Pure TokyoScope
By jaPRESS
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Visit www.patreon.com/TokyoScopePodcast for bonus episodes and content
Pure TokyoScopeMay 23, 2022
45: Godzilla Escape Room Game! Alien vs. Predator Anime? The Heisei Retro Boom!
In this episode, authors Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) scour the headlines from Japan and bring you the latest on the Godzilla Escape Room Game, the Alien vs. Predator anime, the Heisei retro craze, and the good news about the price of beer in Japan.
FULL SHOW NOTES AND EARLY EPISODE DROPS AT OUR PATREON!
NEWS
Godzilla extends attack on seaside hotel in Japan, fans invited to hours-long escape room game
Disney's Got a Finished Aliens vs. Predator Anime It May Never Release
McDonald's Japan announces Heisei Burger Great Resurrection Campaign
Suntory Lowers the Price of Beer in Japan
INFO
Pure TokyoScope on Twitter
Matt Alt on Twitter
Patrick Macias on Twitter
Pure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
44: Shin Universe Robo Reactions! Zelda Heals the World! All You Can Eat at Burger King Japan!
In this episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast by reacting to the mind-melting Shin Universe Robo reveal, a combination mecha toy made up of Shin Godzilla, Shin Kamen Rider, Shin Ultraman, and Shin Evangelion! Plus, Patrick reveals how he really feels about tofu, and Matt makes a confession regarding nose candy.
FULL SHOW NOTES AND EARLY EPISODE DROPS AT OUR PATREON!
NEWS
Bandai Announces Shin Universe Robo Toy
Tears of the Kingdom: 'Zelda's escapism helps us through tough times'
Burger King Japan offers 45 min all you can eat course for Strong The One Pounder meal
INFO
Pure TokyoScope on Twitter
Matt Alt on Twitter
Patrick Macias on Twitter
Pure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
43: “Yami-Baito” Robberies Shock Japan! Del Toro and J.J. Abrams in Tokyo! Anime Biz Goldmine!
In this episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) go back to delivering weekly episodes of the podcast with an all-new fiesta of crazy stuff from Japan, including...
NEWS
Guillermo del Toro and J.J. Abrams spotted in Tokyo
Streaming giants battle for anime supremacy
INFO
Pure TokyoScope on Twitter
Patrick Macias on TwitterPure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
42: Beat Takeshi's Favorite Movies! + Anime's Creative Decline? Pokémon Card Scalpers!
In this episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) celebrate the return of Takeshi’s Castle and the upcoming film KUBI with a look at Takeshi Kitano’s (aka Beat Takeshi’s) favorite films of all time! They include:
1. Children of Paradise (Marcel Carne, 1945)
2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (Stanley Kubrick, 1968)
3. A Clockwork Orange (Stanley Kubrick, 1971)
4. Seven Samurai (Akira Kurosawa, 1954)
5. To Live and Die in L.A. (William Friedkin, 1985)
6. Wild at Heart (David Lynch, 1990)
7. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (Sam Peckinpah, 197)
8. Darkman (Sam Raimi, 1990)
9. Crazy Thunder Road (Sogo Ishii, 1980)
10. The Railroad Man (Pietro Germi, 1956)
NEWS Anime luminary Maruyama warns Japan's top spot at risk RIP Frank Agrama, Chairman of Harmony Gold USA
Toho Cinemas Raises Ticket Prices in June
Tokyo Pokémon card shop bans sales to adults so kids can enjoy the hobby
INFO
Pure TokyoScope on Twitter
Patrick Macias on TwitterPure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
41: DO THE MARIO! + Prime Minister Pipe Bomb Attack! Return of the Power Rangers!
In this episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) put on their matching red and green plumber uniforms and discuss all things SUPER MARIO BROTHERS: the music, the movies, and the surprising connection to Japanese City Pop!
