For years, I was deep in the Johnny’s fandom (now known as Starto). Like, watching every TV show, buying concert goods, memorizing choreography kind of deep. I even wrote my MBA thesis on it — I was so passionate and wanted to know … Continue reading When the Curtain Falls: Thoughts on Parasocial Relationships and Why I Drifted Away from Johnny’s
I was introduced to Green Rider by my best friend, whom I lived with for a very long time. She is and always will be a reader, and every time books would come up her face lit up, followed by … Continue reading The Green Rider Series by Kristen Britain: A Classic Journey into Epic Fantasy
If you’ve lived in Japan for a while, you’ve probably noticed something odd near the end of the month — long, winding lines at the ATM. The first time I saw it, I thought, “Is something wrong with the banks? Why … Continue reading Why Are There Always Long ATM Lines on Payday in Japan?
Her lip to isn’t just another fashion brand—it’s a curated world of elegance and self-expression built by former AKB48 member Haruna Kojima. In this post, we explore how she transformed her signature style into one of Japan’s most beloved lifestyle brands, the smart strategy behind its success, and what the 2024 merger with yutori means for the brand’s future. Continue reading Her lip to: How Haruna Kojima Built an Elegant Lifestyle Brand in Japan
I recently had the chance to play tour guide for some visiting family, which meant seeing Japan through a tourist’s eyes for the first time in years. And let me tell you—I was genuinely surprised by how often cash was … Continue reading When Cash is Still Needed in Japan (Even in 2025!)
If you’ve ever tried to take home leftovers in Japan and were met with confusion (or a firm “no”), you’re not alone. In this post, I dive into why taking food home from restaurants isn’t common in Japan—from strict food safety laws to cultural norms—and what to expect if you ask. Plus, a few tips on how to navigate Japan’s unique takeout culture. Continue reading Why You (Usually) Can’t Take Leftovers Home in Japan: The Truth About Takeout Culture
After nearly a decade working in Japan, I’ve learned a lot about the difference between full-time and contract employment—and one of my biggest career regrets comes from switching to a contract role. In this post, I share my personal story, break down the pros and cons of each type of employment in Japan, and what I wish I’d known sooner. If you’re working in Japan or thinking of making a job change, this one’s for you! Continue reading Working in a Japanese Company #12 – Full-time employee vs. Contract Employee
Hi everyone! It’s been ages since I’ve posted a personal update here, so I wanted to take a moment to catch you up on where I’ve been these past few years. I also wanted to share a bit about the … Continue reading A Life Update from Lauren
I went through the permanent residency process in 2023 after reaching my 10-year mark of living in Japan. Gaining permanent residency had been one of my long-term goals, and while marrying a Japanese citizen is one way to secure residency, … Continue reading A Quick Guide to Permanent Residency in Japan
The next big topic in this series is one I get asked about constantly: work-life balance in Japan, especially when it comes to overtime — and how COVID changed (or didn’t change) those norms. My answers are a mix of my own … Continue reading Working in a Japanese Company #11 – Work-Life Balance, Overtime, and COVID
nihonchique 