Real Gaijin

Japan is experiencing one of the most significant demographic shifts in modern history, including a shrinking population, rapid aging, labor shortages, depopulation of rural areas, and increasing strain on healthcare and social infrastructure. However, this seemingly dire situation is not all doom and gloom. For entrepreneurs, investors, and care providers willing to look beyond the headlines, these challenges are creating new markets.This episode of the Real Gaijin’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series features an expert in this emerging field, Dominic Carter, CEO, The Carter Group.Who is he?Dominic was born and raised in Australia. He studied marketing and Japanese at the University of New South Wales. Dominic began his career at Millward Brown, a branding, media, and communications consultancy, before relocating to Japan at age 24 to establish and lead the company’s local office.A serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building and leading businesses in Japan, Dominic has cultivated strong relationships with clients and partners in various sectors, including market research, market entry, executive search, ad tech, video gaming, and VR. He specializes in prescient marketing analysis and strategy attuned to Japanese culture and the nuances of the Japanese buyer. He is now the CEO of The Carter Group. Through its network of affiliated firms and investments, The Carter Group supports the success of global companies in Japan.In 2022, Dominic co-founded Living Best, a pioneering age-tech platform that identifies high-potential longevity and age-tech concepts from North America and beyond. The platform connects these concepts with commercial opportunities and capital in Japan. His work bridges technology and philosophy, drawing on Japanese concepts such as ikigai (living with purpose・生きがい) and pin pin korori (living well and dying quickly・ピンピンコロリ) to guide innovations that enhance quality of life as we age.Dominic has delivered keynotes at major global forums, including the AGE-WELL Conference in Canada and the Centre on Aging and Health’s Distinguished Lecture at the University of Regina. He regularly contributes to the broader business community through guest lectures and consultative roles, offering his insights on market entry, entrepreneurship, and consumer and societal megatrends in Japan.On the agendaWe explored the opportunities created by Japan’s demographic trends in sectors such as aging technology, health technology, elder care innovation, robotics, automation, preventive healthcare, wealth management, and AI-driven productivity solutions. Dominic explained that we should view Japan not as a case study in decline, but rather as one of the world’s most important real-time laboratories for aging societies and the businesses built to serve them.Key Takeaways* Japan’s aging population is more of a predictable business opportunity than a crisis. Japan’s demographic challenges have been apparent for decades and are often exaggerated as an impending catastrophe. Although caring for the current elderly population is resource-intensive, Japan has largely managed the transition successfully. A bigger challenge lies ahead: the large group of people currently in their 50s will eventually require support from a much smaller younger generation. This will create strong demand for technologies and services that help people maintain their independence for longer periods of time.* Age-tech encompasses far more than nursing homes and caregiving robots. Dominic defines it as any product or service that helps people compensate for, prevent, or manage the effects of aging beginning as early as age 50. This spectrum ranges from wellness and preventive technologies, such as fitness tracking, gait analysis, brain training, and personalized health monitoring, to care-focused solutions, including fall detection systems, mobility aids, exoskeletons, and caregiving robots. This broad definition expands the total addressable market far beyond traditional elder care.* The biggest commercial winners will solve problems without creating more work. Many promising technologies fail because they disrupt existing workflows or create additional burdens for caregivers and care facilities. Solutions that operate quietly in the background, reduce costs, lower hospital readmission rates, improve safety, or seamlessly integrate into daily routines are far more likely to be adopted than technologies that require extensive retraining or behavioral changes.* Personalized wellness may become one of the most important age-tech sectors. Although robotics and autonomous transportation currently attract the most attention, Dominic believes that the larger, long-term opportunity may be in personalized health optimization. Advances in diagnostics, biomarkers, AI-driven health monitoring, individualized treatments, and preventive interventions could help people extend their healthy life span, delaying or even avoiding the need for formal care. Japan, a country where people already embrace regular health screenings, may prove to be a particularly fertile market for such solutions.* The future belongs to proactive individuals who take responsibility for their own aging journey. Personal responsibility was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Dominic emphasized that many people in their 50s and 60s recognize that they cannot rely on the family-based support systems enjoyed by previous generations. Those who actively plan ahead, embrace technology, maintain digital literacy, monitor their health, and experiment with new solutions will likely be better positioned to remain independent and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Links* Substack: https://substack.com/@dominiccarter* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiccarterjapan/* The Carter Group Website: https://the-carter-group.com/en/* Living Best Website: https://living-best.tech/* The World’s Real-time Laboratory for Age-Tech White Paper: https://living-best.tech/age-tech-white-paper/#DominicCarter #TheCarterGroup #LivingBest #AgingSociety #Demographics #AgeTech #HealthTech #Longevity #SilverEconomy #JapanBusiness #JapanEconomy #HealthcareInnovation #ElderCare #DigitalHealth #MedTech #ドミニクカーター​ #カーターグループ #リビングベスト #ヘルステック #長寿 #シルバーエコノミー #ヘルスケアイノベーション #高齢者ケア #デジタルヘルス #メドテック #長寿経済 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Foreign businesspeople often push the boundaries of conventional business practices in Japan. They have the vision, technical expertise, and drive necessary to think outside the box and achieve their goals. Japan, a conformist and chronically conservative society, often needs this kind of disruptive leader. Periods of foreign influence help propel Japanese society forward.Today’s guest has a lot in common with Carlos Ghosn, the former head of Nissan. Both are foreign businesspeople who gained prominence as outsiders in Japan’s challenging business environment, only to face serious legal consequences. However, their responses to these consequences differ significantly. Our guest admitted his wrongdoing, submitted to the Japanese legal process, and served his prison sentence despite his strong conviction that he had done nothing wrong. In fact, he had sought legal advice prior to launching his business to support his position. In contrast, Ghosn denied the charges and fled the country to avoid prosecution. These cases highlight the broader narrative that, while they both reflect the risks faced by outsiders navigating Japan’s institutional and cultural boundaries, especially in legal “gray areas,” they also illustrate different approaches to accountability, justice, and personal responsibility.Real Gaijin is privileged to introduce exceptional foreigners who, in one way or another, have made Japan their home or are closely involved with the country. Each story offers insights into how to best interact with the Japanese, and today’s guest is no exception.Who is he?Meet Steven (”Steve”) Gan, an American business professional, author, and credit risk expert. He founded the first debt collection agency run by a foreigner during Japan’s turbulent post-bubble era and has spent decades living and working in Japan. Steve chronicled this experience in his 2016 memoir, Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary. The book became an Amazon bestseller in the Foreign Cultures category and is valued by educators and executives seeking a cross-cultural understanding of Japan’s business environment and legal systems.After returning to his hometown of Chicago, Steve founded Stellar Risk Management Services, Inc. in the U.S. His work emphasizes intercultural management and financial ethics, bridging U.S.–Japan business practices.Three stories in oneAs it is simply not possible to do justice to Steve’s long tenure in Japan in a single hour-long podcast, we have split this true story into three pre-recorded sections.