NEWS
NEWS
Explosive device thrown at Kishida could have been lethal, experts say
Local elections in Japan 4/23. Candidates include Demon Slayer cosplayer and “AI
‘I could have made the same money at McDonald’s’: the Power Rangers on fame,
regrets and their shock reunion
INFO
Pure TokyoScope on Twitter
Patrick Macias on TwitterPure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
40: RIP RYUICHI SAKAMOTO + Kabukicho Tower! Live-Action Evangelion Play!
In this episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) celebrate the life and music of Japanese composer RYUICHI SAKAMOTO of Y.M.O. and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence fame, who passed away on March 28, far too soon , at the age of 71.
NEWS Tokyu Kabukicho Tower Opens 4/14
Live-Action Getter Robo Movie Announced
Live-action 'Evangelion' stage play’s new poster stays the Eva course by being baffling
INFO
Pure TokyoScope on Twitter
Patrick Macias on TwitterPure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
39: The SHIN KAMEN RIDER Review! + Ghibli Jerks Apologize! RIP Jiro Dan!
In this episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) go sneakin' in the movies to see SHIN KAMEN RIDER, the newest flick from Hideaki Anno of Evangelion and Shin Godzilla fame. Expect a *spoiler free* film review along with a history lesson on the impact of the original 1971 Kamen Rider series!
NEWS
Hokusai Wave Goes on Auction at Christie’s Men who groped Ghibli Park statues apologize to Aichi governor RIP Return of Ultraman Actor Jiro Dan
INFO
Patrick Macias on Twitter Pure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
38: Manga Moral Panics! + Anime Gangs Terrorize Russia! Big Trouble at Ghibli Park!
In this episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) go over some of the controversies and moral panics surrounding manga over the years, including Devilman, Shameless School, Detective Conan, and the recent brouhaha over Barefoot Gen, a manga about the atomic bombing of Japan.
NEWS
Studio Ghibli Sparks Ire Over Response to Disturbing Theme Park Controversy
Mos Burger and KFC to raise food item prices (JP)
INFO
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
37: Remembering Leiji Matsumoto! + Japan Baffled by Iron Ball! Coke x Takoyaki!
In this episode Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) pay tribute to manga and anime legend Leiji Matsumoto (Yamato, 999, Harlock) who passed away this month at the age of 85. Join us as we set sail across the sea of stars in search of freedom and adventure!
NEWS
Spy balloon, UFO or Dragon Ball? Japan baffled by iron ball washed up on beach
Akihabara arcades aren’t dead yet! New six-floor game center opens in Tokyo otaku quarter next month
Takoyaki stand in Nagoya sold side orders of cocaine, police say
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
36: Wonderfest 2023 Report! + UFOs Over Japan! Mermaid Mummies!
In this episode Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) report on their recent visit to the Winter edition of Wonderfest 2023: a mind-bending gauntlet of incredible kaiju garage kits, anime figures, and totally insane cosplay!
NEWS
Officials Confirm Suspicious Balloon Overflights of Japan, Won’t Say They Came From China
Japan’s “Mermaid Mummy” Finally Identified via New Research
Domino’s Japan changes medium pizzas to small, without changing size, in confusing clarification
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
35: The Kaiju Art of Shojo Otomo! + Faxed Bomb Threats! Illegal Love Pillows!
In this episode Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) celebrate the life and work of Shonen Magazine editor Shoji Otomo (1936-1973) who revolutionized pro-otaku culture with his vision of kaiju anatomy art!
NEWS
Bomb and death threats faxed to universities and high schools across Japan
Akihabara’s immigrant-founded kebab landmark is closing down for good after more than a decade
Japanese police file charges against illegal anime girl huggy pillow cover seller
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
34: Japan 2022 Year in Review (Aug-Dec)! + Rise of the Mask Fetishists! Coming of Age Day Attacks!
In the second part of our Year in Review, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) take one final look back at the highs and lows of life in Japan from August to December 2022. Some rants about Makoto Shinkai and Studio Ghibli follow, as does the Shakey's Pizza theme song.
