Is a few minutes early still considered late in Japan?

”Juppunmae koudou (Be there 10 minutes before)” is a common phrase in Japan. Being late is a very rude. In many situations, being right on time is still considered “Late”. I’ve read an article about a Japanese mom who used to live outside of Japan. After she came backed to Japan, her child attended elementary school. It is mandatory walk to school with other students … Continue reading Is a few minutes early still considered late in Japan?

The things Logan Paul did in Japan

A poplar American YouTuber, Logan Paul, who went to the well known suicide forest called Aokigahara(or Fuji no Jukai) in Japan, filmed a hanging body is a very big controversy. The forest is located in Yamanashi prefecture. I grew up near there and heard a lot about Aokigahara when I was teenager. People said “If you go into the forest, you’ll never come back because you’ll … Continue reading The things Logan Paul did in Japan

Virtual YouTubers are a new boom for Otaku culture

Yahoo! News Japan has introduced a virtual YouTuber Kaguya Luna. Actually, this was the first time for me to hear about Virtual YouTubers in my life, so I Googled about it. Apparently, there are some famous virtual YouTubers in Japan. I’d like to introduce them.   Kizuna Ai     She is the original Virtual YouTuber. She started YouTube in December 2016. She speaks Japanese, … Continue reading Virtual YouTubers are a new boom for Otaku culture

An island where nobody can have a dog

According to Nishinippon Shinbun, there is an island that having a dog as a pet is a big taboo. The island is located in Saga prefecture, it is called Kakarashima (???). About 130 people live there (2015). A journalist who works for Nishinippon Shinbun has visited the island. The journalist has asked residents about having pet dogs. People said “No one can own a dog, … Continue reading An island where nobody can have a dog

Convenience stores should sell porn?

When I lived overseas, I was surprised that Japan is famous for being a Hentai  (pervert) country. Some guy talked me about Japanese porn or anime. I’ve never thought that Japan is a perverted country, but after I lived outside of Japan, I realized that there wasn’t any porn displayed in stores. However, in Japan we can see porn being sold, even in convenience stores. … Continue reading Convenience stores should sell porn?

One third of People will be over 65 years old in 2024

If you have ever visited Japan, you might be surprised that many old people are still working. Today, the birth rate in Japan is at it’s lowest rate in the world (Dillinger, 2017).  More than 25% of Japanese people are over 65 years old. It is one of the biggest issues in Japan, but it seems that the government doesn’t seriously face this issue. Finally, … Continue reading One third of People will be over 65 years old in 2024

Christmas is the “Couple’s Day” in Japan

It’s the holiday season! I’ve heard “Happy Holidays!” a lot. Japan is a Buddhist and Shinto country, but they celebrate Christmas Day, have wedding ceremonies at church and wear costumes for Halloween. They are very open minded about accepting other cultures in this regard. Even though Christmas Day is not a holiday in Japan, it is a very big event for them. Christmas Day in … Continue reading Christmas is the “Couple’s Day” in Japan

Taking photo with the sound of a shutter

I’ve been in the U.S for 2 and half years. I go back to Japan once or twice a year. When I back to Japan, I was realized that people are taking photos with sound of a shutter. I was kind of annoyed by it. Also, Japanese travelers take photos with the shutter sound even outside of Japan. I was also doing same thing when … Continue reading Taking photo with the sound of a shutter

President of H.I.S is planning to travel by himself

H.I.S is one of biggest travel companies in Japan. Hideo Sawada set up the company as International Tours Co., Ltd. in 1980. He used to be a backpacker. He traveled to over 50 countries from 1973 to 1976. H.I.S stands for Hideo (President of H.I.S) International Service. It has 296 branches in Japan and 271 branches outside of Japan. According to Nishi Nihon Shinbun, Mr.Sawada is … Continue reading President of H.I.S is planning to travel by himself

Why Japanese employees can’t take a day off?

Travel Website Expedia Japan has surveyed about 15,000 people from 30 different countries about paid vacation.  The least used annual paid vacation are Japanese employees’. The rate is 50%. Brazil, France, Spain, Australia and Hong Kong employees take 100% of their paid vacation. Singapore is 93%, Mexico is 86%, The U.S. is 80%, Italy is 75%, India is 75% and South Korea is 67%. Japanese people … Continue reading Why Japanese employees can’t take a day off?