INTjAPAN

Overtourism is becoming a serious problem in Japan. Many Japanese are bothered by the sudden influx of tourists, especially when you take into account that there were almost none during the pandemic. Restaurants and public transportation companies are not equipped to handle this problem, and being a country made up of mostly introverts, this change is unsettling. Imagine yourself as an introvert,...

最近出会った引用があります–どこで見たか覚えていませんが、この状況にふさわしいと思います。「あなたは誰かの完璧さに恋に落ちるわけではありません。あなたが恋に落ちるのは、彼らの欠点です。」–そして、それは少なくとも私には、強く響きました。そしてそれは真実です。例えば食べ物について言えば、あなたが誕生日に行ったその5つ星のフランス料理店の完璧な食べ物に恋に落ちるわけではありません。あなたが良い思い出を結...

Since today is Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, I thought I’d talk about the Imperial Family in this episode. I’ve never paid much attention to them because they don’t really cause spectacles like Harry and Megan. They tend to keep out of the public eye most of the time.  The Imperial family is very special to the people of Japan. The Emperor of Japan is at the center of this family, and people look u...

As we know, Japan's got a serious problem and it’s not just this year’s unusually warm and short winter. The country is facing a declining birthrate that's causing all sorts of headaches, from shrinking populations to economic slowdowns. Imagine walking through Shibuya, only to find it getting quieter and quieter each year. That's what's happening in Japan, and it's a big deal...

Many of us have heard of the earthquake that struck Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day. Ishikawa Prefecture received the largest damage with a death toll of over 200 people and counting. Many are still missing, trapped under debris of collapsed buildings and other infrastructures. The 7.6 earthquake struck the region at 4 PM. It was a grim reminder of the Tohoku earthquake that struck Fukushima regi...

We've all been there. We come to Japan, expecting everyone to speak English just like in any other countries we have been to. To our surprise, many of them shake their head instead. Considering Japan is supposed to be a first-world country, why is English proficiency still so low? #japan #intjapan #japaneseculture #english

Since its officially 2024, let’s talk about everything that has happened in Japan in 2023. Some are not that interesting, some are just dead strange.  Happy New Year!

Christmas was first introduced to Japan by Christian missionaries in the 16th century. However, it didn't gain much traction until the Meiji Era, around the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite the long, dark history, Christmas in Japan isn't celebrated for its religious significance. In fact, less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian. Christmas is more of a commercial an...

Japan has often been in the spotlight for its gender inequality issues. While the nation has made significant advancements in various sectors, the gender gap remains a stubborn challenge. The problem was put under the spotlight…again… when it was revealed that no women were appointed among vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries in the recent Cabinet formation, a first since the LDP's ret...

In episode 33 of the INTjAPAN podcast, I delve into the critical issue of mental health in Japan. I begin by noting the rapid passage of time in 2023 and set the stage for a discussion on why mental health awareness lags behind in Japan despite its technological advancements and social development. I highlight the alarming increase in teachers leaving their jobs due to mental health reasons, empha...

Japan as a country experiences a range of weather extremes, from typhoons to snowstorms. Discussing the weather is not just small talk, but can also be a practical discussion for planning and preparation. If you ask any Japanese person, they would most likely say that either spring or autumn is their favorite season. In spring, people usually talk about hanami or in English, cherry-blossom viewing...

"xxxHolic" is a manga series written by the team CLAMP. The story revolves around Watanuki's experiences working in Yūko's shop. Throughout the series, customers come in with various supernatural problems or wishes, and Yūko offers a solution, usually with a price. While serving Yūko, Watanuki encounters various supernatural beings and learns lessons about human nature, desire, a...

Hey, everyone! I'm back after a long hiatus. Sorry for the wait. On today's episode... Host and hostess clubs are unique nightlife establishments primarily found in Japan, where patrons pay to engage in conversation and spend time with professional "hosts" or "hostesses". They make sure you stay entertained throughout the evening and spend a lot of money in their bars....

Homelessness in Japan is a multifaceted issue characterized by hidden homelessness, a lack of affordable housing, and economic and social factors. Many individuals find temporary shelter in internet cafes or fast food restaurants. The shortage of affordable housing, coupled with low wages and precarious employment, makes it challenging for low-income individuals to secure stable housing. Social fa...

Gackt is a renowned Japanese artist known for his versatile talent as a singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained popularity as the vocalist of the visual kei rock band, Malice Mizer, before embarking on a successful solo career. With his captivating stage presence, unique fashion style, and powerful vocals, Gackt has captivated audiences both in Japan and internationally. If you have any questions...

In Japan, there are still a high number of pet shops. Most of these shops offer purebred dogs and cats at astronomical prices. Some go as high as 2 million yen. These animals go through stringent DNA testing and very selective breeding. Ones that don’t make the cut, go out. While there have been laws enacted to protect the rights of these poor animals, pet shop businesses have found ways around it...

TRIGGER WARNING : This episode contains topics about mental health issues, suicide and death. In Aokigahara, you can expect to be enveloped by many ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and the tranquil whispers of the wind. These elements evoke a sense of spiritual connectedness and make you contemplate your own existence. This is also why Aokigahara is a popular spot among psychics, mediums and peo...

For those of you who don't know, being an English teacher is probably the easiest way to get your foot in the door if you've dreamed about coming to Japan for a long time. You don't really need a teaching qualification or experience. As long as you are good with people and have a pretty good communication skill, you should get the job. That is of course if you are planning to work for...

Scams can occur in any country, including Japan. While Japan is generally considered a safe country with a low crime rate, the number of scams reported keeps increasing at an alarming rate. The notorious "Ore Ore Sagi" scam has cost Japan millions in damages, while "Romansu Sagi" or "Romance Scam" has left a lot of hopefuls disappointed. What kind of people are target...

Overall, Japan is considered to be a safe country. It consistently ranks highly in global safety rankings, and the crime rate is generally low compared to many other countries. However, like any country, there are still some risks to be aware of, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons, etc.), pickpocketing, and some instances of violent crime. Or more recently, random knife attacks. Foll...

Yakuza refers to a criminal organization that is primarily based in Japan. It originated as a group of gamblers and merchants in the 17th century and evolved into a powerful organized crime syndicate involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including extortion, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering. Yakuza members have a strict hierarchy and follow a code of conduct know...

Uniqlo is a Japanese fashion brand founded by Tadashi Yanai in 1940s. Its success changed the entire landscape of fashion. Harajuku, which used to be the center of fashion, was quickly overtaken by Uniqlo's minimalist style. It is a type of fashion that is "made for all". -INTjAPAN

Sailor Moon is a popular Japanese media franchise that originated as a manga (comic book) created by Naoko Takeuchi. The story follows a teenage girl named Usagi Tsukino, who transforms into the titular character Sailor Moon to fight against various villains and protect the world from evil forces. Sailor Moon was first serialized in Japan in 1991 and later adapted into an anime (animated TV series...

Shibuya is a bustling commercial and entertainment district in Tokyo, Japan, known for its iconic pedestrian scramble crossing, fashionable shopping areas, and vibrant nightlife. The area is home to numerous department stores, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and is particularly popular with young people. Shibuya is also a major transportation hub, with multiple train and subway lines connecting...

On March 28th, 2023... Japan's beloved composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto, passed away at the age of 71. He had been making music all his life and his music had inspired many. He made a significant contributions to the music world and popularized electronic music. R.I.P. Mr. Sakamoto. The world is a better place with your music in it.