* Initial experience in Japan and working for a traditional Japanese company* Starting the country’s first debt collection agency run by a foreigner, which achieved extraordinary success* Colliding with the harsh justice system and eventually facing legal consequences that led to his imprisonment in TokyoEpisode 3 of 3: “I fought the law, and the law won”We discussed how Steve’s business ran afoul of the authorities, leading to his imprisonment. Steve explained how he navigated this crisis both in and out of court appearances and being locked up in the Tokyo Detention Center in a country with a 99% conviction rate, thanks mainly to the tremendous support of his immediate family, business colleagues, and loyal customers.Key take-aways* In Japan, disruption often triggers institutional resistance rather than market competition: Steve’s business succeeded by introducing an aggressive, outcome-based debt collection model that filled a clear market gap. However, success itself became the liability. As the firm grew from a niche operation into a thriving, national business, it began to threaten established professional monopolies, especially those in the legal sector. Rather than competing based on service quality or pricing, the “Committee that Guards Against Illegal Activities Performed by Non-Attorneys” (now “Committee on Regulation of Non-Lawyer Activities”・非弁護士取締委員会) of the Tokyo Bar Association leveraged a regulatory interpretation of Article 72 of the Attorney’s Law to challenge the legitimacy of the entire model. This illustrates a structural dynamic in Japan: innovation that encroaches on protected domains often invites administrative or legal suppression rather than open competition. * Legal ambiguity can persist until it is forcefully resolved, and the process can outweigh the substance: Despite multiple legal opinions supporting Steve’s business model, as well as the active use of his service by law firms, some of Japan’s “mega-banks,” and government entities, the company operated in a “gray zone” that remained vulnerable. The subsequent investigation revealed a system heavily oriented toward procedural outcomes, particularly obtaining a signed confession, rather than adjudicating underlying legality. The inability to have legal counsel present during questioning, pressure to sign statements, and high conviction rate all point to a system driven by process where compliance matters as much as legal merit.It is important to note that back in 2004, Japan still lacked a formal plea-bargaining system. This reflected a criminal justice framework that relied more heavily on prosecutorial discretion, confessions, and negotiated remorse than on American-style legal dealmaking. This changed in 2018 when Japan introduced a limited form of plea-bargaining known as the “cooperative agreement system.” However, Japan’s system remains far narrower in scope than the American version: it is primarily designed for white-collar and organized crime investigations and focuses on suspects providing evidence against other individuals or organizations rather than simply pleading guilty to their own crimes in exchange for reduced punishment.Ultimately, Steve’s refusal to concede guilt prolonged the process, exposing how legal ambiguity is often resolved through pressure rather than clarity. * Foreign-led innovation in Japan carries asymmetric risk, especially when it scales up: Steve explicitly frames his experience as a cautionary tale: Being a foreign disruptor amplifies visibility and vulnerability. Early-stage novelty may be tolerated—or even celebrated—but once the model gains traction and begins to reshape an industry, the level of scrutiny intensifies. Media exposure, such as book publication and an NHK documentary, accelerated growth and backlash, effectively forcing regulators to act. The comparison to other high-profile foreign executives underscores a broader pattern: Outsiders can catalyze change in Japan, but they lack institutional protections and informal networks that buffer domestic actors. Therefore, scaling innovation is not just a business challenge, but also a political and cultural one. Link to Session 1 of 3Link to Session 2 of 3Silver liningDespite experiencing such a tumultuous journey, which included the meteoric growth of a startup only to be dealt a proverbial “Go to Jail. Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200” card from the Japanese equivalent of the game of Monopoly, there is a silver lining. Steve still loves Japan and was able to “rise from the ashes like a phoenix.” After returning to the United States in 2005, he founded Stellar Risk Management Services in Illinois. Today, the company advises Fortune 500 clients on credit, collections, and financial risk strategies. The company specializes in helping firms expand safely while minimizing exposure to bad debt.Today, Steve publishes a monthly newsletter written in Japanese called The Stellar Journal, which is distributed to roughly 14,000 readers.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Books (by Steve)* 青い目の債権取り立て屋・奮闘記 (“Chronicle of the Struggles of a Blue-Eyed Debt Collector”): Published in Japanese.* Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary: Published in English.Key contactsWebsite: https://www.stellarrisk.com/Newsletter: https://www.stellarrisk.com/blogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgan/IAESTE Internship: https://iaeste.org/internshipsJapan America Society of Chicago: https://jaschicago.org/Thunderbird School of Global Management: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/#JapanBusiness #ForeignEntrepreneurs #StevenGan #CrossCulturalBusiness #JapanLegalSystem #BusinessEthics #CarlosGhosn #DebtCollection #TokyoBarAssociation #TokyoDetentionCenter #ExpatLifeJapan #日本ビジネス）#外国人起業家 #スティーブンギャン #異文化ビジネス #司法制度 #ビジネス倫理 #カルロスゴーン #東京弁護士会 #債権回収 #米国公認会計士 #外資系企業 #アドバンスアンドアソシエイツ株式会社 #延滞売掛金の回収 #与信管理相談士 #キャッシュフロー問題 #日本での外国人生活 #東京拘置所 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Foreign businesspeople often push the boundaries of conventional business practices in Japan. They have the vision, technical expertise, and drive necessary to think outside the box and achieve their goals. Japan, a conformist and chronically conservative society, often needs this kind of disruptive leader. Periods of foreign influence help propel Japanese society forward.However, such innovations can sometimes cause such a stir that those in power become determined to quash gaiatsu (外圧), or external influence, that threatens the status quo.Today’s guest has a lot in common with Carlos Ghosn, the former head of Nissan. Both are foreign businesspeople who gained prominence as outsiders in Japan’s challenging business environment, only to face serious legal consequences. However, their responses to these consequences differ significantly. Our guest admitted his wrongdoing, submitted to the Japanese legal process, and served his prison sentence despite his strong conviction that he had done nothing wrong. In fact, he had sought legal advice prior to launching his business to support his position. In contrast, Ghosn denied the charges and fled the country to avoid prosecution. These cases highlight the broader narrative that, while they both reflect the risks faced by outsiders navigating Japan’s institutional and cultural boundaries, especially in legal “gray areas,” they also illustrate different approaches to accountability, justice, and personal responsibility.Real Gaijin is privileged to introduce exceptional foreigners who, in one way or another, have made Japan their home or are closely involved with the country. Each story offers insights into how to best interact with the Japanese, and today’s guest is no exception.Who is he?Meet Steven (”Steve”) Gan, an American business professional, author, and credit risk expert. He founded the first debt collection agency run by a foreigner during Japan’s turbulent post-bubble era and has spent decades living and working in Japan. Steve chronicled this experience in his 2016 memoir, Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary. The book became an Amazon bestseller in the Foreign Cultures category and is valued by educators and executives seeking a cross-cultural understanding of Japan’s business environment and legal systems.After returning to his hometown of Chicago, Steve founded Stellar Risk Management Services, Inc. in the U.S. His work emphasizes intercultural management and financial ethics, bridging U.S.–Japan business practices.Three stories in oneAs it is simply not possible to do justice to Steve’s long tenure in Japan in a single hour-long podcast, we have split this true story into three pre-recorded sections.* Initial experience in Japan and working for a traditional Japanese company* Starting the country’s first debt collection agency run by a foreigner, which achieved extraordinary success* Colliding with the harsh justice system and eventually facing legal consequences that led to his imprisonment in TokyoEpisode 1 of 3: Early DaysWe discussed Steve’s first experience of Japan during the Bubble Era. We heard how he survived and thrived as a newly qualified engineer from abroad in the completely unfamiliar environment of a traditional Japanese company in the early 1980s. Steve then recounted how he returned home to Chicago to earn an accounting degree and join the family business. Eager to return to Japan, years later Steve found a way to go back to Tokyo and take up a position at Nippon Motorola. This time, however, he was treated differently and had to forge new friendships using an unconventional approach.Key take-aways* Success in Japan is determined by adaptability, not just enthusiasm: Steve’s first internship was successful because he followed critical behavioral heuristics: patience, humility, and a willingness to “go with the flow.” In contrast, his later return was initially unsuccessful because he overcorrected—his excessive enthusiasm and assertiveness disrupted group harmony. The core lesson is that cultural calibration matters more than effort or intent.* Making an effort to learn the language is a high-leverage signal that unlocks social and professional access: Even minimal Japanese proficiency (e.g., greetings, phone handling, and basic interactions) significantly improved Steve’s ability to integrate into Japanese society, while his peers who avoided learning the language struggled. Beyond the mechanics of communication, speaking the language signaled respect and lowered barriers, accelerating the formation of trust both inside the company and in broader social settings.* Informal networks, such as izakaya (Japanese pub) and karaoke culture, are critical to relationship-building and business outcomes: Formal workplace channels failed to provide feedback or integration, but informal environments enabled authentic connection. Through repeated, low-pressure social participation, especially karaoke, Steve built relationships, gained acceptance, and generated business opportunities. This suggests that relational capital in Japan is often built outside of formal structures.Link to Session 2 of 3Link to Session 3 of 3Silver liningDespite experiencing such a tumultuous journey, which included the meteoric growth of a startup only to be dealt a proverbial “Go to Jail. Go directly to Jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200” card from the Japanese equivalent of the game of Monopoly, there is a silver lining. Steve still loves Japan and was able to “rise from the ashes like a phoenix.” After returning to the United States in 2005, he founded Stellar Risk Management Services in Illinois. Today, the company advises Fortune 500 clients on credit, collections, and financial risk strategies. The company specializes in helping firms expand safely while minimizing exposure to bad debt.Today, Steve publishes a monthly newsletter written in Japanese called The Stellar Journal, which is distributed to roughly 14,000 readers.