Rethinking English: Understanding Japan’s “No-English-Needed” Society
In an increasingly globalized world, English is often considered the default language of international busines […]
What Is Omotenashi? Understanding Japan’s Invisible Code of Care
The Japanese word “omotenashi” is often translated as “hospitality,” but such a definition only scratches the
Compliance in Flux: Japan’s Cultural Shift Toward Accountability
In Japan, the term “compliance” has entered common discourse only relatively recently. For decades, social har
Standing Out in Silence: How to Thrive in a Society That Hammers Down the Nail
Japan has long been described as a society where “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” This saying—kn
Japan’s Super-Aging Society: A Crisis, or a Market in Disguise?
Japan stands as one of the most advanced examples of a society grappling with both declining birthrates and an
Mastering the Maze: Can You Navigate Japan’s Complex Keigo System?
For many foreigners studying Japanese, nothing induces more anxiety than the language’s complex system of poli
Getting Around Tokyo: What’s the Best Way to Move Through the City?
Navigating Tokyo, one of the most populated and efficient cities in the world, offers a fascinating challenge.
Harmony as a Pillar: Understanding the Japanese Ideal of ‘Wa’
For anyone living in or working with Japan, there is perhaps no cultural value more essential to grasp than th
Why Punctuality Is So Deeply Ingrained in Japanese Culture
To many foreigners, Japan’s obsession with punctuality can feel both admirable and exhausting. Trains arriving
Crime and Crime Prevention in Japan: What Foreigners Should Know
Japan is often perceived as one of the safest countries in the world. Visitors are struck by the sight of chil