A podcast that explains Japan’s business, culture, economy, and foreign-resident experience through real stories and in-depth conversations.
Real Gaijin explores the real Japan — the people, places, and ideas shaping the future of the country. From Kyushu to Tokyo, we dive deep into Japan’s economy, work culture, entrepreneurship, immigration, tourism, and the lived experience of foreign residents who call Japan home.
Hosted by Mark Kennedy, Real Gaijin blends reporting, storytelling, and candid conversations with founders, innovators, creators, and community leaders who see Japan with clear eyes. No clichés. No anime filter. Just honest stories and informed perspectives on how Japan is changing — and what comes next.
What we cover:
Life and work as a foreign resident in Japan
Japan’s business culture and entrepreneurial ecosystem
Regional revitalization, demographic change, and local communities
Inbound tourism, immigration, and policy shifts
Economic and cultural trends reshaping modern Japan
Deep dives into Kyushu, Fukuoka, Tokyo, and other regions
Whether you live in Japan, dream of moving here, invest in Japanese markets, or are fascinated by the country’s complexities, Real Gaijin offers insights you won’t find anywhere else.
Keywords (English):
Japan, Japanese culture, Japanese business, Japan economy, Japan work culture, entrepreneurship Japan, foreigners in Japan, expat Japan, living in Japan, immigration Japan, regional revitalization, Kyushu, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Japan startups, Japan travel, Japanese society.
日本語キーワード（検索向け）:
日本、日本文化、日本社会、日本経済、日本の働き方、外人、外国人、在日外国人、移住、地方創生、地方移住、九州、福岡、東京、大阪、観光、起業、スタートアップ、地域活性化。
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-19) with Pascal Gudorf, founder & CEO of Japan Business Insights (JBI) and Author of "Getting to 'Yes' in Japan"
Saison 1 · Épisode 19
jeudi 13 novembre 2025 • Durée 01:05:28
Japan is back! Due to headwinds from the Chinese market, European manufacturers and brands have recently shown renewed interest in the Japanese market. While many large companies have been active in Japan for decades, small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are curious about new opportunities there but often don’t know how to develop and implement a market entry strategy. They need a market access specialist like today’s guest, Pascal Gudorf, founder and CEO of JBI (Japan Business Insights).
Who is he?
Pascal Gudorf is a Japan resident with over 20 years of experience. Originally from Germany, he has lived and worked in Japan since 1999.
He served as editor-in-chief of JAPANMARKET, the leading magazine for German companies doing business in and with Japan. Previously, he worked for the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan before joining Mitsui & Co., one of Japan’s most powerful trading companies. There, he spent six years helping equipment manufacturers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom deliver projects for Japanese customers.
Back in Japan, Pascal transitioned to working as an independent market entry consultant. In 2023, he founded his own management consultancy, JBI (Japan Business Insights). He helps startups and SMEs succeed in some of Japan’s most demanding sectors, including cleantech, energy, mobility, and infrastructure services. Pascal continues to represent ECOS and the State of Thuringia, bridging the innovation ecosystems of Germany and Japan. He is based in Fukuoka.
What does Japan Business Insights do?
Pascal’s consulting firm helps clients develop strategies for entering the Japanese market and provides guidance to foreign companies looking to expand there. Japan Business Insights offers continuous support to help clients overcome challenges after entering the market through the formation of a direct subsidiary, joint venture, or distribution channel partnership.
Pascal is also the co-author, with longtime colleague Richard Mort, of Getting to “Yes” in Japan. He is a prolific LinkedIn contributor who frequently publishes original industry trend reports in English on the Japan Business Insights website.
