Welcome to Sightseeing Japan! Join hosts Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin as they explore the land of the rising sun. New podcast episodes are released every other week covering a range of topics, from geisha to vending machines and everything in between.
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133. Rating Popular Attractions
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Japan is full of “must-see” attractions, but which ones are most worth visiting? Join Jason and Paul as they rate some of Japan’s most popular attractions! Topics Covered: Shibuya Crossing Sensoji Temple Takeshita Street (Harajuku) Akihabara Nikko Toshogu Shrine Kiyomizu-dera Fushimi Inari Taisha Yasaka Pagoda Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Osaka Castle H…
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Natto is one of Japan’s most divisive foods. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about — and sample — this slimy and smelly delicacy! Topics Covered: History How is Natto Made? Types of Natto How to Eat Natto Health Benefits Taste Test Where to Get Natto Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!…
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131. The City of Kanazawa
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The city of Kanazawa is rich in history and culture, famous for its Edo-era districts and traditional crafts. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Kanazawa! Topics Covered: Check out our new itinerary store! History Omicho Market Oyama Shrine Nagamachi District: Kanazawa City Ashigaru Museum — Nomura-ke Samurai Resid…
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Announcements and Current Events
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Join Jason and Paul as they discuss various announcements and current events! Topics Covered: Season 5 Start Date Patreon Itinerary Store Podcast Meetup 2024: Nov 6th, 2024 at 7:00pm at Commune on the rooftop of the Shibuya Parco shopping mall in Tokyo. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then take the escalator to the roof. Tourist Ban in Gion …
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Akihabara is a unique district in Tokyo, renowned for its many electronics stores and its status as a mecca for otaku culture enthusiasts. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the vibrant streets of Tokyo's iconic "electric town"! Topics Covered: History Electronics (e.g. Yodobashi Akiba, BicCamera AKIBA) Arcades (e.g. Namco Akihabara) Anime Shops (…
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129. Day Trips from Tokyo
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Tokyo has all sorts of attractions to offer, but venturing outside the bustling city for a day trip can unveil another side of Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many diverse experiences that can be had just beyond Tokyo’s borders! Topics Covered: Kamakura and Enoshima (Ep72) Kawagoe (Ep46) Nikko (Ep80) Mt. Fuji (Ep10, also mentioned Ar…
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128. Mental Health
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Mental health issues are part of the human experience, and Japan is not immune to the complexities and struggles that individuals face. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into some of the mental health concerns and social challenges that have gained attention in modern Japan. Topics Covered: History Suicide Karoshi Hikikomori Kodokushi Gomi Yashiki …
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127. The City of Sapporo
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Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is considered by many to be the most attractive city in Japan. As one of the snowiest cities in the world, it is also home to an extremely popular snow festival. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Sapporo! Topics Covered: History Central: Kani Honke — Sapporo Clock Tower — Odori Pa…
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126. Red-Light Districts
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Japan’s red-light districts have evolved over the centuries, but even today they offer a complex tapestry of nightlife, entertainment, and cultural nuances. Join Jason and Paul as they delve into the intriguing history, vibrant present, and often overlooked stories of Japan’s adult entertainment hubs. Topics Covered: History Types of Establishments…
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125. Train Stations
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Japan’s train stations are so much more than mere transit hubs. They also offer shopping, dining, cutting-edge technology, and a glimpse into national and local cultures! Japan is even home to the busiest train station in the world. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many facets of these iconic transportation centers. Topics Covered: History S…
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124. The City of Matsumoto
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The city of Matsumoto is known for its iconic historic castle as well as for the natural beauty of the surrounding Japanese Alps. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do in Matsumoto! Topics Covered: History Downtown Area: Matsumoto Castle (and Jokyo Gimin Memorial Museum) — Former Kaichi School — Takagi (Soba Shop) — Mats…
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Not only has rice been a staple food in Japan for millennia, but it is also closely intertwined with their spiritual and cultural traditions. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the myriad ways that rice has shaped and continues to define the essence of Japan! Topics Covered: History Cultural Significance Types of Rice Japan’s Rice Industry How is …
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122. What to Do if You Get Sick in Japan
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Traveling is exciting and rewarding, but even the best-laid plans can encounter unexpected bumps along the way. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to handle health concerns when you're in Japan. From navigating the healthcare system to finding the right resources, this episode has you covered in case you ever need it! Topics Covered: Emergency…
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Japan’s automobile industry is world-renowned for its focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and performance. Join Jason and Paul as they explore car culture (and its unique subcultures) in Japan! Topics Covered: History JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Kei Cars Itasha Street Racing Other Subcultures: Kyusha Cars - Kaido Racers - Shakotan - Bosozoku - V…
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120.5. 2023 Halloween Special
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Japan is home to a wide variety of eerie and mysterious tales of the supernatural, many of which take place in everyday settings like schools, bathrooms, and train stations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the unsettling world of Japanese urban legends! Topics Covered: Kisaragi Station Kuchisake Onna (The Slit-Mouthed Woman) Akai Heya (The Red …
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120. Traveling to Japan with Children