NEWS
Women selling their used masks
Coming of Age Day Attack in Kitakyushu
Family Restaurant Saizeriya will not raise prices
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
33: Japan 2022 Year in Review (Jan-July)! + Pokémon Burglaries, McDonald's Japan Raises Prices
It's a new year, but Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) take one final look back at the highs and lows of life in Japan in 2022 from January to July. Some talk about Madballs and Shogun Warriors ensues.
NEWS
Series of burglaries target pricey Pokémon cards in Tokyo
McDonald's Japan raises prices on 80% of menu items
Vintage Japanese Toy Sells for $200k+
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
32: The PURE TOKYOSCOPE Holiday Special! + Japan's Top Karaoke Songs and Shopping Steets!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year? Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) take a break from weigh in on the pros and cons of surviving the 1-2 knockout punch of Christmas and New Years in Japan. Forecast calls for Machine Robo and KFC with a high chance of Chuck E. Cheese.
NEWS
Japan foreign arrivals in Nov. up 1.9-fold from Oct. to 934,500
Here are Japan’s most-sung karaoke songs in 2022 from karaoke system Joysound
The top 10 shotengai shopping streets in Tokyo
Letters show how Mito daimyo Tokugawa Nariaki schemed to kill Commodore Perry and his mission.
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
31: The Japan-USA Trip! + Kanji of the Year, Donki Changes Mascots?
Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) is back to co-hosting duties after a whirlwind trip away and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) grills him about his recent tour of a strange country called....AMERICA! Much talk about collecting vintage Japanese toys and questionable sushi ensues!
NEWS
'War' chosen as the kanji of the year for 2022
“Hentai” and “Japanese” top PornHub’s Most Searche for Terms, 4th Year in a Row
Donki Hotei to Kill Don Pen Mascot?
Tokyo couple caught making stickers with police mascot flipping bird
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
30: Anime Con Hell with Dave Merrill!
Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) is off this week fighting the Rock Lords in America, so Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) presents a previously Patreon-only episode from 2020 featuring Dave Merrill on a Dante-esque like journey into the dark heart of late 20th century anime dork gatherings. Expect big detours into the weird old days of the Cartoon / Fantasy Organization, the late Fred “Furry” Patten, illegal videotape trading, and the making of the 2004 film Otaku Unite! Make sure your C/FO annual membership is all paid up!
Dave Merrill joined organized anime fandom in 1984. In 1986 he helped found the Atlanta chapter of the Cartoon/Fantasy Organization, and the next year was appointed secretary of the national C/FO. In 1990, Dave Merrill and Lloyd Carter started the Anime-X club in Atlanta, an anime club that would last twelve years and act as the nucleus around which Anime Weekend Atlanta would form. Dave also published 12 issues of the anime fanzine Let's Anime from 1990 until 2000. In 1995, the first Anime Weekend Atlanta was held; Dave Merrill was chairman and president. This convention is the Southeast's premier Japanese animation event.
Mister Kitty Comics and Stories
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
29: 2022 is 1972! + Otaku Burgers! Pepsi x Japanese Fried Chicken!
This episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) jump into a photonic energy-powered time machine and take a trip back fifty years ago to survey the amazing state of Japanese pop culture in 1972!
NEWS
KFC releases an Otaku Burger…in Spain?!?
Pepsi releases a new cola in Japan specifically for karaage fried chicken
Ad giant Dentsu raided over alleged Tokyo Olympic bid rigging
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
28: The Collapse of COOL JAPAN! + Sonic Creator Arrested! Machine Robo Returns!
This episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) survey the fabulous wreckage of the Japan's government-backed Cool Japan Fund which is now teetering on its last legs after losing 30 billion yen.