Key Takeaways
* Be aware of cultural differences: Developing at least a rudimentary level of proficiency in Japanese is highly advantageous for succeeding in business in Japan, but studying the nuances of Japanese culture is critical. Pascal, who is fluent in Japanese, English, German, and French, often counsels his European clients to approach their Japanese counterparts in the context of Geert Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI). The UAI measures how strongly different cultures are threatened by ambiguity and uncertainty, as well as how much they rely on rules, structure, and predictability to reduce anxiety. High-UAI cultures, such as those in Japan, Greece, Portugal, France, and many Latin American countries, tend to emphasize clear rules, detailed planning, job security, and risk avoidance. This reflects a preference for stability and discomfort with improvisation. Conversely, low-UAI cultures, including Singapore, Denmark, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S., are generally more comfortable with ambiguity, experimentation, flexible rules, and entrepreneurial risk. Countries in the middle range, such as Germany and China, blend structure with pragmatism, tolerating uncertainty when it supports efficiency or long-term goals. Overall, the index highlights how deeply cultural values shape people’s tolerance for risk, innovation, and social norms.
* Entrepreneurship outside Japan’s megacities: After serving in Germany, Pascal and his family moved back to Japan just before the pandemic. Despite having spent decades living and working in Tokyo, Pascal made the bold choice to open his own market access consultancy in Fukuoka, a growing regional city in the southwestern part of the country. His success proves that enterprising foreigners can succeed in Japan’s business world outside the megacity centers of Greater Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
* Advance preparation is key: Pascal has helped many European businesses develop effective go-to-market strategies, establish wholly owned subsidiaries, find partners, and optimize existing operations in Japan over the years. He gives virtually all of his clients one piece of advice: approach the Japanese market having done plenty of advance preparation. Don’t try to wing it. Do your homework in advance and come prepared with a long list of questions.
Timeline
Substack 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.
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:
In 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/month
Bamboo 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/month
In 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).
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-18) with Larry Kieffer, aka The Headhunter Dad
Saison 1 · Épisode 18
vendredi 24 octobre 2025 • Durée 01:06:26
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.
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 newsletter over 15 years ago.
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-09) with James Douglas, Writer, Horror Movie Screenwriter, etc.
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
samedi 21 juin 2025 • Durée 01:01:17
Originally from the U.K., James does not readily fit into a particular category as defined by career path, area of study, or focus of interest. He is a true Renaissance man unafraid to make unconventional choices. James is living proof that foreigners can lead productive and fulfilling lives in Japan on their own terms.
He embodies a series of contrasts. He holds a master's degree yet now works for JR East for just above minimum wage cleaning train stations—on purpose. He is an accomplished novelist and screenwriter. In fact, he is currently collaborating with a movie production company to produce an original horror film that he wrote. James loves Japan and aspires to buy and remodel an abandoned home in the countryside while advancing in his career at JR East.
Key Takeaways
* In Japan, anything is possible. James has chosen a job cleaning train stations for the time being. It's quite physically demanding and doesn't pay very much. Bottom line: He needs to pay the rent. However, the job only requires 37.5 hours per week. It provides an opportunity to exercise outdoors and is free of office politics, which gives James extra time to think. The job does not follow him home. James has learned to optimize his time off to hone his talent for writing.
* A horror movie is in the works: While it’s still “early days,” and pre-production has not yet begun, James has successfully secured his first contract with a movie producer for a script he wrote. There are many steps in the process to get from this point to the ultimate release, but thus far, everything is on track to begin filming toward the end of 2025. In the meantime, James is doing rewrites and helping his producer plan next steps. Very exciting! We look forward to the premiere.
* Avid writer: While screenwriting for Hollywood seems fun and is certainly keeping James busy, his real passion is writing novels. To date, James has published eight novels, which are available on Kindle via Amazon. Recently, his book Ask Mark has attracted a lot of interest (see links below). He has another book in the works called List of Goals, which sounds intriguing.
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-08) with Cory McGowan, Founder & Head Coach at Adventure Partner
Saison 1 · Épisode 8
lundi 9 juin 2025 • Durée 59:34
Have you ever found yourself at a career plateau, unable to advance? Do you consciously or unconsciously feel that you have lost the characteristic mojo that defined you earlier in life? If so, what can you do about it?
