On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, we're talking about the fascinating history and culture of soba noodles. About Dr. Lorie Brau Dr. Lorie Brau is an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico where she teaches courses on Japanese literature and culture. Dr. Brau has conducted research on a variety of topics, including rakugo and the history and culture of soba noodles. Her research on soba noodles resulted in Soba, Edo Style: Food, Aesthetics, and Cultural Identity, an article which appeared in the book Devouring Japan: Global Perspectives on Japanese Culinary Identity. Currently, Dr. Brau is working on a book called Gourmanga, which focuses on food manga.. Topics Discussed What soba is Soba's usage as a general word meaning "noodles" What distinguishes soba noodles from udon and ramen What an Edokko is Some of the places soba is closely tied to A brief history of soba noodles Okinawa soba Izuomo soba Nishin soba   Soba's emergence as street food during the Edo period Soba's ties to the pleasure quarters of Edo The "proper" way to eat soba noodles Soba's evolution from street food to refined Japanese cuisine What a sobalier (sobarie) is What it was like dining at a members-only soba restaurant in Tokyo Soba's ties to kabuki What iki is Soba's link to the concept of iki Dr. Brau's research on manga centered around food Whether there is a difference between chūka soba and ramen Why the word soba can be used to refer to ramen but not udon 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 Japan Station 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. Image: Japankyo.com Follow Japankyo on Social Media Facebook (@JapankyoNews) Twitter (@JapankyoNews) Full Show Notes Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com