NEWS
'Sonic the Hedgehog' creator Yuji Naka arrested over insider trading
Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos toys from Megahouse
Artemis 1's tiny Japanese probe abandons moon landing try
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
27: Chainsaw Man and the Power of Shonen Jump! + Gamera Rebirth! Mandarake in Trouble!
This episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) review the new smash hit anime series CHAINSAW MAN and talk about its place in the pantheon of Japanese entertainment from the unstoppable SHONEN JUMP manga machine.
NEWS
Netflix is getting ready to revive Gamera with Gamera: Rebirth Project
"Mandarake" Sales Suspension Order Obscene Magazine Sales Shibuya/Nakano Store
Giant Macross SDF-1 Displayed at Bandai Tamashii Nations Event in Tokyo
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
26: Our Marvelous STAN LEE Interviews!
Face front, True Believers! This episode, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) rewind the clock back to the year 2008 to revisit a pair of audio interviews with none other than Stan “The Man” Lee! Topics include manga vs comics, Japanese Spider-Man, Godzilla, assorted Secret Origins, and lots more! Pow! You won’t want to miss it! Excelsior!
LINK
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
25: Happy Birthday, GODZILLA! + Word of the Year Nominees, Twitter and SNS in Japan
FEATURE
As the Big G turns 68 years old, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) pay tribute to the King of the Monsters, GODZILLA, with a chat about the best films, the craziest collectables, and what the future may have in store for the Lizard King with a new film now in production in Japan!
NEWS
Japan’s Word of the Year Candidates
The newest Godzilla movie is coming in November 2023, but fans are concerned it won’t be any good
INFO
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The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
24: THE LAST UNICORN 40TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY (with Caro Buermann)!
Unicorns are real and they’ve taken over the podcast! This time, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) welcome special guest Caro Buermann of Sweet Streets to talk about the 40th anniversary of the 1982 film THE LAST UNICORN produced and directed by Rankin/Bass and animated by Japanese studio Topcraft.
Caro Buermann is producing and curating a series of screenings and events dedicated to The Last Unicorn, including an exhibition of original and new art at the Corey Helford Gallery on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
For more info, visit www.thelastunicorn40th.com/events
INFO
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
23: Japanese Movie Theater Memories! + Halloween Booze Ban & Gangster Brawl
FEATURE
As the 69 year old Shibuya Toei cinema is set to close it’s doors, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) laugh and reminiscence about movie theaters and movie going in Japan from the lowdown grindhouse, to the super deluxe big screens. Hear our war-cry: NO MORE EIGA DOROBO!
NEWS
Shibuya once again prohibits street drinking for Halloween
Organized crime-linked group of 100 brawl at Tokyo skyscraper restaurant
Shibuya Toei Movie Theater to Close After 69 Years
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
22: The 2022 X-BOMBER Expo! + Tokyo Mascots Caught in Scandal! Urusei Yatsura Returns!
FEATURE
Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) visit the first-ever event dedicated to the 1980-1981 Japanese puppet science fiction series X-BOMBER, which was televised in the UK as STAR FLEET!
STAR FLEET episodes at Archive.org
Music video for STAR FLEET PROJECT - Brian May & Friends
NEWS
Even mascot toy sales get caught up in Tokyo 2020 bribery scandal
Japan Fans Use Beta Max and VCRs to Watch New Urusei Yatsura Authentically
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
21: The MACROSS 40th Anniversary Party!
FEATURE
Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) take time out from their busy schedules to celebrate four decades of the legendary anime series Super Dimension Fortress Macross (better known in the west as Robotech: The Macross Saga). To aid them in this task, special guest Macross maniac Renato Rusca Rivera joins the battle. WE WILL WIN!
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
20: Live From the All-Japan Model & Hobby Show! Plus RIP Antonio Inoki + More Q&A!
FEATURE
Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) finally leave their otaku-strewn bedrooms and make for the All-Japan Model and Hobby Show to bring you a report from the field!