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Books (by Steve)* 青い目の債権取り立て屋・奮闘記 (“Chronicle of the Struggles of a Blue-Eyed Debt Collector”): Published in Japanese.* Making It & Breaking It in Japan: My True Story of Songs, Sins, and Solitary: Published in English.Key contactsWebsite: https://www.stellarrisk.com/Newsletter: https://www.stellarrisk.com/blogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stgan/IAESTE Internship: https://iaeste.org/internshipsJapan America Society of Chicago: https://jaschicago.org/Thunderbird School of Global Management: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/#JapanBusiness #ForeignEntrepreneurs #StevenGan #CrossCulturalBusiness #JapanLegalSystem #BusinessEthics #CarlosGhosn #DebtCollection #TokyoBarAssociation #TokyoDetentionCenter #ExpatLifeJapan #日本ビジネス）#外国人起業家 #スティーブンギャン #異文化ビジネス #司法制度 #ビジネス倫理 #カルロスゴーン #東京弁護士会 #債権回収 #米国公認会計士 #外資系企業 #アドバンスアンドアソシエイツ株式会社 #延滞売掛金の回収 #与信管理相談士 #キャッシュフロー問題 #日本での外国人生活 #東京拘置所 #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Japan has consistently ranked high on the bucket lists of foreign visitors in recent years. While Japan is a wonderful place to visit year-round, it boasts some of the best snowboarding and skiing in the world, making it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.Almost all snowboarders and skiers have heard of the world-famous Niseko ski resort, but there is a lot more to Japan’s skiing scene. Today, Real Gaijin introduces a pair of Americans who know Japan’s backcountry well.Meet Derek Cirillo and Nick McLoota, the co-founders of Yuki Homes.These young entrepreneurs fell in love with JAPOW and some of the best snowboarding and skiing resorts in Hokkaido. Together with a third partner, they decided to invest in their own property in Otaru to use as a home base for long visits (40 or 50 days at a time, for example). When they are not in town, they rent out the property on Airbnb, Rakuten Travel, and other online travel agencies (OTAs).After learning how many other foreigners had similar dreams and having a Reddit post about their own experience go viral, Derek and Nick decided to start their own real-estate consulting agency. Their agency connects overseas skiers and investors with Japanese real-estate brokers and other support services, such as local property managers, remodeling construction contractors, and tax accountants. Now, Yuki Homes helps foreign clients take advantage of Japan’s growing stock of affordable homes near some of the world’s best snowboarding and skiing destinations.Yuki Homes is now a full-service provider and expanding across JapanYou might recall that we first met the team at Yuki Homes last summer, well before the snow had fallen in Hokkaido this winter. ICYMI, see here:That didn’t stop the pair, though, from expanding their network across Japan (when they weren’t surfing in Miyazaki). Yuki Homes now has many more satisfied clients, and their Instagram following has ballooned. They now have a full team handling property tours, renovations and short-term rental management throughout Japan for buyers from the US, UK, Australia and Canada — with a special focus on Otaru, Asahikawa, and Miyoko. Despite the fact that most of their clients do not have long-term visas or local bank accounts, business is booming. Yuki Homes currently has seven remodeling projects underway, for example.Key takeaways (from our conversation on 29 MAR 2026)* From Snowboard Trip to Scalable Real Estate Venture: The business model behind Yuki Homes was born from a clear arbitrage opportunity: inexpensive rural Japanese properties, particularly those near ski resorts, combined with strong international demand for seasonal stays. After all, Japan currently offers the only affordable world-class ski locations. Derek and Nick found that comparable ski homes in North America were too expensive, but Japan offered similar or better snow conditions at a much lower price. They didn’t just decide to purchase property themselves; they also developed a process to help others do the same. Thus, Derek and Nick turned their personal experience into a brokerage-plus-advisory service that guides foreign buyers through the process of acquiring, renovating, and monetizing property. * Operational Complexity—and Resulting Value—of Local Execution: The business is not just about sourcing properties. It depends heavily on a distributed network of local experts across Japan. This includes licensed real-estate agents who handle legal compliance, local contractors who manage renovations, property checkers, and even neighbors to mitigate friction. The founders split responsibilities, with one handling front-end acquisition and client advisory and the other handling post-purchase execution and income optimization. This hybrid model—part concierge and part project manager—is essential in a market where language barriers, regulatory nuances, and local trust networks are decisive factors.* Handling Japan’s Regulatory Complexity on Your Behalf: Regulatory structure—particularly Japan’s minpaku (short-term rental) versus ryokan (hotel) licensing regime—fundamentally shapes investment outcomes. Minpaku properties face strict limitations, often capped at 180 rental days or further restricted locally, while hotel licenses allow for full-year operation, though they require higher compliance costs, such as fire safety measures, inspections, and proximity requirements for emergency contacts. Yuki Homes actively steers clients toward hotel-compliant properties to ensure long-term viability, especially amid tightening enforcement driven by concerns about overtourism. In effect, regulatory arbitrage, not just property price, is central to the investment thesis. TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Yuki Homes’ Instagram (Just DM them via IG for the fastest response): https://www.instagram.com/yukihomesjapan/* Yuki Homes’ Website: https://www.yukihomes.com/* Yuki Homes’ Substack (check out “The Bento Box” released every Friday for a showcase of a few select properties):* NipponHomes Dot Com (Zillow-like Tool): https://www.nipponhomes.com/* Kiroro Snow World: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/* PowderHounds: https://www.powderhounds.com/#JapanRealEstate #SkiProperty #Japow #Hokkaido #JapanRealEstate #Akiya #SkiJapan #ExpatLife #JapanInvesting #スキーリゾート #ジャパウ #北海道 #不動産投資 #空き家 #スキー日本 #YukiHomes #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

According to documents submitted to the Cabinet by the Immigration Services Agency on March 10, 2026, the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high of approximately 4.13 million at the end of fiscal year 2025, surpassing the 4 million mark for the first time. The population increased by about 360,000 during fiscal year 2025 alone and by over 1 million in the past three years.Especially given these numbers, demand for Japanese language learning continues to increase as Japan’s economic, technological, and cultural influence remains significant and the country opens more to international business and tourism. Many professionals find that basic conversational ability is no longer sufficient. Companies increasingly expect foreign partners, managers, and specialists to have business-level proficiency, which is necessary for handling negotiations, formal correspondence, and culturally nuanced communication. Mastery of honorific keigo (敬語), industry-specific vocabulary, and implicit communication norms is particularly valuable because Japanese business culture relies heavily on subtle language cues to convey hierarchy, intent, and trust. Consequently, Japanese language study is shifting from a hobby to a strategic skill for individuals seeking to work effectively with Japanese firms or within Japan’s domestic market.Our guest on today’s Real Gaijin AMA podcast knows first-hand just how challenging it can be to learn a foreign language—especially when your goal is to use it professionally.Who is he?While Real Gaijin‘s Ask Me Anything (AMA) series typically features one inspiring “real gaijin,” or foreigner, our guest today was a Japanese individual who has an extensive background working with foreigners. Shohei Yoshida (吉田菖平) was born and raised in Japan but always knew his mission was to bridge Japan and the rest of the world. He has taught Japanese at the university level in both Malaysia and the U.K. He started his own online learning academy called BizNihongo to offer clear, practical support for building confidence in Japanese business settings.On the agendaWe traced Shohei’s journey from his hometown of Kumamoto, where TSMC is located, to the U.K. and Malaysia, and then back to Japan. Thus, he has personal experience with the challenges of improving his English while living abroad — the proverbial shoe on the other foot.Although he is a native Japanese speaker, Shohei explained that he initially lacked confidence in speaking business Japanese while working and job hunting for Japanese companies. He then described how he overcame this obstacle using various resources. Just imagine how much more difficult this would be for a foreigner trying to get hired by a Japanese firm. This experience led Shohei to establish BizNihongo. He outlined how his specialized coaching program for business professionals is completely customizable depending on each student’s needs. The program offers coaching to build confidence and in-depth instruction in workplace honorific Japanese, or keigo. Shohei also reviewed BizNihongo’s supportive community, which is free to join. This community helps business professionals connect and share experiences. He also discussed his online course catalog and one-on-one consultation options.Key takeawaysWe could have continued for many more hours and certainly covered a lot of ground during the podcast, but some of the big takeaways were the following:* Business Japanese is fundamentally different from everyday Japanese.Shohei emphasized that learning Japanese for casual conversation is not the same as learning it for professional environments. Business communication requires mastery of formal structures, hierarchy-sensitive language, and situational nuances—skills that even native Japanese speakers sometimes struggle to apply in professional contexts. Specialized instruction in business Japanese exists to bridge this gap, and many foreign professionals seek training after reaching intermediate proficiency.