In Japan, an increasing number of organizations are hiring leadership/executive coaches to help their key managers get back on track. During an assignment, which typically lasts a year, these coaches are skilled at "peeling back the onion" to get to the root of the problem. They work closely with their clients to encourage positive change from within.
Is it possible to receive this level of personal coaching in English in Japan? The answer is yes, but you need to know where to look. One of the best places to find a professional leadership coach is, however, far removed from the corporate boardrooms of Otemachi in Tokyo. It's nestled deep in the beautiful mountains near Minakami in Gunma Prefecture, about an hour away from the city center. If you want to embark on a journey of personal transformation, look no further than Adventure Partner to seek out Head Coach Cory McGowan.
During Real Gaijin’s hour-long discussion with Cory, we covered a variety of subjects. Cory spoke to us from his “base camp” in Minakami, which overlooks a gorgeous forest and picturesque river. Cory first engages with his new clients in this setting during an intense, four-day “Wilderness Visioning Retreat” to be free of all distractions. Cory walked us through his approach to leadership and executive coaching. We also heard the backstory of how he ended up in Japan.
Key Takeaways
* What is leadership/executive coaching, and how is it different from what the head coach of a sports team does? Cory explained that coaches who focus on leadership, most commonly in the corporate arena, help leaders expand their capacity to lead.
* It's not about coaching to develop or improve a specific skill. Instead, Cory helps his clients dig deep to transform into more impactful leaders.
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-07) with Digital Nomad Kristi Volchek
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
vendredi 6 juin 2025 • Durée 01:03:43
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a digital nomad? Have you accumulated some extra PTO and want to combine work and pleasure in an exotic destination like Japan? How can you practically pull this off? What is it really like?
As its native population shrinks, Japan continues to attract large numbers of foreign tourists. The number of resident foreigners like me is also steadily growing and has recently topped 3.7 million, equivalent to approximately 3% of Japan’s population. There is now another way to enjoy an extended stay in Japan without putting down roots.
Thanks mainly to the internet, it is, of course, now possible for foreigners to travel to Japan and stay connected to their work abroad. With temporary visitor status they simply conduct short-term business activities from anywhere in the country.
Today, Real Gaijin will introduce you to someone who is doing just that.
Kristi Volchek is an expert product designer and former Chief Marketing Officer at a large tech firm. Now she is on a mission to help content creators and solopreneurs. She teaches user interface (UI) and product design at Dribbble and mentors designers at Liftzy. On top of all that, Kristi has a full roster of clients who provide her with more design work than she can handle on her own. And if that weren't enough, Kristi recently started teaching design at Growth Design School. She interacts with all her clients and students remotely.
Although it's possible to reach Kristi wherever she travels, we were fortunate to catch up with her while she's still in Japan. Originally from Belarus, Kristi and her partner have been traveling the world as digital nomads full-time since January. Currently, Kristi is in Fukuoka, but she will soon be heading to Taipei for the summer. Kristi absolutely loves living in Fukuoka, so her plan is to return to Japan in the fall. Kristi has also just recently been posting on Substack on a site called .
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-06) with the Founder of RetireJapan Ben Tanaka
Saison 1 · Épisode 6
dimanche 11 mai 2025 • Durée 01:10:26
Life is a series of trade-offs. Many members of RetireJapan may not know that Ben Tanaka, the founder of this influential website and online community, may have chosen to keep his financial planning advice and insights a secret if he had joined Britain’s secret service. Hear the full backstory about a potential James Bond starting at 5:24.
Fortunately, Ben chose different paths during his extensive career in Japan. After chatting with him for over an hour, I would sum up his story in one word: resiliency.
