Extreme Anime Radio Podcast

This week's podcast features our interview with Nat (aka Bird King), one of the new cosplayers of our mascot Sarah Yoshida! We talk to Nat about how she got into the cosplay world, the meaning behind her cosplay name, and her best memories about traveling to Japan. JR also asks Nef about the state of Ontario, on the brink of yet another COVID lockdown. Other topics include JR's new Uma Musume nendoroid, Nef's criticisms on the Olympics. There's also a quick review of a few Anime shows that Nef has been watching, and a surprise taste test at the end of the program.

ShinigamiLiz joins JR and Nef as a guest on this edition of the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast for a special early birthday gift and the later giveaway of her Sarah Yoshida crochet doll! On this episode, JR delivers a rant over the COVID vaccination appointments given to his neighbor, while Nef covers the gaffe from a now-former NHL referee. Also covered are Japan-related subjects ranging from Anime, Sumo and the Olympics to news of the strange-but-true variety. The show wraps up with a bonus Japanese snack taste test.

After some microphone checks, it's time for the St. Patrick's Day edition of the XAR Podcast! JR and Nef follow up on last week's Uma Musume conversation before turning their attention to the passing of acclaimed Japanese animator Yasuo Otsuka. Otsuka had been involved in anime artistry for decades, and contributed to projects including Lupin III and Studio Ghibli works. Other topics of discussion on this program include stimulus checks, the "Fly Me to the Moon" manga, and the latest scandal to plague the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

JR enters the very unique Japanese world of the "Gacha" game with his review of the Uma Musume Pretty Derby. He describes his experiences to Nef, who also recalls similar products such as Sailor Moon Drops and Looney Tunes World of Mayhem. The podcast then carries on with topics that include news from the hockey broadcasting world, COVID updates, a new single from Utada Hikaru, how the new Tom and Jerry movie almost became a Zack Snyder film, and a preview of a future stream with snack boxes from Japan (that can be seen in its entirety at twitch.tv/extremeanimeradio - look for the March 11 stream).

The first March 2021 XAR Podcast features JR's thoughts on the second season of the "Uma Musume Pretty Derby" Anime and Nef's review of the "Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie" manga. Also discussed on the show are (more) COVID updates, The Muppet Show, and Japanese travel questions and ideas.

The focus of this week's podcast is NefCanuck's first official taste test of a curated snack box - Tokyo Treat - delivered straight from Japan. He and JR also tackle topics from the winter weather to Tebowing to pancakes. Plus, JR gets ideas for the next official Japanese food challenge with Emma Castiel, and Keiichi-san participates in the online chat... facing an interesting nemesis in the form of a bot that JR had recently placed into the channel.

Another night of firsts for Extreme Anime Radio as we welcome a Guinness World Record holder to the show - Matt Emblidge, who recently set the world record for his Cardcaptor Sakura collection. The podcast also covers the moment in real time when XAR's Twitch channel surpassed 50 followers, thereby securing Affiliate status. Also, JR finds a history-filled magazine while cleaning his closet and quizzes Nef on trends from the year the magazine was published. They also recap the "Big Game" and the latest on the Tokyo Olympics, chat about sleeping train drivers, and discuss an interesting link between a Japanese submarine and Evangelion.

This is Part 2 of a two-part podcast. We celebrate 20 years since the creation of Keiichi.net Radio (the prior name of Extreme Anime Radio) by Keiichi-san in February of 2001. Join JR, Nef, Keiichi-san and a special guest as they reminisce about the good old days, discussing the past and present trends in computers, anime, video games and Japanese culture. For Part 1 of the podcast, please search for "February 1, 2021 (Part 1)." The episode art is a geisha crochet rendition of Sarah Yoshida, the current mascot of Extreme Anime Radio. It was designed by ShinigamiLiz and mentioned in Part 1 of the podcast.

This is Part 1 of a two-part podcast. We celebrate 20 years since the creation of Keiichi.net Radio (the prior name of Extreme Anime Radio) by Keiichi-san in February of 2001. Join JR, Nef, Keiichi-san and a special guest as they reminisce about the good old days, discussing the past and present trends in computers, anime, video games and Japanese culture. The episode art is of Keiko, the first mascot of Extreme Anime Radio. It is a portion of the 20th Anniversary artwork by White Namikaze and mentioned on the podcast.

