December 2020 Edition
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Hello Dear Subscriber

I hope this newsletter finds you well.

Japan has a reputation for being a country where change takes place slowly. However, since last year, "sustainable development" had been a trending topic, stores have been making efforts to reduce plastic, and the pandemic has pushed many companies to adopt new working habits.

Maybe a reflection of this trend for change, several of our articles this month are about the changing perceptions in current Japanese society, and our interviewees were people working on creating a positive image of their job and their peers.

I hope you will enjoy your read, and please do not hesitate to share your own point of view in the articles' comments!

Amelie, chief editor of Kokoro Media

New Interviews

Higa Farm, Changing the Perception of Organic Farming in Japan
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Masamichi and Sara Higa have started an organic farming business earlier this year. They do their best to integrate the community aspect and long-term sustainability into their project.

However, organic farming is still not well-known in Japan, and changing perceptions is quite a challenge.

Read more
How to Discover Your Purpose in Life and Help Others Do the Same: An Interview with Kasia
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Through Ikigai Connections, Kasia matches ambitious job seekers with Japanese companies that are in need of their talent. She has been convincing Japanese companies to give a try at hiring foreigners.

In this interview, learn how Kasia discovered her own ikigai and pick up some tips on language learning, getting your first job at a Japanese company, and much more!

Read more

This Month's Most Read Column

Why I Do Not like Japanese “Girl Power”
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In Japanese culture, joshiryoku is a sort of “feminine force” that females are encouraged or even expected to have.

This includes aspects like always smelling good, always having your makeup perfect in front of other people, being a good cook, being good at house cleaning, and much more.

But does this concept really reflect the reality of what Japanese women want to be?

Read more

The Basics of Japanese Manners

Japanese culture is famous for its politeness rules and sometimes obscure habits.

Here are some easy tips to avoid cultural faux pas in Japan and around Japanese people!
The Dos and Don’ts of Bowing in Japan
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Ojigi, the “bow,” is an essential manner for the Japanese people, especially when doing business. Although the bow is routinely used in Japan, there are nuances that even some Japanese people might ignore!

Here is all you need to know about bowing the right way.

Read more
What It’s like to Bathe in Japanese Public Baths and Onsen
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Taking a bath is an essential moment in the Japanese everyday routine: after eating dinner, the average Japanese person will first take a bath and then go to sleep.

If you wish to live your Japanese experience to the fullest, then bathing in Japan is definitely a must-do.

Here are the rules you must know before diving into the experience!

Read more
How to Use Japanese Chopsticks the Right Way
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Using chopsticks in Japan can be tricky, and there are a few table manners to follow.

For example, you should not stick your chopsticks upright in your rice (or other food). You should never do this because it is linked to death rituals.

To avoid offending your Japanese counterparts during dinner, check our quick guide.

Read more
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