You see, Ben decided to become financially independent after he was fired (listen from 10:07). Although it was a gut-wrenching experience for him at the time, it was, luckily for the rest of us, the seed of RetireJapan. Through thick and thin, Ben has always found a way to make ends meet, even supplementing his income as an ordained wedding celebrant for a period (jump to 17:05 for more details). Today, he is a trusted source of sound financial advice for thousands of people living in and outside of Japan.
Key Takeaways
* RetireJapan mainly focuses on helping people start their journey toward financial independence (e.g., "Your First Ten Million Yen" on-line 5-week course about personal finance outlined from 31:24).
* Sometimes a temporary setback opens up new opportunities; for example, Ben was fired at one point. This experience led him to become determined to attain financial independence so as not to become vulnerable in the future. This was also the impetus behind RetireJapan.
* As Ben demonstrated in his career, it is possible to pivot along the way, which can make you more resilient.
Timeline
Substack 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
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-05) with Japan-based Writer + Airbnb Co-Owner Allen Lindskoog
Saison 1 · Épisode 5
mardi 6 mai 2025 • Durée 01:04:25
Today’s guest is a true Renaissance man who defies easy definition. Originally from the American Midwest, Allen Lindskoog has had many different roles in his long career before settling down with his wife as the co-owner of a beautiful 100-year-old traditional farmhouse in Japan, which they have transformed into an Airbnb. Nestled in the Minami Alps near Mt. Fuji, the “Yamanashi Mountain Home (YMH) Kominka Airbnb” is a real hidden gem.
Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
After hearing about Allen’s illustrious career and his path to Japan, find out how he and his wife, who is an interior designer, found their home/inn, spent years refurbishing it, and now enjoy welcoming guests from all over the world to Anayama, a small hamlet with a population of around 300 people, located in the countryside yet still accessible from central Tokyo (includes tour beginning from 16:53).
Key Takeaways
* Attention, fellow Substack writers! The YMH Kominka Airbnb is an ideal writers' retreat, offering plenty of nooks and alcoves inside, as well as a spacious outdoor deck from which to write.
* Approach the process of sourcing, remodelling, registering and opening an Airbnb “with your eyes wide open.” Remain patient and be realistic about the time and effort required.
* To become a well-adjusted long-term foreign resident of Japan, you must consciously uproot your own cultural biases to recalibrate your perspective and ensure that you fit in and enjoy life there (“rip out the daikon radish, as Allen advises).
Timeline
Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.
Key Contacts
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-04) with Tokyo-based Author Baye McNeil
Saison 1 · Épisode 4
dimanche 6 avril 2025 • Durée 01:10:17
Today’s guest isn’t just living in Japan—he’s been redefining what it means to be a foreigner here for over two decades. From Brooklyn to Tokyo, Baye McNeil has carved out a career as a critically acclaimed author, columnist, and cultural commentator. You might know him from The Japan Times’ “Black Eye” column, or from his books that challenge, charm, and sometimes roast the status quo. His latest, Words by Baye, Art by Miki, is a beautiful, bold collaboration with his wife—a celebration of love, creativity, and carving a life together, one story (and stone) at a time. This one’s gonna stick with you.
Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Our hour-long discussion flew by, and we actually went a little over (sorry). Baye explained that his name means "straightforward" in Senegalese. I couldn't help but laugh at how aptly named he was! Please listen to the whole episode, but I have tried to pull out a few nuggets of pure gold for you.
Key Takeaways
* The “Empty Seat Phenomenon” in Japan - Microaggressions and the Mental Toll of Subtle Racism: A firsthand look at the emotional and psychological experience of being visibly foreign in Japan — illustrated through the recurring experience of having the seat next to you remain empty on crowded trains. This phenomenon becomes a gateway into broader discussions on racial microaggressions, cultural isolation, and the personal evolution in interpreting and responding to these experiences over time.