NEWS
For many, it was business as usual in Tokyo on Abe’s funeral day
Antonio Inoki, pro wrestler who went into politics, is dead
Kappa Sushi president arrested on suspicion of obtaining data from rival chain
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
19: Ultra Questions and Answers! Japan reopens the borders, Mario Karts return, Abe's funeral
FEATURE
In the show's first ever open Q&A, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) answer YOUR burning questions about the best toy stores in Tokyo, the forgotten Japanese Animation Archives, and take the Voight-Kampff to try and determine who is a Rock Lord!
NEWS
Japan to reopen to independent travelers and lift daily arrival cap
The "Mario-like" go carting experience is up and running again
Copy of 'Mach 5' car from anime 'Speed Racer' joins police patrol in Japan
Japan's funeral for divisive slain PM Shinzo Abe fuels backlash
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
18: When We Were Tourists - Our First Time in Japan
FEATURE
As Japan plans to reopen the borders to tourists again, Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) look back the first times they ever set foot in the Land of the Rising Fun. Don’t shoot up in the ramen restaurant and don’t lose your passport!
NEWS
Nintendo's Splatoon 3 hits Japan sales record, beats Animal Crossing
Major publishing company Kadokawa’s chairman arrested in Tokyo Games-related bribery case
With the yen near the cheapest level in decades, Japan is set to reopen its borders
INFO
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Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
17: RYUHEI KITAMURA Speaks! Godzilla: Final Wars & New Films + Hackers Attack Japan, Olympic Bribery Arrests
This week writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) conclude their interview with Japanese filmmaker Ryuhei Kitamura and talk about his two new films THE PRICE WE PAY and THREE SISTERS OF TENMASOU and look back at his 2004 title Godzilla: Final Wars!
NEWS
Top Kadokawa execs arrested in widening Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal
Japan metro websites hit, apparently by pro-Russia hacker group
Suntory eyes U.S. canned cocktail push as young Japanese shun booze
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
16: RYUHEI KITAMURA Interview! Village of Doom + The Tsuyama Shotgun Massacre
This week writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) talk to Japanese filmmaker Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus, Azumi, Godzilla: Final Wars) about his recent release of the soundtrack to the 1983 film VILLAGE OF DOOM, inspired by the true events of the 1938 Tsuyama shotgun massacre in Okayama Prefecture
Village Of Doom (1983)
Director: Noboru Tanaka
Cast: Masato Furuoya, Misako Tanaka, Kumiko Ohba
Music: Masanori Sasaji
Soundtrack available from XROSSCOUNTER
Wikipedia article on the Tsuyama Massacre
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
15: YOKAI ATTACK 2022! + Japan Returns to Nuclear Power, Godzilla Disaster Posters, No Free Miso Soup
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS:
Rigid rules at Japan PM's office require officials to come in person for 'online' meetings
Japan PM Kishida orders new nuclear power plant construction
Godzilla Disaster Drill Posters
Matsuya Ends Free Miso Soup Service, Citing Rising Costs
FEATURE:
Matt and Pat make it a traditional spooky summer by taking some time to talk about YOKAI, Japan's traditional supernatural creatures and creepy crawlies with a discussion of Yokai films, key texts, and come face to face with the burning question: is Cookie Monster a Yokai? Should he be?
Conversation inspired by the book
Yokai Attack! The Japanese Monster Survival Guide by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
14: OTAKU Past, Present, and Future + Japan Urges Young People to Drink More, Tokyo Olympic Organizer Arrested
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS:
Japan launches nationwide competition to boost alcohol consumption
Ex-Olympic organizing committee director, 3 others arrested
FEATURE:
MY LORD! The streets of Tokyo are empty, and the tourists have all run away! Matt Alt and Patrick Macias use this dramatic pause in the space-time continuum to ponder the past, present, and future of otaku culture (DO YOU KNOW?), from the very beginnings, to the mainstreaming of Akihabara, otaku crime, Train Main, the interwebs, and finally… your mom in a Star Wars shirt!
