Category: Culture & Society

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How Foreigners Can Actually Get Promoted in Japan (The Real Rules Nobody Tells You)

Culture & Society, Life in Japan, Work & Career

Yes, Foreigners Can Get Promoted in Japan — Just Not How You Think Let me start with the truth:Getting promoted in Japan as a foreigner is absolutely possible… but the rules are invisible, the expectations are unspoken, and the timeline is almost never what you expect from Western workplaces. When I first came to Japan, […]

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The Truth About Japanese Work Culture — Overtime, Hierarchy, and Survival Tips (From a Foreigner Who Lived It)

Culture & Society, Life in Japan, Tips & Resources

Working in Japan is one of those things people romanticize before arriving.You picture clean offices, polite coworkers, futuristic technology, and a super-efficient system where trains, schedules, and people run like clockwork. And then you join your first Japanese company…and quickly realize:👉 Japan is efficient everywhere except inside the office. I’ve lived in Japan for more

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🕒 The Truth About Working Hours in Japan (2025 Reality Check)

Culture & Society, Life in Japan, Tips & Resources, Work & Career

If you ask anyone outside Japan what it’s like working here, you’ll probably hear the same answer:“Long hours, no breaks, and everyone sleeps on the train.” When I moved to Japan six years ago, I expected the worst. Images of exhausted salarymen, endless overtime, and “karoshi” (death by overwork) were stuck in my head. But

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🕐 Why Time in Japan Feels Different (and What It Taught Me About Life)

Culture & Society, Life in Japan

The First Time I Noticed “Japanese Time” When I first arrived in Japan, I couldn’t understand how trains left exactly on schedule.Not a minute early. Not a second late. Back home, “5 p.m.” meant something flexible.In Japan, it meant 5 p.m. sharp — and somehow, that tiny difference changed the rhythm of everything. After years

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🥢 Dining Alone in Japan: Why Eating Solo Isn’t Lonely Here

Culture & Society, Life in Japan

The author reflects on their initial apprehension about solo dining in Japan, which transformed into appreciation for the mindful experience of eating alone. Japan’s culture supports solo diners through accommodating spaces and etiquette. This journey shifts the perception of solitude from loneliness to a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, especially with its culinary offerings.

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🧴 Why Japanese Bathrooms Are the Most Advanced (and Surprisingly Humble)

Culture & Society, Life in Japan, My Journey, Tips & Resources

The author reflects on their experience with Japanese bathrooms, highlighting the blend of technology and mindfulness. They appreciate features like heated seats and cleanliness, noting that these innovations embody cultural values of comfort and respect. Ultimately, Japanese bathrooms symbolize empathy and intention, showcasing how design can reflect societal principles.

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