Real Gaijin — Japan’s Business, Culture & Life Podcast: A podcast about Japan’s economy, work culture, foreign residents, regional revitalization, and the people shaping the country’s future.

DisclaimerThe information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed by the host and guest are their own and do not constitute recommendations. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial professional before making any decisions.Do you remember any college professors who made their subjects come alive by connecting theory and practice? Today, Real Gaijin was pleased to introduce someone who excels at doing just that, particularly in the areas of financial literacy and personal finance. These are two subjects in which everyone should be interested and have at least a basic level of competence.We were fortunate to be speaking with Daniel J. Mills, Ed.D., a professor in the Faculty of Economics at Ritsumeikan University, today. He shared his insights on financial literacy education, paying particular attention to the challenges faced by foreign residents — especially Americans — living in Japan.Who is he?Meet Professor Daniel J. Mills, whom we referred to as “Daniel” during the AMA “live video” podcast.Originally from California, Daniel has lived and worked in Japan for more than two decades. This bilingual resident foreigner graduated from California State University, Northridge, where he majored in comparative religion with a focus on Asian religions. He also has a TESOL degree from Shenandoah University and an Ed.D. from the University of Wyoming. He is a certified financial educator and has taught at Ritsumeikan University for 15 years. You may have read some of his work on The FI Professor website, which provides a wealth of resources for US expats in Japan. Daniel is also the editor-in-chief of the Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal. He co-authored the Think Big for Business textbook series and is currently working on new projects to provide accessible, practical financial guidance. In short, Daniel is an expert on personal finance and is especially talented at teaching others the ins and outs of personal finance from the perspective of a fellow American expat based in Japan.Today, in addition to delving deeper into Daniel’s path to Japan, Real Gaijin asked him to share some of what he teaches his students, whether they are young or young at heart.Key TakeawaysToday’s discussion was very much a “survey class,” covering a variety of subjects at a high level. However, it was clear that Daniel had more information to share and could have provided more detail on several topics. The main takeaways from today’s talk are as follows: * Top Priority 3 Core Practices: Within the first 30 days of settling into a new job and home in Japan, Daniel recommends doing these three things first:* Track and analyze your cash inflows and outflows in real time to create a personal balance sheet and net worth statement. Drill down to a fairly granular level to see exactly how much is coming in and going out.* Develop a method for “forced savings” (e.g., open two bank accounts: one for day-to-day expenses and another for future investments).* Begin making investments, but only after paying off any high-interest credit card debt.* The Coming Use of AI to Clamp Down on Tax Noncompliance: Daniel predicts that, in the future, tax authorities around the world—including the National Tax Authority (NTA) in Japan and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the U.S.—will proactively identify errors. Stay tuned, and get compliant sooner rather than later.* The Big Picture: Don’t Become Overwhelmed Take it one step at a time. As Daniel counsels, “It’s easy to make progress, and that’s all you need to do.”TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Coming up* Grant from the Japanese Government: Daniel will be studying the intersection of personal finance, financial literacy education, and AI. He is the recipient of a prestigious Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research or Kagaku Kenkyūhi Josei Jigyō (科学研究費助成事業) in Japanese. Daniel will be taking this research on the road next year as a visiting professor at California Lutheran University. Expect great things! (He’ll still be keeping up The FI Professor with the new perspective of being “on the road.”)* Think Big for Personal Finance textbook series: Scheduled to be published in 2026.* Dedicated personal finance course at Ritsumeikan University: In the works…Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement.* Expansion of The FI Professor website: Daniel has plans to launch a “Survival Guide for American Finances in Japan” and update the blog post “What’s in The FI Professor’s Portfolio?”* Pet project: Daniel may create a step-by-step guide with screenshots that shows how to navigate the Interactive Brokers platforms (“asking for a friend”).* Immediate short-term: If you’re planning to be in Osaka on Sunday, November 30, 2025, you can see Daniel present here:The registration form is on @intogether2022 (Instagram) profile page.Key Contacts* Website: https://www.thefiprof.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-mills-ed-d-037b351a/* Substack: https://thefiprof.substack.com/* Ritsumeikan University (立命館大学): https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/* Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal: https://callej.org/index.php/journal* Think Big for Business textbook series: https://www.akebonopress.com/think-big-landing#TheFIProfessor #DanielMills #RitsumeikanUniversity #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracyEducation #FinancialIndependence #WorkingInJapanAsAForeigner #ThinkBigForBusiness #ダニエルミルズ #立命館大学 #パーソナルファイナンス #金融リテラシー教育 #経済的自立 #外国人として日本で働く #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for “pine” is “matsu.” In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is “take,” but the on-yomi is “chiku.” Similarly, the word for plum is “ume,” but the on-yomi is “bai.”No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Japan is back! Due to headwinds from the Chinese market, European manufacturers and brands have recently shown renewed interest in the Japanese market. While many large companies have been active in Japan for decades, small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are curious about new opportunities there but often don’t know how to develop and implement a market entry strategy. They need a market access specialist like today’s guest, Pascal Gudorf, founder and CEO of JBI (Japan Business Insights).Who is he?Pascal Gudorf is a Japan resident with over 20 years of experience. Originally from Germany, he has lived and worked in Japan since 1999.He served as editor-in-chief of JAPANMARKET, the leading magazine for German companies doing business in and with Japan. Previously, he worked for the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan before joining Mitsui & Co., one of Japan’s most powerful trading companies. There, he spent six years helping equipment manufacturers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom deliver projects for Japanese customers.Back in Japan, Pascal transitioned to working as an independent market entry consultant. In 2023, he founded his own management consultancy, JBI (Japan Business Insights). He helps startups and SMEs succeed in some of Japan’s most demanding sectors, including cleantech, energy, mobility, and infrastructure services. Pascal continues to represent ECOS and the State of Thuringia, bridging the innovation ecosystems of Germany and Japan. He is based in Fukuoka.What does Japan Business Insights do?Pascal’s consulting firm helps clients develop strategies for entering the Japanese market and provides guidance to foreign companies looking to expand there. Japan Business Insights offers continuous support to help clients overcome challenges after entering the market through the formation of a direct subsidiary, joint venture, or distribution channel partnership.Pascal is also the co-author, with longtime colleague Richard Mort, of Getting to “Yes” in Japan. He is a prolific