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 I first moved to Japan, I thought “100 yen stores” were just Japan’s version of dollar shops — cheap, low-quality, and mostly for small household stuff. But after five years here, I can confidently say: Japan’s 100 yen stores are something else entirely. They’re not just shops; they’re a reflection of Japan’s minimalist, efficient,
🏪 Japan’s 100 Yen Stores: Where Minimalism Meets Quality Read More »
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 »
When people think of Japan’s work culture, they often imagine long hours, strict hierarchies, and endless overtime.That stereotype still exists — but Japan in 2025 is not the Japan of the early 2000s. After five years of living here and working with both Japanese and international teams, I’ve seen real change.Slow, but steady.This new work
💼 Why Japan’s Work Culture Is Changing (And What It Means for Foreigners) Read More »
💬 Introduction When I first moved to Japan, I thought “I love you” (愛してる / aishiteru) would be something I’d hear in every romantic movie, every couple’s conversation, and maybe even from my Japanese friends. Five years later, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve heard someone say it — and
Why Japanese People Don’t Say “I Love You” (And What They Say Instead) Read More »