* “Hi, My Name Is Loco and I’m a Racist” - Radical Introspection About Internalized and Reciprocal Racism: Choosing a provocative title for a blog series based upon Alcoholics Anonymous, Baye did a brutally honest deep dive into his personal history of inherited racial bias, how growing up in a pro-Black but anti-white Pan-African environment shaped his early worldview, and how Japan triggered a confrontation with his own prejudices. The transition from projecting racist generalizations onto Japanese people to introspective accountability is both nuanced and transformative.
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-03) with Tokyo-based Entrepreneur Kevin McAuliffe
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
dimanche 23 mars 2025 • Durée 59:26
Join me for an hour-long deep dive into the colorful career of a fellow American expat who has long made Japan his home. Kevin McAuliffe is a personal friend whose story could be the inspiration behind the saying, "Life’s most implausible moments tend to come with receipts.” Parts of his story may seem more fiction than fact, but he definitely has the receipts - these are real-life episodes from someone who has literally "been there, done that.”
Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Hear how Kevin's career has taken him from being a camp counselor on a month-long trip through Asia with a group of teenagers during the Vietnam War, to working as a forklift operator, to becoming a writer for a trade magazine focused on consumer electronics and meeting with the legendary Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, to managing ad sales and circulation for Time and Fortune magazines in Hong Kong, to negotiating contracts with Japanese newspapers and TV stations for Reuters, and to starting his own successful trading company in Tokyo that also provides sales force outsourcing. It is hard to keep track of Kevin's myriad experiences, but we did our best.
Key Takeaways
Along the way, Kevin dropped several life hacks and other nuggets of advice.
* Be open to any opportunity that comes your way — especially those that force you out of your comfort zone.
* Learn on someone else's dime: No matter how mundane the job may seem, there is always something you can learn from it. Hint: Jump to the great story about how to make the most of a summer job at McDonald's (around the 54-minute mark).
* Don't fall for stereotypes when it comes to working with Japanese people: Be flexible and understand the dynamics at play behind the scenes.
Timeline
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
AMA Podcast (S-01, E-02) with Tokyo-based Freelance Writer Louise George Kittaka
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
lundi 10 mars 2025 • Durée 01:04:34
Join me for a lively hour-long interview with someone who usually does the interviewing. Our guest is Louise George Kittaka, who writes for the Japan Times, Japan's leading English-language newspaper, and contributes to a variety of other platforms, including BBC Storyworks, CNN, and The Michelin Guide. She works with Japanese government tourism organizations and corporate clients, including Toshiba and Mazda. As a freelance writer and editor for Japan's educational publishing sector, Louise has contributed to numerous textbooks, study courses and national English exams. Louise teaches in the Department of Comparative Studies at Shirayuri Women's University in Tokyo. She is also an independent cross-cultural training consultant, working with international families coming to Japan on corporate assignments and Japanese nationals moving abroad.
We took a deep dive into Louise's background. We learned what inspired this accomplished writer, who is fluent in Japanese, to develop such a successful career in Japan while raising three children in a cross-border family. Louise generously shared many practical tips about what it is like to live and develop a career in Japan.
Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
As Louise writes extensively about Japanese destinations and is an avid traveler, she ended the discussion by sharing some of her hidden gems that you probably won't find in most Japan guidebooks. So, please stay until the end.
Key Takeaways
* Insights into Developing a Writing Career: Follow along as Louise shares details of her own story and how she became a frequent contributor to the Japan Times. Hint: Write what you know.
* Life Hacks for Raising Children While Developing a Career in Japan: While Louise certainly benefited from the ongoing support of her husband, a native of Japan, she had to improvise for long stretches when he was away-. Somehow, Louise not only managed to raise three successful children, but also became an accomplished writer! #1: Sleep is overrated! #2: Tapping into your support network can go a long way.
Get full access to Real Gaijin at
The Headhunter Dad
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.
Timeline
Substack 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.
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:
In 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/month
Bamboo 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/month
In 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).
