Eric Margolis is a journalist, writer and book editor living in Nagoya. He's also an absolute treasure trove on everything relating to contemporary Japan.

In this wonderful conversation we talk about how he landed in Japan, learned perfect Japanese (N1!) and became a translator, as well as his writing on the anime industry, the sacred nature of trees and the complicated dynamics of dating in Japan. We also can't get past best his recommendations for best Japanese novels, his love of Japanese architecture, music and nature, and finally, his tips on making meaningful relationships friends in Japan.