Overtourism is becoming a serious problem in Japan.
Many Japanese are bothered by the sudden influx of tourists, especially when you take into account that there were almost none during the pandemic. Restaurants and public transportation companies are not equipped to handle this problem, and being a country made up of mostly introverts, this change is unsettling. Imagine yourself as an introvert, coming home from a long day at work, to find a surprise party at your house, 30 strangers coming to talk to you, congratulating you, then asking you to make a toast or something. Only, it happens almost daily during high season in Japan.
Many locals find their routines significantly disrupted, and if you live here, you would understand the degree of discomfort that Japanese tend to feel when their routines are broken by something beyond their control. Well, hey, I guess most of us can relate to that, but with Japanese, they feel it deep in their core.
最近出会った引用があります–どこで見たか覚えていませんが、この状況にふさわしいと思います。「あなたは誰かの完璧さに恋に落ちるわけではありません。あなたが恋に落ちるのは、彼らの欠点です。」–そして、それは少なくとも私には、強く響きました。そしてそれは真実です。例えば食べ物について言えば、あなたが誕生日に行ったその5つ星のフランス料理店の完璧な食べ物に恋に落ちるわけではありません。あなたが良い思い出を結びつける食べ物が好きです。例えば、あなたの母のラザニアのように。それは完璧ではないかもしれませんが、あなたはそれを渇望します。マクドナルドに人々が群がる理由があります、彼らが最高のバーガーを作るわけではありませんが。それはあなたがマクドナルドを訪れ続ける子供時代の思い出です。または、彼らがこっそりとパティに入れるクラックかもしれません。誰が知ってるでしょう。 私は完璧な社会に住みたいから日本に住んでいるのではありません。日本が独自の方法でユニークであるから好きです。ここでたくさんの思い出を作りました。それら全てが素晴らしいわけではありませんが、成長するのに役立ちました。
Since today is Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, I thought I’d talk about the Imperial Family in this episode. I’ve never paid much attention to them because they don’t really cause spectacles like Harry and Megan. They tend to keep out of the public eye most of the time.
The Imperial family is very special to the people of Japan. The Emperor of Japan is at the center of this family, and people look up to him with great respect. Some are indifferent of course. It's mostly the older generation who still reveres the family.
As we know, Japan's got a serious problem and it’s not just this year’s unusually warm and short winter. The country is facing a declining birthrate that's causing all sorts of headaches, from shrinking populations to economic slowdowns. Imagine walking through Shibuya, only to find it getting quieter and quieter each year. That's what's happening in Japan, and it's a big deal for everyone living there and for people watching from other countries too.
So, what's going on? Well, for starters, fewer babies are being born in Japan than ever before. This isn't a new trend; it's been happening for years. But the reasons behind it are pretty complex. First off, life in Japan can be super stressful. From long work hours to high living costs, especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it's not exactly an environment that screams, "Let's have a bunch of kids!" Plus, the pressure to succeed and the desire for personal freedom often take priority over starting a family.
Then there's the issue of marriage. In Japan, fewer people are tying the knot. Some people are just not interested, while others can't find the right partner. the search for a suitable partner has become a significant hurdle. Traditional matchmaking practices are waning in popularity, and while dating apps and websites are on the rise, many people find these platforms ineffective for fostering long-term relationships.
Many of us have heard of the earthquake that struck Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day. Ishikawa Prefecture received the largest damage with a death toll of over 200 people and counting. Many are still missing, trapped under debris of collapsed buildings and other infrastructures. The 7.6 earthquake struck the region at 4 PM. It was a grim reminder of the Tohoku earthquake that struck Fukushima region back in 2011. Around 20,000 people died in that disaster.
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This episode was produced using AI by cloning my voice. I can't help but feel impressed by how much better AI voice has become. It feels quite weird knowing a computer can copy my voice so easily.
What do you think? Does it sound robotic? Let me know!
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#podcast
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#japanese
#earthquake
We've all been there. We come to Japan, expecting everyone to speak English just like in any other countries we have been to. To our surprise, many of them shake their head instead.
Considering Japan is supposed to be a first-world country, why is English proficiency still so low?
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Since its officially 2024, let’s talk about everything that has happened in Japan in 2023. Some are not that interesting, some are just dead strange.
Happy New Year!
Christmas was first introduced to Japan by Christian missionaries in the 16th century. However, it didn't gain much traction until the Meiji Era, around the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite the long, dark history, Christmas in Japan isn't celebrated for its religious significance. In fact, less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian. Christmas is more of a commercial and cultural event. Have a lovely Christmas, everyone!
Japan has often been in the spotlight for its gender inequality issues. While the nation has made significant advancements in various sectors, the gender gap remains a stubborn challenge. The problem was put under the spotlight…again… when it was revealed that no women were appointed among vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries in the recent Cabinet formation, a first since the LDP's return to power in 2012. While Prime Minister Kishida appointed a record-tying five women as Cabinet ministers, This makes only 7% of the Cabinet, vice ministers, and parliamentary secretaries being women.
In episode 33 of the INTjAPAN podcast, I delve into the critical issue of mental health in Japan. I begin by noting the rapid passage of time in 2023 and set the stage for a discussion on why mental health awareness lags behind in Japan despite its technological advancements and social development.
I highlight the alarming increase in teachers leaving their jobs due to mental health reasons, emphasizing the role of long working hours in contributing to this trend. I also explore the rising prevalence of depression and suicide among Japanese teenagers, attributing it to academic stress and societal pressure.