We close in on the 20th Birthday of Extreme Anime Radio with a preview of some of the upcoming festivities on this edition of the Podcast. JR and Nef talk a little about Anchor's new "squiggly" logo before moving on to topics that include a new cat-themed Cruel Angel's Thesis, Ghibli's supposed presence in North American Twitter land, an extremely unusual salute on the Japanese railways, the trouble with COVID vaccines and restrictions, and a recap of last weekend's football games. The episode art is a commission closeup of our mascot Sarah Yoshida drawn by @stellarrr_art (Instagram) and referenced in the podcast.

It's a historic day as we bring you the latest installment of the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast. JR and Nef discuss the inauguration activities in the US, catch up on some anime news and weird news from Japan, and make selections for "Championship Sunday". In the second half of the show, JR tastes the latest snacks from Japan in his delayed January Bokksu box and provides an update on station founder Keiichi-san. The episode art is a commission of our mascot Sarah Yoshida drawn by @kyotokimi (Instagram) and referenced in the podcast.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast! This is actually our second podcast of the year, but the first that we can actually publish to the podcast realm. We had broadcast a live show on Twitch the previous week (January 13), but there were technical problems with JR's microphone and we decided not to publish the program to audio. We apologize, and hope to make the that program available on YouTube soon. Meanwhile, in this quick podcast JR and Nef reflect on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., wish a very happy birthday to a cosplayer of Extreme Anime Radio mascot Sarah Yoshida and her twin sister, and review the weekend in sports. We then pose the question about whether or not to make long-term plans to travel, and how YouTube can be our savior during these pandemic times with scenes from our favorite destinations, including Japan and Switzerland. The episode cover art is a recent cosplay photo of Extreme Anime Radio mascot Sarah Yoshida by floralNINJAchan which is referenced in the podcast.

We come to the end of the second season and first year of the podcast by reminiscing what has transpired over the past year. Among other topics, JR and Nef lay the groundwork for what could be a tasting challenge in the new year, and discuss supposed "guidelines" for drawing Evangelion fan artwork - directly from the studio. Video games are also on the topic menu, with a recap of JR's "Hatsune Miku" flight in Flight Simulator and Nef reviewing the new lawsuits filed with regard to the release of Cyberpunk 2077. We thank all of our listeners and supporters for making this first year of the Extreme Anime Radio podcast a memorable experience. We hope to bring you more exciting content in 2021 as the station celebrates its 20th Anniversary!

The pre-Christmas Extreme Anime Radio features JR revealing details about his Vegas excursion earlier in the month. Topics with NefCanuck include the "rigged" Game Awards (according to some), discussions about Cyberpunk 2077 and the perceived "rush" to put out video game titles, and NHL hockey in the COVID era. JR reveals some little-known secrets about the classic Christmas program "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", caves in on a new iPhone, and talks about KFC's newest marketing ploy. Nef wraps the show with some news about Anime North before ending Christmas in traditional XAR fashion - with a nod to Bob Rivers.

In this installment of the podcast, as a snowstorm begins to blanket the northeastern US, JR tells Nef about some of his recently-obtained video games with a truly Japanese flair - Yakuza 0 and Densha de Go. Topics also include the Buffalo Bills, the issues surrounding Cyberpunk 2077, game controllers for people with disabilities and the approval of a COVID vaccine. JR then tears into three snacks from December's Bokksu box to close out the program.

We usher in the holidays with a new Extreme Anime Radio Podcast! Nef and JR run the usual gamut of topics, including dueling dubs for a popular Anime series, tracking Santa, a new life-like Gundam statue in Tokyo, Japanese snacks, hot sauces and the upcoming Sailor Moon Eternal movie series. If you're enjoying our podcasts, be sure to see us LIVE on Twitch, at twitch.tv/extremeanimeradio!

On the pre-Turkey Extreme Anime Radio Podcast, JR and Nef tackle subjects ranging from new computers to Wreckfest and Toronto COVID warnings to sumo warnings. Nef also pays tribute to the late voice actor Kirby Morrow and his encounter with Pimp Daddy Miroku.

This Extreme Anime Radio Podcast episode marks our official debut on Twitch! You can watch our live podcasts at twitch.tv/extremeanimeradio. On this week's show, JR and Nef herald the arrival of Twitch and cover everything from TenSura to a "Joe Biden" in Japan, plus the state of Sumo Wrestling and Anime conventions. At the end of the show, JR has a peculiar reaction to one of his November bokksu snacks.

Today's Extreme Anime Radio Podcast is important for a number of reasons - besides it being Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, this is also our last Shoutcast program before our scheduled move to Twitch next week. JR and Nef spend considerable time discussing the memory and legacy of the late, great Canadian game show host Alex Trebek. They then move into other topics including electronics wishlists, and a further analysis on the Uzaki-chan anime.

