Jakarta City (Pixabay.com/febriamar) Japan, with its rich culture and advanced technology, is an attractive country for many people in the world. However, like other citizens, Japanese people also have their own reasons for moving and settling in other countries. These reasons vary, from education and career to family reasons and the desire for new life experiences. So, which countries are their favorite destinations? Let's explore further. Survey of Japanese Living Abroad Have you ever met a Japanese person on the street? Currently, many Japanese people live and settle abroad, some of whom are famous people. For example, famous Japanese people in Indonesia are Haruka Nakagawa who is a former member of AKB48 and JKT48, Genki Sokorahen who is a YouTuber, Hiromitsu Harada who is a chef, and Nobuyuki Suzuki who is an actor. Based on statistics since 1989, the number of Japanese people living abroad has continued to increase until 2019, but began to decline in 2020 due to the pandemic. Which countries are the destinations for Japanese people to live and settle? The following is a discussion of which countries are the destinations for Japanese people to live and settle. Based on a statistical survey of […]
Urban in Japan (Pixabay.com/Walkerssk) Just like other countries, Japan also has differences between urban and rural life. If you want to move to Japan, you can consider living in a city or village based on the differences between the two. Here is an explanation of urban and rural life in Japan. Urban Life in Japan Japanese people live close together in crowded places. Japanese people who live in cities usually gather in subways, bars, and restaurants. Regular signs and announcements can be found in cities in Japan. Cities in Japan have large shopping areas and department stores in the city center so that the city center remains lively and prosperous. Urban activities are often concentrated around train and subway stations. Cities in Japan are very clean. However, buildings in cities appear crowded with narrow streets and many poles and electric cables. Highways sometimes pass through dense neighborhoods but the highways seem very quiet. Advantages and Disadvantages of Cities in Japan The advantage is that there are various kinds of department stores and supermarkets that can be found in Japanese cities. Of course, there are many entertainment facilities and restaurants in cities that can be an option for a vacation in the city. In addition, the number of routes and the number of public vehicles such as trains or […]
Bookstores in Japan (pixabay.com/lucasruffiner) Japanese popular culture is rich with comic works, commonly known as manga. However, within this vast world of manga, there is a unique and interesting branch that often causes confusion for new fans: doujinshi. While both are Japanese comics, doujinshi and manga differ significantly in terms of production, distribution, content, and their place within the Japanese creative industry. Let’s dive into those differences in detail. Origins and Definition Manga, simply put, are Japanese comics that are professionally produced and commercially distributed through major publishers such as Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan. They go through a rigorous editorial process, from scriptwriting to drawing, to printing and marketing. Manga comes in a variety of genres, from shonen (for boys) and shojo (for girls) to seinen (for young adult males) and josei (for young adult females), as well as other genres such as horror, sci-fi, and comedy. Manga are comics created in Japan or in the Japanese language. Many Japanese manga are exported worldwide and the word manga has become a popular word in Japanese culture. Doujinshi, on the other hand, are comics created independently by fans (called doujin) and distributed non-commercially or semi-commercially at special events such as […]
English exit signs (Image by evening_tao on Freepik) We often hear the assumption that Japanese people have difficulty speaking English. This assumption, although it seems common, is actually an oversimplification of a much more complex reality. It is not that Japanese people cannot speak English at all, but their English ability is—on average—lower than that of Western countries or even certain Southeast Asian countries. To understand why this is the case, we need to dig deeper, beyond stereotypes and look at the interrelated factors that shape the situation. An Education System That Focuses on Memory, Not Communication The reason why Japanese people cannot speak English is the lack of input/output opportunities. Input plays an important role in learning a language. Without adequate input, a person's English ability will not improve at all. On the other hand, input alone is not enough, output also plays an important role. By doing output, a person can see gaps in knowledge and improve their abilities. Learning English can be done more efficiently by focusing on output rather than focusing on input. The Japanese education system has, for decades, emphasized memorizing grammar and vocabulary rather than practicing direct communication. Students spend hours memorizing complex grammar and long word lists, but are given little opportunity to use English in […]
Two men talking (Image by Freepik) The term “senpai-kouhai” may be familiar to those of you who are familiar with Japanese culture, especially in the context of schools, clubs, companies, and even martial arts dojos. More than just a term for senior and junior, the senpai-kouhai relationship forms a unique, complex social system that plays an important role in everyday life in Japan. Understanding these dynamics is essential to understanding Japanese culture in depth. This concept is rooted in hierarchy and a deep respect for experience and knowledge. Senpai (先輩), meaning “the one who precedes,” refers to an individual who is more senior in a group, whether by seniority in age, tenure, or skill level. Kouhai (後輩), meaning “the one who follows behind,” is a junior who follows in the senpai’s footsteps. This relationship is built on mutual respect, guidance, and devotion. However, it is not a rigid and formal relationship like a superior and subordinate in a Western work context. The senpai-kouhai relationship has a more personal and organic feel, built through interaction and shared experiences. While there is a clear hierarchy, the relationship emphasizes the importance of supporting each other and growing together. Roles and Responsibilities of Senpai Senpai have significant responsibilities in guiding and supporting their kouhai. This is not just about giving instructions or directions, […]
