Extreme Anime Radio Podcast

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.