* Language learning for professionals must be goal-oriented and practical.Rather than traditional classroom teaching, the program described in the podcast focuses on customized, one-on-one coaching tied to real professional objectives, such as preparing for meetings, presentations, and client interactions. Shohei recommends weekly sessions combined with small daily practice (even 10–15 minutes) as a more effective structure for busy professionals than large group classes.* Language and culture in Japan are inseparable—especially in business contexts.A central point of discussion is that learning Japanese involves more than just grammar and vocabulary; it also requires an understanding of the cultural assumptions embedded in the language. Expressions often reflect social awareness, hierarchy, and concern about inconveniencing others—values that influence communication in Japanese workplaces. Therefore, effective business Japanese instruction must teach linguistic forms and the cultural context that determines when and why those forms are used.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Substack: https://substack.com/@shoheiyoshida* Website of BizNihongo: Contact Shohei to sign up for a free initial consultation; Find more details here: https://www.biz-nihongo.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shohei-yoshida-biz/Full disclosureFor an unknown reason, we experienced technical difficulties during the live video session, which several people from around the world tuned into. Shohei and I re-recorded the interview later in the day, following the same format as the original live session, including the questions we received from listeners. Sorry for any inconvenience.Additional resource for learning JapaneseThis guide is based on my experience studying Japanese for nearly 40 years (and counting), and it has not been approved by Shohei. However, you may find some of the tips helpful.#JapanBusiness #InterculturalManagement #CrossCulturalLeadership #JapaneseCorporateCulture #GlobalLeadership #CorporateGovernance #ServantLeadership #HRStrategy #ExecutiveCommunication #GlobalExpansion #RochelleKopp #JapanInterCulturalConsulting #日本ビジネス #異文化マネジメント #クロスカルチャーリーダーシップ #日本企業文化 #グローバルリーダーシップ #コーポレートガバナンス #サーバントリーダーシップ #人事戦略 #経営者コミュニケーション #グローバル展開 #ロッシェルカップ #カップロッシェル#ジャパンインターカルチュラルコンサルティング #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Japan has become one of the most popular destinations for people in their early 20s to 30s. This is due to a combination of affordability, cultural richness, and social media visibility that few other countries can match. A weak yen has lowered the cost of long-haul travel, and efficient transportation, personal safety, and high-quality food make it easy to pack a lot into short trips—an important factor for young travelers with limited vacation time. Meanwhile, anime, fashion, design, gaming, and contemporary art coexist seamlessly with traditional culture, creating highly “shareable” experiences that circulate widely on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. The result is a powerful feedback loop: friends see their peers exploring Tokyo neighborhoods, rural onsen (hot spring) towns, or Japan’s seasonal festivals and quickly add these destinations to their travel wish lists. This reinforces Japan’s status as a near-default international destination for a globally mobile younger generation.Today’s guest on the Real Gaijin AMA podcast is acutely tuned into this vibe and intent on protecting and revitalizing rural Japan.Who is she?Meet Michelle (Michelle Lyons), a British inventor and social designer who supports regenerative tourism in Japan. As the founder of Point North, she designs strategic visitor engagement tools that address socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural issues affecting destinations big and small.In 2023, Michelle created Parks & Japan to combine her passions for Japanese culture, national parks, and experience design. After discovering the complex tourism challenges stretching from Okinawa to Hokkaido, Parks & Japan evolved into a purpose-driven project dedicated to protecting and revitalizing rural Japan.On the agendaWe began with some basic questions about Michelle’s background. However, the conversation covered a wide range of topics related to the concept of regenerative tourism and Michelle’s upcoming first visit to Japan in May.Key takeaways* Regenerative tourism: Regenerative tourism is a travel model that goes beyond the sustainability goal of minimizing harm. Instead, it seeks to generate net-positive environmental, social, cultural, and economic outcomes for destinations. Rather than focusing solely on reducing emissions or waste, regenerative tourism takes a systems-based approach in which visitors, operators, and local stakeholders work together to restore ecosystems, strengthen community resilience, preserve cultural identity, and keep economic value in the region. This can include conservation-linked visitor experiences, community-led enterprises, reinvestment mechanisms that build local wealth, and clear limits on carrying capacity to prevent overuse. The central premise is straightforward yet ambitious: tourism should measurably improve a place. Michelle aims to incorporate these principles into her Parks & Japan initiative by designing visitor engagement strategies that protect Japan’s national parks and contribute to the long-term revitalization of rural communities.“Sustainable tourism is no longer enough. We need tourism that actively regenerates the places, cultures, and ecosystems it touches.” - Anna Pollock, founder of Conscious Travel, and a British strategist, thought leader, and speaker best known for pioneering the concept of regenerative tourism, which seeks to move beyond sustainability by restoring and enriching communities and ecosystems* Parks & Japan Project: Michelle is on a mission to raise awareness — especially among international visitors — of Japan’s national parks. One issue is that a single park, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, attracts more than half of all visitors to Japan’s national parks. She would like to encourage more hiking and nature enthusiasts to visit the other 34 national parks scattered throughout the country. Michelle also wants to encourage visitors to “get off the beaten path” and explore the often-neglected sections within each park. In particular, Michelle has been developing illustrated “Field Quest” booklets in English for each national park. These self-guided activity guides lead visitors through a themed trail or area using structured tasks and prompts. The booklets typically include observation exercises, checkpoints, and interpretive questions that encourage active engagement with the park’s natural or cultural features. The idea is to maintain an analog, screen-free experience to help those participating in the activity stay present and in tune with their surroundings. Essentially, they transform a passive visit into a participatory learning experience while guiding movement along designated routes.* How you can assist Michelle: Michelle has been using LinkedIn to network with various “Friends of National Parks” in Japan, but she is eager to connect with other hiking enthusiasts. After listening to the live podcast, one listener graciously invited Michelle to visit the Jogasaki Kaigan coast, which is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Michelle intends to return to Japan after her first visit this May and ultimately visit all 35 national parks. For now, she plans to base herself in Kanto during this first adventure. Please feel free to reach out to Michelle with suggestions for places to visit — especially to get more of a feeling for the real Japan than a typical tourist experience. Additionally, Michelle plans to launch the first ten field quests on Kickstarter this summer. As one viewer suggested, Michelle is also interested in finding volunteers to test her draft copies of the field quests.