Japan is famous for its comprehensive, efficient, and punctual (for the most part) public transportation system. However, when it comes to reaching more remote areas or experiencing some of the country’s unrivaled scenic locales, you’re going to need a car. Before you get behind the wheel, check out our roundtable discussion for three unique international…
Dating in Japan: Tips for Finding Love in the Land of the Rising Sun
An endless parade of books, advice columns, blogs, and apps are constant reminders that the search for a significant other is rarely easy. Looking for love in a foreign country adds an extra layer of complexity comprised of language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and countless cultural differences. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the isolation that came with…
Our Most Memorable Mistakes in Japan and What You Can Learn from Them
We’ve all made mistakes, whether they be related to culture, business, or relationships, during our time abroad. In this edition of Kokoro Media Unfiltered, the editorial team got together for a free-flowing chat about the most memorable mistakes we’ve made related to life in Japan. We hope our stories of social, professional, and cultural adjustment…
How to Survive (and Eventually Thrive) in Japan’s Sweltering Summer Season
Summer in Japan—Tokyo in particular—is infamous for being unbearably humid. However, if you find yourself in one of the country’s hot spots during this season, all hope is not lost. In this Kokoro Media Unfiltered discussion, we share several tips on how to make the most of this time of the year (after a little…
Clothing Culture: How to Dress for Success in Japan
The concept of culture is multifaceted and includes the language we speak, the food we eat, the values we share, and even the clothing we wear. If you are planning to interact with a new culture, even temporarily, it’s easy to overlook the role that attire plays in everyday life. How you present yourself in…
The Cost of Living in Japan: How Spending Habits Change after Moving Abroad
When moving to a new country, it’s important to pay attention to your expenses and reconsider your spending habits. However, doing so is easier said than done, depending on where you’re from. That’s exactly what we are going to explore in our latest roundtable discussion. For this special edition of Kokoro Media Unfiltered, we’re proud…
4 Unique Perspectives on Teaching English in Japan
Becoming an English conversation instructor is one of the most common ways to build a career in Japan. Despite that fact, it can be difficult to find accurate, balanced information on what the teaching experience is like and where it can lead. To address this issue, I reached out to my network to help me…
What You Should Know Before Visiting a Dentist in Tokyo
Take a stroll through any part of Tokyo and you’re bound to pass several dental clinics. The city has more than its fair share of dentists ready and willing to help you keep your smile bright. However, not all clinics and the procedures they offer are created equal. If you have recently relocated to Japan,…
The Merits of Plain Japanese
In 1995 the Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated the city of Kobe and its surroundings. Over 6,400 people tragically lost their lives during the disaster. According to Kyodo News, the Urban Disaster Research Institute in Tokyo revealed that one out of every 100 Japanese residents in the region suffered injuries. That ratio was nearly double for…
Exploring Our Relationships with Japanese Media and Pop Culture
One of my guiding principles in life is to wear my passions on my sleeve. Hobbies, interests, and passions can propel you to amazing places in life and can push you beyond self-imposed limits. In our latest edition of Kokoro Media Unfiltered, we explore the role that Japanese media and pop culture has played in…