On this episode, JR and Nef discuss the Podcast's probable move to Twitch later this month. Since the move to twitch will eventually include the talent being face to face on live video, discussion turns to potential (but expensive) green screen options for JR to consider. Nef then moves into more news on the Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon anime and the dub actors involved, while JR covers a former J-pop idol who has taken the checkered flag, winning the grand championship in a motorcycle sport unique to Japan. Later, JR opens up his "Colors of Kyoto" Bokksu box for a taste test.

With Election Day looming, JR and Nef tackle topics including Halloween preparations, World Series shenanigans, new Anime on Netflix with questions about the list of dub actors, and some of the objections raised over the upcoming reboot of Tokyo Babylon.

JR and Nef officially welcome the station's new Discord server on this installment of the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast. Other topics on this week's show include the unmasking of a popular Anime song duo, the latest character in the Thomas the Tank Engine franchise, Nef's take on the new Yashahime anime, and the latest updates on travel to Japan. This episode is sponsored by Shinigami Liz... thank you Liz!

On this edition of the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast, JR and Nef talk about certain Anime programs that spend a few episodes without really advancing any plot. Nef gives his take on "Burn the Witch" and its secret link back to "Bleach", and JR tries an Apple snack from his October Bokksu box. They also discuss continuing plans to switch the podcast chat to Discord, including some potential after-show activities that might come up down the road. (Did someone say Jackbox?) This episode is sponsored by Shinigami Liz... thank you Liz!

From the "Greatest City in the World" - and a new computer rig - it's the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast! In this episode JR and Nef will discuss how the podcast will continue to move forward, starting with the move of our chatroom from IRC to Discord in the coming weeks. We then talk about the coronavirus situation, and how Japan is starting to make plans to potentially restart tourism in the country for the first time since closing their borders. Among other topics discussed is a famous landmark in Akihabara that is now up for rent... if you have the money, that is. This episode is sponsored by Shinigami Liz... thank you Liz! Portions of the broadcast have been edited due to technical issues.

It's the end of an era in a way, as this podcast marks the planned retirement of the old computer that has powered the podcast, and for many years, Extreme Anime Radio. Before JR's new PC gets swapped in, this podcast will cover topics including iOS 14, a new Lupin III dub, JR's gripes with Flight Simulator and the quest for a new comfortable chair. Also, a positive development as Japan further eases its restrictions on foreigners entering the country... though tourist visits are still on pause for the foreseeable future.

JR and Nef discuss the latest news and unique food offerings from Japan, and the trials and tribulations of building a custom gaming PC, on this installment of the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast!

In the final Extreme Anime Radio podcast of the summer, JR shares the highlights and lowlights after a week's worth of playing Flight Simulator, and Nef reviews a detective manga involving an anthropomorphic dolphin.  We also share the latest news from Japan, and gripe about the structure of some anime shows. We close with a brief tribute to a special couple celebrating a special anniversary next month.

Emma Castiel, a cosplayer of Sarah Yoshida based in England, joins JR and Nef for her first XAR podcast this year. Emma is congratulated for attaining the rank of "Captain" in her latest Dungeons and Dragons adventure, and we chat about her recent Sarah Yoshida-related projects. Also, Nef covers some legal news in the world of Anime streaming, JR ribs Nef about the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Emma's roll of a D20 decides what JR will eat out of his latest Bokksu snack box from Japan.

In this week's podcast, JR and Nef discuss how the global pandemic is affecting Japan, and how it's the probable cause for the imminent closure of one of Tokyo's popular tourist destinations. Nef also discusses the current state of Hockey versus Baseball, plus the latest title in his Anime viewing library, and JR geeks out over the new release from one of his favorite game franchises later this month.

Welcome to Season 2 of the podcast! The show is hosted from Nef Land, as will be the case during the summer months. On this program, JR and Nef cover another potpourri of topics including custom computer builds, catching up on Anime, coronavirus, news from Japan and Alex Trebek.

With half of 2020 now gone (where is the reset button?) we conclude the first season of our brand new podcast. JR and Nef discuss everything from fireworks gripes to new manga apps. Nef finally receives a special crochet present from Shinigami Liz (Moonbase Crochet), and JR snacks on some Okinawa treats from Bokksu. Thanks to everyone that has supported the show so far, and we look forward to bringing you more content as the summer progresses.