LinkedIn contributor who frequently publishes original industry trend reports in English on the Japan Business Insights website.Key Takeaways* Be aware of cultural differences: Developing at least a rudimentary level of proficiency in Japanese is highly advantageous for succeeding in business in Japan, but studying the nuances of Japanese culture is critical. Pascal, who is fluent in Japanese, English, German, and French, often counsels his European clients to approach their Japanese counterparts in the context of Geert Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI). The UAI measures how strongly different cultures are threatened by ambiguity and uncertainty, as well as how much they rely on rules, structure, and predictability to reduce anxiety. High-UAI cultures, such as those in Japan, Greece, Portugal, France, and many Latin American countries, tend to emphasize clear rules, detailed planning, job security, and risk avoidance. This reflects a preference for stability and discomfort with improvisation. Conversely, low-UAI cultures, including Singapore, Denmark, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S., are generally more comfortable with ambiguity, experimentation, flexible rules, and entrepreneurial risk. Countries in the middle range, such as Germany and China, blend structure with pragmatism, tolerating uncertainty when it supports efficiency or long-term goals. Overall, the index highlights how deeply cultural values shape people’s tolerance for risk, innovation, and social norms.* Entrepreneurship outside Japan’s megacities: After serving in Germany, Pascal and his family moved back to Japan just before the pandemic. Despite having spent decades living and working in Tokyo, Pascal made the bold choice to open his own market access consultancy in Fukuoka, a growing regional city in the southwestern part of the country. His success proves that enterprising foreigners can succeed in Japan’s business world outside the megacity centers of Greater Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.* Advance preparation is key: Pascal has helped many European businesses develop effective go-to-market strategies, establish wholly owned subsidiaries, find partners, and optimize existing operations in Japan over the years. He gives virtually all of his clients one piece of advice: approach the Japanese market having done plenty of advance preparation. Don’t try to wing it. Do your homework in advance and come prepared with a long list of questions.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Substack (Japan Business Secrets): * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgudorf/* Website: https://www.jbi.one/#PascalGudorf #JapanBusinessInsights #JBI #JapanBusinessSecrets #JapanSME #CrossBorderJapan #JapanMarketEntry #RealGaijin #パスカルグドルフ #中小企業 #日本中小企業 #日本クロスボーダー #日本市場参入 #日本中小企業買収 #外人 #外国人 #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for “pine” is “matsu.” In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is “take,” but the on-yomi is “chiku.” Similarly, the word for plum is “ume,” but the on-yomi is “bai.”No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

There are the “old hands” of Japan—foreign professionals who arrived decades ago, before bilingual signage, Google Maps, and sushi restaurants on every corner. They’ve built careers, raised families, and witnessed Japan’s transformation from the bubble era to the digital age. They’re fluent not just in language, but also in the unspoken rules. They’ve learned to navigate bureaucracy, hierarchy, and the subtle art of reading the room. For many of them, Japan isn’t just an exotic assignment or a temporary phase; it’s home. Their stories reveal what it means to belong to a place that officially still considers you a guest.Today, we were fortunate to speak with Larry Kieffer, a longtime Tokyo resident who has built a successful executive recruiting business. He shared his insights about the Japanese job market from the perspective of a father.Who is he?Meet Larry Kieffer, also known as “The Headhunter Dad.”Originally from New York, Larry sold pots, pans, skis, and tennis rackets before moving to Hawaii. There, he earned an MBA through a cooperative program between the University of Hawaii and the Japan American Institute of Management Science (JAIMS). He moved to Japan in 1995 and joined a Japanese recruiting firm. In 1999, he shifted gears to join an internet venture focused on web-based recruiting. In 2002, he launched his own executive recruiting firm. Larry is currently the COO of Fidel Consulting, Japan’s leading IT staffing firm. He is a certified personnel consultant and was a board member for the nonprofit Tokyo English Lifeline. Larry also works as an adjunct professor at Temple University, where he teaches a Professional Development Strategies course to help undergraduates prepare for their careers.Larry has two children, a son and a daughter. He has spent much of his career in the recruiting world contemplating how to offer career advice to young people from the perspective of a father providing counsel to his children. This led to the creation of The Headhunter Dad newsletter over 15 years ago.Key Takeaways* The Headhunter Dad: Whether you believe it or not, there are lessons you can teach kids as young as five, six, or seven that will positively impact their ability to land a job in the future. One such lesson is instilling confidence. Larry has researched and written extensively on this subject. Parents should accept early on that their children will have to compete against an ever-expanding pool of qualified applicants from around the world for the jobs of the future. Check out his blog/newsletter for more details.* Recurring themes of job descriptions: Based on his 30+ years of experience, Larry can confidently say that, beyond technical requirements, employers continue to search for candidates who are skilled in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Therefore, any aspiring job candidate would be wise to emphasize their capabilities in these three areas.* Opportunities for foreigners seeking jobs in Japan: Japanese language proficiency remains key. However, there are plenty of other opportunities, such as international sales, beyond the common entry points to the Japanese job market: teaching English and recruiting. The IT field tends to be different because it is English-centric. Japan is currently facing an extreme shortage of qualified IT engineers. Thus, it is now possible to land a new job in this field in Japan without local language proficiency.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Substack: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidelconsulting/* Website: https://www.headhunterdad.com/* Fidel Consulting: https://fidelconsulting.com/en/* Temple University, Japan Campus: https://www.tuj.ac.jp/#LarryKieffer #TheHeadhunterDad #NewUniversityGraduatesJapan #EntryLevelJobMarket2025 #JobHuntingInJapan #ParentalSupportForJobSeekers #CareerGuidanceJapan #WorkingInJapanAsAForeigner #JobSearchAdviceJapan #ExecutiveRecruiter #FidelConsulting #キーファーラリー #新卒採用 #就活 #就職活動 #エグゼクティブリクルーター #フィデルコンサルティングPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for “pine” is “matsu.” In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is “take,” but the on-yomi is “chiku.” Similarly, the word for plum is “ume,” but the on-yomi is “bai.”No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Although he still has a long runway ahead of him, today’s guest, who has spent decades living in Japan, has already had enough experiences to last multiple lifetimes.Who is he?Meet Charles McJilton.Charles’ journey took him from living in a cardboard house along Tokyo’s Sumida River to founding Japan’s first food bank and graduating from The John F. Kennedy School of Government, commonly referred to as “Harvard Kennedy School” of Harvard University. Believing that tools, not charity, create real change, he pioneered innovative approaches to hunger relief, disaster response, and nonprofit management in Japan. Currently, at Frontline Associates, he is applying AI and negotiation tools to address some of the world’s most complex humanitarian challenges. McJilton’s story embodies resilience, authenticity, and a redefinition of societal contribution.Key Takeaways* First-hand Experience of Living in a Japanese Slum: As part of his involvement with the Missionaries of Charity Brothers founded by Mother Teresa, Charles spent 15 months living in a cardboard box on the banks of Tokyo’s Sumida River with a community of day laborers, both current and former. This experience, vastly different from how most foreign residents experience the country, changed Charles’s outlook on life entirely. * Second Harvest, Japan’s First Food Bank: Charles helped found Second Harvest, Japan’s first food bank. Although he has since left the mission-based organization, Second Harvest continues to provide free hot meals, act as a harvest pantry, deliver food directly to those in need, supply other food banks, and promote advocacy and development to create a food safety net for Japan. Second Harvest and the Alliance of Japan Foodbanks provide disaster relief in the event of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods.