When I first moved to Japan, I was shocked to see people paying for everything in cash — from rent to ramen.Coming from a country where Apple Pay and credit cards ruled, it felt… old-fashioned.But after living here for five years, I’ve realized Japan’s love of cash isn’t about technology — it’s about trust, culture, […]
💴 The Culture of Cash in Japan: Why It Still Matters in 2025 Read More »
When I first attended a Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, I thought it was just about drinking matcha.I couldn’t have been more wrong. After living in Japan for over five years, I now understand that the tea ceremony — or chanoyu (茶の湯) — is not just about tea.It’s about presence, respect, and connection — three
🍵 The Japanese Tea Ceremony: Why Every Foreigner Should Experience It at Least Once Read More »
When I first arrived in Japan, I thought peace meant silence.Then I visited Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto on a Sunday — packed with tourists, school trips, and the scent of sweet matcha drifting from nearby shops — and yet, somehow, I felt still. It’s strange how Japanese temples manage to create calm in the middle of
🏯 Why Japanese Temples Feel So Peaceful (Even in Crowded Cities) Read More »
When I first arrived in Japan, I thought I understood public transportation. I had lived in big cities before — New York, London — and figured trains were trains everywhere.Then, I took my first morning ride on the JR Kyoto Line during rush hour. Within minutes, I realized: Japan’s train system isn’t just transport —
When you live in Japan long enough, you start to notice the small things — the perfectly wrapped gifts, spotless convenience stores, the train that apologizes for being one minute late.Perfection isn’t just a standard here — it’s a way of life. At first, it’s magical. But after five years, I’ve learned that this same
🥢How Japan’s Obsession with Perfection Shapes Everyday Life Read More »
When I first came to Japan in 2020, I told myself I’d stay for one year.Learn the language, explore the culture, and move on.Five years later, I’m still here — and I’m not alone. Almost every foreigner I’ve met in Japan said the same thing: “I’ll stay for a while… then decide.”And yet, most of
🌏 Why Foreigners Stay in Japan Longer Than Planned (The Japan Effect) Read More »