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
13: Tales From Team Ninja + Pac Man the Movie, One Piece Riots, Japan's Declining Population
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS:
Live-Action Pac-Man Movie in Works at Bandai Namco, Wayfarer Studios
One Piece Screenings in France Almost Turn Into a Riot
Japan population falls by record 726,342 to 125.93 mil. in 2021 amid COVID
Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake dies at 84
Japanese actor Kiyoshi Kobayashi, known for voicing Lupin's Daisuke Jigen, dead at 89
FEATURE:
Andrew Szymanski is a Japanese game industry veteran whose experience includes producing titles for Tecmo, Capcom, DeNa, and more! In part 2 of our interview, Andrew takes us deep inside the secretive lair of Team Ninja to reveal what it was like working with the legendary game designer Tomonobu Itagaki (Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden).
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
12: Making Video Games in Japan: The Andrew Szymanski Interview
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS:
Crunchyroll Merges With Anime Store, Right Stuf
Heavy rain hits northeastern, central Japan, 100,000 told to evacuate
Japan says five Chinese ballistic missiles landed inside EEZ near Okinawa
FEATURE:
Andrew Szymanski is a Japanese game industry veteran whose experience includes producing titles for Tecmo's Team Ninja, Capcom, DeNa, and more! In part 1 of our interview, we learn how Andrew fell in love with Japan (hint: Nintendo), survived working in a ramen shop, and nabbed a dream job at Tecmo.
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered and edited by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
11: The 2008 Akihabara Massacre + Volcanos, Monkeys, and Shogun
1 and 1 we're having some fun! It's time for Episode 11 of the Pure TokyoScope podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS:
Sakurajima volcano erupts, triggering highest alert
Japan's first case of monkeypox confirmed
Golden Globe Award-winning Japanese actress Yoko Shimada dies at 69
FEATURE:
Man executed for 2008 Akihabara murders
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
10: 2022 is 1982: Japanese Anime, Games, and Movies Forty Years Ago!
Double digits! It's time for Episode 10 of the Pure TokyoScope podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS:
Tokyo's COVID-19 cases top 30,000
Cases of people getting unwanted crabs skyrocketing in Japan; salmon too
252 inbound [tourist] visitors in June; future visitors to Japan also sluggish
The H&M on Meiji Dori in Harajuku is closing
FEATURE:
2022 is 1982! Matt and Pat look back at what was happening in Japanese pop culture 40 years ago! Forecast: anime, manga, movies, gaming and compact disc technology!
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
09: The Problem With Machine Translation + Japan Election Results (also pizza)
News: More Shinzo Abe, Japan Election Results, Ken Akamatsu, and Golgo 13
Feature: The Argument Against Machine Translation
Number Nine, Number Nine, Number Nine… it’s time for Episode 9 of the Pure TokyoScope podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS:
How Abe and Japan became vital to Moon’s Unification Church
French Politician Falsely Blames Video Game Creator Hideo Kojima for Shinzo Abe’s Murder
Success of celebrities in Japan poll shows arrival of 'internet election age'
Golgo 13 Manga Hits Milestone of 300 Million Copies in Circulation
FEATURE:
Deb Aoki and Matt’s thread on J-E machine translation
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
08: RIP Shinzo Abe + Godzilla, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Gobots
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
IN THIS SPECIAL ALL-NEWS EPISODE
Shinzo Abe: Ex-Prime Minister of Japan assassinated while giving speech
Godzilla Special Effects Director Teruyoshi Nakano Passes Away
Yu-Gi-Oh! Creator Kazuki Takahashi Passes Away at 60
Akihabara landmark Toranoana is permanently closing, chain downsizes to just one branch in Japan
Machine Robo and the Gobots are Back!
