One of the more challenging aspects of learning Japanese is dealing with words that have multiple—often opposite—meanings. For beginners, one prominent example of this phenomenon is the word daijobu. Essentially, this word represents the concept of being “OK” or “all right.” For example, if you trip and fall in public, a passerby may ask, “daijobu…
Norio Tera: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Japan’s Media and Entertainment Industry
Following the news is critical for getting a pulse on what’s really happening in Japan—the events and trends that are shaping Japanese culture in real time. Additionally, Japanese entertainment such as television shows, video games, and comics refract culture as a prism does light, enabling people all over the world to analyze and reflect its…
Why the Japanese Nintendo 3DS Is an Amazing Device for Learning Japanese
In my ongoing (and perhaps never-ending) quest to achieve full Japanese literacy, I’ve developed a reputation for being a digital flashcard addict. However, effective as they are, flashcards alone are not enough to become fully literate in Japanese (as friends and colleagues often remind me). Going beyond textbooks and immersing yourself in native Japanese content…
Richard Katz: Inflation, Startups, and Japan’s Economic Future
The longer you live abroad, the more vested you become in the economic stability and success of the country you now call home. Having lived in Japan since 2009, my livelihood is firmly rooted here, and I can’t help but be intrigued by Japan’s unique economic situation. After briefly exploring how the current wave of…
Japan’s 2022 Inflation Situation: A Brief Explainer
This past January, after spending a month outside of Japan, I was eager to get back into my usual routine, and that included dining at my favorite Tokyo restaurants. Be it a quick and affordable B-kyu gurume meal between meetings or a more expensive lunch with friends or colleagues, one thing soon became apparent: meal…
Lee Chapman: Chronicling Change in Tokyo through Street Photography
Tokyo-based photographer Lee Chapman is no stranger to change. The Manchester, England, native came to Tokyo in 1998, and through his photography, he has been shedding light on the overlooked backstreets of the city ever since. With work featured in the Guardian, The Japan Times, and The Economist, just to name a few, Lee’s portfolio…
Public Photography in Japan: Laws, Rules, and Etiquette
After more than two years of isolation, Japan is on the cusp of reopening, albeit ever so slightly, to international tourists. This means, barring any COVID-19 flareups, it’s only a matter of time before shutterbugs from around the world once again descend upon Japan, a paradise for photography lovers. However, before you dust off your…
Cynthia Usui: Taking the Road Less Traveled through Japan’s Hospitality Industry
Despite government attempts to increase labor mobility and gender equality, Japan’s labor market remains notoriously rigid. The lifetime employment system is still common and coveted. Obtaining the lauded status of seishain (permanent/regular employee) at an established organization means following a well-trodden path with little room for detours. Deviate from the status quo, for whatever reason,…
Guy Perryman: Positivity, Persistence, and the Power of Music
For those of us living in Japan, Guy Perryman, the omnipresent radio DJ, voice actor, event producer, and writer needs little introduction. Since 1990, Guy has been sending good vibes over Japan’s airwaves via interfm radio programs and commercial narration work for major brands such as NHK, Uniqlo, Sony, and Honda. Even if you live…
Japan on the International Stage: A Brief Explainer
From economic sanctions to meetings with NATO, Japan’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been making headlines. This has spawned international curiosity about Japan’s role as a global power, especially when it comes to geopolitical conflict. In this brief Q&A, I’ll answer three common questions about Japan’s relationship with global powers and organizations….