* Using AI as a Frontline Negotiator: Charles attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, also known as the Harvard Kennedy School. He is now working with the Japan Red Cross and the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative to use new artificial intelligence (AI) tools to conduct initial 48-hour assessments, manage supply chains after natural disasters, and negotiate access.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Substack: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-mcjilton-5482615/* Missionaries of Charity Brothers: https://www.mcbrothers.org/* Harvard Humanitarian Initiative: https://hhi.harvard.edu/* The John F. Kennedy School of Government, commonly referred to as “Harvard Kennedy School” of Harvard University: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/* Alliance of Japan Foodbanks: https://foodbanking.or.jp/* Frontline Associates: https://www.frontline-associates.org/#CharlesMcJilton #SanyaTokyoSlums #SumidaRiver #CardboardHouse #FoodBankJapan #SecondHarvestJapan #JapanNonprofitInnovation #TohokuDisasterReliefNGO #AIInHumanitarianAid #FrontlineNegotiator #HarvardKennedySchool #MissionaryOfCharityBrothers #マクジルトンチャールズ #三亜 #東京のスラム街 #段ボールハウス #フードバンクジャパン #セカンドハーベスト #日本の非営利団体 #交渉担当者 #ハーバード大学ケネディスクール #神の愛の宣教者会 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for “pine” is “matsu.” In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is “take,” but the on-yomi is “chiku.” Similarly, the word for plum is “ume,” but the on-yomi is “bai.”No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Most of us want to be fit but struggle with time, habits, and the feeling that maybe it’s just “genetics.” Menya Hinga once felt the same way—until a decade of self-study transformed his health and mindset. Since 2011, he’s built a career in Tokyo helping thousands of individuals and top companies make sustainable health choices. As founder of MH Health Coaching, co-founder of SOGO Fitness (Japan’s largest free fitness community), and head coach of the CoFit Movement, Menya has become an inspiration to both fitness seekers and foreigners building communities in Japan. In this conversation, we explore his journey, his methods, and how he balances it all—including raising four young children.Just remember: “Menya, like Kenya, but with an ‘M.’”Key Takeaways* Finding a Good Source of Truth is Hard: Ironically, the problem used to be the difficulty of finding resources to improve overall health. Now, thanks to the internet, the problem is that there are too many sources of information. The challenge lies in sifting through vast quantities of data to identify the most relevant resources.* Evolution as a Personal Trainer: Menya spent the early part of his career primarily focusing on face-to-face interaction to help improve his clients' physical fitness. As MH Health Coaching has evolved, Menya has transitioned into a more holistic resource, helping his clients manage food, fitness, sleep, and stress.* Balancing Helping Clients Achieve Short-Term Goals with Good Habit Formation for Long-Term Health and Fitness: Menya focuses on learning how a potential new client is currently struggling. He probes to understand their goals and uncover what is holding them back from achieving them. Armed with this information, Menya and the client define short-term goals, after which Menya gets to work helping the client achieve their objectives. However, he is focused not only on helping clients achieve short-term goals, but also on helping them develop good habits to improve their health and fitness in the long term.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* MH Health Coaching: https://www.menyahinga.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/* SOGO Fitness: https://sogofitness.org/* CoFit Movement: https://cofitmovement.com/* Credentials* NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT): https://www.nsca.com/certification/nsca-cpt/* Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC): https://www.bodybyboyle.com/* Precision Nutrition (PN): https://www.precisionnutrition.com/* Recommended Reading: Also consult Menya’s “High Performance Reading List”* Good book written to put you to sleep (while still keeping your attention): Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Mathew Walker* Keep it going with Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear* Don’t lose momentum with The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg* Powerspot Pilates Studio Run by Menya’s Partner Risa: https://www.powerspot.co.jp/#MenyaHinga #HealthCoach #WellnessCoach #PersonalTrainer #FitnessInstructor #MHHealthCoaching #SOGOFitness #CoFitMovement #MikeBoyleStrengthAndConditioning #CrossBorderJapan #PrecisionNutrition #NationalStrengthAndConditioningAssociation #AnimalFlow #RealGaijin #ヒンガメンヤ #ヘルスコーチ #ウェルネスコーチ #パーソナルトレーナー #フィットネスインストラクター #外人 #外国人 #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for "pine" is "matsu." In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is "take," but the on-yomi is "chiku." Similarly, the word for plum is "ume," but the on-yomi is "bai."No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

If there were ever a time to search for a potential acquisition target or take an equity stake in a small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Japan, it would be now. But how do you uncover such opportunities, determine the seller’s motivation, assess business performance, and navigate Japan's cultural and legal landscapes to close a deal? Enter today's guest. She is Mika Fukutomi, founder and managing partner of INVJapan, a boutique advisory firm that specializes in this type of investment.Key Takeaways* Many Potential Acquisition Targets: There are hundreds of thousands of opportunities to take over an existing business in Japan right now. Many of these businesses lack a clear successor and are available in a variety of industries. Use Mika's new Akamira.ai app to search for them. Additionally, you don't need to emigrate to Japan to purchase these SMEs or acquire a majority interest in them.* Accelerated Market Entry: Compared to a greenfield investment, which requires starting from scratch, purchasing an existing business offers many advantages. Depending on the business, taking over an existing one can provide speed to market, an established brand reputation, an existing cash flow, skilled employees, infrastructure, and regulatory approvals. In some cases, you may also inherit valuable intangible assets, such as licenses and patents.* Win-Win: In addition to cash, SME M&A deals often provide sellers with access to modern management techniques and overseas sales channels. Ethical buyers can combine a series of such acquisitions to take advantage of economies of scale (e.g., a chain of hotel properties).TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* INVJapan: https://www.invjapan.org/* Akamira.ai: https://akamira.ai/Landing* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikafukutomi/#MikaFukutomi #INVJapan #SME #JapanPrivateMarket #JapanSME #CrossBorderJapan #InvestJapaneseSME #JapanMarketEntry #JapanSMEAcquisition #RealGaijin #福富みか #中小企業 #日本のプライベートマーケット #日本中小企業 #日本クロスボーダー #日本市場参入 #日本中小企業買収 #外人 #外国人 #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for "pine" is "matsu." In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is "take," but the on-yomi is "chiku." Similarly, the word for plum is "ume," but the on-yomi is "bai."No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

