2022– date –

A train track is more than just infrastructure; it’s a concrete promise. Join me as I explore the unique psychology of Japan’s rail enthusiasts, the "ghost stations" of the Hokkaido wilderness, and why you should experience the world’s most punctual rail system before the silent beauty of the ruins takes over.

I used to work in the "living hell" of the Ministry of Finance, where one mistake could end a career. Join me as I contrast the cutthroat world of Tokyo's elite bureaucrats with the miracle of Higashikawa—a tiny Hokkaido town that banned the word "no"—and why architect Kengo Kuma chose this rebellious community for his new satellite office.

【It's safe but boring just to praise classic things】 Do you like antiques or vintage stuff? There are many classic cars that I like, but I don't like motor journalists or car critics who excessively praise classic cars. That's because ...

【Customer complaints are going to sell】 Why is there no lamp in the freezer compartment of a fridge? Suitcase wheels should be replaceable! I believe you have this kind of small complaints a lot in your daily life. Most of them are too...

【The rich-poor gap is seen even in trash】 In 2019, a book became a big hit in Japan. The author is an unpopular comedian working as a trash collector on the side. He wrote it was easy to find out wealthy residential areas once he sees ...

The Japanese marketing common sense says storytelling is important for product naming, but some marketing research companies recently revealed phonetic effects are also important factors. Phonetic symbolism is the name of an academic field to study these phenomena. In fact, there already have been some applications to evaluate product names.

Why is Soba, a grain historically associated with poverty, considered Japan's most elegant noodle—the ultimate first date material? I explore the Paradox of Elegance and the Pavlovian ritual of Shin-Soba (New Soba) season. I conclude with local pride, recommending OKADA, an exquisite Soba restaurant in our buckwheat heartland of Asahikawa—a Tangible Cultural Property where the historic garden view will enhance your appreciation of the elegant grain.

【The record high freight is a new normal in logistics】 I swim in a gym pool every weekend. What always irritates me is a notice on the shower-room wall. It says "We stop providing shampoo to avoid infection." Anybody, tell me how shamp...

Why does Japan practice synchronized recruitment and the Annual Corporate Baptism (Nyūsha-shiki)? I draw on my own embarrassing experience of attending three entrance ceremonies in three years to explain their function as a critical "attitude adjustment" event. I analyze the ritualistic genius of Toyota's CEO and his engine-revving speech. The analysis leads to my personal crisis: my existential dread over giving a compulsory lecture at the CondeHouse entrance ceremony next week.

In a Japanese home, the mother is an absolute dictator, and the law is: "You shall eat curry for three days straight." Discover the hilarious reality of Japanese soul food, the "level 10" bravery of Indian spice elites, and why the best soup curry in Asahikawa is served in a showroom full of designer chairs.