Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
Why Are Japanese People Relatively Slim? A Closer Look at Lifestyle Habits

Many Americans often wonder why Japanese people tend to have a slim physique. Given that Americans themselves often grapple with weight concerns, it's natural to be curious about the seemingly leaner Japanese population. While it's commonly attributed to differences in diet—favoring healthy options like sushi and seafood—one might also consider other factors. In the U.S., […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
Omakase Sushi in Tokyo: A Remarkable Culinary Experience for Just Around $7

When Americans hear "omakase sushi," they might think, "Delicious! But expensive!" A quick online search reveals sites introducing restaurants offering affordable omakase sushi in New York, boasting titles like "Omakase Sushi Joints Under $100 in NYC." However, converting $100 to Japanese yen amounts to around 15,000 yen—a price that, from a Japanese perspective, rivals the […]

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Find a job in Japan
Find a Job that Fits You in Japan (3): Find Your Passions

Let's Discover Your Passions To Find Your Suitable Job in Japan Have you read the previous article, "Find a job that fits you in Japan (1): Find Your Values" and "Find a job that fits you in Japan (2): Find Your Talents"? If not, please read them first to find your values and talents. As […]

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Find a job in Japan
Find a Job that Fits You in Japan (2): Find Your Talents

Let's Discover Your Talents To Find Your Suitable Job Have you read the previous article, "Find a job that fits you in Japan (1): Find Your Values"? If not, please read it first to find your values. As we discussed in that article, to find a job that truly suits you, it must satisfy three […]

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Find a job in Japan
Find a Job that Fits You in Japan (1): Find Your Values

Let's Discover Your True Values To Find Your Suitable Job Finding the right job for you may seem easy, but it is actually difficult. Often, people work at jobs that they are good at, but don't last long; people work at jobs they love, but lack the skills and techniques; people work at jobs they […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
How to use "Chotto" in Japanese?

It is quite natural for a word to have multiple meanings in a certain language. In Japanese, too, a single word can have many meanings. One of the representative words is "chotto" ちょっと. It is normally written in hiragana. Chotto has so many different meanings, some similar and some opposite. It may sound complicated, but […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
What Is "Haiku"?

Haiku, made up of only 17 syllables arranged in a 5‐7‐5 pattern, is said to be the shortest poetic form in the world. Unlike a "tanka," a haiku is required to have a seasonal word in it. Haiku have become popular overseas, and there are some enthusiasts who compose haiku in English. Takahama Kyoshi's famous […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
What Is "Tanka"? たんか 短歌

Tanka (literally “short poem”), which belongs to the old Japanese poetry called "waka 和歌," is a 31‐syllable poem formed by five lines in the pattern of 5‐7‐5‐7‐7. Originally there existed other forms in "waka" such as "choka 長歌" (literally “long poem”), which was distinguished from "tanka." With the disappearance of "choka" and other minor forms, […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
The History of Japan's School Lunch

The History of Japanese School Meals The School Lunch Law enacted in 1954 states that “Administrators of compulsory education schools must endeavor to implement provision of school meals at applicable compulsory education schools.” As a result, in Japan, most elementary school students and junior high school students eat kyushoku (school lunch). Parents usually pay 250 […]

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Live in Japan: Japanese lifestyle and its social culture
Discrimination against Koreans in Japan

Zainichi Sabetsu: Discrimination against Koreans in Japan By Ryoji Shimada There is discrimination in every country. Even in Japan, which is so safe that women can walk alone at night, there is discrimination. Discrimination against women is a major problem in Japan, especially among developed countries. There are many other forms of discrimination, and discrimination […]

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