All the recent talk about overtourism in Japan may be causing angst among the country's foreign residents and may even dissuade people from visiting. First, don't despair. There is still plenty to see and do in Japan, especially if you venture off the beaten path. Today, Real Gaijin spoke with someone with deep connections to Japan who loves to travel across the country on foot!Oh, and, by the way, he has been legally blind since age 18.Meet Tony R. Vega, a Hawaii-based content creator, adventurer, and advocate for the visually impaired community.Key Takeaways* Overcoming the Challenges of Being Visually Impaired: Tony’s motto is, "I may be legally blind, but that doesn't stop me." It's an apt motto, as no challenge related to his eyesight seems too great for Tony. As a prolific podcaster, he has found his niche by blending his love of Japan and related interests (e.g., anime) with his desire to advocate for the visually impaired by demonstrating what is possible.* Blind Japan Project: Over the past two years, Tony has completed two long walks along historical "highways" in Japan, including the Tōkaidō Road from Kyoto to Tokyo and the Sanyōdo Road in the Chūgoku region. Beginning at the end of September 2025, Tony will embark on his most ambitious walk yet: a 500-km journey from where he left off in Iwakuni to Kagoshima in southern Kyushu. He is doing this to raise awareness for the visually impaired community and for fun. Follow Tony on Instagram and X to keep track of his progress (links listed below).* All Aboard! While traveling across Japan, Tony often meets friendly people eager to assist him, which is not surprising. One might think such a journey would be difficult, but Tony explains that, unlike America's car-centric nature, Japan's pedestrian-friendly transportation options make it relatively easy to get around the country, even with a visual impairment. It turns out that Japan’s extensive train network is actually liberating for blind people. During his long walks, Tony uses various hubs near train stations to implement his travel plans. Don’t be surprised if you hear that at some point in the future Tony is leading a tour group of blind visitors across the country by train and on foot.* What’s in a Name? It’s “Tony R. Vega,” not just “Tony Vega.” To find him online and not get lost among the thousands of references to the popular singer with the same first and last names, be sure to search for "Tony R. Vega." While we joked about this problem, seriously, check out all of Tony’s rich online content.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key ContactsGeneral Website: https://tonyrvega.com/JapanKyo.com: https://japankyo.com/Japan Station Podcast: https://japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/The Anime Linguist: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguistBlind Japan Project: https://tonyrvega.com/blind-travel/Majison: https://x.com/majisonchanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyrvega/ (@tonyrvega)X: https://x.com/TheVegaTony (@TheVegaTony)#TonyRVega #HawaiiJapan #JapanKyo #JapanStation #BlindJapanProject #WalkingJapanBlind #LegallyBlindAdventurer #MAJISON #RealGaijin #トニーRヴェガ #ハワイ日本 #法定盲目 #マネー爆弾 #ポッドキャストNFTニッポン #ラブイズブラインド #外人 #外国人 #リアル外人 #視覚障害者Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for "pine" is "matsu." In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is "take," but the on-yomi is "chiku." Similarly, the word for plum is "ume," but the on-yomi is "bai."No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

For many native English speakers, teaching English is often the gateway to an extended stay in Japan. Many of these individuals become Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), a specific role within Japan’s public school system and part of the country’s effort to promote English language education. ALTs are not full teachers and do not have primary responsibility for classes. They assist Japanese teachers, and the utilization of their skills varies widely. This role is closely associated with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET), which began in 1987. However, ALTs can also be hired through private dispatch companies, not just JET. Many ALTs only stay for a few years before returning to their home country or pursuing another career. Some, however, stay long term. Today, we will take a deep dive into what it means to be an ALT and the future of English language instruction in Japan.Key Takeaways* Alphabet Soup of Acronyms: Don't be intimidated by the many acronyms associated with teaching English as a second language. Throughout the interview, Elizabeth patiently explains the meaning and importance of each one. See below for a link to the organizations behind many of the acronyms.* JET or Bust: There are many places in Japan where native English speakers can teach English as a second language. Based on her personal experience, Elizabeth strongly recommends starting with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, even if only to gain experience living and working abroad before returning home. For those interested in continuing their education while teaching English in Japan, Elizabeth suggests several viable options. ALT Training Online (ALTTO) is a particularly good place to start.* How to Find Teaching Jobs: Relatively high-paying teaching positions, particularly at private high schools and in post-secondary education, are difficult to find. These positions often require a teaching credential and tend to be advertised primarily by word of mouth. However, Elizabeth offers tips about other resources that can help you land these types of jobs.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key ContactsSubstack: TESOL: https://www.tesol.org/Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET): https://jetprogramme.org/en/ALT Training Online (ALTTO): https://altto.net/JALT Job Listings: https://jalt-publications.org/tlt/departments/career-development-corner/jobsOnline Teaching Japan (OTJ): https://www.facebook.com/groups/603548090241536/English Teaching Japan (ETJ): https://ltprofessionals.com/etj/#ElizabethScally #JET #JETProgramme #ALT #CIR #TESOL #ESL #ALTTO #JALT #OnlineTeachingJapan #EnglishTeachingJapan #ChibaKunGlobalPartners #BujinkanBudoTaijutsu #RealGaijin #エリザベススカリー #JETプログラム #語学指導 #外国青年招致事業 #英語教師 #第二言語 #外人 #外国人 #チーバくんパートナーズ #武神館 #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for "pine" is "matsu." In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is "take," but the on-yomi is "chiku." Similarly, the word for plum is "ume," but the on-yomi is "bai."No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

