Some time ago, I talked with my colleague Ayano about the different forms Japanese thoughtfulness can take. She then remembered her manager at a previous company, who would do everything to show up precisely on time…
Recommended Articles |
Petting Beetles: The Strange Love of Japanese People for Insects
You may be one of the numerous people who have spent long lockdown hours playing the Nintendo video game hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons. If so, the hobby of insect collecting, and the sound of cicadas…
How Much Japanese Do You Need to Know to Work or Do Business in Japan?
Although I spend most of my time working with Japanese companies and individuals that want to market or communicate with the rest of the world, I occasionally give presentations or write content for those who aspire…
Tips for Autumn in Japan
In the very first “Kokoro Media Unfiltered” video discussion, we talk about the many ways to enjoy Japan during autumn!
What makes autumn special? What are the recommended seasonal food? What are the best places to go to? We answer these questions and more!
10 Japanese Language Tips That Will Make You Sound Fluent
Here you are: you have been studying the Japanese language for some time and are ready to have conversations with Japanese people. However, the Japanese language learned from a textbook or in the classroom can be…
A Short Introduction to Jizo, a Japanese Bodhisattva
When traveling in Japan, you may see statues dressed in red cloth. They are representations of Jizo, the Buddhist divinity loved by most Japanese people! I, too, love them and would like to give you a…
How Japanese Corporate Camaraderie Pushed Me beyond My Self-Imposed Limits
Before 2013, I had never jogged more than five kilometers at a time. This wasn’t because I was out of shape or disliked physical activity. I’ve consistently held gym memberships since I was in high school,…
A Guide to Daikoku PA: Heaven on Earth for Fans of Japanese Car Culture
I’ve been a stalwart fan of Japanese sports cars since I was a teenager. So naturally, one of the first things I did upon arriving in Tokyo in 2009 was to seek out the local car…
Surviving the Japanese Heat
The Japanese summer heat, with its high humidity, is famous for being difficult to bear. Japanese people themselves have a hard time coping with it, and “Atsui ne,” [“It’s so hot, isn’t it?”] is the seasonal…
How Universal Movement Uses Instagram to Promote Inclusiveness in Japan
Kizu Takami is the creator of Universal Movement. This Instagram account promotes a better understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities in Japanese society. To do so, she uses colorful illustrations and easy-to-read explanations. I have interviewed…