In recent months, the Japanese tourism industry has seen a resurgence following the relaxation of pandemic restrictions, with over 1 million arrivals for the third consecutive month in February. To support this growth and address the challenge of a declining population, the Japanese government has been encouraging companies in the tourism sector to digitize their operations.  Hong Kong's Klook and Taiwan's KKday are two startups that have recognized this potential for growth in Japan and are already helping to drive the industry into the digital age via online sales to replace paper tickets and reservations recorded in notebooks. Klook and KKday officials report that they already earn the biggest portion of their revenue from tourists in Japan, and they are seeking to expand their presence in the country by targeting older or smaller businesses that are less computerized than major hotels and airlines. In particular, the lodging industry in Japan is dominated by smaller busin...

In an effort to reduce costs and food waste, some sashimi retailers in Japan are eliminating the small strips of radish that traditionally accompany packages of raw fish sold in supermarkets. The strips, known as "tsuma," have long served as a palate cleanser and a mount for the sashimi, providing an attractive presentation. However, the Shoji supermarket chain, which comprises 15 outlets in Hiroshima Prefecture, has begun offering packages of ungarnished sashimi at four of its outlets. By doing so, the company is able to cut costs, reduce food waste, and improve work efficiency. In addition, food trays have been developed that allow sashimi to be sold without the garnish, further encouraging the trend as costs continue to rise. FP Corp. (FPCO), Japan's leading food tray manufacturer based in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, has developed a "reduced garnish" tray product that has only about half as much garnish as usual. The company released a "TZ" tr...

Warren Buffett, the renowned business magnate and philanthropist, has recently increased his investments in Japan, making it the second-largest investment by his company, Berkshire Hathaway. He has expressed confidence in the safety and reliability of Japanese companies, with their steady annual returns showing no signs of slowing down. In an interview, Mr. Buffett highlighted that his company is always on the lookout for investments in Japan, seeking out managements they trust and businesses that they understand. Mr. Buffett's company has increased its stake in five major trading companies, including Mitsubishi Corp., Mitsui and Co., Itochu Corp., Marubeni Corp., and Sumitomo Corp. Berkshire Hathaway announced in 2020 that it had obtained a 5 percent share in these companies, which has since increased to 7.4 percent. Buffett explained that he decided to invest in these trading companies because of their similarity to Berkshire Hathaway with their diversified business operations....

Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and Japanese is no exception. However, finding the right resources to aid your learning journey can be challenging. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent books available to help you learn Japanese. Here are some of the best books to help you learn Japanese.   1.     Genki 1 and Genki 2:  Genki 1 and 2 are excellent textbooks for beginners looking to learn Japanese. These books are widely used in Japanese language classes and cover a range of topics, including basic grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills. The books come with audio CDs, which are helpful for practicing listening and speaking skills.   2.     Try! N5-N1 and Try! START: Try! N5-N1 and Try! START are two more excellent books for beginners. They focus on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and provide a comprehensive introduction to the language. These books are well structured and provid...

jHami is an innovative language learning app that offers an effective and efficient way to learn Japanese. It has been designed to help learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, to improve their Japanese language skills. The app is perfect for anyone looking to learn Japanese in a fast and easy way, and it provides data from basic to advanced levels.   The app offers comprehensive learning materials that cover the entire spectrum of Japanese language learning. This includes learning materials for JLPT N5 to N1, which are the Japanese Language Proficiency Test levels that measure the proficiency of non-native speakers of the Japanese language. With over 10,000 common vocabulary practices, learners can master Japanese grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, allowing them to communicate effectively in both written and spoken Japanese.   The jHami app is the perfect tool for Japanese language learners who want to learn at their own pace. It provides a us...

Jisho.org is a popular online Japanese-English dictionary that is used by many learners of the Japanese language. This website is a comprehensive resource that includes an extensive database of words, phrases, and kanji characters commonly used in Japanese, making it a valuable tool for anyone interested in learning Japanese. If you're new to Jisho.org, it may seem overwhelming at first glance, but navigating the website is straightforward and user-friendly. Here is a guide on how to use the site effectively:   1.     Searching for Words The main feature of Jisho.org is its search function. You can search for words in either English or Japanese. If you are searching in English, type in the word you want to translate into Japanese, and the site will provide you with a list of possible Japanese translations. On the other hand, if you are searching in Japanese, type in the word or phrase, and the site will provide you with possible translations in English. ...

Japan has always been an attractive destination for foreigners to work, and recently, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed the 3 million-mark.  According to the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan rose by 11.4% from a year earlier, hitting a record high of 3,075,213 people. This figure includes around 760,000 people from China, the largest group by nationality, 490,000 individuals from Vietnam, and 411,000 from South Korea. This means that Japanese corporations are now hiring more foreigners, and it opens up new opportunities for skilled employees to work in Japan. So, what should you expect when you land a job in Japan, and how will the influx of foreigners impact Japanese corporations? First, let's talk about what to expect when you land a job in Japan. As mentioned in my other articles, Japan has a unique work culture, which may be different from what you're used to in your home country. However, with the increasing number of...

In Japan, there are two main types of employment statuses: contract (Haken) and permanent (Seishain). Contract employees are hired on a fixed-term basis, while permanent employees are hired with an indefinite term of employment. Both types of employment have their own benefits and drawbacks, but when it comes to facing termination due to company restructuring or dissolution, there are some notable differences. It's important to understand that Japanese labor laws provide different levels of protection for contract and permanent employees. Permanent employees are entitled to greater job security, which includes protection from unjustified dismissal and stronger severance packages. In contrast, contract employees have more limited job security and are often let go first during company restructuring or dissolution.   One reason for this is that Japanese companies tend to prioritize their permanent employees, who are seen as more valuable assets due to their long-term commitment ...

Renting a home in a foreign country can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with the local customs and regulations. Japan is no exception, with a unique set of requirements and expectations when it comes to renting a property. As a foreigner in Japan, there are some specific things you need to know when it comes to renting a home. In this blog post, we'll discuss what a guarantor is and why it's required, why landlords can legally bar foreigners from renting, and some foreigner-friendly real estate agents that can help you through the process. First, let's talk about guarantors. In Japan, it's common for landlords to require a guarantor as a condition of renting a property. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you are unable to do so. This could be a Japanese friend or colleague, or it could be a guarantor company. Guarantor companies are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, especially among foreigners who may not have a net...

The Monbusho scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program offered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT). The scholarship is designed to support international students who wish to study at Japanese universities. The intended purpose of the Monbusho scholarship is to promote international understanding and develop human resources in various fields through the study of Japanese language, culture, and academic subjects. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and a round-trip airfare for successful applicants.   In addition to the Monbusho scholarship, there are several other scholarships available in Japan for international students. Some of these include the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarship, the Rotary Yoneyama Memorial Foundation scholarship, and the Japan-IMF scholarship program.   To apply for the Monbusho scholarship, candidates must first contact the Japanese embassy or con...

Japan is known for its exceptional education system, and many students aspire to study in this country. Fortunately, the Ministry of Education and other institutions provide scholarships to international students to help them achieve their dreams of studying in Japan. In this post, we will discuss the various scholarships available for students in Japan, their intended purposes, and the application process.   Scholarships Available from the Ministry of Education in Japan   1.     MEXT Scholarship: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships to international students who wish to study in Japan. This scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. The scholarship is intended to help students who are interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in Japan.   2.     Japan-Korea Joint Government Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by the Japanese...