Outside in: Lost in Academia - Season 1 / Year 2025
Season 1 / Year 2025
Episodes
In Deep with Ramen
Historian and author Dr. Barak Kushner is on a quest to deepen his knowledge of Japan's ramen culture. From postwar noodle stalls to regional ramen, he uncovers how a humble bowl became a global icon.
In Deep with Snack Bars
Japan's snack bars are a unique form of nightlife. Harvard-trained anthropologist Maura McGrath's research reveals a fascinating look into this world. What secrets do they hold?
In Deep with Female Otaku
From things like cosplay and BL, Japan's female otaku are reshaping identity. Cultural anthropologist Liron Afriat explores how their passions reveal new ways of life for women in modern Japan.
In Deep with Crane Games
How can such analog crane games thrive in a digital age? French sociologist Benoit Bottos investigates how these machines captivate players and spread pop-culture images across Japan.
In Deep with Karuta
The designs of karuta game cards that swept Japan since the 1600s still fascinate art historian Lingjun Jiang. She traces their evolution across centuries to reveal their cultural meaning.
In Deep with Bukatsu
American sociologist Thomas Blackwood explores Japan's high school extracurricular activities, or bukatsu. It's a world where commitment outweighs winning, revealing a distinctive view of youth.
In Deep with Warai
Norwegian sociolinguist Goran Vaage investigates Japanese laughter, or warai. He analyzes how comedy is ingrained into communication in everyday life and plays a vital role in social connection.
In Deep with Characters
American linguistic anthropologist Debra Occhi dives into the fascinating world of mascots and characters. From adorable to heroic, she explores how their naming is shaped by sound.
In Deep with Railways
Korean sociologist Ahn Eunbyul examines Japan's railway culture. Beyond mere transportation, she explores how train travel itself becomes an experience of discovery, nostalgia, and connection.
In Deep with Sangaku
A German intellectual historian explores sangaku; wooden tablets inscribed with math problems that are devoted to temples and shrines. What do they tell about Japan's tradition of mathematics?
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