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Substack: * LinkedIn - Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsmichellelyons/* LinkedIn - Parks & Japan: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parks-and-japan/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parksandjapan/* National Parks of Japan: https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/* Point North: https://pointnorthbrandco.com/#JapanTravel #TourismIndustry #RegenerativeTourism #NationalParks #BrandExperience #Parks&Japan #PointNorth #MichelleLyons #日本旅行 #観光産業 #リジェネラティブツーリズム #国立公園 #ブランド体験 #ブランドエクスペリエンス #自然観光 #ミシェルライオンズ #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-wilt-kennedy Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Japan is currently welcoming record numbers of tourists, with more than 40 million expected again in 2026. The northern island of Hokkaido is famous for its “Japow” snow, winter festival, and delicious seafood, and it is a perennial draw for international and domestic tourists, especially during the winter months.However, Japan is struggling to accommodate the influx of foreign tourists. The hospitality industry is on the front lines of this extraordinary interest in Japan. Unfortunately, there are few local innkeepers and travel experts who are familiar with, capable of, or comfortable dealing with foreign visitors. This has prompted a backlash among the local population, who complain of overtourism due to overcrowding in popular destinations like Kyoto (see here for more information). Thus, it takes a special kind of host to address such concerns while providing world-renowned Japanese hospitality.Today’s guest on the Real Gaijin AMA podcast is a Japanese native with a global perspective who assists foreign visitors in Japan. She is an expert in cross-cultural relations and enjoys showing her international guests her home base of Sapporo. Having experienced life in a foreign place herself, she strives to provide her clients with a personalized service that makes them feel right at home.Who is she?Meet Lisa, the founder of “Lisa in Sapporo,” a travel concierge service in Hokkaido. Lisa is a talented woman who works as an interpreter and local guide for visitors to her home base of Sapporo. She supplements her travel guide activities with her role as the host of a wonderful new Airbnb, called minpaku (民泊) in Japanese. Her apartment is located in a residential area with quick and easy subway access to the heart of Sapporo.In her spare time, Lisa publishes her own Substack, Unlocking Japan, which provides a wealth of information about the country.Lisa has always been passionate about learning about other cultures. At 30 years old, she seized the opportunity to move to Rwanda with her five-year-old son as a single mother. Africa opened up a whole new world for this young, bilingual mom. As a result, she returned to Japan and relocated to Sapporo with a new global perspective. As you can imagine, she is an intriguing host who knows how to best meet her guests’ needs.In Sapporo, she runs a local travel concierge service called “Lisa in Sapporo.” It is an invaluable resource for any visitor who wants an authentic experience and to see Hokkaido’s largest city from a local’s perspective. Her service offering includes guided tours and travel advice.The propertyJust in time for the busy winter season in Sapporo, Lisa partnered with a regional property management company with a large network of short-term rentals on Japan’s northernmost main island, Hokkaido to launch her Airbnb.Thanks to Lisa’s hospitality — omotenashi (おもてなし) in Japanese — and the high-grade amenities of this cozy apartment in a quiet residential area of the city, guests will feel right at home in Sapporo. Make a reservation simply by sending Lisa a DM via Substack or via WhatsApp. This will allow you to communicate directly with the host, providing more flexibility. For example, you could ask for permission to check out later than the normal time of 10 a.m.Follow this link to see the property for yourself: https://lisa-in-sapporo.my.canva.site/lisa-in-sapporoIt is a 52-square-meter (560-square-foot) “2LDK” apartment with one bathroom. It is located on the ground floor of an eight-unit, multi-story wooden apartment building that is approximately 40 years old. Lisa’s apartment can accommodate up to seven guests (4 beds and 3 futons). Technically, the regulations stipulate that each guest must have at least 3.3 square meters (35.5 square feet), but Lisa wants her guests to be comfortable. She mostly rents to families with two or three generations visiting together, and there is just enough space for everyone by Japanese standards. Usually, the apartment is occupied by 4 or 5 people. While costs vary depending on the season, the typical fee is 20,000 yen (approximately $129 USD per night), with a minimum stay of two nights.The property is in a great location, only a four-minute walk from the closest subway station. It’s five stops north of Sapporo Station and other parts of downtown Sapporo, such as the main shopping area, Odori, and the famous Susukino nightlife district. Moreover, the closest convenience store is only one minute away on foot, and there are many good restaurants near the property, including some that serve Sapporo’s famous ramen, soup curry, and Genghis Khan barbecue. It is also only a three-minute drive to an expressway entrance for easy access to neighboring Otaru and some of Hokkaido’s most famous ski resorts.The website also has information about Lisa’s guided walking tours, which include a visit to the famous Sapporo Beer Brewery and Beer Garden.On the agendaFirst, to set the stage, we explored Lisa’s personal and professional journey abroad. This includes her time in Rwanda, where she visited the actual “Hotel Rwanda,” also known as the Hôtel des Mille Collines. We discussed her decision to return to Japan and her motivation for starting the “Lisa in Sapporo” travel concierge service in Hokkaido.Next, we took a deep dive into her decision to expand by partnering with an Airbnb property management company. We had a very candid discussion of the following:* Startup phase (finding and preparing the property)* Decision to work with a property management company (trade-offs, fee structure, communications protocol, etc.).* Daily operations (including guest relations and the unexpectedly challenging process of finding cleaning and linen providers)* Financial reality (revenue, costs, and scaling)* Being a good neighbor (navigating challenges with neighbors and local sentiment about short-term rentals, especially given some high-profile instances of trouble with such properties, mainly in Tokyo and Osaka)If you’re considering doing something similar, today’s discussion may have provided the inspiration you need to take the next step. If you’re already an Airbnb host in Japan, today was a great opportunity to share ideas, as some of our listeners mentioned during the live session.Key takeawaysLisa volunteered all sorts of practical lessons she had learned the hard way, and we could have continued the discussion for hours. Some highlights include the following:* Sourcing a property: In popular areas such as Sapporo, there are many restrictions on whether a property can be rented out short-term and, if so, how many days per year it can be rented out (e.g., 180 days for “simple lodging” versus year-round like a hotel). Most homeowners associations in condominiums prohibit landlords from renting out units as minpaku (民泊), or Airbnb. Competition for rental properties is fierce, and available rentals, particularly those zoned for year-round use, are snapped up within the first few hours of being listed. While not all landlords are interested in tenants who rent out their units on Airbnb, most tend to charge a significant premium for such properties. For example, the other tenants in the multi-unit apartment building where Lisa’s Airbnb is located pay about 50,000 to 60,000 yen (approximately $325 to $390) per month for rent, whereas Lisa pays 80,000 yen ($520).* Option to manage the property on your own: If you are an aspiring Airbnb host looking to maximize your profit margin, it would be best to rent out a portion of your own home. This could include one or more apartments in a multi-unit complex where you live. This way, you can legally avoid using a property management service.* If you have a large budget: Ideally, if you have the luxury of building your own facility from the ground up, which would naturally require a relatively high initial investment, then it would be best to include more than one bathroom in each apartment.* Financials: Lisa in Sapporo is just barely on track to break even and recoup her initial investment within three years, although she received more than thirty bookings almost immediately after listing the property last autumn. Currently, during the high season in Hokkaido (December to February), she averages monthly sales of about 500,000 yen (approximately $3,250). Although the monthly rent is relatively low, after paying a 20% commission to her property management company and an additional 15% to online booking services, as well as covering routine expenses for cleaning, linens, garbage collection, utilities, and snow removal from the property’s parking space, not much operating profit remains at the end of the month.* Catch 22: In popular areas like Sapporo, where there is a lot of competition from other Airbnb properties, there tend to be relatively few service providers. Additionally, ancillary support businesses tend to contract almost exclusively with well-established property management companies. Thus, if you try to save money by avoiding a property management company, it may be difficult to find support services that can meet your scheduling requirements, such as the five-hour period between check-out and check-in in between guests. In a pinch, you may have to clean the property and wash the linens yourself.* Premium for garbage collection: When using a property management service, garbage disposal is classified as “business waste,” a premium service beyond routine garbage collection. Guests are instructed to leave all waste inside the apartment, and the cleaning company is responsible for throwing out the garbage. However, special collection bags are required, and they cost more than regular waste disposal bags. Small expenses like this tend to add up and put further pressure on profit margins.* Extra expenses in the dead of winter: Lisa learned the hard way that she must keep the heat on 24/7 during the winter months to prevent the water pipes from freezing. Additionally, after a huge snowstorm—of which there have been several this year—if your property doesn’t have a “snow melting pit,” called a yusetsuko (融雪槽) in Japanese, you must pay extra for snow removal from the apartment’s parking space(s). If you plan to run an Airbnb from your home in Hokkaido, keep the logistics of snow removal in mind, too. For example, you will probably need extra space to dump excess snow.* Must budget for unforeseen, one-time upgrades especially at the beginning: While this was essentially a growing pain that was easily resolved, Lisa had a group of guests who used so many electrical heaters and appliances simultaneously that they tripped the circuit breaker. Consequently, she had to pay to upgrade the electrical system to handle the added capacity.