All the recent talk about overtourism in Japan may be causing angst among the country's foreign residents and may even dissuade people from visiting. First, don't despair. There is still plenty to see and do in Japan, especially if you venture off the beaten path. Today, Real Gaijin spoke with someone with deep connections to Japan who loves to travel across the country on foot!

Oh, and, by the way, he has been legally blind since age 18.

Meet Tony R. Vega, a Hawaii-based content creator, adventurer, and advocate for the visually impaired community.

Key Takeaways

* Overcoming the Challenges of Being Visually Impaired: Tony’s motto is, "I may be legally blind, but that doesn't stop me." It's an apt motto, as no challenge related to his eyesight seems too great for Tony. As a prolific podcaster, he has found his niche by blending his love of Japan and related interests (e.g., anime) with his desire to advocate for the visually impaired by demonstrating what is possible.

* Blind Japan Project: Over the past two years, Tony has completed two long walks along historical "highways" in Japan, including the Tōkaidō Road from Kyoto to Tokyo and the Sanyōdo Road in the Chūgoku region. Beginning at the end of September 2025, Tony will embark on his most ambitious walk yet: a 500-km journey from where he left off in Iwakuni to Kagoshima in southern Kyushu. He is doing this to raise awareness for the visually impaired community and for fun. Follow Tony on Instagram and X to keep track of his progress (links listed below).

* All Aboard! While traveling across Japan, Tony often meets friendly people eager to assist him, which is not surprising. One might think such a journey would be difficult, but Tony explains that, unlike America's car-centric nature, Japan's pedestrian-friendly transportation options make it relatively easy to get around the country, even with a visual impairment. It turns out that Japan’s extensive train network is actually liberating for blind people. During his long walks, Tony uses various hubs near train stations to implement his travel plans. Don’t be surprised if you hear that at some point in the future Tony is leading a tour group of blind visitors across the country by train and on foot.

* What’s in a Name? It’s “Tony R. Vega,” not just “Tony Vega.” To find him online and not get lost among the thousands of references to the popular singer with the same first and last names, be sure to search for "Tony R. Vega." While we joked about this problem, seriously, check out all of Tony’s rich online content.

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

General Website: https://tonyrvega.com/

JapanKyo.com: https://japankyo.com/

Japan Station Podcast: https://japankyo.com/category/podcasts/japanstation/

The Anime Linguist: https://www.youtube.com/@theanimelinguist

Blind Japan Project: https://tonyrvega.com/blind-travel/

Majison: https://x.com/majisonchan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyrvega/ (@tonyrvega)

X: https://x.com/TheVegaTony (@TheVegaTony)

#TonyRVega #HawaiiJapan #JapanKyo #JapanStation #BlindJapanProject #WalkingJapanBlind #LegallyBlindAdventurer #MAJISON #RealGaijin #トニーRヴェガ #ハワイ日本 #法定盲目 #マネー爆弾 #ポッドキャストNFTニッポン #ラブイズブラインド #外人 #外国人 #リアル外人 #視覚障害者

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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

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For many native English speakers, teaching English is often the gateway to an extended stay in Japan. Many of these individuals become Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), a specific role within Japan’s public school system and part of the country’s effort to promote English language education. ALTs are not full teachers and do not have primary responsibility for classes. They assist Japanese teachers, and the utilization of their skills varies widely. This role is closely associated with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET), which began in 1987. However, ALTs can also be hired through private dispatch companies, not just JET. Many ALTs only stay for a few years before returning to their home country or pursuing another career. Some, however, stay long term. Today, we will take a deep dive into what it means to be an ALT and the future of English language instruction in Japan.

Key Takeaways

* Alphabet Soup of Acronyms: Don't be intimidated by the many acronyms associated with teaching English as a second language. Throughout the interview, Elizabeth patiently explains the meaning and importance of each one. See below for a link to the organizations behind many of the acronyms.

* JET or Bust: There are many places in Japan where native English speakers can teach English as a second language. Based on her personal experience, Elizabeth strongly recommends starting with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, even if only to gain experience living and working abroad before returning home. For those interested in continuing their education while teaching English in Japan, Elizabeth suggests several viable options. ALT Training Online (ALTTO) is a particularly good place to start.

