spoilers...but it's a good 'un.
Speaking of books, we're throwing a soft sepia spotlight on one of Niigata's sons: the "Hans Christian Andersen" of Japan, Mimei Ogawa. Pumping out heartbreaking classics during the nation's roaring Taisho period, Ogawa's children's stories were all at once touching, heartbreaking and poignant. But hey, if kids can handle Harry Potter, they can definitely walk away from these unscathed!
Get yourself to either Joetsu, or your local library and crack the spine on these gems (totally for free!).
Stay golden, Backers 🍂🍁📚🍺
The twilight of summer is upon us, Backers! Ruuuun!
Or...
Head straight to your local Taco Bell, where it's HOT HOT HOT all year long, and you can cool off with the refreshingly turquoise (and healthy) Baja Blast. If that's not entirely in the cards, then Option 2 awaits...
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Lord Kenshin Festival in Joetsu, Niigata, the event honoring the eponymous daimyo of Niigata himself, Uesugi Kenshin. There's tons o' fun to be had, reenactments to revere, swords to observe and Sengoku-period feels for all. The event runs from August 23rd-24th, but if you miss it, no worries. There's always next year!
Brush off your best pair of jeans, send those kids back to school and brace for the "-ber" months!
Embrace the End, Backers 🗡️👹🏫
Josh
Hey you summer-lovin' Backers!
'Tis a somber somber episode for our host, as he looks mortality in the face and presses the record button at a certain age. Music helps, especially City Pop queen Miki Matsubara and her debut LP Pocket Park (in mint-condition). Give it a spin and feel the Bubble Economy vibes!
Speaking of Japan's roaring 80s, we're showing some love to the Joetsu Shinkansen, another 40-something mainstay that first connected the nation's capital to the Snow Country, courtesy of then Prime Minister - and Niigata local - Kakuei Tanaka. It's still running like a dream, so hop aboard the next time you're in country!
Break out that SPF 50, crack open a cold one and drift off to the sound of cicadas. Ah, summer!
Stay cool (and young) Backers 🌞🚂 🍺,
Josh
Hey you full-bodied Backers!
Pardon my French, but we're heavy under its influence these days, especially our appétits. Croquettes, little fried things stuffed with other things, aren't easy to ruin, but will Josh find a way? Or will it be a révolution de la cuisine?
Speaking of French influence, we're tipping our flutes to Kawakami Zenbei, not only the Father of Japanese wine, but a plucky horticulturist who designed Japan's first snow cellar (yukimuro) to keep his grapes cool in the blistering summers. His delicious creation, Muscat Bailey A, can be sampled (or guzzled) at his founding winery Iwanohara located in Joetsu.
Pop the cork on this one and call your favorite Uber driver!
À votre santé!
Josh
Hey all you stainless-steeled Backers!
We're on the cusp of May, which means warm weather and even warmer cuisine, particularly the kind that causes gastrointestinal issues. Chilli con Carne is the name of the game these days, but will it lead to inflamed ulcers and increased bathroom time? A deliciously spicy way to go!
Cutting to the quick, this month we're covering the renowned area of Tsubame-Sanjo and its prolific output of not just Japan's finest metalworks, but perhaps the world's. We're talking top-notch cutlery used in Michelin-star restaurants and the most expensive nail-clippers you've ever seen. But the true gem of the area is Tojiro, an artisan knife-making factory with over 1,000 types to choose from!
Feel the power of the blades, but watch your fingers.
Stay sharp!
Guess who’s of legal age, Backers??
But before we imbibe, Josh takes his family on an unfortunate visit into the mind of Swiss surrealist H.R. Giger at his eponymous museum; a retrospectively bad idea. Will his son be scarred for life? Can one separate the alien from the artist? Time will tell!
Yes indeed, The Back of Japan turns 21, and in honor of this auspicious episode, we’re hosting and hoisting mugs of cold frothy beer from straight from Niigata. As a prefecture synonymous with sake, alcohol is in this region’s veins, and is even the home of Japan’s first microbrewery. We’ll stumble through the nation’s history with beer, cover the origins of craft breweries and make it for last call at some of the finest drinking holes in Niigata.
