Japan has become the world’s most in demand travel destination since the pandemic, but beyond cherry blossoms, bullet trains, Lawson runs, anime and those dangerously good 7-Eleven egg salad sandwiches, there’s a deeper pull that audiophiles can’t ignore.
In this episode of the eCoustics podcast, resident Japanophile Eric Pye (@audioloveyyc) and reluctant future convert Mitch Anderson (@black_circle_radio) go all in on Japan’s cultural gravity and its quiet takeover of audio: the pilgrimage to e-Earphone, late night jazz kissa listening rooms, Technics heritage, Three Blind Mice pressings, JICO styli, portable travel rigs, flying JAL, record hunting in back alleys, and why Japan still treats music as ritual instead of background noise. This isn’t tourism hype, it’s immersion, listening culture, and what the rest of us may have forgotten.
Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsors SVS & Shure
This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025.
Where to listen:
- Apple Podcasts
- Amazon Music
- Spotify
- iHeart Radio
- Spreaker
- Stitcher
- Deezer
- Castbox
- Podcast Addict
- Pod-chaser
- TuneIn
On the Panel:
- Mitch Anderson, Host & eCoustics Podcast Producer @black_circle_radio
- Eric Pye, eCoustics Vintage Audio Columnist @audioloveyyc
Related Links:
- Japanese Jazz Kissa and the Art of the Piano Trio: Exit to Vintage Street
- Jazz Kissa Culture Goes Global: Exit to Vintage Street
- Jazz City online store: Purchase Jazz Kissa magazines and books
- Tokyo Jazz Joints website
- @jazz_kissa on Instagram
Related Podcasts:
- Podcast: Hi-Fi and Record Shopping in the Land of the Rising Sun (Part 2)
- Podcast: A Journey to the Japanese Jazz Kissa (Part 1)
Credits:
- Original intro music by The Arc of All.
- Voice Over Provided by Todd Harrell of SSP Unlimited.
- Production by Mitch Anderson, Black Circle Studios.