* Watch out when you set the minimum length of stay: Initially, the online travel agencies (OTAs) allowed only a one-night minimum stay. However, this resulted in cleaning expenses of almost 10,000 yen ($65) per group, making it prohibitively expensive. Lisa subsequently changed her policy to require a minimum stay of at least two nights. Live and learn!* Limited direct communication with guests (hidden indirect costs): While Airbnb and other OTAs are great for attracting new business — especially when a property management service is also involved — it can sometimes be difficult for hosts to communicate directly with their guests. Hosts like Lisa who work with a property management company may also face restrictions when responding to guest ratings and comments.* Trying to maintain good relations with neighbors and avoiding “minpaku trouble”: Tenants in multi-unit apartment complexes tend to react skeptically when Airbnb rentals are permitted. The main concerns are rent increases, noise, garbage disposal, and security. Lisa has mitigated the potential problem of loud noises by renting the ground floor unit. Hosts who plan to operate their property on a year-round basis are required to install a camera security system next to the apartment door. The occupant of the apartment next to Lisa’s reacted negatively when the camera was installed, believing that they would also be under surveillance. It took a lot of patience and humility to placate this neighbor.* Trial by fire: Although Lisa and her property management company use bilingual manuals to encourage guests to respect their neighbors, most guests don’t consult the manuals. Lisa learned the hard way, after her very first ever guest parked in the wrong space, that clear signage is generally the best approach. It’s also not uncommon for guests who don’t read the manual to take matters into their own hands. Lisa shared an instance when a guest threw their garbage in the wrong communal bin, despite the stated rule to leave all waste in the apartment at check-out. Needless to say, Lisa’s landlord has her number on speed dial!TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* Lisa in Sapporo Main Site (with information about the property): https://lisa-in-sapporo.my.canva.site/lisa-in-sapporo* Contact Lisa in Sapporo by DM via Substack or via WhatsApp* Sapporo Beer History Tour & Local Life Walk (book via Airbnb): https://www.airbnb.com.mt/experiences/6769398* Unlocking Japan Substack: #LisaInSapporo #JapanTravel #Hokkaido #Sapporo #JapaneseHospitality #Omotenashi #AirbnbJapan #Minpaku #TourismBusiness #SmallBusinessJapan #Airbnb日本 #民泊 #日本旅行 #北海道旅行 #札幌旅行ガイド #札幌グルメ #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Foreign brands often misjudge Japan, not because it is “closed,” but because it is unforgiving of superficiality. Many arrive armed with global playbooks, confident that past success will translate. However, they discover that Japan quietly but methodically rejects offerings that feel rushed, overly marketed, or insufficiently localized. In Japan, product-market-fit is more about credibility than scale. It requires packaging that signals care, service that anticipates needs before they are voiced, and messaging that respects context rather than shouting through it. Brands that mistake politeness for acceptance or early curiosity for loyalty often find themselves stalled—present but irrelevant. In Japan, failure rarely comes with drama. It comes with indifference, which is far harder to reverse.To kick off the second season of the Real Gaijin AMA podcast series, we were pleased to welcome a guest expert who helps foreign brands navigate the Japanese market.Who is he?Meet Timothy Connor.Timothy is a bilingual and bicultural longtime resident of Tokyo. He has 25+ years of experience in consumer-related businesses, including B2B2C and B2C. He has developed a deep understanding of the Japanese market, its consumers, and the unique aspects of doing business in Japan, where building trust relationships is essential.As CEO of Synnovate, Timothy creates growth strategies, oversees their implementation, and collaborates with local master distributors or franchisors to drive business expansion. Using his bilingual and bicultural expertise, he builds trust relationships with distributors and partners, and then innovates products, sales and marketing channels, and promotional activities.Marketing to Japanese consumers requires a highly developed customer experience and attention to quality details, an aspect sometimes overlooked by foreign brands. As a non-Japanese individual, Timothy often sees opportunities that Japanese partners do not, and he has more flexibility than Japanese individuals to think outside the box.From working on nearly 50 brands new to the market, Timothy has developed an AI Agent that can draft an initial 12 to 15 month go-to-market launch plan. However, as he says, AI needs MI, or market intelligence, and that is what he brings to the table.Based on his experience, Timothy developed the concept of strategic leadership: a distinct, skills-based approach to determining the type of leader a business needs at each stage of growth. He is also an accomplished country manager and managing director who can step into a startup or interim role to enable rapid growth and/or change as necessary.Key takeawaysWe could have continued the discussion, especially regarding the case studies, for hours. Some highlights include the following:* Do Your Homework in Advance: Like many foreign companies, even global powerhouses such as IKEA sometimes mistakenly assume that their international strategy will work in Japan — not necessarily and often not.* IKEA Had to Learn That Lesson the Hard Way: Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to launching the Japanese branch often leads to unintended and unwanted consequences. After initially retreating from the Japanese market, IKEA did not give up. They took time to study the market, learn customer needs, and transform their approach, combining elements from their global brand and product portfolio with localized solutions. These solutions included smaller-sized furniture, a limited selection of curated products for the Japanese market, and experimentation with the “urban store format” as an antenna store.* Cold Stone Creamery Failed to Study Japanese Consumer Preferences: Despite its initial big splash in the market, this high-end ice cream brand failed to develop brand loyalty. While the showmanship of watching your ice cream being made right in front of you (on a cold stone) was novel at first, it failed to nurture repeat customers or encourage regular visits to their stores. Moreover, their product lineup was too sweet and expensive for the Japanese market. Cold Stone Creamery also lacked a strong local partner and a means to distribute packaged goods through retail channels. Ultimately, they were undone by Japan’s extensive network of convenience stores and supermarkets that offer consumers ready access to a wide variety of reasonably priced ice cream products.* Even with a Strong Local Partner a Foreign Brand Can Still Fail without Localization: Ben & Jerry’s failed not once, but twice! Before being acquired by Unilever, they were wooed to Japan by 7-Eleven. On the surface, this would almost guarantee a successful rollout. They started by simply shipping relatively large pints of unmodified ice cream to Japan. The relatively large tubs of ice cream didn’t fit in freezers, the flavors were odd, and the product names were confusing. Whether 7-Eleven counseled Ben & Jerry’s to launch with more localized versions of their products is still a mystery, but even if the company had been given such advice, it’s likely that they simply ignored it. In any case, 7-Eleven gave this experiment about six months, but they shut it down when it became clear that it just wasn’t working. Normally, the window of opportunity to prove success via the convenience store channel is only two weeks to a month! After being acquired by Unilever, Ben & Jerry’s tried again to penetrate the Japanese market, but they fell victim to the same problem that did in Cold Stone Creamery. They sold scoops in stores rather than packaged goods. Ultimately, Ben & Jerry’s was unable to nurture repeat customers who had grown accustomed to visiting their stores for a scoop of ice cream. Additionally, despite their reputation for environmental activism in the United States, Ben & Jerry’s did not leverage this aspect of their brand in Japan. Their second venture into the Japanese market proved to be too little, too late, especially against the entrenched local competition, even after trying to make a go of it for more than five years!* Navigating Social Media in Japan: Unlike in the West, LINE, a superapp run by the Korean firm Naver, dominates the social media (or “SNS”) landscape in Japan. It followed mixi, which has essentially gone by the wayside. Additionally, while LinkedIn is steadily gaining popularity among English speakers as the “Facebook” for business, Facebook is still used by Gen X and Boomers not only to share personal updates, but also to publish business press releases in Japanese. However, younger generations have largely migrated to YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Interestingly, WhatsApp has a relatively low market share in Japan.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key contacts* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyconnor/* Synnovate Website: https://www.synnovate.jp/* Representative Case Studies: Unfortunately, we ran out of time during the podcast to discuss Mister Donut versus Dunkin’ Donuts and Converse, but they are interesting topics. Timothy frequently publishes brief case studies like these on LinkedIn and is always available to answer questions and exchange comments.