What is Shibaku? しばく
What is Shibaku? しばく It is a Kansai dialect and it might not be used in Tokyo or Kanto region. But this expression is commonly used in Kansai especially Osaka. "Shibakku" is often used to mean similar to "to hit" or "to beat". Tokyo people will say "Naguru" instead. It is popularly used as a […]
The TRUTH About MOM GENERATIONS in Japan
By D. McCaughan Diverse Values of Japanese Mothers Born in Between 1970-74 and 1980-84 We talked to mothers born in 1970-74 and 1980-84. Keep in mind that the latter basically don’t remember the bubble years. They are the generation that embraced the “loose sock” fashion, fell in love with purikura, a photo sticker booth, and […]
Kojiki: the Oldest History Book in Japan
Read Kojiki to Understand Japan and Japanese World's Longest Dynasty: Do you know that Japan is called "the only country in the world with a single dynasty"? This refers to the fact that there have been 126 generations of emperors, up to the present emperor, with one line of succession for 2,700 years. There is […]
Different Desires in Japan and China
Source: Survey of 1,500 Japanese and (between age 20 and 69) and 1,440 Chinese (between age 29 and 59) by the Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living. Japanese people don't have anything to buy The Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living, the research arm of the Hakuhodo advertising agency, last July conducted a survey consumer […]
The Truth About JAPANESE Consumers
By D. McCaughan Shopping is a complicated business. Balancing different elements including price, convenience, personal preferences, sources of information, trust and special offers. No more complicated than in Japan where variety, new offerings, crowded stores and endless on-line and mobile advice are overwhelming. I have written before about some of the shopping options and decision […]
Aichi Triennale, a City-type Art Festival in Japan
Inside Look at Aichi Triennale There are many different art festivals in Japan. The most famous one is probably the Triennale in Naoshima. It attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, and its scenic beauty is one of the best things about it, but there are […]
How Much Pocket Money Do the Japanese Receive Each Month?
Source: April, 2019 survey of 1,000 full-time male workers ages 20-59 by the Shinsei Bank, Limited The Shinsei Bank, which conducts an annual survey about discretionary spending by wage-earners, found that the average “allowance” among salarymen this year was 38,457 yen ($384) --- the lowest since 1982 (when it was 34,100 yen, or $341). While […]
What Do Japanese Eat for Breakfast?
Why do the Japanese prefer bread to rice? Source: Survey of 2,137 married women ages 20-60 conducted in April, 2018 In a survey on the breakfast habits of married women ranging from those in their 20s through their 60s, more than half responded that they prefer a meal based on bread or bread products, with […]
RUNNING Culture in Japan
The country has always had a strong tradition in distance running. Long before I moved here I noticed when watching the Olympics coverage, very disciplined Japanese runners were among the leading packs in the distance races. Years ago, I became fascinated with the uniquely Japanese ekiden (long‐distance relay road race) culture, more of which is […]
Interview with Manuel M. Lopez, Former Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Japan
Profile: Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez presented his credentials as Philippine Ambassador to Japan to H.M. Emperor Akihito on April 7, 2011. He used to be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) from 2001 to 2010. He holds many important business posts, including chairmanship of the Lopez Holdings Corporation. Can you […]