It is common for foreign visitors to fall in love with Japan, often during their first visit. Some of us take it to the next level by deciding to permanently relocate to the country. An even smaller number—perhaps fewer than can be counted on one hand—become so enamored with Japanese culture that they commit their lives to becoming a practicing mountain ascetic, or Yamabushi (山伏) in Japanese.Meet Tim Bunting, who moved from New Zealand to the picturesque Yamagata Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region where he now leads Yamabushi training in English and Japanese.Key Takeaways* Yamabushi training is an ascetic practice that has evolved over the past millennia and is a path for gaining supernatural powers. This somewhat secretive approach combines elements of Shintoism, which includes strong nature worship, with Zen Buddhism and other beliefs.* Participants in the various multi-day Yamabushi training programs often seek mental clarity and benefit from a total digital detox of up to a week or more. The training involves experiencing one's own funeral and subsequent rebirth in a metaphysical sense. Participants almost always emerge from the process with a much greater awareness of themselves.* Tim is about to become a "Master Yamabushi." He plans to continue living and perfecting his skills as a mountain ascetic in Japan for the time being. At some point, however, he may return to his native New Zealand to establish Yamabushi training with a local Māori leader. If you are interested in learning from Tim and his fellow "Master Yamabushi" trainers, please inquire to learn more about the experience (see below for links).TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key ContactsSubstack: Website: https://www.yamabushido.jp/Yozo Toge: https://timbunting.com/mountains/yozosan/#TimBunting #Yamabushido #yamabushi #MountainAscetic #TantricBuddhism #VajrayanaBuddhism #Shinto #Shintoism #TohokuUniversityofCommunityServiceandScience #ティムバンティング #山伏 #山伏道 #修験道 #修験者 #仏教 #密教 #神道 #外人 #外国人 #東北公益文科大学PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

In this age of unprecedented inbound tourism to Japan, it is easy to forget that, until the Meiji Restoration in the second half of the 19th century, Japan had limited interaction with the West for most of recorded history. However, there have been several influential figures who played a major role in advancing Japan’s interactions with the West throughout history.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Today, Real Gaijin is pleased to introduce renowned cultural historian and BBC broadcaster Christopher ("Chris") Harding of the University of Edinburgh. Chris is an outstanding storyteller who will captivate you from the moment you start listening to the recording. He publishes History with Chris Harding on Substack, exploring the histories behind what people love about Japan: food, film, famous names, ghost stories, sports, and the major challenges the country faces in the 21st century. Chris is interested in what happens when cultures and peoples first meet — a combination of fascination, embarrassment, and misunderstanding.On this episode Chris introduced how four historical figures — both foreigners (OG versions of “real gaijin”) and Japanese — advanced Japan’s contact with the West.Key Takeaways* Francis Xavier experienced cultural miscommunication back in the 16th century: Although the Jesuits, such as Francis Xavier, were initially welcomed by local Buddhist monks in Kagoshima in the far southern part of Japan because they were mistakenly believed to have come directly from India to spread new learning, it eventually became known that the Jesuits were, in fact, not from India and represented competition. The Buddhists subsequently started referring to "deus," the Catholic "God," as "daiuso (大嘘)," which means "big lie." Francis Xavier never gave up his quest to convert the local and national powers, but he was never able to reach the Emperor and only achieved a degree of success in Japan.* Yoshida Shoin (吉田松陰)'s adventurous spirit nearly brought him face-to-face with Commodore Matthew C. Perry: In the midst of the American "gunboat diplomacy" that shocked Japan in early 1854 — a key milestone that ultimately led to the end of the 220-year period of self-imposed national seclusion in 1868 — a courageous young man named Yoshida Shoin attempted to board Commodore Perry's foreign “black ship” in the dead of night to meet with him. Although he was thought to be a spy and was thwarted, Yoshida was able to get a firsthand look at the steamship during his brief encounter. The incident did not sit well with the Tokugawa shogunate, but it cemented Yoshida's place in history as a tragic hero eager to learn about the West.* Fukuzawa Yukichi (福澤諭吉), the founder of Japan's prestigious Keio University, still symbolizes rationalism, self-determination, and national progress in Japan: His image graced the 10,000-yen bill for 40 years until last summer, and it is still in circulation. In 1860, Fukuzawa went on the first Japanese mission to the U.S. and Europe, bringing home a sense of urgency to catch up to the West, along with a strong advocacy for practical learning. Through his writings and speeches, he introduced Western ideas such as individual rights, liberty, and scientific reasoning.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Website: https://christopher-harding.com/* Substack Connection: https://substack.com/@christopherharding* BBC Radio (Misunderstanding Japan): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0369m6j* Commodore Perry's Expedition to Japan: https://archive.org/details/commodorematthew0000witt#ChrisHarding #ChristopherHarding #CulturalHistorian #history #JapaneseHistory #UniversityofEdinburgh #AHistoryofModernJapan #BBC #TheBordersofSanity #クリストファーハーディング #文化史家 #歴史 #外人 #外国人 #日本史 #エディンバラ大学PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Japan has consistently ranked high on the bucket lists of foreign visitors in recent years. While Japan is a wonderful place to visit year-round, it boasts some of the best snowboarding and skiing in the world, making it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.Almost all snowboarders and skiers have heard of the world-famous Niseko ski resort, but there is a lot more to Japan’s skiing scene. Real Gaijin introduces a pair of Americans who know Japan’s backcountry well. They have become so enamored with Japanese skiing that they invested in property near several Hokkaido ski resorts and formed their own real estate firm. This agency helps guide foreign skiers and investors to take advantage of Japan’s growing stock of affordable homes near some of the world's best snowboarding and skiing.Key Takeaways* “Know a Guy” The two co-founders of Yuki Homes put in a lot of work researching Japan's relatively undiscovered ski resorts and specific properties. They deliver for their clients by leveraging their extensive network of contacts who can assist with every step of the purchasing process, as well as post-purchase property management (e.g., rental management for Airbnb).* Location, location, location! Although co-founders Derek and Nick are quite knowledgeable about which ski resorts are likely to become the next Niseko, they advise their clients to buy a pre-owned home in Japan for the experience rather than for its potential resale value or rental income.* An Extraordinary Example of Running a Business from Afar: Despite living in the U.S. and only periodically visiting Japan, Derek and Nick have found success running a business there by cultivating strong local relationships and a network of support personnel (e.g., for taxes, property management, car rentals, etc.). They gained this knowledge through personal experience when they bought and owned their own home in Otaru, Hokkaido…and their knowledge runs deep! As a result, Yuki Homes has helped many foreigners avoid red tape and realize their dream of buying a second home near several world-class ski resorts in Japan.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Yuki Homes' Website: https://www.yukihomes.com/* Yuki Homes' Substack: * Kiroro Snow World: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/* PowderHounds: https://www.powderhounds.com/#YukiHomes #akiya #JAPOW #RealEstate #雪ホームズ #ユキホームズ #外国人 #外人 #不動産 #空き家PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Originally from the U.K., James does not readily fit into a particular category as defined by career path, area of study, or focus of interest. He is a true Renaissance man unafraid to make unconventional choices. James is living proof that foreigners can lead productive and fulfilling lives in Japan on their own terms.He embodies a series of contrasts. He holds a master's degree yet now works for JR East for just above minimum wage cleaning train stations—on purpose. He is an accomplished novelist and screenwriter. In fact, he is currently collaborating with a movie production company to produce an original horror film that he wrote. James loves Japan and aspires to buy and remodel an abandoned home in the countryside while advancing in his career at JR East.Key Takeaways* In Japan, anything is possible. James has chosen a job cleaning train stations for the time being. It's quite physically demanding and doesn't pay very much. Bottom line: He needs to pay the rent. However, the job only requires 37.5 hours per week. It provides an opportunity to exercise outdoors and is free of office politics, which gives James extra time to think. The job does not follow him home. James has learned to optimize his time off to hone his talent for writing.