A special thanks to Chiho Takagi, the founder of Tsumari Beer, and Takeru Miyagawa, founder of Otama Brewing for their help and the good times.
Cheers and may all your glasses be full!
Josh 🍻⛩️🍺
Hey youz backers,
No time for love (or preamble), Dr. Jones! It's Part 2 of our chat with Charlie Stratton and Willem Kortekaas about Niigata's longest Gangi-dōri (雁木通り), or covered eaves that are a crucial part of the Snow Country's heritage.
Thanks for listening and stay warm!
Josh
Have a ♥️, my beloved Backers!
This month there’s plenty of passion—and surreal disorientation—going around with a trip down David Lynch lane, including a Twin Peaks binge, and an immediate Mulholland Drive followup. Heartily recommended…but just space them out and make sure you’re in a safe space.
Speaking of safe spaces, this week we’re taking a stroll into the snow country of Joetsu, Niigata underneath its centuries old and iconic Gangi-dōri (雁木通り), or eaves. These traditional wooden covered walkways are the longest in the nation and not for good reason (think meters and meters of snow!). To help unpack this gem of a find, two gracious and highly intelligent Joetsu residents, Charlie Stratton and Willem Kortekaas, are on board for the ride.
Lots o' love,
Josh
It’s Christmas time, you holly-jolly Backers!
Thanks to you, it’s been a great year and what better way to bring things to a close then with a food coma, brought on by an onslaught of hearty food. Will Josh’s decision to cook Beef Bourguignon cause immense delight, or instant diarrhea? It’s anybody’s guess!
In honor of Hokuriku (and the holiday), we’re throwing the spotlight on Japan’s original all-female troubadours: the long-suffering, snow-shuffling, shamisen-strumming Goze (瞽女) of Niigata. Although blind, these women would tour all over Japan, not only offering songs and stories to soothe the soul, but luck to every home that opened its doors and hearts. Embrace the shamisen's twang!
Seasons greetings and eatings to you, and may all your days, podcasts and Christmas specials be bright!
Happy holidays,
Josh🎄🎅🍻❄️
Happy Thanksgiving, you Backers!
First off, I’m THANKFUL for you and your ears on this holiday, but not so sentimental towards stuffing. It’s a calorie-filled overhyped breaded garnish, not a necessity! Rant over.
Today, we’re digging deep (pun intended) into the history of Niigata’s own Sado Gold Mine, from its roots as a medieval silver haven to its role in fueling Japan’s national ambitions during the Edo period. But as a newly-minted UNESCO site, the skeleton’s stashed in the Mine’s tunnels are coming back into the sunlight.
So grab your spade, loosen that belt for a bit, and let’s strike gold beneath the surface of Niigata’s shiny past.
BTW: Here’s the Sado Gold Mine UNESCO breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tELFH_lBlWE
Later, you Turkeys 🦃✨
Josh
Backer, beware...
A cauldron of fear awaits you!
'Tis the midnight hour when we delve into Niigata's strange creatures: the yokai. Seven spooky monsters stand ready to chill your bones, freeze your blood, and, just perhaps, melt your heart. The gang's all here: Nekomata, Yuki-onna, Yukitaro, Yama-otoko, Azuki Arai, Danzaburou Tanuki, and Yasaburobasa. Will you survive this onslaught of eerie entities? Bwa-ha-hahahaaaa!
Nah, you'll be fine. Probably. So, break out your 80's slasher films, don your mask and say NO to "Sugar Daddy" (the candy, that is).
Happy Halloween 🎃👻💀
Josh
Back to School, all you Backers!
Well, at least me anyway. Class in session (for adults) and it's time to harvest what brain cells are left.
Speaking of harvest, it's that magical season in Japan again when that most humble - and crucial - of grains is collected and consumed: rice. And wearing the crown is the Niigata-native "koshihikari", but how did it get to the top? Where did the name come from? Who stepped in to provide the TLC? And why is a strapping rugby player in a commercial for it now??
The answer to these questions and more await! Grab yourself an rice ball and prepare to get educated, Back-style (BTW no homework).
Thank you for your attendance 🎒 📚 📘
Josh
Hey you sunburnt Backers!
