For years, I was deep in the Johnny’s fandom (now known as Starto). Like, watching every TV show, buying concert goods, memorizing choreography kind of deep. I even wrote my MBA thesis on it — I was so passionate and wanted to know … Continue reading When the Curtain Falls: Thoughts on Parasocial Relationships and Why I Drifted Away from Johnny’s
If you’ve lived in Japan for a while, you’ve probably noticed something odd near the end of the month — long, winding lines at the ATM. The first time I saw it, I thought, “Is something wrong with the banks? Why … Continue reading Why Are There Always Long ATM Lines on Payday in Japan?
I recently had the chance to play tour guide for some visiting family, which meant seeing Japan through a tourist’s eyes for the first time in years. And let me tell you—I was genuinely surprised by how often cash was … Continue reading When Cash is Still Needed in Japan (Even in 2025!)
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
After nearly a decade working in Japan, I’ve learned a lot about the difference between full-time and contract employment—and one of my biggest career regrets comes from switching to a contract role. In this post, I share my personal story, break down the pros and cons of each type of employment in Japan, and what I wish I’d known sooner. If you’re working in Japan or thinking of making a job change, this one’s for you! Continue reading Working in a Japanese Company #12 – Full-time employee vs. Contract Employee
If you’re living in Japan long-term (or even just thinking about it!), having the right apps on your phone can seriously make life so much easier. From paying bills and collecting points to navigating trains and ordering coffee, Japan has … Continue reading 5 Apps I use Daily in Japan
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?
Living in Japan as a foreigner is such a fulfilling experience. I’ve been living here for over 7 years now and can’t imagine living anywhere else, but with the good comes the bad and there are some realities of living … Continue reading 5 Realities of Living in Japan as a Foreigner
A lot has changed in the four and a half years since I first started working in Japan. I’ve grown from a 24-year-old just trying to survive work life here into an almost-29-year-old who’s been humbled, shaped, and strengthened by … Continue reading Working in a Japanese Company: Part 6 – It’s Been 4 Years
“When are moving back home?” That phrase is something I get commonly asked when I make my way back to the US, especially at social functions. It’s almost like there is this default setting on everybody that one day you … Continue reading “When are you moving back home?” Answering the Question of Do I want to live in Japan for my entire life?
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