Her lip to: How Haruna Kojima Built an Elegant Lifestyle Brand in Japan

Her lip to isn’t just another fashion brand—it’s a curated world of elegance and self-expression built by former AKB48 member Haruna Kojima. In this post, we explore how she transformed her signature style into one of Japan’s most beloved lifestyle brands, the smart strategy behind its success, and what the 2024 merger with yutori means for the brand’s future. Continue reading Her lip to: How Haruna Kojima Built an Elegant Lifestyle Brand in Japan

Why You (Usually) Can’t Take Leftovers Home in Japan: The Truth About Takeout Culture

If you’ve ever tried to take home leftovers in Japan and were met with confusion (or a firm “no”), you’re not alone. In this post, I dive into why taking food home from restaurants isn’t common in Japan—from strict food safety laws to cultural norms—and what to expect if you ask. Plus, a few tips on how to navigate Japan’s unique takeout culture. Continue reading Why You (Usually) Can’t Take Leftovers Home in Japan: The Truth About Takeout Culture

Working in a Japanese Company #10 – Am I treated Differently as a Foreigner?

When I asked on Instagram what questions people had about working in a Japanese company (outside of English teaching), the response was huge. So huge, in fact, that I had to break everything into multiple posts. This first one tackles a … Continue reading Working in a Japanese Company #10 – Am I treated Differently as a Foreigner?

Working in a Japanese Company: Part 9 – 5 Key Differences Between Working in the USA and Japan

For this next part of the series, I wanted to dive into something I get asked about a lot: the differences between working in the U.S. vs. working in Japan. Having worked in both countries, it’s always fascinating to see what … Continue reading Working in a Japanese Company: Part 9 – 5 Key Differences Between Working in the USA and Japan