A Year of Growth and Gratitude: Navigating Parenthood and Celebrating Milestones

Today, I had a parental duty that many of us are familiar with – taking my children to the hospital. As a parent, these visits can be fraught with anxiety, but thankfully, today’s visit brought good news. The doctor informed us that there was nothing seriously wrong, just a slight cold. We left with aContinue reading “A Year of Growth and Gratitude: Navigating Parenthood and Celebrating Milestones”

Creating a Cozy Sanctuary: Our Journey in Designing the Perfect Baby Room

As new parents, one of the most exciting yet daunting tasks we faced was preparing a special space in our home for our newest family member. The journey of transforming an ordinary room into a cozy baby sanctuary was both challenging and rewarding. In this blog, I want to share our experience and the thoughtfulContinue reading “Creating a Cozy Sanctuary: Our Journey in Designing the Perfect Baby Room”

Embracing Change and Growth in the Workplace: Lessons from the “Fishbowl”

In the ever-evolving landscape of our professional lives, we often find ourselves part of various “leagues” – be it in terms of assets, job roles, career paths, or expertise. As the new year unfolds, it’s an opportune time to reflect on where we stand in these leagues and more importantly, to decide how we canContinue reading “Embracing Change and Growth in the Workplace: Lessons from the “Fishbowl””

Celebrating the New Year and the Lengthening Days: A Tribute to Ancient Traditions and Natural Rhythms

As we step into January, embracing the New Year, there’s something deeply comforting about the gradual lengthening of days. This subtle yet profound change in daylight is not just a meteorological phenomenon but a powerful symbol, deeply rooted in ancient traditions and our connection to the natural world. The Winter Solstice: A Turning Point inContinue reading “Celebrating the New Year and the Lengthening Days: A Tribute to Ancient Traditions and Natural Rhythms”

The Power of Personal Touch in Sales: Lessons from a New Year’s Greeting

As the clock chimed midnight and fireworks lit up the sky, signaling the advent of another year, I found myself reflecting on the importance of connections — not just personal but also professional. In the world of commission-based sales, where every interaction counts, the challenge is to make each connection meaningful. This year, I decidedContinue reading “The Power of Personal Touch in Sales: Lessons from a New Year’s Greeting”

The Intriguing Linguistic Journey of ‘Saving Face’ in East Asian Languages

In the rich tapestry of East Asian languages, the expressions for “saving face” or “maintaining dignity” are not only culturally significant but also reveal fascinating linguistic exchanges. The Japanese and Korean phrases for this concept, in particular, demonstrate a unique blend of languages and cultures. In Korean, the expression used is “가오를 잡다,” which, whenContinue reading “The Intriguing Linguistic Journey of ‘Saving Face’ in East Asian Languages”

Navigating Japan’s Unique Year-End Holidays in a Global Workplace

As someone working in a global company where people from all corners of the world come together, one of the unique challenges I face annually is explaining the peculiar timing of Japan’s year-end holidays to my colleagues from other countries. Unlike the more universally recognized Christmas or Lunar New Year holidays, Japan’s extended break typicallyContinue reading “Navigating Japan’s Unique Year-End Holidays in a Global Workplace”

A Critical Examination of Japan’s Reaction to Earthquakes: Echoes of a Totalitarian Past

Introduction:Japan’s unique response to earthquakes, often encapsulated by the phrase “Nihon sugoi” (Japan is amazing), reveals a concerning parallel with its pre-World War II totalitarian history. This blog post aims to critically examine this phenomenon, arguing that such reactions, while seemingly benign, may actually perpetuate unhealthy nationalistic sentiments reminiscent of a darker past. Historical Echoes:Japan’sContinue reading “A Critical Examination of Japan’s Reaction to Earthquakes: Echoes of a Totalitarian Past”

Embracing the New Year in Japan: A Blend of Tradition, Family, and Festivity

In Japan, January 1st holds a somewhat religious significance, much like how people in other parts of the world celebrate Lunar New Year or Christmas. It’s a day when families, often living far apart, come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year. This gathering is not just a social event; it carries deepContinue reading “Embracing the New Year in Japan: A Blend of Tradition, Family, and Festivity”

The Two Pillars of Success: Health and Determination

In the pursuit of success, numerous theories and suggestions have been proposed, each presenting a different set of criteria deemed essential for achieving it. However, a profound Japanese concept encapsulates the essence of success in just two fundamental conditions: being healthy and having an unwavering commitment. The phrase ‘腹を括る’ evokes a sense of intense resolve,Continue reading “The Two Pillars of Success: Health and Determination”

A Memorable Stay at a Luxury Hotel: Worth Every Penny

Recently, I had the pleasure of treating my parents to a stay at a luxurious hotel, costing 300,000 Won per night. This experience turned out to be more than just a simple getaway; it was a journey into the world of elegance and comfort, leaving us with the profound realization that some things are indeedContinue reading “A Memorable Stay at a Luxury Hotel: Worth Every Penny”

Finding My Own Path in a Family of Thinkers

Growing up in a family deeply rooted in academic and professional rigor, I was always surrounded by a world of logic and reasoning. My father, a lawyer in Japan, exemplifies precision and analytical thinking. My younger brother, continuing the tradition, serves as an Assistant Professor in Physics at The University of Tokyo. In our household,Continue reading “Finding My Own Path in a Family of Thinkers”