If you’re moving to Japan (or even taking an extended vacation), you’ll want to start learning the language, including how to read. Register for a class or buy a coursebook. You’ll start first from hiragana, then…
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Changing Perceptions of Marriage in Japan
On June 14, 2022, Japan’s Gender Equality Bureau Cabinet Office published a new report under the theme “Marriage and Family in the Age of 100 Years of Life: How to Face the Changing Shapes and Challenges…
Chanmina is the Culture-Challenging Musician We Should All Be Listening to
Chanmina is a Korean-Japanese rapper and musician bending, blending, and breaking culture and borders. You may have already heard of her–since her debut in Japan in 2016, much of her music has peaked on the Billboard…
Aguyoshi In Milano
In November 2021, I interviewed Aguyoshi, a dance duo formed by contemporary dancers Aisa Shirai and KEKE. They usually explore the streets of Japan and their shapes through funny improvised dances that keep getting more and…
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…
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…
Volunteering at Animal Shelters in Japan: What You Need to Know
Are you interested in volunteering for animals in Japan? Volunteering at animal shelters is one of the most heartbreaking yet rewarding activities I have taken part in. I am a massive dog lover, and I first…
Japanese Family Names and Their Meaning
Some time ago, we introduced the most popular Japanese first names and their meaning. But what about Japanese family names? Read along for an introduction to the most common family names in Japan, and a history…
Cooking Vegetables from Higa Farm
Last summer, we asked our readers to vote for which vegetables to grow on our lot at Higa Farm. Some of the respondents, provided they currently lived in Japan, could get a chance to win some…
Interact with Fellow Readers at the First-Ever Kokoro Conversations Event!
Dear all, We are very excited to announce the birth of a series of online events designed just for you! We invite you to join fellow Kokoro Media readers for “Kokoro Conversations”: open-hearted conversations about the…