Post by Author : Butch-Yoshinobu-Takaoka

Japanese Work Culture: Surviving to Succeeding

Japanese work culture has always been a much-discussed topic among foreigners. Some deeply criticize it, and some admire it. However, the discussions about it show that people are curious about it and are interested in knowing about it. Therefore, this interesting topic requires discussing the real facts and pros and cons of Japan’s work culture and working environment, and this

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Finding and Renting Apartments or Shared Houses in Japan as a Foreigner

When you decide to move to live in Japan, the first challenge is choosing the area of the city that suits you the best. Many times, you will have to balance convenience with rental costs. The next phase is finding an apartment efficiently and then completing the formalities of renting it. Depending on the place, finding and renting an apartment

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Garbage Sorting and Disposal in Japan

When you first move to Japan, many things may be a new experience, both the good and not-so-good things, leaving you scratching your head. And garbage disposal in Japan, with its stringent garbage sorting rules, is one of those things. The garbage disposal system may initially be confusing for foreigners new to Japan. How can something so mundane and simple in

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Family and Kids-Friendly Places and Activities in Tokyo (and Japan)

(Picture: African Safari in Oita, Japan. Picture courtesy: Japan National Tourism Organization) Visiting or coming to live in Japan is a completely new experience for many foreigners.Visiting another country requires a lot of planning. Moreover, if you are visiting with family, especially kids, you would like to check out the family-friendly places in Japan. This guide discusses the best family-friendly

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What do Japanese people like to do for Relaxation and Entertainment?

When you decide to live and work in Japan, you will find the people are very hardworking. So how do people enjoy themselves, and what do they do for relaxation and entertainment? I am Japanese, raised in America, having moved back to Tokyo twenty years ago. Growing up, I returned almost every summer to visit relatives and friends and developed

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Japanese Food and Eating Habits

Japanese food and eating habits are enviable because of their evident health consciousness. Japanese love to eat, and many Japanese people even travel to enjoy different kinds of food. However, the Japanese always consider food not just food but a means to have a healthy life. The Japanese diet typically consists of fresh and unprocessed ingredients. Some main items in

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Seating Protocols in Japan for Business Meetings and Dinners

There are many unspoken rules of etiquette in Japanese business, and Japanese seating protocols are no exception. The importance Japanese people give to formal seating arrangements is evident from the fact that there is a Japanese word for it: It is (Sekiji 席次). The seating protocols in Japan reflect the cultural tradition of hierarchy, status, and rank prevalent in Japanese

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Bowing in Japan: How to Bow and When

The “Art of the Bowing” or Ojigi (お辞儀) in Japan is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Bowing is a way to show respect while greeting others or apologizing to others.Unlike the Western handshake, bowing takes on many shapes, sizes, and forms. Bowing is done for greetings, farewells, and apologies and also while praying in shrines. In short, it is prevalent

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