With over 840,000 residents, Chinese nationals form the largest foreign community in Japan. Their contributions span academia, business, arts, and technology, shaping Japan’s evolving multicultural landscape. This article highlights ten Chinese individuals making a significant impact in Japan, each with a unique story of success and integration. 1. Yang Yi — Award-Winning Novelist Born in Harbin, Yang Yi moved to Japan in the 1980s and became the first Chinese-born author to win the prestigious Akutagawa Prize. Her novels explore identity, migration, and cultural tension, written in fluent Japanese. 2. Chen Kenichi — Culinary Legend Known as the “Iron Chef Chinese” on the iconic TV show Iron Chef , Chen popularized Sichuan cuisine in Japan. His restaurants remain a staple of high-end Chinese dining across Tokyo. 3. Li Xiaohong — Robotics Researcher Professor at Osaka University, Li leads AI and robotics research projects in collaboration with Japanese firms. Her work has be...

While Americans in Japan often find success through media and entertainment, Indians have carved out distinct paths in technology, academia, entrepreneurship, and culinary arts. This article introduces ten Indians who are making a meaningful impact in Japan, each with a unique story that reflects the evolving relationship between the two countries. 1. Dr. Rajiv Narula — AI Research Pioneer As a professor at the University of Tokyo, Dr. Narula leads cutting-edge research in robotics and artificial intelligence. His work has helped foster Indo-Japanese academic collaboration and earned him recognition in both countries. 2. Ritesh Singh — Startup Connector Founder of Indo-Japan Connect , Ritesh supports Indian startups entering the Japanese market. His bilingual business acumen and cultural fluency make him a key figure in cross-border entrepreneurship. 3. Priya Sharma — Telecom Innovator Priya leads digital transformation projects at a major Japanese telecom firm. Her agile d...

Japan has long been a magnet for global talent, and Americans are no exception. From entertainment to education, tech to tourism, many have carved out successful careers and built meaningful lives in Japan. This article highlights ten standout Americans thriving in Japan, explores what it takes to succeed here, and compares the impact of YouTube versus traditional media for building influence. 1. Hikakin Collaborator: Chris Broad Known for his channel Abroad in Japan , Chris Broad blends humor, travel, and cultural commentary. His success stems from authenticity and deep respect for Japanese culture. His YouTube channel has over 2 million subscribers and is a go-to for English-speaking audiences curious about Japan. 2. Rachel & Jun This American-Japanese couple creates content on intercultural relationships, Japanese life, and social issues. Their transparency and bilingual approach have earned them a loyal following and media appearances. 3. John Daub Host of Only in Japa...

The Allegations: Russian Interference via Social Media In the wake of Japan’s 2025 Upper House election, concerns have emerged over alleged foreign interference—specifically, rumors that Russia may have used social media to sow division and influence public opinion. According to The Japan News , suspicious viral posts during the campaign period were traced to bot activity linked to Russian interests. These posts often targeted Japan’s foreign aid policies and attempted to stir domestic resentment, particularly after the Noto Peninsula earthquake. While the Japanese government has yet to release detailed findings, officials like Digital Transformation Minister Masaaki Taira have acknowledged the vulnerability of elections to foreign manipulation through AI and social platforms. The LDP has even cited Russian disinformation as a factor in its election losses. Could This Really Happen? Unfortunately, yes. Japan was once considered relatively immune to foreign influence campaigns d...

📉 A Historic Decline in Power For the first time in its 70-year history, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has lost its majority in both houses of the Diet. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition suffered back-to-back defeats in the 2024 Lower House and 2025 Upper House elections, marking a dramatic shift in Japan’s political landscape. 🧓 Changing Voter Demographics Elderly voter turnout dropped significantly, especially in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election. Younger voters are gravitating toward populist and anti-establishment parties, such as Sanseito and DPFP. Independent voters are increasingly rejecting the LDP, with exit polls showing a sharp decline in support. 📱 The Role of Social Media Platforms like X and YouTube have amplified anti-LDP sentiment, shifting public discourse. Right-wing populist content and misinformation have eroded trust in mainstream parties. Some LDP figures blame foreign interference, though evidence rem...

Japan is a fascinating country with a rich culture, cutting-edge technology, and a reputation for precision and discipline. But when it comes to work culture, especially for company employees, there are unique dynamics that foreign workers should understand before diving in. The Reality of Job Mobility in Japan Unlike many Western countries where changing jobs is common and often encouraged, Japan has traditionally valued long-term employment. The concept of shūshin koyō (lifetime employment) still influences corporate behavior, especially in larger firms. In 2023, only about 10% of Japan’s workforce changed jobs, despite a growing labor shortage. Even among younger workers, job changes are increasing but still face cultural resistance. Working Hard, But Not Always Getting Rich Japan is known for its strong work ethic, but that doesn’t always translate into personal wealth or financial freedom. Real wages have stagnated for decades, and labor p...

📊 Rice Prices Have Skyrocketed Since 2024 In early 2024, a 5kg bag of rice typically cost around ¥2,000. By spring 2025, prices hit over ¥4,000 for certain brands, sparking concern across Japan. What caused this dramatic spike? 🔍 Key Reasons Behind the Surge Extreme weather: The 2023 heatwave significantly reduced the percentage of premium-grade rice. Tourism boom: Rising demand from inbound tourism pressured food supply chains. Distribution chaos: JA struggled to purchase rice, forcing retailers into costly spot purchases. Weakened yen & high farming costs: Fertilizer, fuel, and pesticide costs skyrocketed, prompting farmers to raise prices. 🏛 Koizumi Steps In With Rice Reserves In early 2025, Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi authorized the release of over 300,000 tons of government-stored rice from the 2020–2021 stock. Major retailers like Rakuten and AEON offered 5kg bags for around ¥2,000. Consumer response wa...