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Visiting Japan with children can be an exciting and rewarding adventure, but it also raises unique challenges. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss tips and tricks to help make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible! Topics Covered: Planning: Hotels, attractions, meals, internet Packing: Stroller, food, supplies When In Japan: Transport…
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119. Multi-Day Hiking Trails
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With its pristine natural scenery and picturesque countryside, Japan is home to extraordinary hiking trails. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the best multi-day hiking trails in the country! Topics Covered: Hokkaido Daisetsuzan Grand Traverse Michinoku Coastal Trail Basho Trail Kanto Fureai no Michi Nakasendo Trail Kamikochi-Yari-Hotaka Circuit …
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118. The City of Hiroshima (and Miyajima)
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Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region of Japan. Nearby is the island of Miyajima (Itsukushima) which is famous for its “floating” torii gate. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the history of this area as well as the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: History Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadi…
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117. Ume (The Japanese Plum)
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The ume is a fruit commonly referred to in English as the “Japanese plum”. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss its cultural significance and the many ways that this fruit is enjoyed in Japan! Topics Covered: History Ume Flowers Umeboshi Umeshu Other Uses Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!…
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Ninja, also known as shinobi, were skilled mercenaries in feudal Japan who were hired for a variety of purposes, from espionage to assassination. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the roles that ninja played throughout Japanese history! Topics Covered: History What were Ninja Hired for? Skills Clothes and Equipment Supernatural Abilities How Can …
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115. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 3)
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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their third week of sightseeing! Topics Covered: Day 15: Nikko (Taiyuin, Futarasan Jinja, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss) Day 16: Nikko (Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji Sightseeing Trail) Day 17: Kinugawa (Edo Wonderland,…
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Changes are coming in October 2023 for the JR Pass. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the changes and their impact on the value of the pass! Affiliate Links: JR Pass Regional Passes Fare Calculator Join our Discord community! Become a member on Patreon!Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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114. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 2)
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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their second week of sightseeing! Topics Covered: Day 8: Kagoshima (Sengan-en) Day 9: Sakurajima (Hotel Rainbow Sakurajima) Day 10: Kagoshima (Museum of the Meiji Restoration, Reimeikan, Cave of Saigo Takamori, Shiroyama Park Observatio…
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113. 2023 Trip Recap (Part 1)
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Jason and Paul recently returned home from a trip to Japan. Join them as they discuss their itinerary and recount their first week of sightseeing! Topics Covered: Day 1: Flights Day 2: Onomichi (Temple Walk. Senkoji Park) Day 3: Shimanami Kaido (Dolce Ice Cream, Kosanji, Hill of Hope, I-Link Hostel & Cafe Shimanami) Day 4: Shimanami Kaido (Fuu, Mic…
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112. The City of Nara
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Nara is widely known for its friendly deer, but did you know it’s also the ancient capital of Japan? Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Nara! Topics Covered: History Central Nara: Heijo Palace —Toshodaiji Temple — Yakushiji Temple — Horyuji Temple Deer Nara Park: Kofukuji Temple — Nara National Museum — Yoshikien G…
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111. Planning a Trip to Japan (Revisited)
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Planning a trip to a foreign country can be a daunting task. Join Jason and Paul as they walk step by step through the planning process for their spring 2023 Japan trip! Topics Covered: Where to Start Passport/Visa Budget Booking a Flight Booking Hotels Assembling an Itinerary Finishing TouchesDoor Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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Come hang out with with Jason and Paul! All listeners are invited. If you happen to be in Tokyo on April 5th, 2023, stop by for a drink and a chat! Details: When: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm Where: Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo (Google Maps)(Website)Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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110. Miyuki Seguchi (Interview)
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Join Jason and Paul as they interview Miyuki Seguchi, licensed travel guide and host of the Japan Experts podcast! Find Miyuki Seguchi Online: Grab the FREE Japan Travel Guide: The 7 steps to creating your unique immersive experience Learn more about her Japan travel program the Japan Travel Essentials Website Facebook Group Instagram Japan Experts…
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Martial arts have a long history in Japan, and over time they have evolved to integrate philosophical and religious ideas with the physical aspects of warfare. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide world of Japanese martial arts! Topics Covered: History Koryu Bujutsu: Sumo — Jujutsu — Swordsmanship (Kenjutsu, Battojutsu, Iaijutsu) — Naginata…
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Jason and Paul will be in Japan in April and are announcing a meetup event in Tokyo! All listeners are invited. If you happen to be in Tokyo, stop by for a drink and a chat! Details: When: April 5th, 2023 at 7:00pm Where: Hitachino Brewing Lab in Akihabara, Tokyo (Google Maps)(Website)Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the world of Japanese beer! Topics Covered: History: Kirin — Sapporo — Asahi — Suntory How is Beer Made? Types of Beer in Japan: Happoshu — Daisan no Biiru — Seasonal Beer — Craft Beer Beer Tasting Where to Experience Beer in Japan…
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Kappa are dangerous reptilian water creatures from Japanese mythology. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the fascinating folklore behind this odd, cucumber-loving yokai! Topics Covered: History What Do Kappa Look Like? What Do Kappa Do?: Hobbies — Diet — Violence — Shirikodama How to Defeat a Kappa Public Perception Are Kappa Real? Folktales Wher…
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106. The Four Seasons
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The four seasons in Japan each have their own distinct character, and the impact that seasonal changes have had on the country’s culture over the centuries is apparent in many aspects of their society. Join Jason and Paul as they explore what makes Japan’s four seasons so special! Topics Covered: History Weather Events/Holidays Food Decorative Moti…
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Homes in Japan are often multi-generational and may not offer enough privacy for certain intimate activities…but fortunately the love hotel industry provides a solution to this problem. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the wide variety of love hotels in Japan! Topics Covered: History Where to find love hotels Appearance/Amenities Rates Examples:…
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104. Halloween Special - Haunted Places
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Stories of ghosts and monsters stretch back centuries in Japanese mythology and many of them are tied to specific locations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many haunted places in Japan! Topics Covered: Kanto Area: Aokigahara (The Suicide Forest) — Himuro Mansion — Sendagaya Tunnel — Gridley Tunnel — The Prime Minister’s Residence — Oiran B…
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103. Visiting Japan with Dietary Restrictions
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Whether you have food allergies or if your diet is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, etc., Japanese cuisine can be difficult to navigate if you’re not able to eat certain common ingredients. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss how to enjoy Japan while adhering to various dietary restrictions! Topics Covered: Modern Japanese diet Food allergies …
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Japan has been slow to reopen to tourism since it closed its borders at the beginning of the pandemic, but they recently announced that the country will fully reopen on October 11, 2022!Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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102. Kagoshima and Sakurajima
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Kagoshima is a seaside city in southern Kyushu, best known for its active volcano, Sakurajima. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Kagoshima! Topics Covered: History: Yamato and Hayato peoples — Shimazu Tadahisa — Satsuma Domain — Horeki River Incident — Satsuma Rebellion — Saigo Takamori Attractions: Kagoshima City…
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101. Can I Go To Japan Yet?
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Japan has been slow to open up to tourism since the beginning of the pandemic, but things are starting to change. Join Jason and Paul as they discuss the current tourism situation as well as recent newsworthy events in Japan! Topics Covered: Announcements Can I go to Japan yet?: Japan Travel subreddit — Japan National Tourism Organization — Kyushu …
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100. The City of Kyoto
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Kyoto is a city bursting at the seams with temples, shrines, and history. It served as the capital for over 1,000 years and is the perfect destination for visitors that want to get in touch with the culture of ancient Japan. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to do and see in Kyoto! Topics Covered: History East: Fushimi Inari Taish…
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99. The Tea Ceremony
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The Japanese tea ceremony is one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. This method of preparing and serving matcha involves a set of prescribed movements, a specific setting, and specialized tools, among other important considerations. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this ancient art form! Topics Covered: History: Lu Yu — Eisai — …
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Tofukuji is one of the five great Zen temples of Kyoto and is one of the city’s most popular temples for tourists. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this historic site and discuss the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: History: Chan Buddhism — Five Mountain System — Meiji Restoration Main Gate (Sanmon) Main Hall (Hondo) Priest’s Liv…
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Dogs are popular pets in Japan and have been for thousands of years. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about Japan’s six native dog breeds and what role they have played in Japanese culture over the years! Topics Covered: History Dogs in Folklore: Inugami — Hanasaka Jiisan — Hachiko Dog Culture in Japan Native Dog Breeds: Shiba Inu — Akita Inu — Ho…
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96. The City of Kobe
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Kobe is a city in the Kansai region that is famous for producing some of the best beef in the world, as well as for its sake tradition and international culture. Join Jason and Paul as they learn about the many things to see and do (and eat) in Kobe! Topics Covered: History Port Area: Kobe Port Tower — Harborland — Renga Soko (19th Century Brick Wa…
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In Japan, the term “idol” refers to attractive young entertainers who primarily sing, act, dance, and model, among other things. Join Jason and Paul as they explore this unique aspect of modern Japanese society!Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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94. Amusement Parks
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Japan is home to hundreds of amusement parks and theme parks, many of which offer experiences that can’t be had anywhere else. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the most popular and unusual parks in the country!Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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93. The Chugoku Region
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The Chugoku region is located on the westernmost part of Honshu, Japan’s largest main island. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the many things to see and do there! Topics Covered: Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park — Shukkeien (Garden) — Hiroshima Castle — Hondori Street — Okonomiyaki Village Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine — Momijidani Park …
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Yakuza are members of organized crime syndicates that have been active in Japan for hundreds of years. Join Jason and Paul as they explore the dark underbelly of Japanese society!Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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Sake, or nihonshu, is a rice-based alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed in Japan for over a millennium. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about how sake is made, its cultural significance, and just what makes it so delicious!Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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90. Flower Arranging (Ikebana)
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Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is considered to be one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. Join Jason and Paul as they learn all about the techniques and styles of this ancient practice!Door Jason Nieling and Paul Bresin
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