* A horror movie is in the works: While it’s still “early days,” and pre-production has not yet begun, James has successfully secured his first contract with a movie producer for a script he wrote. There are many steps in the process to get from this point to the ultimate release, but thus far, everything is on track to begin filming toward the end of 2025. In the meantime, James is doing rewrites and helping his producer plan next steps. Very exciting! We look forward to the premiere.* Avid writer: While screenwriting for Hollywood seems fun and is certainly keeping James busy, his real passion is writing novels. To date, James has published eight novels, which are available on Kindle via Amazon. Recently, his book Ask Mark has attracted a lot of interest (see links below). He has another book in the works called List of Goals, which sounds intriguing.Also…About 45 minutes into the interview, you will find out which movie star James would prefer for the lead role in his upcoming horror film:* Willem Dafoe or Christopher Walken?* Tom Hardy or Benedict Cumberbatch?TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* James’s Substack * Extracts from Recent Books* Meet Mark: * Disease: * Amazon* Meet Mark: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Mark-James-C-Douglas-ebook/dp/B0DWL4V8NH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ANMZW77R790G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jlIoEp1zcK1YzTJVa-gUTPOHJNmmLAWQRQWdlHHZltSB-bumoRtH6dPTOKSCNJtv3VUGH8aSjE3bYvDwNyNN9w.NHyBMxQ-qAGTpbG9i9RcPxoeB2reIa5KoJG8cQ63Iu0&dib_tag=se&keywords=james+c+douglas+meet+mark&qid=1750382124&sprefix=james+c+douglas+meet+mar%2Caps%2C311&sr=8-1* Disease: https://www.amazon.com/Disease-James-C-Douglas-ebook/dp/B0BH174DKN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=236GZ45TV0EH5* Bar in Shimokitazawa in Tokyo called GariGari where Jamese does live readings every 3rd Friday of the month: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJNGXTzmewPvmhTFA#JamesDouglas #JREast #ジェームズダグラス #JR東日本 #外国人 #外人PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever found yourself at a career plateau, unable to advance? Do you consciously or unconsciously feel that you have lost the characteristic mojo that defined you earlier in life? If so, what can you do about it?In Japan, an increasing number of organizations are hiring leadership/executive coaches to help their key managers get back on track. During an assignment, which typically lasts a year, these coaches are skilled at "peeling back the onion" to get to the root of the problem. They work closely with their clients to encourage positive change from within.Is it possible to receive this level of personal coaching in English in Japan? The answer is yes, but you need to know where to look. One of the best places to find a professional leadership coach is, however, far removed from the corporate boardrooms of Otemachi in Tokyo. It's nestled deep in the beautiful mountains near Minakami in Gunma Prefecture, about an hour away from the city center. If you want to embark on a journey of personal transformation, look no further than Adventure Partner to seek out Head Coach Cory McGowan.During Real Gaijin’s hour-long discussion with Cory, we covered a variety of subjects. Cory spoke to us from his “base camp” in Minakami, which overlooks a gorgeous forest and picturesque river. Cory first engages with his new clients in this setting during an intense, four-day “Wilderness Visioning Retreat” to be free of all distractions. Cory walked us through his approach to leadership and executive coaching. We also heard the backstory of how he ended up in Japan.Key Takeaways* What is leadership/executive coaching, and how is it different from what the head coach of a sports team does? Cory explained that coaches who focus on leadership, most commonly in the corporate arena, help leaders expand their capacity to lead.* Adventure Partner offers a unique approach for the "under-expressed adventurous leader." It's not about coaching to develop or improve a specific skill. Instead, Cory helps his clients dig deep to transform into more impactful leaders.* The coach's job is not to course correct, but to reflect. After the initial on-site session in Minakami, Cory follows up with each client about once every two weeks for up to a year to stay accountable.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Adventure Partner: https://www.adventure-partner.net/* Satoshi Rides: https://www.satoshirides.com/#CoryMcGowan #AdventurePartner #ontology #coaching #leadership #TransformationalCoach #ICF #ACC #DISC #neuroscience #foreigner #RenegadeCoach #Minakami #水上 #ミックガワンコリー #アドベンチャーパートナー #リーダーシップ #トランスフォーメーショナルコーチ #外国人 #外人PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a digital nomad? Have you accumulated some extra PTO and want to combine work and pleasure in an exotic destination like Japan? How can you practically pull this off? What is it really like?As its native population shrinks, Japan continues to attract large numbers of foreign tourists. The number of resident foreigners like me is also steadily growing and has recently topped 3.7 million, equivalent to approximately 3% of Japan’s population. There is now another way to enjoy an extended stay in Japan without putting down roots.Thanks mainly to the internet, it is, of course, now possible for foreigners to travel to Japan and stay connected to their work abroad. With temporary visitor status they simply conduct short-term business activities from anywhere in the country.Today, Real Gaijin will introduce you to someone who is doing just that.Kristi Volchek is an expert product designer and former Chief Marketing Officer at a large tech firm. Now she is on a mission to help content creators and solopreneurs. She teaches user interface (UI) and product design at Dribbble and mentors designers at Liftzy. On top of all that, Kristi has a full roster of clients who provide her with more design work than she can handle on her own. And if that weren't enough, Kristi recently started teaching design at Growth Design School. She interacts with all her clients and students remotely.Although it's possible to reach Kristi wherever she travels, we were fortunate to catch up with her while she's still in Japan. Originally from Belarus, Kristi and her partner have been traveling the world as digital nomads full-time since January. Currently, Kristi is in Fukuoka, but she will soon be heading to Taipei for the summer. Kristi absolutely loves living in Fukuoka, so her plan is to return to Japan in the fall. Kristi has also just recently been posting on Substack on a site called Kristi Notes.Incidentally, Japan had always been on Kristi’s bucket list, but she and her partner had plenty of experience working in other places before visiting Fukuoka. They spent five years in the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland, where Kristi’s business is based, and spent a short time in Bangkok. You will, therefore, be able to ask how Japan — and Fukuoka in particular — compares to these other popular digital nomad destinations.Also, for those who desire to stay longer, Japan is refining its official digital nomad visa program. See "Attention Global 'Techpats' — Japan to Open Doors with New Digital Nomad Visa.”Key Takeaways* Advice for Aspiring Digital Nomads: "Just do it!" There will never be a perfect time to start, so just get started. The older you get and the more established you become, the more difficult it will be to break old habits. Although you must be prepared to live minimally (e.g., out of a suitcase) and be highly adaptable, the rewards are enormous. So, step out of your comfort zone and give it a try!