Spilling the Tea – About Japanese Tea!

Imagine you are enjoying a warm cup of matcha tea. As you take that first soothing sip, you are reminded of just how important tea is for many people and cultures. And, nowhere is this more evident than in Japan! Sip. Ever since tea showed up on Japan’s shores hundreds of years ago, you muse, […]

Don’t Eat That : Fake Food in Japan

Have you ever sat down to eat at a restaurant, saw your friend’s dish arrive, and then thought, oh, I wish I had ordered that instead? Then perhaps it would have been helpful to see a fake food sample before ordering – aka the menu in the form of hyper realistic plastic food. That is […]

Yellow September : A Month for Mental Health

Yellow September is an opportunity to highlight and heighten mental health awareness. That’s why every year September 10 is marked as World Suicide Day. However, the entire month is a reminder that mental health concerns everyone, including those living abroad. Whether it’s missing good times with friends or craving nothing but family recipes, living abroad […]

Irasutoya: Japan’s Art Phenomenon

         If you’ve interacted with Japanese media at all, then you are sure to have come across something cute! From famous Sanrio characters (like Hello Kitty) to company logos, you can find cuteness just about anywhere; this is because Japan often uses this concept in many different areas, such as marketing, fashion, and… clip art? […]

Mastering Business Negotiations: Essential Japanese Negotiation Phrases for Successful Deals

Effective communication is at the heart of successful negotiations. This especially holds true when conducting Japanese negotiation, where both cultural and linguistic nuances play a vital role in building relationships and reaching mutually beneficial agreements.  Whether you are a professional or someone that is just starting your career,mastering the right phrases in Japanese negotiation can […]

japanese negotiation, what and how to do it.

Karaoke in Japan : A Guide to Help You Sing Your Heart Out

When you come to Japan, visiting a karaoke box is an absolute must. After all, the word karaoke (カラオケ) originated in Japan. As opposed to the type of karaoke where you perform in front of lots of strangers, in Japan, you can rent a private room for your party or entirely for yourself. In this […]

2 girls and 2 guys singing karaoke somewhere. Having fun.

10 Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Giving Etiquette in the Japanese Workplace

Gift-giving in Japanese Culture is an inseparable part of the long lived culture, as it have deeply rooted in traditions and societal norms. It represents gratitude and respect and serves as a means of nurturing positive relationships. Within the Japanese workplace, the concept of “お土産 (omiyage)” takes center stage, and understanding the nuances of gift-giving […]

gift giving etiquette in japanese

10 Things to do During Summer in Japan

We have officially entered August, the hottest month in Japan, and whether you’re looking to escape the heat or soak up more sunshine, we have just the list of activities to make your summer in Japan unforgettable. Table of Contents 1. Visit Kanagawa’s island getaway, Enoshima With summer in Japan being as hot as it […]

Hiking in Japan: 10 Alternatives to Mount Fuji

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a nature lover, hiking in Japan will be a memorable experience for you. Japan is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and nature, hence its become more and more famous among mountain climbers. The most well-known destination is unarguably Mount Fuji, as it is the highest mountain and the […]