On the final podcast of June, Nef and JR chat about some recent manga and anime titles that they have been checking out, including "Crossing Time" and "World's End Harem." There are also discussions about gaming PCs, baseball and pandemic vacation plans before JR finishes up with a taste testing of yuzu anpan and tea.

Nef and JR cover a wide variety of timely topics on this edition of the Extreme Anime Radio Podcast. Topics include baseball, Japan travel updates and eSports. At the end of the program, JR taste tests unique potato chips from Japan and Nef brings up some programs that he will talk about on the next program. Special thanks to ShinigamiLiz (Moonbase Crochet) for supporting this broadcast.

It's JR and Nef with the first XAR podcast for June. JR gives his take on the first episode of the 2013 anime Ace of Diamond, and Nef suggests why that might be the best baseball to watch on television right now. Discussion then turns to the world of Japanese hydroplane racing (Boat Race), a legal gambling sport in the country. In the second half of the program, JR feasts on citrus-themed snacks from his latest Japanese snack subscription box.

On this edition of the podcast, JR and Nef are once again joined by Scottish cosplayer and dancer Coppelia Cosplay, one of the cosplayers of Sarah Yoshida. The three discuss a range of topics including dogs, Scotland, Japan, COVID-19, rugby and more... but the bulk of the conversation is an in-depth introduction by Coppelia into the world of Dungeons and Dragons.

Among the topics on this installment of the podcast, JR and Nef talk about how a very small number of conventions are still making plans to proceed for this year... even as almost all others have cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. JR also reviews the first episode of the anime "Drifting Dragons", recommended to him by a friend. Please note that a few portions of this program have been edited out due to technical issues.

In the first podcast for the month of May, Nef talks about the ups and downs in securing his brand new Nefmobile. We also talk about some light-hearted and interesting news from Japan in the current world that we live in, which includes a recent record accomplishment for "Plastic Love" singer Mariya Takeuchi, now on top of the world in Japanese music. The show also includes another taste test from JR with the last of his sakura-themed Bokksu snacks.

In the final podcast for April, JR talks about enhancements to the Japan Rail Pass coming in the summer, and he and Nef trade other ideas when it comes to things to see and do in Japan. Nef also gives a brief review of some manga he's been looking at, as well as manga apps that he likes and loathes. They also briefly discuss the latest coronavirus situation.

On today's program JR and Nef are joined by Angela (Morbid Heart Designs) and Umi, two of the cosplayers of Sarah Yoshida. They discuss how they are being affected by the current coronavirus pandemic and the repercussions on individuals and small businesses, particularly those tied to the convention scene. Angela also candidly speaks about her health scare and hospital visit in March as a possible result of the virus. On a positive note, we cover some Sailor Moon news and chat about our Japan travel ideas and dreams.

In this episode JR talks with three of the cosplayers of Extreme Anime Radio mascot Sarah Yoshida: Coppelia Cosplay from Scotland, Kessho-Cho Cosplay from England, and Deerly Cosplay from California. The chat ranges from light-hearted discussions about Animal Crossing and Japan travel interests to more serious topics such as ballet cosplay safety and coping during the coronavirus pandemic. Later, NefCanuck joins JR for a chat about how COVID-19 is affecting the release of manga, anime shows and anime dubs.

In the first podcast of April (and the first live stream in 3 weeks), JR and Nef struggle to grip the reality that is facing today's world. They discuss about the impact of the Coronavirus, particularly in Japan. On a more lighthearted note, JR reviews his experience with Animal Crossing so far, and the show ends with a taste test involving several different varieties of sake. Nef drinks some sake he received as a gift, while JR tries some of the Kit Kat variety.

This is our special podcast on ballet cosplay safety. If you are thinking about integrating a ballet element into a future cosplay, then this program is for you. It is the culmination of nearly three months of recorded interviews with the cosplayers of the station mascot Sarah Yoshida, combined with additional comments by those we had reached out to on social media. All of the guests speaking are cosplayers with extensive dance experience, with a special emphasis on ballet and pointe work. We invite you to listen in, take notes, and consider their advice, tips and recommendations. We thank the cosplayers featured on this podcast: Airedail, Deerly Cosplay, Eline (Behind the Masks Cosplay), emzynai, floralNINJAchan (Lemonade Pirates), Lilith Christopher, Kessho-Cho Cosplay, Kristen (K-Sisters Cosplay), Naku (Invisible Wonders Cosplay), Swedish Ballerina and Venus (Astro Cosplay).

