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Here in Tokyo, the rainy season has just come to an end, and as much as people are happy to see the clouds go away, they are also dreading the intense heat of the upcoming days.
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Our interviewees this month have the common point to have found their calling in Japan, may it be through a career change, a side job, or a new venture.
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You may know Anthony Griffin through the articles he writes on Kokoro Media. But do you know what led him to launch his own consulting brand in Japan? His story of careful preparation, determination, and overcoming self-imposed limits is an inspiration for anybody who wishes to come and live in Japan.
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Shinji Tsuchimochi is a Japanese illustrator whose main job is painting backgrounds for Japanese animation. Wanting to draw to express himself again, he started documenting Tokyo's traditional districts through the “100 Views of Tokyo” illustration series, which gained him global recognition. See how his side project allows him to express his creativity and childhood nostalgia.
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Finally, our last interviews feature three international entrepreneurs who built their own businesses in Japan. Tia Haygood is a photographer whose bubbly personality and adaptivity have allowed her company to earn more in 2020 than any other year, despite the circumstances. Dustin Ikeda is an entrepreneur whose new start from zero in Japan encouraged him to fulfill his dream. Finally, Garry Pearson is the president of a company that does corporate training. After being employed for a few years, he decided to go on his own to reach the quality he was personally aiming for.
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I hope these true and fascinating stories will inspire you to give shape to your dreams, may it be in Japan or somewhere else.
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Amélie, chief editor of Kokoro Media
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"Being in Japan has created so many opportunities for me–not only economically. It has opened my mind to new possibilities and given me challenges that I never knew I could overcome. So, through my writing, I kind of want to return the favor and portray Japan in a positive light. I want to show how great this country can be."
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In this interview, our writer Anthony Griffin, M.B.A. talks about how inspirational Japan has been for him and gives insight on his favorite topics: living in Japan, starting a business in Japan, learning the Japanese language, and pushing your own boundaries.
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"Making ukiyo-e and woodblock prints as an art movement has disappeared. Of course, even today, there are ateliers where woodblock prints are printed, but they reproduce ukiyo-e from the Edo period or print famous art pieces as woodblock prints. They make fine art.
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On the contrary, the idea behind the Shin-Hanga revival project is to create a movement, a culture that can be integrated into our era, something that is art but popular at the same time. "
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Meet illustrator Shinji Tsuchimochi, author of "The 100 Views of Tokyo", who now aims to revive the old art of ukiyo-e.
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"No matter what amount of resources you have to start your business, find a group of other small businesses that are also getting started. Purchase each other’s products and services. Rate each other and give each other testimonials. Encourage, help, and enrich each other. (...) Word of mouth in Japan is more valuable than a paid Facebook ad."
In this new article, three Japan-based international entrepreneurs who built a business in Japan give advice for those who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
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This Month's Most Read Column
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What are the words you would recommend a non-Japanese speaker to remember before a trip to Japan?
Our writer Anthony suggests three.
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Our Farm
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Each month, take a look at how our vegetables are growing and gain some knowledge about Japanese organic farming!
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Last Month, Masamichi planted satoimo, edamame, and shiso on the Kokoro Media parcel.
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Are they growing okay despite the weather? How much do these Japanese vegetables grow in a one-month span?
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Social Topics in Modern Japan
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Japan's traditions and history are fascinating. However, modern Japan with its changes and its issues is equally captivating. Take a look at some selected topics regarding Japanese society.
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Japan has long been a country where work systems, politics, and societal changes take a lot of time, but the wind of change brought by the younger generation may transform Japanese society at a higher pace.
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How do you stimulate the local economy and encourage the cultural development of a small village against the backdrop of Japan’s rapidly declining rural population?
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That is what I came to discover in Kamiyama, a village on Shikoku Island that now serves as a national model for rural revitalization.
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One Japanese out of four has experienced gogatsubyo, a seasonal affective disorder phenomenon happening in May.
Read on to know what this sickness is, what social circumstances trigger it, what can be done to prevent it, and more.
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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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