{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkrewe-of-japan.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Flafcadio-hearn-2024-king-of-carnival-5wGXKN8Y","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Lafcadio Hearn: 2024 King of Carnival (A Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special)","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/d4dd62dc-a575-4aca-a57a-bb3418c17b32/76a6d98d-afd4-49e1-a3bb-7c3e0bbaf5a7/koj-logo-basic-full-size.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/314edf3a-1789-4b0f-ab79-46584a077633\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"Lafcadio Hearn: 2024 King of Carnival (A Mardi Gras Super-Sized Special)\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"2024 was a special year for Carnival and the Japan-New Orleans connection! Lafcadio Hearn's life & works inspired the theme for Rex Parade 2024: \"The Two Worlds of Lafcadio Hearn - New Orleans & Japan\". But why Hearn? What went into the float design? What other ways has Hearn left a lasting impact on both New Orleans & Japan? Find out today with a super-sized special Mardi Gras bonus episode, featuring insights from Rex historian/archivist Will French & historian/archivist emeritus Dr. Stephen Hales, Royal Artist's float designer/artistic director Caroline Thomas, Lafcadio Hearn's great grandson Bon Koizumi, legendary chef John Folse, captain of the Krewe of Lafcadio John Kelly, JSNO's resident Lafcadio Hearn expert Matthew Smith, and even the Mayor of Matsue Akihito Uesada! Get ready for Mardi Gras 2025 by reflecting on this unique connection between New Orleans & Japan!"}