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©, and engineered by Patrick Macias
Theme song by Marxy
07: “The World Needs Anime” – The Vince Shortino Interview
BEHOLD! It's time for episode (ultra) seven of PURE TOKYOSCOPE!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
In this episode:
NEWS:
Japan swelters in its worst heatwave ever recorded
FEATURE:
Pat and Matt talk to Vince Shortino, the former general manager of Crunchyroll Japan and the founder of Octas LLC for a conversation about the early days of streaming video, international business, and why the world needs anime.
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©
Theme song by Marxy
06: The End of Cool Japan? + How to Survive Being on Japanese Prime Time TV
Hello from The Big Mikan! It's episode 6 of PURE TOKYOSCOPE!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
In this episode:
NEWS:
Cool Japan Fund may be merged, eliminated if it does not improve
FEATURE:
Don’t touch that dial! Pat and Matt share their experiences (both good and bad) appearing on Japanese prime time television.
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.comfor merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©
Theme song by Marxy
Bonus Episode: The Shin Godzilla Review
SLAM into overdrive! It's a Bonus Episode of the PURE TOKYOSCOPE Podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
In this bonus episode:
We present a 2016 conversation between Matt and Pat all about the movie SHIN GODZILLA, directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, starring the King of the Monsters!
ALSO AVAILABLE!
YouTube version of this episode with Japanese comments from Nico Nico Douga
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©
Theme song by Marxy
05: Gundam - Doan's Island Review + Japanese Singles Not Willing to Marry
SLAM into overdrive! It's episode 5 of PURE TOKYOSCOPE!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
In this episode:
NEWS:
Japanese government survey shows 1 in 4 singles in 30s not willing to marry
Anna Miller’s, American diner known for tasty pies and iconic uniform, to close last branch in Japan
FEATURE:
Our review of the new anime film Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island (WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS)
LINKS:
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©
Theme song by Marxy
04: Birth Rate Blues + Our Favorite Books About Japan
HARK! It’s time for Episode 4 of the PURE TOKYOSCOPE podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
NEWS: The guys have an update about tourism in Japan (spoilers: it doesn’t sound like much fun) and then share thoughts on the recent Washington Post article titled Japan records its largest natural population decline as births fall.
FEATURE: Pat and Matt discuss some (but not all) of their favorite books about Japan!
Manga! Manga!: The World of Japanese Comics
A History of Tokyo from Edo to Showa
LINKS!
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
Theme song by Marxy
03: Fukushima's Forbidden Zone + TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion
Prepare thyself for Episode 3 of PURE TOKYOSCOPE podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
In this episode:
NEWS: Matt Alt talks about his recent visit to the radiation and earthquake afflicted Forbidden Zone in Fukushima, Japan.
FEATURE: Patrick Macias discusses his 2001 book TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion.
LINKS
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©
Theme song by Marxy
02: Tourism Blues + Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World
Electric Boogaloo! It’s Episode 2 of PURE TOKYOSCOPE podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
In this episode:
NEWS: Japan says the tourists are set to come back in June, but are you ready for a thrilling package tour experience?
FEATURE: Matt Alt discusses his 2020 book Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World.
LINKS
Pure TokyoScope on YouTube
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
Visit TokyoScope on Patreon for bonus episodes and content
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©
Theme song by Marxy
01: Anime Biz + Shin Ultraman Review
WOW! It's the very first episode of the PURE TOKYOSCOPE podcast!
Writers Matt Alt (Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World) and Patrick Macias (TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion) combine their powers Voltron-style to bring you news, views, and pop culture direct from the Land of the Rising FUN!
In this episode:
NEWS: The guys react to the Hollywood Reporter article on How Japanese Anime Became the World’s Most Bankable Genre
REVIEW: Shin Ultraman!!!
LINKS
Visit www.tokyoscope.com for merch
The podcast is produced by jaPRESS LLC©
Theme song by Marxy
Pure TokyoScope Podcast Preview
A bit of preamble from Matt and Pat before the show begins...