* How to Find Teaching Jobs: Relatively high-paying teaching positions, particularly at private high schools and in post-secondary education, are difficult to find. These positions often require a teaching credential and tend to be advertised primarily by word of mouth. However, Elizabeth offers tips about other resources that can help you land these types of jobs.

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

Substack:

TESOL: https://www.tesol.org/

Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET): https://jetprogramme.org/en/

ALT Training Online (ALTTO): https://altto.net/

JALT Job Listings: https://jalt-publications.org/tlt/departments/career-development-corner/jobs

Online Teaching Japan (OTJ): https://www.facebook.com/groups/603548090241536/

English Teaching Japan (ETJ): https://ltprofessionals.com/etj/

#ElizabethScally #JET #JETProgramme #ALT #CIR #TESOL #ESL #ALTTO #JALT #OnlineTeachingJapan #EnglishTeachingJapan #ChibaKunGlobalPartners #BujinkanBudoTaijutsu #RealGaijin #エリザベススカリー #JETプログラム #語学指導 #外国青年招致事業 #英語教師 #第二言語 #外人 #外国人 #チーバくんパートナーズ #武神館 #リアル外人

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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/

https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack

https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin

https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/

It is common for foreign visitors to fall in love with Japan, often during their first visit. Some of us take it to the next level by deciding to permanently relocate to the country. An even smaller number—perhaps fewer than can be counted on one hand—become so enamored with Japanese culture that they commit their lives to becoming a practicing mountain ascetic, or Yamabushi (山伏) in Japanese.

Meet Tim Bunting, who moved from New Zealand to the picturesque Yamagata Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region where he now leads Yamabushi training in English and Japanese.

Key Takeaways

* Yamabushi training is an ascetic practice that has evolved over the past millennia and is a path for gaining supernatural powers. This somewhat secretive approach combines elements of Shintoism, which includes strong nature worship, with Zen Buddhism and other beliefs.

* Participants in the various multi-day Yamabushi training programs often seek mental clarity and benefit from a total digital detox of up to a week or more. The training involves experiencing one's own funeral and subsequent rebirth in a metaphysical sense. Participants almost always emerge from the process with a much greater awareness of themselves.

* Tim is about to become a "Master Yamabushi." He plans to continue living and perfecting his skills as a mountain ascetic in Japan for the time being. At some point, however, he may return to his native New Zealand to establish Yamabushi training with a local Māori leader. If you are interested in learning from Tim and his fellow "Master Yamabushi" trainers, please inquire to learn more about the experience (see below for links).

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

Substack:

Website: https://www.yamabushido.jp/

Yozo Toge: https://timbunting.com/mountains/yozosan/

#TimBunting #Yamabushido #yamabushi #MountainAscetic #TantricBuddhism #VajrayanaBuddhism #Shinto #Shintoism #TohokuUniversityofCommunityServiceandScience #ティムバンティング #山伏 #山伏道 #修験道 #修験者 #仏教 #密教 #神道 #外人 #外国人 #東北公益文科大学

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.

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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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/

In this age of unprecedented inbound tourism to Japan, it is easy to forget that, until the Meiji Restoration in the second half of the 19th century, Japan had limited interaction with the West for most of recorded history. However, there have been several influential figures who played a major role in advancing Japan’s interactions with the West throughout history.

Real Gaijin is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Today, Real Gaijin is pleased to introduce renowned cultural historian and BBC broadcaster Christopher ("Chris") Harding of the University of Edinburgh. Chris is an outstanding storyteller who will captivate you from the moment you start listening to the recording. He publishes History with Chris Harding on Substack, exploring the histories behind what people love about Japan: food, film, famous names, ghost stories, sports, and the major challenges the country faces in the 21st century. Chris is interested in what happens when cultures and peoples first meet — a combination of fascination, embarrassment, and misunderstanding.

On this episode Chris introduced how four historical figures — both foreigners (OG versions of “real gaijin”) and Japanese — advanced Japan’s contact with the West.

Key Takeaways

* Francis Xavier experienced cultural miscommunication back in the 16th century: Although the Jesuits, such as Francis Xavier, were initially welcomed by local Buddhist monks in Kagoshima in the far southern part of Japan because they were mistakenly believed to have come directly from India to spread new learning, it eventually became known that the Jesuits were, in fact, not from India and represented competition. The Buddhists subsequently started referring to "deus," the Catholic "God," as "daiuso (大嘘)," which means "big lie." Francis Xavier never gave up his quest to convert the local and national powers, but he was never able to reach the Emperor and only achieved a degree of success in Japan.