This episode features the XAR Podcast debut of anime music remixer Lord Katsuhiko Jinnai, who has been a key part of the history of Extreme Anime Radio, and the return of Sarah Yoshida cosplayer Mako-chan. They join JR and Nef for an open discussion on whatever topics come to mind, including the current state of the world and dreams of returning to Japan. (Watch out for special guest appearances from some of Jinnai's friends!)

On this installment of the podcast, Nef and JR comment on how the Coronavirus situation has turned the world upside down in recent days. The subject then turns to video games and apps before discussing the current updates and trends in Japan. One aspect of modern Japan that is growing in popularity is the ability to "rent" other individuals to pose as a good friend or other close acquaintance for a certain period of time. A manga that addresses this booming business is being turned into an Anime series that JR briefly talks about with Nef called "Rent-A-Girlfriend", scheduled for release in the summer.

Our first podcast for the month of March features our interview with Kessho-Cho Cosplay from the UK! She discusses how she got into cosplay, as well as two of her favorite cosplays that are special to her. Nef and JR discuss the latest on the coronavirus outbreak, and JR dives into his "Mochi Madness" Bokksu for a taste test of more Japanese snacks.

For the first time we have two simultaneous guests on the live stream, as JR and Nef welcome two Sarah Yoshida cosplayers and long-time supporters of Extreme Anime Radio over so many years... Mako-chan and Umi! Both attended the Love Live! Concert cinema screening in late February and share their thoughts on the experience during this show. We also address the unfortunate coronavirus outbreak in Japan and other parts of the world, and share some good news about the music of Studio Ghibli. Note: There is background noise during portions of the broadcast due to one of our guests being in a busy location at the time of the live recording. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Our podcast this week features our interview with Deerly Cosplay, one of the cosplayers of Extreme Anime Radio mascot Sarah Yoshida. She'll discuss how she got into cosplay, and her interests in Disney, Dungeons & Dragons, and Dance! Later, NefCanuck and JR embark on another taste test with Pocky and Kit Kats, respectively! A bonus segment with Deerly Cosplay - not heard on the Live Stream - airs at the end of this podcast. NOTE: Due to technical issues with the live stream recording, a portion of the live stream has been omitted from this podcast.

JRHorse and NefCanuck take you through our first podcast of February! Nef will talk about a recent situation developing with Funimation and their distribution of the anime "Interspecies Reviewers", and we sound the last call for JR's appearance on the NHK World-Japan broadcasting service. We'll also recap the "Big Game", and for the cherry on top, JR nearly cries after eating a particular snack from Bokksu's February subscription box. At the end of the episode, we preview the next podcast with a clip from our interview with Deerly Cosplay.

A packed show to close out January and our first month of official podcasting! Featured on this program is our interview with cosplayer SwedishBallerina - one of the cosplayers of Sarah Yoshida - who will discuss her 2020 cosplay plans. Like Invisible Wonders a few shows back, SwedishBallerina will give her ballet cosplay tips as we prepare for our upcoming show on this topic. Also, Mako-chan will give a report in the world of the Love Live! franchise. We also speak to one of our Instagram followers, Lilith, who is in love with Japan so much that she has taken two official Japanese language proficiency tests... and passed them both! She, along with Nef and JRHorse, will share their thoughts and recommendations on Japan travel.

Our featured interview on our podcast is with cosplayer floralNINJAchan. She'll share her stories and explain the most important part of her cosplaying... teaming up with her twin sister as the cosplay duo Lemonade Pirates. Also, JR shares his thoughts with Nef after (finally!) starting Sailor Stars, the last arc of the original Sailor Moon anime that was never cleared for official distribution in North America until recently. Later, JR engages in the podcast's first official taste test, as he samples one of the many varieties of Japanese Kit Kats... this one being the hojicha (roasted green tea) variety.

On this show we interview Invisible Wonders Cosplay, the first cosplayer of color to portray our station mascot Sarah Yoshida. We dive into her love for the Japanese culture and for dance, and she tells us about her big moments in the spotlight, such as when one of her cosplays was approved by none other than the real "Killmonger". Also, JR reviews his first tasting box from Bokksu, one of a growing number of Japanese subscription box services delivering the freshest from Japan every month.

In the first Extreme Anime Radio Podcast, Nef and JR talk about the saturation of Anime streaming services. JR also interviews Canadian cosplayer emzynai. After nearly 19 years of streaming the latest, greatest and finest in Anime and J-Pop Music, Extreme Anime Radio turns the page and starts a new chapter as a podcast station. We talk about how we got to this point, why we stopped the music, and what's ahead for Extreme Anime Radio.