The weather may be hot, but there's nothing hotter than a steamy bowl of gyūdon (beef bowl) in the summer.
Well, almost...
FUJI ROCK, BABY! Every year, a gaggle of artists make their way to Niigata to perform their hearts out, and we have none other than iconoclastic founder, Masahiro Hidaka, to thank. So, this week we trace Fuji Rock's humble roots (actually near Mt. Fuji) to its current home in the Back of Japan.
Stay hydrated, check out the event's wrap up video here and get your hands on a beef-bowl, for Back's sake! As promised: Cho Co Pa Co Cho Co Quin Quin
Laterrr, Beach Bums 🌞😎
Josh
Raising a glass today for Dear Ol' Dad, and the family that have to put up with him. To all ye who've sown seed (consciously or not), hope you had a great one!
Speaking of fathers, today we take a look at the extraordinary life of Maejima Hisoka. Born in Joetsu, Niigata, he's known as the father of the Japanese postal system, but digging deeper, we find that he was much more than that. From attacking the use of kanji, building railways and rubbing shoulders with modern Japan's early elite, this guy did it all.
Slip on your bathrobe and settle into your easy chair for a celebration of one of Japan's top pops!
References:
-https://www.japanpost.jp/corporate/milestone/founder/
-https://www.touken-world.jp/history/history-important-word/maejimahisoka/
-https://www.city.joetsu.niigata.jp/site/museum/maejimahisoka.html
-Kanji abolishing letter: http://bungeikan.jp/domestic/detail/675/
Thanks for listening and see you next time (give your 👨🏻 a call...),
👨💼Josh
'Tis a very special Back of Japan celebrating all the Moms out there for raising babies into men and women, even when we're still just big babies!
In the spirit of mamasitas, we're heading straight into Niigata's Furamachi district to shine a bright "red-light" on one of Japan's most beautiful - and maybe influential - geishas of all time: Shin Shonaiya. It's a classic rags-to-riches story, with connections to Niigata's renowned geisha scene, Niigata's Bandai Bridge and even Emperor Taisho himself!
Grab a Hallmark cards and pick out some flowers for this emotional episode!
References:
-https://n-cityguide.jugem.jp/?eid=213
-https://www.modevip.work/archives/4973506.html
-https://ameblo.jp/dzf999tea-party/entry-12284105150.html
-https://www.sakyukan.jp/clip01/clip58.html
-https://www.niigata-cci.or.jp/geigi
-https://moekire2.exblog.jp/11808598/
-https://moekire2.exblog.jp/14186586/
Thank you and see you next time! (give your mom a call...)
💗Josh
Hey all you Backers!
Spring is the time for growth and trying out new things, like watching FX's 2022 show, The Bear, and almost tasting the Michelin-worthy food in its kitchens.
Moreover, April showers may bring May flowers, but there are still plenty of petals to be seen, especially at Joetsu's annual "sakura hanami", or cherry-blossom festival. On this episode, we get to the roots of one of Japan's top three major night cherry blossom spots, from its origins as an aesthetic treat for Japan's troops, to a full-blown 17-day festival.
As next year will be the 100-year anniversary of the event, go ahead and reserve your place for a truly memorable, yet ephemeral, experience.
References:
-https://www.joetsutj.com/articles/52028357
-https://joetsukankonavi.jp/kanoukai/about/
-https://www.city.joetsu.niigata.jp/uploaded/attachment/142730.pdf
Support your local hanami and thanks for listening!
Josh
Top o' the mornin' to ya's, Back Lovers!
Not only has Spring sprung, but St. Patrick's Day is around the corner, which means lots of green socks, green beer and the pastoral sounds of Irish folk-rock band, The Pogues.
Keeping on the theme of green, we dig deep into the history of jade in Japan and Niigata's key role in its production, especially in the coastal city of Itoigawa. It's a winding tale filled with princesses, police and plenty of tectonic shifts.
