Real Gaijin — Japan’s Business, Culture & Life Podcast: A podcast about Japan’s economy, work culture, foreign residen

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 c... more

Anime is no longer just pop culture. It is a complex global business involving IP licensing, streaming economics, merchandising, live events, and, increasingly, technology-driven change. With more than 300 new anime series launched each year, it’s cl... more

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 internat... more

When a businessperson is offered the opportunity to relocate to Tokyo to manage a team in Japan, it is commonly recognized as a promotion. The emotions involved can range from elation at being selected for such a challenging and exciting internationa... more

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 metho... more

Over the past year, Real Gaijin has introduced a diverse group of foreigners who either live in Japan or have significant ties to the country. To spice things up, we have also interviewed a few Japanese nationals who are engaged with Japan’s foreigne... more

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... more

As many foreign residents of Japan know well, settling in, developing your own network, and finding your footing in the business world can be challenging, especially at the beginning. Succeeding often requires superhuman effort and determination.

Re... more