A man walking around (Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik) Having an oshi (idol) is great! It feels like there’s something special, a personal connection, even if it’s just through a screen. And of course, we want to show our support, one way is by buying goods from our oshi. However, the world of oshian is quite vast and can be a bit confusing, especially for beginners. This article will guide you, from a novice fan to a true collector, in buying oshi goods wisely and effectively. Recognizing the Types of Oshi Goods Before you start hunting, it’s important to know the types of oshi goods that are available. Each has its own appeal and price. Here are some common categories: CD/Album: This is the most basic item and is usually the entry point for many fans. Choose an album that suits your musical tastes and of course, your oshi album! Consider limited editions which usually come with interesting bonuses such as photobooks, posters, or trading cards. DVD/Blu-ray: Similar to CD/Album, DVD/Blu-ray contains concerts, dramas, or other exclusive content from your oshi. Pay attention to the picture and sound quality, as well as the bonuses included. Photobook/Photocard: This item is very popular among fans. Photobooks contain a collection of photos of your oshi, both professional and candid. Photocards are small photo cards, often included as bonuses in […]
Appearance of a worker (Image by Freepik) Japan, the land of the rising sun, is famous for its culture of hard work and discipline. However, how do Japanese workers actually spend their salaries? The answer is not as simple as “just for food and shelter”. The use of salaries in Japan is influenced by many factors, from culture to social structure, as well as income level and age. Let’s explore in more detail how they manage their finances. Fixed Expenses: Rent, Utilities, and Installments Most of the salaries of Japanese workers are used to meet basic needs. Rent (家賃, yachin) is the largest expense item, especially for those who live in big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya. Rent costs vary depending on the location and size of the residence, but are generally quite high compared to other countries. In addition to rent, utilities such as electricity (電気代, denki dai), gas (ガス代, gasu dai), and water (水道代, suidou dai) are also fixed expenses to consider. For those who have a mortgage (住宅ローン, jutaku ro-n), the mortgage is a significant fixed burden. Buying a house in Japan, especially in urban areas, is a major investment that requires careful long-term financial planning. Some workers also have a car mortgage (自動車ローン, jidousha ro-n), although car ownership in big cities is often impractical due to expensive parking fees and traffic jams […]
Japanese men’s appearance (Image by Freepik) The general view of Japanese men is often associated with a clean and tidy image. However, behind that well-groomed image, there are various approaches and perceptions of Japanese men towards their body hair. Contrary to the common perception that may be embedded in our minds, the concern for body hair among Japanese men is actually quite complex and diverse, influenced by cultural factors, age, fashion trends, and personal preferences. Facial Hair: From Thin Mustaches to Full Beards Facial hair, especially mustaches and beards, is one of the most visible and often discussed aspects. In the past, thin mustaches and beards that were well-groomed, even barely visible, were more common. This was influenced by traditional Japanese beauty standards that tend to prioritize a clean and tidy appearance. The image of a samurai figure with a thin mustache and a clean face may still be firmly embedded in the minds of many people. However, as time goes by and Japan opens up to global culture, facial hair trends have changed. Today, we see more and more Japanese men letting their beards grow thicker and longer, experimenting with different styles, from neat, well-groomed beards to full, wilder beards. Age is also a factor; Older men tend to be more comfortable with beards […]
A man and a cat (Pixabay.com/buffalobrian) Have you ever heard of cat men and dog men? In Japan, “cat men” (ネコ系男子 – neko-kei danshi) and “dog men” (犬系男子 – inu-kei danshi) are widely known personality types that are often used to classify men based on their behavior, characteristics, and style of interacting with others. While simple, these classifications offer interesting insights into Japanese society’s views on the ideal man and the dynamics of romantic relationships. Let’s dive deeper into the differences, characteristics, and behaviors of cat men and dog men in Japan. Cat Men: Mysterious and Independent Cat men are often described as mysterious, independent, and a little unapproachable. They have a charming and calm aura, much like a graceful and serene cat. Their ability to keep their distance and show a cool side makes them seem even more interesting and challenging. Here are some characteristics of a cat type man: Independent and Self-Reliant: They are not too dependent on others and are able to take care of themselves well. They do not need a lot of attention and tend to do things on their own. This does not mean they are antisocial, it just means they enjoy being alone and have a strong sense of personal space. Mysterious and Unpredictable: Cat type men […]
Japanese Men’s Appearance (Image by Freepik) Interacting with different cultures always offers a rich and memorable experience, but it can also be challenging. Japan, with its unique and fascinating cultural richness, is no exception. Many foreigners fall in love with the beauty of Japan, but some aspects of Japanese culture can sometimes be confusing, even frustrating for newcomers. Here are some points that are often a source of misunderstanding or discomfort for foreigners in Japan. Language and Communication This is probably the most common and most challenging point. Japanese is notoriously difficult to learn, with a complex writing system (hiragana, katakana, kanji) and grammar that differs greatly from European languages. Even with a fairly good command of Japanese, foreigners often find it difficult to understand the nuances of non-verbal and implicit communication that are common in Japanese culture. Reluctance to say “no” directly: Japanese people often avoid saying “no” directly to avoid losing face or offending. This can be frustrating for foreigners because it is difficult to understand the true meaning of their words. Ambiguous answers such as “it’s hard…” or “I’ll think about it…” often mean “no”. Understanding context and reading body language becomes very important. Indirect communication: Japanese people tend to prefer to communicate […]
English 
Bahasa Indonesia 
한국어 
简体中文 
繁體中文 
香港中文 
Bahasa Melayu 
日本語