References:
https://www.geo-itoigawa.com/eng/what/introduction.html
https://niigatameisan.hatenablog.com/entry/2018/02/20/102229
https://fmm.geo-itoigawa.com/event-learning/about_hisui/
https://en.unesco.org/global-geoparks/itoigawa
https://tjniigata.jp/outing/201907kaiunn_itoigawa/
https://www.city.itoigawa.lg.jp/3790.htm
Do some spring cleaning, put away that winter coat and enjoy a pint or two this this fine season. Happy St. Patrick's Day 🍀🐉
Hey all you Snow Bunnies,
It's full-blown winter all over, especially with Season 4 of HBO's awesome series "True Detective". Moonshine, murder and mountains of snow in Alaska's outback!
However, if that's not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to spend the colder months, and that's zipping down the beautiful Japanese mountains. We dive headfirst into the history of skiing in Japan with a retrospective on its founder: Major Theodor Edler von Lerch (try saying that 9x fast) and the impact of his legacy in Niigata that spread like wildfire all over Japan.
Moreover, you can also experience the thrill of a ski-themed celebration in February around Joetsu, Niigata with the Lerch Festival. So, lace up your boots, strap on your skis and feel the rush of winter's most popular sport in Japan!
References:
-https://www.snowcountry-instructors.com/2015-8-30-major-theodor-von-lerch/
-https://joetsu-stories.jp/2022/03/10/theodor-von-lerch-the-spy-who-introduced-skiing-to-japan-and-made-niseko-famous/
-https://joetsukankonavi.jp/lerch-fest/
Stay warm this winter, you guys!
Happy Holidays, Back Lovers!
Since you've all presumably been good this year, Santa's giving all of us a real treat: full bowls of steaming delicious ramen from Niigata! But not just any ol' bowl, no; these are Niigata's 5 Great Ramen (新潟５大ラーメン) from all over the prefecture.
We'll be stopping by the original shops, waxing over the stories and salivating over the mouth-watering soups, including:
1. Light Soy Sauce Ramen
あっさり醤油ラーメン
三吉屋, 新潟県新潟市中央区西堀通5-829
Miyoshiya
Nishiboridori, ５−829, Niigata Island, Niigata
2. Niigata Miso Ramen
新潟濃厚味噌ラーメン
新潟県新潟市西蒲区竹野町2454-1
Komadori
2454-1 Takeno-cho, Nishikan-ku, Niigata City
3. Tsubame back fat ramen
燕三条背脂ラーメン
杭州飯店, 新潟県燕市燕49-4 · 杭州飯店
Hangzhou Hanten
49-4 Tsubame, Niigata, 959-1288
4. Sanjo Curry Ramen
三条カレーラーメン
大衆食堂 正広, 新潟県三条市石上2-13-38
Masahiro,
2-chōme-13-38 Ishigami, Sanjo, Niigata 955-0084
5. Nagaoka Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen
長岡生姜醤油ラーメン
青島食堂, 新潟県長岡市宮内3-5-3
Aoshima Shokudo
3-5-3 Miyauchi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
Ramen is always delicious, but the dishes served in Niigata truly live up their "Great" status. If you're in the neighborhood, give them a shot!
Thanks for tuning in this year and we'll see you in 2024!
Happy holidays 🍜🎄❄️🎉
Josh
Put on your aprons and light up your kilns, Back Lovers!
Due to the weather taking a chilly turn, one of the best ways to stay warm is to fill your belly with those most useful protein ovals: eggs! Lots o' ways to cook 'em, but we touch on the simple yet elegant omelette. The kitchen's no place to be scared of! You know what they say, "You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs", so go ahead and break some over a hot pan.
Next, we find a beautiful and culturally significant entry point into the Back via the Jomon period's renowned "flame-shaped" pottery, found near the Shinano River that run through Niigata (formerly Echigo). You've never seen pottery like this before and you never will anywhere else, so feast your eyes!
References:
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jomo/hd_jomo.htm
https://www.tokamachishikankou.jp/spot/kokuhoukaengatadoki/
https://japan-heritage.bunka.go.jp/ja/stories/story026/
https://www.kaenheritage.com/english/explore/tsunan.php#story31
Video: Graham Taylor Making a Jomon Period Clay Pot and Eloquently Discussing Things In A British Accent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ6EVFQSb8I
🦃🦃🦃 Happy Thanksgiving to you guys 🦃🦃🦃 !!!