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To many Western observers, a striking contrast exists between Germany’s deep atonement for the Holocaust and Japan’s perceived “historical amnesia.” It is tempting to frame this as a story of German “sincerity” versus Japanese “denial.” However, international relations are rarely driven by morality or emotions. They are driven by interests. Japan’s shift toward a “victim…

If you travel between Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing, you’ll notice a shared visual foundation: Chinese characters (known as Hanja in Korea, Kanji in Japan, and Hanzi in China). To an outside observer, it looks like a unified linguistic zone. However, relying on the literal meaning of these symbols can lead to hilarious—or incredibly awkward—misunderstandings. In…

1. The Paradigm Shift: From “Loyalty” to “Mobility” For decades, the Japanese labor market was defined by Shushin Koyo (lifetime employment). Switching jobs was often viewed with skepticism, seen as a lack of perseverance. However, we are currently witnessing a historic structural change. Driven by a chronic labor shortage, a shrinking domestic workforce, and recent…

In most countries, quitting a job is as simple as having a conversation with your boss. Also, you can just send e-mail that I will quit then the boss accept it. However, in Japan, a unique industry has moved from the fringes into the mainstream: Taishoku Daiko (退職代行), or resignation agency. This service allows employees…

1. Introduction: A Modern Feudal System Wearing the Mask of Democracy Japan is a developed nation that outwardly embraces Western-style democracy.Yet beneath the surface, its political trajectory is strikingly different from that of South Korea or the Western world. Living in Yokohama, I’ve come to feel that Japanese politics is less about choice and more…

Introduction: Japan’s Ambition to Jump from 0 to 100 by 2027 The Japanese semiconductor alliance, ‘Rapidus,’ is accelerating toward its goal of mass-producing 2nm chips by 2027. This plan aims to catapult Japan’s advanced manufacturing capabilities—which have effectively stalled at the 40nm node—to the cutting edge of the global industry. While some call it a…

The date is January 28, 2026. The KOSPI has just shattered the 5,000-point ceiling, marking an 85% surge in just over a year. From the outside, it’s a golden era for Korean equities. But for many retail investors—the “Ants” of the market—the feeling is far from celebratory. In the West, seeing Red means your portfolio…