Also…About 45 minutes into the interview, you will find out which movie star James would prefer for the lead role in his upcoming horror film:
* Willem Dafoe or Christopher Walken?
* Tom Hardy or Benedict Cumberbatch?
Timeline
Substack 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.
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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.
Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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:
Adventure Partner offers a unique approach for the "under-expressed adventurous leader."
* The coach's job is not to course correct, but to reflect. After the initial on-site session in Minakami, Cory follows up with each client about once every two weeks for up to a year to stay accountable.
Timeline
Substack 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.
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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.
Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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:
Incidentally, Japan had always been on Kristi’s bucket list, but she and her partner had plenty of experience working in other places before visiting Fukuoka. They spent five years in the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland, where Kristi’s business is based, and spent a short time in Bangkok. You will, therefore, be able to ask how Japan — and Fukuoka in particular — compares to these other popular digital nomad destinations.
* Advice for Aspiring Digital Nomads: "Just do it!" There will never be a perfect time to start, so just get started. The older you get and the more established you become, the more difficult it will be to break old habits. Although you must be prepared to live minimally (e.g., out of a suitcase) and be highly adaptable, the rewards are enormous. So, step out of your comfort zone and give it a try!
* Fukuoka Welcomes You: In addition to being recognized as one of the most startup-friendly cities in Japan, Fukuoka is an exciting place for digital nomads to temporarily call home. This regional city of more than 1.6 million is just the right size for an urban center where you can avoid the perils of overtourism. You can be close to nature in downtown Fukuoka, or you can really get out into the countryside by taking a short train ride. Best of all, Fukuoka has a vibrant and supportive local digital nomad community with plenty of resources to help guide you.
* Culture of "Third Places" in Japan: Due to the limited floor plans of most Japanese homes, there is a well-established tradition of "third places" where people can work outside their homes (or hotel rooms) and offices. Thus, while you may be visiting Japan primarily for sightseeing, you can also stay connected with your business at coworking spaces, cafés, and other locations—some of which are free!
Timeline
Substack 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.
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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:
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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:
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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:
* Rewriting the Narrative - Using Storytelling to Combat Media Stereotypes About Black People in Japan: Through his “Black Eye” column, Baye started writing for The Japan Times to counterbalance negative and reductive portrayals of Black people in Japanese media. By spotlighting positive, nuanced stories—like Black professors, Black-Japanese families, and cultural bridge-builders—he helped reshape how Japanese readers perceive the Black diaspora in Japan.
* New Book - How a Black Writer and a Japanese Artist Are Healing Through Shared Creation: Words by Baye, Art by Miki isn’t just a poetry and art book—it’s an artistic response to trauma, beauty, identity, and coexistence. This collaboration reveals how two very different voices can come together to express something deeper than either could alone.
Timeline
Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.
Key Contacts
* Baye’s Website (English link): You can buy his new book Words by Baye, Art by Miki here, as well. https://www.bayemcneil.com/
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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:
Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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:
both because of long hours at the office and because he was literally stationed far from home for years at a time
Hint
Hint
* Practical Advice for Foreigners Who Want to Make Japan Their Home for an Extended Period: Learn Japanese, have a "mindset of abundance," and "find your tribe.
Timeline
Substack does not yet have the functionality to allow you to use a link to jump to a specific section, like YouTube's "chapters." So, please just refer to the times listed below to navigate through our hour-long conversation. Thank you for your understanding.
PS: If you enjoyed what you’re reading, consider hitting the “Like” button. It’ll help more people find this article.
You could also show your support—by recommending Real Gaijin to others.
Here’s how you can do this:
Go to your Dashboard.
Find Settings.
Go to Recommendations.
Go to Manage recommendations.
Add “Real Gaijin.”
Thanks for your consideration. - Mark
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:
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Real Gaijin — Japan’s Business, Culture & Life Podcast: A podcast about Japan’s economy, work culture, foreign residen. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