* Yoshida Shoin (吉田松陰)'s adventurous spirit nearly brought him face-to-face with Commodore Matthew C. Perry: In the midst of the American "gunboat diplomacy" that shocked Japan in early 1854 — a key milestone that ultimately led to the end of the 220-year period of self-imposed national seclusion in 1868 — a courageous young man named Yoshida Shoin attempted to board Commodore Perry's foreign “black ship” in the dead of night to meet with him. Although he was thought to be a spy and was thwarted, Yoshida was able to get a firsthand look at the steamship during his brief encounter. The incident did not sit well with the Tokugawa shogunate, but it cemented Yoshida's place in history as a tragic hero eager to learn about the West.

* Fukuzawa Yukichi (福澤諭吉), the founder of Japan's prestigious Keio University, still symbolizes rationalism, self-determination, and national progress in Japan: His image graced the 10,000-yen bill for 40 years until last summer, and it is still in circulation. In 1860, Fukuzawa went on the first Japanese mission to the U.S. and Europe, bringing home a sense of urgency to catch up to the West, along with a strong advocacy for practical learning. Through his writings and speeches, he introduced Western ideas such as individual rights, liberty, and scientific reasoning.

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

* Website: https://christopher-harding.com/

* Substack Connection: https://substack.com/@christopherharding

* BBC Radio (Misunderstanding Japan): https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0369m6j

* Commodore Perry's Expedition to Japan: https://archive.org/details/commodorematthew0000witt

#ChrisHarding #ChristopherHarding #CulturalHistorian #history #JapaneseHistory #UniversityofEdinburgh #AHistoryofModernJapan #BBC #TheBordersofSanity #クリストファーハーディング #文化史家 #歴史 #外人 #外国人 #日本史 #エディンバラ大学

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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/

https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/

Japan has consistently ranked high on the bucket lists of foreign visitors in recent years. While Japan is a wonderful place to visit year-round, it boasts some of the best snowboarding and skiing in the world, making it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Almost all snowboarders and skiers have heard of the world-famous Niseko ski resort, but there is a lot more to Japan’s skiing scene. Real Gaijin introduces a pair of Americans who know Japan’s backcountry well. They have become so enamored with Japanese skiing that they invested in property near several Hokkaido ski resorts and formed their own real estate firm. This agency helps guide foreign skiers and investors to take advantage of Japan’s growing stock of affordable homes near some of the world's best snowboarding and skiing.

Key Takeaways

* “Know a Guy” The two co-founders of Yuki Homes put in a lot of work researching Japan's relatively undiscovered ski resorts and specific properties. They deliver for their clients by leveraging their extensive network of contacts who can assist with every step of the purchasing process, as well as post-purchase property management (e.g., rental management for Airbnb).

* Location, location, location! Although co-founders Derek and Nick are quite knowledgeable about which ski resorts are likely to become the next Niseko, they advise their clients to buy a pre-owned home in Japan for the experience rather than for its potential resale value or rental income.

* An Extraordinary Example of Running a Business from Afar: Despite living in the U.S. and only periodically visiting Japan, Derek and Nick have found success running a business there by cultivating strong local relationships and a network of support personnel (e.g., for taxes, property management, car rentals, etc.). They gained this knowledge through personal experience when they bought and owned their own home in Otaru, Hokkaido…and their knowledge runs deep! As a result, Yuki Homes has helped many foreigners avoid red tape and realize their dream of buying a second home near several world-class ski resorts in Japan.

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

* Yuki Homes' Website: https://www.yukihomes.com/

* Yuki Homes' Substack:

* Kiroro Snow World: https://www.kiroro.co.jp/

* PowderHounds: https://www.powderhounds.com/

#YukiHomes #akiya #JAPOW #RealEstate #雪ホームズ #ユキホームズ #外国人 #外人 #不動産 #空き家

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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/

https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack

https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin

https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_

https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/

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.

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.

