Épisodes

  • MONSTERS OF TOKYO in HOLLYWOOD

    MONSTERS OF TOKYO in HOLLYWOOD
    May 8 2026
    In this special guest episode of The Kimi Kato Show, Kimi Kato takes a one-week detour from the Tokyo neighborhood journey to spotlight MONSTERS OF TOKYO—Tokyo Comedy Bar’s flagship stand-up comedy showcase currently touring North America. Joined by comedians Daniel Wilson, Kansei Yasuda, and Shota Saimu, this bilingual episode explores the rise of Japanese stand-up comedy, the growing influence of Tokyo Comedy Bar, and what it means to bring Japanese humor to international audiences in English. From the traditions of manzai and rakugo to the emerging solo stand-up scene in Tokyo, Kimi and the guests discuss cultural differences in comedy, life on tour, performing across languages, and the unique identity each comedian brings to the stage. Featuring music from Number_i, Snow Man, ONE N’ ONLY, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Sakanaction, Yorushika, and Official HIGE DANdism, this episode captures a new wave of Japanese entertainment crossing borders—not through anime or music this time, but through laughter. Host: Kimi Kato Producer: Kimi Kato Executive Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins Powered by: Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy Media Inquiries: info@projectasteri.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 5 min
  • Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 05 - Ginza/Marunouchi

    Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 05 - Ginza/Marunouchi
    May 2 2026
    In this episode of The Kimi Kato Show – Japan Music Journey, Kimi Kato explores Ginza and Marunouchi—two neighboring districts that represent Tokyo at its most elegant, powerful, and refined. From Ginza’s origins as a silver mint to its transformation into Japan’s premier luxury shopping district, and from Marunouchi’s former daimyō estates to its rise as the corporate heart of modern Japan, this episode traces how money, architecture, history, and culture shaped the center of Tokyo. Kimi takes listeners through Tokyo Station’s red-brick Marunouchi façade, Marunouchi Naka-dōri, Mitsubishi Ichigōkan Museum, KITTE, the Tokyo International Forum, Ginza 4-chōme, GINZA SIX, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, Kabuki-za, the Imperial Hotel, and Kyūkyodō—the site of Japan’s most expensive land for 40 consecutive years. The soundtrack reflects the polished, urban atmosphere of Ginza and Marunouchi, featuring natori, XG, HANA, Fujii Kaze, SIRUP, iri, and Official HIGE DANdism. Blending luxury, finance, architecture, kabuki, city pop sensibility, and modern J-pop, this episode reveals why Ginza and Marunouchi are not just districts of wealth—they are where Tokyo’s elegance, ambition, and cultural memory meet. Host: Kimi KatoProducer: Kimi KatoExecutive Producer: Jeremiah D. HigginsPowered by: Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy MediaInquiries: info@projectasteri.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 04 - Akihabara

    Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 04 - Akihabara
    Apr 24 2026
    In this episode of The Kimi Kato Show: Japan Music Journey, Kimi Kato heads into Akihabara—Tokyo’s legendary Electric Town and the global holy land of otaku culture. From its origins as a postwar black market for radio parts to its rise as Japan’s electronics capital, Akihabara has continuously reinvented itself. Today, it is a dense cultural universe of anime, manga, video games, maid cafés, idol theaters, retro arcades, doujin culture, and specialty electronics shops—all packed into a few blocks around one of Tokyo’s most iconic stations. Kimi explores how Akihabara evolved from hardware to subculture, tracing the district’s connection to Japan’s consumer electronics boom, the rise of PC culture, the birth of AKB48, the underground idol scene, maid café culture, and the global expansion of anime music. The episode features a soundtrack that reflects Akihabara’s many identities, including Yoko Takahashi, AKB48, Dempagumi.inc, LiSA, YOASOBI, Creepy Nuts, and AKB48’s “Koisuru Fortune Cookie.” Blending history, music, technology, fandom, and pop imagination, this episode reveals why Akihabara is not just a district—it is one of the engines of modern Japanese pop culture. Host: Kimi KatoProducer: Kimi KatoExecutive Producer: Jeremiah D. HigginsPowered by: Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy MediaInquiries: info@projectasteri.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 03 - Shinjuku

    Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 03 - Shinjuku
    Apr 17 2026
    THE KIMI KATO SHOW – Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 03 - Shijuku In this episode of The Kimi Kato Show – Japan Music Journey, Kimi takes listeners into Shinjuku—one of Tokyo’s most intense, layered, and unforgettable districts. Known as the home of the world’s busiest railway station, Shinjuku is a place where towering skyscrapers, neon nightlife, nostalgic alleyways, and quiet gardens all coexist within a few extraordinary blocks. From the electric energy of Kabukichō and the intimate postwar charm of Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, to the calm beauty of Shinjuku Gyoen and the fashion influence of Isetan Shinjuku, this episode explores how Shinjuku became one of the most dynamic urban spaces in Japan. Kimi also traces the district’s evolution from Naitō-Shinjuku, a historic post town on the Kōshū Kaidō, to the ever-changing global hub it is today. The episode is carried by a soundtrack that reflects Shinjuku’s many faces, featuring Sheena Ringo, Southern All Stars, Vaundy, imase, Kenshi Yonezu, Aimer, and King Gnu. Together, these songs capture the glamour, loneliness, speed, emotion, and after-dark atmosphere that define Shinjuku. Blending history, music, architecture, nightlife, fashion, and human intimacy, this episode reveals why Shinjuku is not just a district, but a city of contradictions—where chaos and calm, past and future, spectacle and solitude meet all at once. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 02 - Shibuya & Harajuku

    Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 02 - Shibuya & Harajuku
    Apr 10 2026
    In this episode of The Kimi Kato Show – Japan Music Journey, Kimi takes listeners into the heart of Shibuya and Harajuku—two of Tokyo’s most iconic districts and global symbols of youth culture, fashion, and creative energy. From the organized chaos of Shibuya Scramble Crossing to the colorful self-expression of Takeshita Street, the refined elegance of Omotesando, and the deeper streetwear roots of Ura-Harajuku, this episode explores how these neighboring areas became cultural engines that continue to shape trends in Japan and around the world. Along the way, Kimi traces the history of Shibuya and Harajuku from their early origins to their postwar transformation into centers of music, style, and individuality. The episode also highlights the powerful connection between place and sound, featuring a soundtrack that moves from King Gnu and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to Pizzicato Five, Vaundy, LEX, and YOASOBI—artists whose music reflects the pulse, attitude, and imagination of Tokyo. Blending history, fashion, nightlife, and pop innovation, this episode captures why Shibuya is energy, Harajuku is expression, and together they form one of the most influential cultural landscapes in modern Japan. Host: Kimi Kato Producer: Kimi Kato Executive Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins Powered by: Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy MediaInquiries: info@projectasteri.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 01

    Japan Music Journey: Tokyo 01
    Apr 4 2026
    Tokyo_01: The Pulse of a City Where Past and Future Intersect In this episode of The Kimi Kato Show – Japan Music Journey, we begin our multi-part deep dive into Tokyo—Japan’s capital and one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Tracing its evolution from Edo to a modern metropolis of over 14 million people, we explore the contrasts that define Tokyo: tradition and innovation, order and intensity, history and hyper-modern life. At the core of this episode is music—specifically the sound of Tokyo itself. Through iconic city pop tracks like Mariya Takeuchi’s Plastic Love, Anri’s Last Summer Whisper, and Tatsuro Yamashita’s Ride on Time, we capture the emotional landscape of the city—its neon-lit nights, quiet solitude, and timeless sense of motion. Blending cultural insight with a carefully curated soundtrack, this episode sets the stage for understanding Tokyo not just as a place—but as a feeling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Japan Music Journey: Chiba

    Japan Music Journey: Chiba
    Mar 20 2026
    In this episode of The Kimi Kato Show – Japan Music Journey: Chiba, Kimi Kato takes listeners just east of Tokyo to explore a prefecture where ocean views, deep history, major industry, and unforgettable food all come together. From the Boso Peninsula, Narita Airport, and Tokyo Disney Resort to Kujukuri Beach, Sawara’s old-town charm, and Chiba’s rich farming and fishing culture, this episode reveals why Chiba is far more than just a gateway to Tokyo. The soundtrack stays rooted in Chiba’s musical legacy, featuring artists connected to the prefecture including BUMP OF CHICKEN, KISHIDAN, ELLEGARDEN, and more, alongside iconic J-pop and rock selections from YUURI, Tomomi Kahara, Mai Kuraki, and YOSHIKI & X JAPAN. It’s a vibrant journey through one of Japan’s most dynamic regions—where dreams, resilience, and everyday beauty meet. Host: Kimi Kato Producer: Kimi Kato Executive Producer: Jeremiah D. Higgins Powered by: Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy Media Inquiries: info@projectasteri.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 5 min
  • Japan Music Journey : Gunma

    Japan Music Journey : Gunma
    Mar 13 2026
    In this episode of THE KIMI KATO SHOW, Kimi continues Japan Music Journey with a stop in Gunma Prefecture—a region of dramatic mountains, legendary hot springs, deep history, and powerful musical legacy. The show opens with the latest in Japan entertainment and global culture news, including the excitement of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Samurai Japan’s title defense, Yu Darvish’s return to support the team, and the upcoming 2026 MLB season led by stars like Shohei Ohtani. From there, the journey moves into Gunma through music from some of the prefecture’s most influential artists, including BOØWY, BUCK-TICK, back number, FOMARE, Kyosuke Himuro, Ryoko Shinohara, and HOTEI. Along the way, Kimi explores Gunma’s geography, ancient history, mountain culture, Tomioka Silk Mill, and its status as a true onsen kingdom, with highlights like Kusatsu Onsen. The episode also dives into Gunma’s delicious local food culture, from konnyaku and Shimonita leeks to himokawa udon, okkirikomi, and yakimanju. A rich mix of music, culture, history, and flavor—this is Gunma, through the lens of The Kimi Kato Show. Host: Kimi KatoProducer: Kimi KatoExecutive Producer: Jeremiah D. HigginsPowered by: Project Asteri | Pantheon Media | Radio Candy MediaInquiries: info@projectasteri.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 4 min