* Fukuoka Welcomes You: In addition to being recognized as one of the most startup-friendly cities in Japan, Fukuoka is an exciting place for digital nomads to temporarily call home. This regional city of more than 1.6 million is just the right size for an urban center where you can avoid the perils of overtourism. You can be close to nature in downtown Fukuoka, or you can really get out into the countryside by taking a short train ride. Best of all, Fukuoka has a vibrant and supportive local digital nomad community with plenty of resources to help guide you.* Culture of "Third Places" in Japan: Due to the limited floor plans of most Japanese homes, there is a well-established tradition of "third places" where people can work outside their homes (or hotel rooms) and offices. Thus, while you may be visiting Japan primarily for sightseeing, you can also stay connected with your business at coworking spaces, cafés, and other locations—some of which are free!TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Kristi at Work: https://kristi.digital/about* Kristi on Substack: https://kristinotes.com/notes* Recommended Resources for the Digital Nomad Community* Colive Fukuoka: https://colivefukuoka.com/* Hakata Mingle: https://www.meetup.com/ja-JP/meetup-group-irbxchax/* Japan Digital Nomad Association: https://japandigitalnomad.com/* Recommended Healthcare Related Resources* International Medical Support Center in Fukuoka: https://telljp.com/wikitell/fukuoka-international-medical-support-center/* Genki Health Insurance for Digital Nomads: https://genki.world/* Recommended Co-Working Spaces in Fukuoka* Artist Café Fukuoka: https://artistcafe.jp/* Bunkitsu Tenjin: https://tenjin.bunkitsu.jp/* Diagonal Run Fukuoka: https://diagonal-run.jp/fukuoka/* DOT: https://dot247.jp/* The From: https://the-from.com/#KristiVolchek #KristinaVolchek #DigitalNomad #ProductDesign #UI #Dribbble #Liftyz #solopreneur #GrowthDesignSchool #WebFlow #DigitalNomadsFukuoka #DigitalNomadism #RemoteWork #foreigner #TechPat #WorkCation #sabbatical #coworking #デジタルノマド #デジタルノマドビザ制度 #短期中期滞在者 #特定活動 #リモートワーク #在留資格 #デジタル革命 #テレワーク #旅人 #コワーキング #外国人 #外人PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Life is a series of trade-offs. Many members of RetireJapan may not know that Ben Tanaka, the founder of this influential website and online community, may have chosen to keep his financial planning advice and insights a secret if he had joined Britain’s secret service. Hear the full backstory about a potential James Bond starting at 5:24.Fortunately, Ben chose different paths during his extensive career in Japan. After chatting with him for over an hour, I would sum up his story in one word: resiliency.You see, Ben decided to become financially independent after he was fired (listen from 10:07). Although it was a gut-wrenching experience for him at the time, it was, luckily for the rest of us, the seed of RetireJapan. Through thick and thin, Ben has always found a way to make ends meet, even supplementing his income as an ordained wedding celebrant for a period (jump to 17:05 for more details). Today, he is a trusted source of sound financial advice for thousands of people living in and outside of Japan.Key Takeaways* RetireJapan mainly focuses on helping people start their journey toward financial independence (e.g., "Your First Ten Million Yen" on-line 5-week course about personal finance outlined from 31:24).* Sometimes a temporary setback opens up new opportunities; for example, Ben was fired at one point. This experience led him to become determined to attain financial independence so as not to become vulnerable in the future. This was also the impetus behind RetireJapan.* As Ben demonstrated in his career, it is possible to pivot along the way, which can make you more resilient.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* RetireJapan Website: https://www.retirejapan.com/* RetireJapan Substack: * RetireJapan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetireJapan_OG* Blog Post about Being a Wedding Celebrant: https://www.retirejapan.com/blog/only-in-japan-wedding-celebrants/#BenTanaka #RetireJapan #TheFluencyCourse #foreigner #田中勉 #リタイヤジャパン #外国人 #外人PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest is a true Renaissance man who defies easy definition. Originally from the American Midwest, Allen Lindskoog has had many different roles in his long career before settling down with his wife as the co-owner of a beautiful 100-year-old traditional farmhouse in Japan, which they have transformed into an Airbnb. Nestled in the Minami Alps near Mt. Fuji, the “Yamanashi Mountain Home (YMH) Kominka Airbnb” is a real hidden gem.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.After hearing about Allen’s illustrious career and his path to Japan, find out how he and his wife, who is an interior designer, found their home/inn, spent years refurbishing it, and now enjoy welcoming guests from all over the world to Anayama, a small hamlet with a population of around 300 people, located in the countryside yet still accessible from central Tokyo (includes tour beginning from 16:53).Key Takeaways* Attention, fellow Substack writers! The YMH Kominka Airbnb is an ideal writers' retreat, offering plenty of nooks and alcoves inside, as well as a spacious outdoor deck from which to write.* Approach the process of sourcing, remodelling, registering and opening an Airbnb “with your eyes wide open.” Remain patient and be realistic about the time and effort required.* To become a well-adjusted long-term foreign resident of Japan, you must consciously uproot your own cultural biases to recalibrate your perspective and ensure that you fit in and enjoy life there (“rip out the daikon radish, as Allen advises).TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Link to YMH Kominka Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1337226964296998845* Kominka Life Japan Substack: * Allen’s Book (available on Amazon): 10KLRS: 10,000 Lakes to the Rising Sun (English Edition)#AllenLindskoog #KominkaLifeJapan #kominka #foreigner #MeijiUniversity #ChuoUniversity #HoseiUniversity #アレンリンズクーグ #法政大学 #明治大学 #中央大学 #古民家 #外国人 #外人PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s guest isn’t just living in Japan—he’s been redefining what it means to be a foreigner here for over two decades. From Brooklyn to Tokyo, Baye McNeil has carved out a career as a critically acclaimed author, columnist, and cultural commentator. You might know him from The Japan Times’ “Black Eye” column, or from his books that challenge, charm, and sometimes roast the status quo. His latest, Words by Baye, Art by Miki, is a beautiful, bold collaboration with his wife—a celebration of love, creativity, and carving a life together, one story (and stone) at a time. This one’s gonna stick with you.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Our hour-long discussion flew by, and we actually went a little over (sorry). Baye explained that his name means "straightforward" in Senegalese. I couldn't help but laugh at how aptly named he was! Please listen to the whole episode, but I have tried to pull out a few nuggets of pure gold for you.Key Takeaways* The “Empty Seat Phenomenon” in Japan - Microaggressions and the Mental Toll of Subtle Racism: A firsthand look at the emotional and psychological experience of being visibly foreign in Japan — illustrated through the recurring experience of having the seat next to you remain empty on crowded trains. This phenomenon becomes a gateway into broader discussions on racial microaggressions, cultural isolation, and the personal evolution in interpreting and responding to these experiences over time.* “Hi, My Name Is Loco and I’m a Racist” - Radical Introspection About Internalized and Reciprocal Racism: Choosing a provocative title for a blog series based upon Alcoholics Anonymous, Baye did a brutally honest deep dive into his personal history of inherited racial bias, how growing up in a pro-Black but anti-white Pan-African environment shaped his early worldview, and how Japan triggered a confrontation with his own prejudices. The transition from projecting racist generalizations onto Japanese people to introspective accountability is both nuanced and transformative.