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Here in Tokyo, the rainy season has started a few days ago, and umbrellas are now a daily necessity. It is under a grey sky that I am sending you this newsletter, which luckily can be enjoyed in any weather!
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Our interviewees this month all have very distinct profiles, each of which will help you see Japan from a very specific angle:
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Rochelle Kopp is a management consultant with solid knowledge and experience regarding intercultural communication between the U.S.A. and Japan. She has essentially dedicated her life to Japan and offers deep insight into the local business culture, cultural misunderstandings, and much more.
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Soushi was born in a Shinto priest's family, and his path led him to embrace the same profession. However, the gentle, polite priest considers himself a pioneer thanks to his special extra activity: he is also a pop singer! Through his songs, he hopes to make the Shinto religion's basic principles more accessible to the general public.
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Ayako Ishida is a psychologist who works as a school counselor and as a clinical psychologist at a hospital. Attentive and non-judgmental, she is a direct witness of the current mental health issues in Japan and of the perception of mental health treatment by the locals.
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Fumiya is a young and cheerful Japanese YouTuber who became a hit in the Philippines. Although he is followed by more than 4 million people on social media, he is far from being satisfied with just being popular. He wants to use his knowledge about Japan and the Philippines to become a bridge between their two cultures.
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Each of these superb individuals offers a unique point of view on Japan's current challenges and hopes. I hope you will enjoy discovering Japan through their eyes!
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Amélie, chief editor of Kokoro Media
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"If you are busy talking, you are not listening. This can be overwhelming in Japan, over and above the language barrier. In Japan, a lot of things are subtle, and you have to read between the lines. So, if you are not paying attention, you are going to miss a lot."
What is the impact of cultural misunderstandings when doing business with Japan?
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Management consultant Rochelle Kopp gives hints and advice.
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"In Japan, shrines are everywhere and a part of daily life. People have been going to shrines on New Year’s Day since they were children, and they also go for ceremonies such as Shichi-Go-San, weddings, or exorcisms. However, a majority of people say they do not really know what Shinto is about. That is why I thought I might as well try to explain."
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Soushi the “Singing Shinto Priest” is a real priest and pop musician whose mission is to make basic Shinto principles more accessible to the public.
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”Some high schoolers tell me they are not able to enter the classroom. Even if I go with them to the classroom door, they tell me, 'I don’t know why, but I just can’t go in.' They are not being harassed, they have friends they can talk to, and they are not unable to study, but it is just impossible for them to go to school. They know they should be studying, and they want to, but they just cannot. They seem to not be able to put their suffering into words.”
In this interview, Psychologist Ayako Ishida talks about the current situation regarding mental health in Japan.
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"I wanted to make the Filipinos know Japanese culture better through videos and social media. This is still one of my objectives. There are a lot of everyday life things in Japan that could surprise Filipinos: what the streets look like, the vending machines, the high-tech toilets… What Japanese people consider as 'normal' is not for other cultures."
Have you ever heard about Fumiya? This young Japanese YouTuber has broken the cultural wall and is a celebrity in the Philippines. He is now hoping to become a cultural bridge between the two countries.
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This Month's Most Read Column
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Never underestimate the value of an excellent book!
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When it comes to mastering Japanese, the following books, originally published before the dominance of digital learning materials, are essential.
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Our Farm
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Each month, take a look into how our vegetables are growing and gain some knowledge about Japanese organic farming!
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In this article, our partner farmer Masa who takes care of the Kokoro Media parcel, explains how he plants organic Japanese taro, edamame, and shiso.
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He also suggests how to enhance your daily life with greens.
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Little Joys of Daily Life in Japan
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Life in Japan is filled with little pleasures. Often, they do not seem very significant at first but are dearly missed once out of our daily lives. Here is a glimpse at a few little joys Japan can offer.
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Do you know the real reason behind the little music broadcasted at 5 P.M. in most Japanese neighborhoods?
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What is its purpose? Is the phenomenon nationwide? Read on to find all the answers.
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Big Japanese brands and convenience stores take advantage of Japanese people's love for everything seasonal to release some unique products available only for a few months.
Are you a fan of seasonal products too?
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Would you like to give your room a Japanese touch?
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Here are three lovely Japanese items easy to find in the summer. They are small, cute, and make perfect souvenirs.
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If you enjoy this email, please consider forwarding it to someone who would also appreciate it. If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive it by clicking here.
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If you like what we do, you can support us by buying us a coffee (or rather, green tea). We would be grateful for your contribution!
Your donations will help us invest in our writers, technology, and more, so that we can bring you stories from the farthest reaches of Japan.
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Do not hesitate to give your opinion on this newsletter by writing to us at info-media@kokoro-jp.com.
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