* IKEA* Social Media in Japan* Cold Stone Creamery* Mister Donut vs. Dunkin’ Donuts* Converse* Ben & Jerry’s#TimothyConnor #Synnovate #JapanMarketEntryStrategy #JapanBusinessAdvisory #GoToMarketJapan #ProductMarketFitJapan #JapaneseConsumerInsight #FuquaSchoolOfBusiness #GlobisGraduateSchoolOfManagement #ティモシーコナー #シノベイト #日本市場参入戦略 #日本ビジネスアドバイザリー #日本中小企業アドバイザリー #日本におけるプロダクトマーケットフィット #日本オムニチャネル戦略 #日本デジタルトランスフォーメーション戦略 #日本の消費者インサイト #異文化リーダーシップ #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinAll levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Japan is home to many foreign residents who pursue creative endeavors, following in the footsteps of artists who found inspiration in their adopted homeland. For example, Ernest Hemingway developed his journalistic style and literary voice during his years in Paris with the “Lost Generation.” Mary Shelley spent years traveling and living in Italy, drawing inspiration from exile and loss. Josephine Baker fled American racism and became one of France’s most beloved performers. She later joined the French Resistance, becoming a symbol of artistic and political courage. Even The Beatles transformed from a local band into the world’s most influential musical act while living the expatriate life in Hamburg’s clubs.Today, Real Gaijin was pleased to introduce a singer-songwriter, freelance bassist, narrator, voice-over artist, guitarist, vocalist, and poet who draws creative inspiration from their adopted home of Tokyo.Who is they?Meet Laurier Tiernan.Originally from Alberta, Canada, Laurier Tiernan arrived in Japan 23 years ago. They started out as a punk rock musician but have since expanded their reach as an interdisciplinary artist with multiple creative endeavors.Earlier this year, Tiernan published their first book of poetry, Fifty-Five Ways to Survive. The bilingual collection of graphic poetry traces a journey from despair to resilience and spiritual connection.Wide-Ranging TalentLaurier divides their time between Tokyo and Edmonton, Alberta. His writing has appeared in major publications across three continents. As a voice-over artist, he has worked on TV commercials, regular programs on NHK, and audiobooks such as Secrets of the Forsaken. Laurier is also a musician, and their songs have aired on over 100 radio stations worldwide. His handwritten poems were featured in “Living While Marginalized,” an exhibition of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists hosted by the Penticton Art Gallery in British Columbia. In the same year, Laurier debuted in the TOHO film Yokai Daisenso: Guardians as Dracula. They currently host Tiernan depuis Tokyo on CKRP, a French-language radio station in Alberta.Key TakeawaysSome highlights from our nearly hour-long discussion are listed below:* Overcoming Adversity: The inspiration behind Fifty-Five Ways to Survive is Laurier’s personal story of surviving a life-threatening illness, dealing with a severe medical condition and financial hardship, and overcoming the challenges of being a member of a marginalized community.* A Wide Range of Advice for Foreign Resident Creatives in Tokyo: Laurier offered lots of practical advice throughout the interview, from explaining that getting a gig in Tokyo as an indie musician typically involves “pay to play” terms to sharing the Japanese saying, “If you’re on time, you’re late.”* Work Hack — The Discipline of Journaling: For more than 30 years, Laurier has religiously filled three pages of a notebook every day with handwritten notes to record thoughts and ideas that they subsequently draws upon for creative expression. Good suggestion!TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurier_tiernan_writer/* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurier.tiernan.personal/* i-Pairs Inc. Website: https://i-pairs.co.jp/narrator/laurier-tiernan/* Impleo Narrator Index Website: https://narratorindex.impleo.co.jp/laurier-tiernan/* Heartful Human Voice Website: https://www.hh-voice.jp/%E8%8B%B1%E8%AA%9E-%E7%94%B7%E6%80%A7%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC/laurier-tiernan/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriertiernan/* nature airliner: https://natureairliner.com/#LaurierTiernan #FiftyFiveWaysToSurvivePoemsForStrength #CinquanteCinqVoiesDeSurvie #RadioPresenter #songwriter #singer #VoiceOverArtist #poet #writer #SoundEngineer #WorkingInJapanAsAForeigner #ロリエーティエナン #ラジオパーソナリティ #作詞家 #歌手 #ナレーター #詩人 #作家 #音響技術者 #外国人ライター #外国人ミュージシャン #外国人声優 #外国人モデル #サウンドエンジニアリング #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee for Real Gaijin (or maybe a green tea), you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for “pine” is “matsu.” In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is “take,” but the on-yomi is “chiku.” Similarly, the word for plum is “ume,” but the on-yomi is “bai.”No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/Next Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

DisclaimerThe information discussed in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed by the host and guest are their own and do not constitute recommendations. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial professional before making any decisions.Do you remember any college professors who made their subjects come alive by connecting theory and practice? Today, Real Gaijin was pleased to introduce someone who excels at doing just that, particularly in the areas of financial literacy and personal finance. These are two subjects in which everyone should be interested and have at least a basic level of competence.We were fortunate to be speaking with Daniel J. Mills, Ed.D., a professor in the Faculty of Economics at Ritsumeikan University, today. He shared his insights on financial literacy education, paying particular attention to the challenges faced by foreign residents — especially Americans — living in Japan.Who is he?Meet Professor Daniel J. Mills, whom we referred to as “Daniel” during the AMA “live video” podcast.Originally from California, Daniel has lived and worked in Japan for more than two decades. This bilingual resident foreigner graduated from California State University, Northridge, where he majored in comparative religion with a focus on Asian religions. He also has a TESOL degree from Shenandoah University and an Ed.D. from the University of Wyoming. He is a certified financial educator and has taught at Ritsumeikan University for 15 years. You may have read some of his work on The FI Professor website, which provides a wealth of resources for US expats in Japan. Daniel is also the editor-in-chief of the Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal. He co-authored the Think Big for Business textbook series and is currently working on new projects to provide accessible, practical financial guidance. In short, Daniel is an expert on personal finance and is especially talented at teaching others the ins and outs of personal finance from the perspective of a fellow American expat based in Japan.Today, in addition to delving deeper into Daniel’s path to Japan, Real Gaijin asked him to share some of what he teaches his students, whether they are young or young at heart.Key TakeawaysToday’s discussion was very much a “survey class,” covering a variety of subjects at a high level. However, it was clear that Daniel had more information to share and could have provided more detail on several topics. The main takeaways from today’s talk are as follows: * Top Priority 3 Core Practices: Within the first 30 days of settling into a new job and home in Japan, Daniel recommends doing these three things first:* Track and analyze your cash inflows and outflows in real time to create a personal balance sheet and net worth statement. Drill down to a fairly granular level to see exactly how much is coming in and going out.* Develop a method for “forced savings” (e.g., open two bank accounts: one for day-to-day expenses and another for future investments).* Begin making investments, but only after paying off any high-interest credit card debt.* The Coming Use of AI to Clamp Down on Tax Noncompliance: Daniel predicts that, in the future, tax authorities around the world—including the National Tax Authority (NTA) in Japan and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the U.S.—will proactively identify errors. Stay tuned, and get compliant sooner rather than later.* The Big Picture: Don’t Become Overwhelmed Take it one step at a time. As Daniel counsels, “It’s easy to make progress, and that’s all you need to do.”TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Coming up* Grant from the Japanese Government: Daniel will be studying the intersection of personal finance, financial literacy education, and AI. He is the recipient of a prestigious Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research or Kagaku Kenkyūhi Josei Jigyō (科学研究費助成事業) in Japanese. Daniel will be taking this research on the road next year as a visiting professor at California Lutheran University. Expect great things! (He’ll still be keeping up The FI Professor with the new perspective of being “on the road.”)* Think Big for Personal Finance textbook series: Scheduled to be published in 2026.* Dedicated personal finance course at Ritsumeikan University: In the works…Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement.* Expansion of The FI Professor website: Daniel has plans to launch a “Survival Guide for American Finances in Japan” and update the blog post “What’s in The FI Professor’s Portfolio?”* Pet project: Daniel may create a step-by-step guide with screenshots that shows how to navigate the Interactive Brokers platforms (“asking for a friend”).* Immediate short-term: If you’re planning to be in Osaka on Sunday, November 30, 2025, you can see Daniel present here:The registration form is on @intogether2022 (Instagram) profile page.Key Contacts* Website: https://www.thefiprof.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-j-mills-ed-d-037b351a/* Substack: https://thefiprof.substack.com/* Ritsumeikan University (立命館大学): https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/* Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal: https://callej.org/index.php/journal* Think Big for Business textbook series: https://www.akebonopress.com/think-big-landing#TheFIProfessor #DanielMills #RitsumeikanUniversity #PersonalFinance #FinancialLiteracyEducation #FinancialIndependence #WorkingInJapanAsAForeigner #ThinkBigForBusiness #ダニエルミルズ #立命館大学 #パーソナルファイナンス #金融リテラシー教育 #経済的自立 #外国人として日本で働く #RealGaijin #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for “pine” is “matsu.” In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is “take,” but the on-yomi is “chiku.” Similarly, the word for plum is “ume,” but the on-yomi is “bai.”No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