* Rewriting the Narrative - Using Storytelling to Combat Media Stereotypes About Black People in Japan: Through his “Black Eye” column, Baye started writing for The Japan Times to counterbalance negative and reductive portrayals of Black people in Japanese media. By spotlighting positive, nuanced stories—like Black professors, Black-Japanese families, and cultural bridge-builders—he helped reshape how Japanese readers perceive the Black diaspora in Japan.* New Book - How a Black Writer and a Japanese Artist Are Healing Through Shared Creation: Words by Baye, Art by Miki isn’t just a poetry and art book—it’s an artistic response to trauma, beauty, identity, and coexistence. This collaboration reveals how two very different voices can come together to express something deeper than either could alone.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Baye’s Website (English link): You can buy his new book Words by Baye, Art by Miki here, as well. https://www.bayemcneil.com/* Baye’s Website (Japanese link): Yo* Book Review by Real Gaijin: Please check out “New book by Japan-Based Syndicated Columnist Baye McNeil Released Today: Words by Baye, Art by Miki chronicles the real-life saga of the African American writer's journey in Japan with his partner and wise counselor, Miki Hayashi McNeil.”#BayeMcNeil #WordsByBayeArtByMiki #HunterflyRoadProductions #BlackEye #MikiHayashiMcNeil #InterracialMarriage #InterracialRelationships #BlackCulture #AfricanAmerican #CrossBorderFamily #バイエマクニール #異人種間結婚 #異人種間恋愛 #クロスボーダーファミリー #人種差別 #黒塗り #黒人 #黒人系アメリカ人 #人種意識 #ブラックカルチャーPS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Join me for an hour-long deep dive into the colorful career of a fellow American expat who has long made Japan his home. Kevin McAuliffe is a personal friend whose story could be the inspiration behind the saying, "Life’s most implausible moments tend to come with receipts.” Parts of his story may seem more fiction than fact, but he definitely has the receipts - these are real-life episodes from someone who has literally "been there, done that.”Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Hear how Kevin's career has taken him from being a camp counselor on a month-long trip through Asia with a group of teenagers during the Vietnam War, to working as a forklift operator, to becoming a writer for a trade magazine focused on consumer electronics and meeting with the legendary Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, to managing ad sales and circulation for Time and Fortune magazines in Hong Kong, to negotiating contracts with Japanese newspapers and TV stations for Reuters, and to starting his own successful trading company in Tokyo that also provides sales force outsourcing. It is hard to keep track of Kevin's myriad experiences, but we did our best.Key TakeawaysAlong the way, Kevin dropped several life hacks and other nuggets of advice.* Be open to any opportunity that comes your way — especially those that force you out of your comfort zone.* Learn on someone else's dime: No matter how mundane the job may seem, there is always something you can learn from it. Hint: Jump to the great story about how to make the most of a summer job at McDonald's (around the 54-minute mark).* Don't fall for stereotypes when it comes to working with Japanese people: Be flexible and understand the dynamics at play behind the scenes.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key ContactThe best way to reach Kevin is by filling out the “Contact” page of the Newport Ltd. website: https://www.newportjapan.com/contact?lang=en#KevinMcAuliffe #NewportLTD #MarketingConsulting #sustainability #ConsumerProducts #entrepreneur #retail #branding #ConsumerBehavior #ProductDesign #BrandLoyalty #foreigner #ケビンマコーリフ #ニューポート #持続可能性 #消費者 #小売 #起業家 #ブランディング #製品デザイン #ブランドロイヤリティ #外国人 #外人PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Join me for a lively hour-long interview with someone who usually does the interviewing. Our guest is Louise George Kittaka, who writes for the Japan Times, Japan's leading English-language newspaper, and contributes to a variety of other platforms, including BBC Storyworks, CNN, and The Michelin Guide. She works with Japanese government tourism organizations and corporate clients, including Toshiba and Mazda. As a freelance writer and editor for Japan's educational publishing sector, Louise has contributed to numerous textbooks, study courses and national English exams. Louise teaches in the Department of Comparative Studies at Shirayuri Women's University in Tokyo. She is also an independent cross-cultural training consultant, working with international families coming to Japan on corporate assignments and Japanese nationals moving abroad.We took a deep dive into Louise's background. We learned what inspired this accomplished writer, who is fluent in Japanese, to develop such a successful career in Japan while raising three children in a cross-border family. Louise generously shared many practical tips about what it is like to live and develop a career in Japan.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.As Louise writes extensively about Japanese destinations and is an avid traveler, she ended the discussion by sharing some of her hidden gems that you probably won't find in most Japan guidebooks. So, please stay until the end.Key Takeaways* Insights into Developing a Writing Career: Follow along as Louise shares details of her own story and how she became a frequent contributor to the Japan Times. Hint: Write what you know.* Life Hacks for Raising Children While Developing a Career in Japan: While Louise certainly benefited from the ongoing support of her husband, a native of Japan, she had to improvise for long stretches when he was away-both because of long hours at the office and because he was literally stationed far from home for years at a time. Somehow, Louise not only managed to raise three successful children, but also became an accomplished writer! Hint #1: Sleep is overrated! Hint #2: Tapping into your support network can go a long way.* Practical Advice for Foreigners Who Want to Make Japan Their Home for an Extended Period: Learn Japanese, have a "mindset of abundance," and "find your tribe.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* The Japan Times - Louise George Kittaka: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/256/louise-george-kittaka/* Women Building Community With Women (AFWJ): https://afwj.org/* Savvy Tokyo: https://savvytokyo.com/* 5-day JR East Pass (Tohoku area): https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/eastpass_t.html* Retire Japan: #LouiseGeorgeKittaka #JapanTimes #BBCStoryworks #CNN #TheMichelinGuide #ShirayuriWomensUniversity #foreigner #橘高ルイーズジョージ #白百合女子大学 #ジャパンタイムズ #ミシュランガイド #外国人 #外人PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.Here’s how you can do this:Go to your Dashboard.Find Settings.Go to Recommendations.Go to Manage recommendations.Add “Real Gaijin.”Thanks for your consideration. - MarkPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Follow along by reading the original article:* Title: Japan Deploys Walk-through Facial Recognition Ticket Turnstiles at Train Stations Across the Country* Sub-Title: Soon, there will be no need to stand in line to buy a train ticket or even use an IC card to get on and off the platform. Just smile for the camera - even if you are wearing a mask!In a scene straight out of the 1990 movie classic Total Recall, when Arnold Schwarzenegger tries to pass through a turnstile but is caught with a concealed gun, Osaka Metro has nearly completed testing and will soon go live with new walk-through, facial-recognition ticket turnstiles throughout its subway network.Also, please let us know what you think, either by leaving a reply below or by adding a comment to the original post. Thanks!Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe