The Japan Episode

Ramen Westerns and Spiral Obsessions

Neil reflects on his travels in Japan and Dave talks about some of the cultural touchstones from Japan that have influenced him, including Kurosawa, Murakami, and Junji Ito. The Meerkats also discuss two classics of Japanese cinema, House and Tampopo.

Further Reading

Dave apologizes for mixing up Tetsuo and Kaneda in Akira.

This link is a little old, but here’s a guide to some of the best ramen in Tokyo — and all of it under the roof of Tokyo Station.

A visual chronicle of Tokyo’s disappearing jazz bars.

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami on Goodreads

10 best stories from Junji Ito.

The Enigma of Amigara Fault by Junji Ito

Uzumaki by Junji Ito on Goodreads

Summary of House via Criterion Channel.

Summary of Tampopo via Criterion Channel.