There are the “old hands” of Japan—foreign professionals who arrived decades ago, before bilingual signage, Google Maps, and sushi restaurants on every corner. They’ve built careers, raised families, and witnessed Japan’s transformation from the bubble era to the digital age. They’re fluent not just in language, but also in the unspoken rules. They’ve learned to navigate bureaucracy, hierarchy, and the subtle art of reading the room. For many of them, Japan isn’t just an exotic assignment or a temporary phase; it’s home. Their stories reveal what it means to belong to a place that officially still considers you a guest.Today, we were fortunate to speak with Larry Kieffer, a longtime Tokyo resident who has built a successful executive recruiting business. He shared his insights about the Japanese job market from the perspective of a father.Who is he?Meet Larry Kieffer, also known as “The Headhunter Dad.”Originally from New York, Larry sold pots, pans, skis, and tennis rackets before moving to Hawaii. There, he earned an MBA through a cooperative program between the University of Hawaii and the Japan American Institute of Management Science (JAIMS). He moved to Japan in 1995 and joined a Japanese recruiting firm. In 1999, he shifted gears to join an internet venture focused on web-based recruiting. In 2002, he launched his own executive recruiting firm. Larry is currently the COO of Fidel Consulting, Japan’s leading IT staffing firm. He is a certified personnel consultant and was a board member for the nonprofit Tokyo English Lifeline. Larry also works as an adjunct professor at Temple University, where he teaches a Professional Development Strategies course to help undergraduates prepare for their careers.Larry has two children, a son and a daughter. He has spent much of his career in the recruiting world contemplating how to offer career advice to young people from the perspective of a father providing counsel to his children. This led to the creation of The Headhunter Dad newsletter over 15 years ago.Key Takeaways* The Headhunter Dad: Whether you believe it or not, there are lessons you can teach kids as young as five, six, or seven that will positively impact their ability to land a job in the future. One such lesson is instilling confidence. Larry has researched and written extensively on this subject. Parents should accept early on that their children will have to compete against an ever-expanding pool of qualified applicants from around the world for the jobs of the future. Check out his blog/newsletter for more details.* Recurring themes of job descriptions: Based on his 30+ years of experience, Larry can confidently say that, beyond technical requirements, employers continue to search for candidates who are skilled in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Therefore, any aspiring job candidate would be wise to emphasize their capabilities in these three areas.* Opportunities for foreigners seeking jobs in Japan: Japanese language proficiency remains key. However, there are plenty of other opportunities, such as international sales, beyond the common entry points to the Japanese job market: teaching English and recruiting. The IT field tends to be different because it is English-centric. Japan is currently facing an extreme shortage of qualified IT engineers. Thus, it is now possible to land a new job in this field in Japan without local language proficiency.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube’s “chapters.” Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* Substack: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidelconsulting/* Website: https://www.headhunterdad.com/* Fidel Consulting: https://fidelconsulting.com/en/* Temple University, Japan Campus: https://www.tuj.ac.jp/#LarryKieffer #TheHeadhunterDad #NewUniversityGraduatesJapan #EntryLevelJobMarket2025 #JobHuntingInJapan #ParentalSupportForJobSeekers #CareerGuidanceJapan #WorkingInJapanAsAForeigner #JobSearchAdviceJapan #ExecutiveRecruiter #FidelConsulting #キーファーラリー #新卒採用 #就活 #就職活動 #エグゼクティブリクルーター #フィデルコンサルティングPlease note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for “pine” is “matsu.” In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is “take,” but the on-yomi is “chiku.” Similarly, the word for plum is “ume,” but the on-yomi is “bai.”No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe

Most of us want to be fit but struggle with time, habits, and the feeling that maybe it’s just “genetics.” Menya Hinga once felt the same way—until a decade of self-study transformed his health and mindset. Since 2011, he’s built a career in Tokyo helping thousands of individuals and top companies make sustainable health choices. As founder of MH Health Coaching, co-founder of SOGO Fitness (Japan’s largest free fitness community), and head coach of the CoFit Movement, Menya has become an inspiration to both fitness seekers and foreigners building communities in Japan. In this conversation, we explore his journey, his methods, and how he balances it all—including raising four young children.Just remember: “Menya, like Kenya, but with an ‘M.’”Key Takeaways* Finding a Good Source of Truth is Hard: Ironically, the problem used to be the difficulty of finding resources to improve overall health. Now, thanks to the internet, the problem is that there are too many sources of information. The challenge lies in sifting through vast quantities of data to identify the most relevant resources.* Evolution as a Personal Trainer: Menya spent the early part of his career primarily focusing on face-to-face interaction to help improve his clients' physical fitness. As MH Health Coaching has evolved, Menya has transitioned into a more holistic resource, helping his clients manage food, fitness, sleep, and stress.* Balancing Helping Clients Achieve Short-Term Goals with Good Habit Formation for Long-Term Health and Fitness: Menya focuses on learning how a potential new client is currently struggling. He probes to understand their goals and uncover what is holding them back from achieving them. Armed with this information, Menya and the client define short-term goals, after which Menya gets to work helping the client achieve their objectives. However, he is focused not only on helping clients achieve short-term goals, but also on helping them develop good habits to improve their health and fitness in the long term.TimelineSubstack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section like YouTube's "chapters." Please refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.Key Contacts* MH Health Coaching: https://www.menyahinga.com/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menyahinga/* SOGO Fitness: https://sogofitness.org/* CoFit Movement: https://cofitmovement.com/* Credentials* NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT): https://www.nsca.com/certification/nsca-cpt/* Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC): https://www.bodybyboyle.com/* Precision Nutrition (PN): https://www.precisionnutrition.com/* Recommended Reading: Also consult Menya’s “High Performance Reading List”* Good book written to put you to sleep (while still keeping your attention): Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Mathew Walker* Keep it going with Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear* Don’t lose momentum with The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg* Powerspot Pilates Studio Run by Menya’s Partner Risa: https://www.powerspot.co.jp/#MenyaHinga #HealthCoach #WellnessCoach #PersonalTrainer #FitnessInstructor #MHHealthCoaching #SOGOFitness #CoFitMovement #MikeBoyleStrengthAndConditioning #CrossBorderJapan #PrecisionNutrition #NationalStrengthAndConditioningAssociation #AnimalFlow #RealGaijin #ヒンガメンヤ #ヘルスコーチ #ウェルネスコーチ #パーソナルトレーナー #フィットネスインストラクター #外人 #外国人 #リアル外人Please note that you can subscribe to Real Gaijin for free. If you are so inclined, you can also purchase an annual subscription for a relatively small fee.However, I understand that even the lowest level of annual subscription allowed by Substack may seem too high for many. If you just want to buy a coffee (or maybe a matcha latte) for Real Gaijin, you can also make a small donation here:https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijinIn addition to offering a way to make a one-time, small donation equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee, Buy Me Coffee now supports recurring donations. Real Gaijin has three levels, including the following:Pine or sho (松) in Japanese (gold level) for US$10/monthBamboo or chiku (竹) in Japanese (silver level) for $5/month (same as a regular subscription via Substack)Plum or bai (梅) in Japanese (bronze level) for only US $1/monthIn Japanese, shō-chiku-bai (松竹梅) literally means “pine–bamboo–plum.” As is often the case for course meals in certain restaurants, on sake menus, or box lunch bento sets, shō-chiku-bai is often used instead of “gold–silver–bronze.”For readers with some knowledge of Japanese, yes, the word for "pine" is "matsu." In this case, however, the on-yomi (音読み) is used. Similarly, the word for bamboo is "take," but the on-yomi is "chiku." Similarly, the word for plum is "ume," but the on-yomi is "bai."No Need to Pay Me: All levels of support - including just liking a particular article and/or leaving a comment - are very welcome. Thanks again for reading.While Real Gaijin lives in Substack, you can also find Real Gaijin on a few other platforms (listed in alphabetical order).https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substackhttps://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijinhttps://x.com/Real_Gaijin_https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/ Get full access to Real Gaijin at realgaijin.substack.com/subscribe