35 Jidori and the Chicken Industry in Japan (Dr. Benjamin Schrager)

On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're exploring the history of chicken production in Japan and the fascinating world of artisan jidori chicken. About Dr. Benjamin Schrager Dr. Benjamin Schrager is an expert on Japanese food systems and heritage cuisine. He completed his PhD at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2019. His doctoral dissertation--titled Placing Trust: The Political Ecology of Chicken Meat in Japan--focused on the Japanese chicken industry and jidori chicken, with particular emphasis on the Miyazaki Jitokko brand of jidori. Currently, Dr. Schrager is a postdoctoral researcher at Kyoto University's Graduate School of Agriculture. Topics Discussed What broiler chicken is and what Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) jidori chicken is Chicken Nanban and its origins The many regulations that the Japanese government has implemented to determine what qulifies as JAS jidori chicken The Onagadaori breed of chicken and its incredibly long tail The Tennen Kinenbutsu (Natural Monument) standard How Miyazaki Jitokko compares in terms of its standards to that of other brands of JAS jidori The problems jidori breeders face A brief overlook of the history of chicken breeding in Japan The connection between samurai and chicken breeding What a Native Heirloom Breed is The industrialization of chicken breeding in Japan The introduction of Western chicken breeds into Japan in the 1960s The phenomenon of regional cuisines and specialties in Japan Meeting Emperor Akihito The Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Chicken sashimi from Miyazaki Health concerns over chicken The experience of talking to Japanese men taking part in a cooking class The difficulty explaining the difference between jidori and broiler chicken to the average person The various meanings of the word jidori Tsukada Nojo Jidori in Hawaii Sumibiyaki chicken And much more! Support on Patreon If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we're able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $2 a month you'll get access to exclusive content and our eternal, profound, and undrying gratitude. Support on Patreon Special Thanks Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi) To listen to more of Yunomi's music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel. Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R. Images: Courtesy of Benjamin Schrager. Image shows Benjamin Schrager holding a Natural Monument Jitokko. Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com  

Om Podcasten

Helping you understand everything you should know about Japan. Interviews with Japan experts, deep dives into Japanese culture and society, and plenty of laughs; every episode host Tony R. Vega sheds light on a different aspect of Japan. Whether you're planning a visit to Japan, learning Japanese or just have a passion for all things Japan, we've got something for you! Common topics include ・Japanese culture ・Deep dives into the Japanese language ・Japanese history ・Japanese food ・Japan travel tips ・Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, movies, etc ・The stories of foreigners living in Japan ・And more! Episodes release on the 1st and 21st of the month. You can reach us via email: mail@japankyo.com About Tony R. Vega Tony R. Vega is the founder of JapanKyo.com, creator of The Anime Linguist YouTube channel, professional MC, and lifelong Japan enthusiast. He has a particular passion for the Japanese language which led him to obtain an M.A. in Japanese language and linguistics from the University of Hawaii. Tony is also legally blind and dedicated to raising awareness of the blind and visually impaired, as well as the problems these individuals face.