Cultural factors such as the stigma surrounding mental health issues and the concept of "honne and tatemae" are discussed as significant barriers to seeking help. The demanding work culture in Japan further discourages individuals from addressing their mental health concerns.
I share my personal experiences and observations, highlighting the guilt and pressure associated with taking sick leave or prioritizing one's mental health. I explore the concept of "gaman" and its impact on Japanese society.
This episode sheds light on the lack of mental health education and awareness in Japan, as well as limited access to mental health services. Financial barriers and a shortage of mental health professionals further hinder individuals from seeking help.
I touch on the potential influence of living arrangements, pet ownership, and societal values on mental health. I encourage practicing gratitude and discuss the significance of positive relationships and social connections in overall well-being.
#mentalhealth #wellbeing #happiness #intjapan #podcast #psychology #japan
Japan as a country experiences a range of weather extremes, from typhoons to snowstorms. Discussing the weather is not just small talk, but can also be a practical discussion for planning and preparation. If you ask any Japanese person, they would most likely say that either spring or autumn is their favorite season. In spring, people usually talk about hanami or in English, cherry-blossom viewing picnic. They also have a special calendar to track the blooming time of cherry blossoms in different regions.
So, what gives?
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#autumn #spring #intjapan #weather #seasons
"xxxHolic" is a manga series written by the team CLAMP. The story revolves around Watanuki's experiences working in Yūko's shop. Throughout the series, customers come in with various supernatural problems or wishes, and Yūko offers a solution, usually with a price. While serving Yūko, Watanuki encounters various supernatural beings and learns lessons about human nature, desire, and the consequences of one's actions. "xxxHolic" has been adapted into various formats, including an anime, OVAs, and a live-action drama. The series is well-known for its unique art style, deep themes, and the way it beautifully weaves the supernatural with the mundane.
As always, I'm open for suggestions. Feel free to DM me on Instagram!
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Hey, everyone! I'm back after a long hiatus. Sorry for the wait.
On today's episode... Host and hostess clubs are unique nightlife establishments primarily found in Japan, where patrons pay to engage in conversation and spend time with professional "hosts" or "hostesses". They make sure you stay entertained throughout the evening and spend a lot of money in their bars. If you have a lot of extra cash to spend, why not visit one of these establishments? Enter at your own caution, though!
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Homelessness in Japan is a multifaceted issue characterized by hidden homelessness, a lack of affordable housing, and economic and social factors. Many individuals find temporary shelter in internet cafes or fast food restaurants. The shortage of affordable housing, coupled with low wages and precarious employment, makes it challenging for low-income individuals to secure stable housing. Social factors like family breakdown, domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse can contribute to homelessness. Limited social welfare support and societal stigma further compound the problem. The Japanese government has implemented initiatives, but the complexity of the issue poses ongoing challenges in fully resolving homelessness.
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immy the chihuahua: @immynimnim
In Japan, there are still a high number of pet shops. Most of these shops offer purebred dogs and cats at astronomical prices. Some go as high as 2 million yen. These animals go through stringent DNA testing and very selective breeding. Ones that don’t make the cut, go out. While there have been laws enacted to protect the rights of these poor animals, pet shop businesses have found ways around it. As a result, animals continue to be killed for profit.
One of the most common questions when it comes to pet shop industry is… what happens to the unsold animals? Where do they go? The short answer is, they get sold elsewhere, mostly to breeders to be used as breeding dogs and cats. According to Japanese law, if the dog or cat is over 9 months old, they can give birth. Therefore, it's legal for them to be used as breeding machines.
If you are interested in adopting animals, please check out these websites:
https://www.pet-home.jp/
https://jmty.jp/all/pet
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains topics about mental health issues, suicide and death.
In Aokigahara, you can expect to be enveloped by many ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and the tranquil whispers of the wind. These elements evoke a sense of spiritual connectedness and make you contemplate your own existence. This is also why Aokigahara is a popular spot among psychics, mediums and people who are generally interested in the paranormal.
Many who walk into the forest have no intention of ever coming back out. Here, many people choose to disappear forever. At the entrance to the forest, you can actually see a sign that begs people to think twice about taking their own lives. The sign asks them to think about their loved ones. I don’t know how effective such signs would be, but the fact that bodies are still being found each year, well, just goes to show that more effort should be made.
For those of you who don't know, being an English teacher is probably the easiest way to get your foot in the door if you've dreamed about coming to Japan for a long time. You don't really need a teaching qualification or experience. As long as you are good with people and have a pretty good communication skill, you should get the job. That is of course if you are planning to work for an eikaiwa. Teaching at a Japanese high school or university is a completely different story. They usually look for someone with more experience and relevant educational background or teaching qualifications. As I'm not really interested in teaching in a Japanese school because I've heard a lot of scary stories about monster parents here, that was fine . As for teaching at a university, it is difficult to get permanent employment as Japan doesn't really want to offer tenure to foreigners. instagram: @intjapan
Scams can occur in any country, including Japan. While Japan is generally considered a safe country with a low crime rate, the number of scams reported keeps increasing at an alarming rate.
The notorious "Ore Ore Sagi" scam has cost Japan millions in damages, while "Romansu Sagi" or "Romance Scam" has left a lot of hopefuls disappointed.
What kind of people are targeted by scammers anyway? Is there a way to guard ourselves?
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Overall, Japan is considered to be a safe country. It consistently ranks highly in global safety rankings, and the crime rate is generally low compared to many other countries. However, like any country, there are still some risks to be aware of, such as natural disasters (earthquakes, typhoons, etc.), pickpocketing, and some instances of violent crime. Or more recently, random knife attacks.
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