Japanese companies love meetings. Comments I frequently read on social media from foreign workers living in Japan are: “There are too many meetings,” “Why do the Japanese love meetings so much?” or “The meetings are too long, and in the end, nothing is decided,” (something I have briefly evoked here). My personal experience is similar to…
Mugicha, the Lesser-Known Japanese Tea
Cold mugicha (barley tea) is a drink that is popular in Japan, especially in summer, or after taking a bath or exercising. How is it different from green tea and what are its effects? What Are the Differences Between Mugicha and Other Teas? Mugicha is golden brown, whereas green tea is… well, green.There are other…
Experiencing Japanese Punctuality
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 when having meetings at a client’s place. “If you’re late, it’s rude. If you’re too early, it can be…
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 have become familiar to you. But did you know this is directly inspired by the Japanese’s peculiar relationship with…
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!
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, and cycling has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember (not to…
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 start of most conversations. Summer 2020 is an exception in the sense that it is even worse than usual….
Greetings Used Before and After Meals: “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama”
Before eating meals, Japanese people join their hands in front of their chests and say, “itadakimasu.” After finishing, they perform the same gesture and say, “gochisosama.” These greetings are part of a day-to-day manner. Japanese people hold their hands this way to show respect and to put their thoughts and feelings into form. They use the…
How to Use your Japanese Folding Fan the Right Way
The Different Uses of the Folding Fan in Japanese Culture Many people may think of the folding fan as something to put on the wall for decoration or as an accessory used by noble ladies at social gatherings. They are among our recommended best summer souvenirs. However, in Japan, the folding fan is an object…
The Japanese Bow: How to Do It the Right Way
In shops, in the streets, on the phone… You may have noticed that Japanese people bow all the time! Japan has a lot of hidden rules and manners, but the habit of bowing is evident. Why and When Do Japanese People Bow? Ojigi, the “bow,” is essential for the Japanese people, especially when doing business….