Blog Posts

  • Everything You Know About Samurai is Probably Wrong

    Alright guys, buckle up. I’m about to lay down some truth about samurai.   When a lot of people think of Japan, there’s probably a few things that come to mind. Sushi, ramen, and other Japanese food is probably pretty high on the list. Maybe kimonos or school uniforms. Anime and manga, obviously. And I’m…

  • Kachi Kachi Yama (A Japanese Monogatari)

    by Jessica Hutchison A long, long time ago there was an old man and an old woman. They were poor, had no kids, and lived in the middle of nowhere. This is how every Japanese folktale starts so you might want to just commit that bit to memory.   Well this couple had a farm,…

  • Japanese Business Quirks

    Japanese Business Quirks

    Jessica Hutchison Whenever you’re working in a foreign country, you’re going to run into different customs. I mean, even America can have some strange business customs.   It’s good to understand the culture you are getting into, not just so you can impress a potential employer, but so you can show that you respect your…

  • Japanese History in About Six Minutes

    Jessica Hutchison In order to understand any culture, learning the history can really help. And Japan is no different. Japan has a wild history with dramatic changes in culture, government, and how they feel about foreigners. Figuring this out can really help you see where a lot of Japanese culture comes from.   So let’s…

  • What You Might Not Know About Geisha

    by Jessica Hutchison Geisha are a popular image of Japan. Most people who see a geisha, even if they aren’t familiar with the term, will probably associate her with Japan. However, people in the West also have a rather large misconception when it comes to these fancy-looking ladies. I asked several people, “What comes to…