Key Contacts

* James’s Substack

* Extracts from Recent Books

* Meet Mark:

* Disease:

* Amazon

* Meet Mark: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Mark-James-C-Douglas-ebook/dp/B0DWL4V8NH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ANMZW77R790G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jlIoEp1zcK1YzTJVa-gUTPOHJNmmLAWQRQWdlHHZltSB-bumoRtH6dPTOKSCNJtv3VUGH8aSjE3bYvDwNyNN9w.NHyBMxQ-qAGTpbG9i9RcPxoeB2reIa5KoJG8cQ63Iu0&dib_tag=se&keywords=james+c+douglas+meet+mark&qid=1750382124&sprefix=james+c+douglas+meet+mar%2Caps%2C311&sr=8-1

* Disease: https://www.amazon.com/Disease-James-C-Douglas-ebook/dp/B0BH174DKN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=236GZ45TV0EH5

* Bar in Shimokitazawa in Tokyo called GariGari where Jamese does live readings every 3rd Friday of the month: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJNGXTzmewPvmhTFA

#JamesDouglas #JREast #ジェームズダグラス #JR東日本 #外国人 #外人

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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/

https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack

https://www.tiktok.com/@real.gaijin

https://x.com/Real_Gaijin_

https://www.youtube.com/@RealGaijin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-kennedy-5b50b71/

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.

* Adventure Partner offers a unique approach for the "under-expressed adventurous leader." 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.

* 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.

Key Contacts

* Adventure Partner: https://www.adventure-partner.net/

* Satoshi Rides: https://www.satoshirides.com/

#CoryMcGowan #AdventurePartner #ontology #coaching #leadership #TransformationalCoach #ICF #ACC #DISC #neuroscience #foreigner #RenegadeCoach #Minakami #水上 #ミックガワンコリー #アドベンチャーパートナー #リーダーシップ #トランスフォーメーショナルコーチ #外国人 #外人

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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:

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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).

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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 Kristi Notes.

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.

Also, for those who desire to stay longer, Japan is refining its official digital nomad visa program. See "Attention Global 'Techpats' — Japan to Open Doors with New Digital Nomad Visa.”

Key Takeaways

* 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.

Key Contacts

* Kristi at Work: https://kristi.digital/about

* Kristi on Substack: https://kristinotes.com/notes

* Recommended Resources for the Digital Nomad Community

* Colive Fukuoka: https://colivefukuoka.com/

* Hakata Mingle: https://www.meetup.com/ja-JP/meetup-group-irbxchax/

* Japan Digital Nomad Association: https://japandigitalnomad.com/

* Recommended Healthcare Related Resources

* International Medical Support Center in Fukuoka: https://telljp.com/wikitell/fukuoka-international-medical-support-center/

* Genki Health Insurance for Digital Nomads:

https://genki.world/

* Recommended Co-Working Spaces in Fukuoka

* Artist Café Fukuoka: https://artistcafe.jp/

* Bunkitsu Tenjin: https://tenjin.bunkitsu.jp/

* Diagonal Run Fukuoka: https://diagonal-run.jp/fukuoka/

* DOT: https://dot247.jp/

* The From: https://the-from.com/

#KristiVolchek #KristinaVolchek #DigitalNomad #ProductDesign #UI #Dribbble #Liftyz #solopreneur #GrowthDesignSchool #WebFlow #DigitalNomadsFukuoka #DigitalNomadism #RemoteWork #foreigner #TechPat #WorkCation #sabbatical #coworking #デジタルノマド #デジタルノマドビザ制度 #短期中期滞在者 #特定活動 #リモートワーク #在留資格 #デジタル革命 #テレワーク #旅人 #コワーキング #外国人 #外人

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.

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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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.social

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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

* RetireJapan Website: https://www.retirejapan.com/

* RetireJapan Substack:

* RetireJapan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RetireJapan_OG

* Blog Post about Being a Wedding Celebrant: https://www.retirejapan.com/blog/only-in-japan-wedding-celebrants/

#BenTanaka #RetireJapan #TheFluencyCourse #foreigner #田中勉 #リタイヤジャパン #外国人 #外人

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.

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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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

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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

* Link to YMH Kominka Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1337226964296998845

* Kominka Life Japan Substack:

* Allen’s Book (available on Amazon): 10KLRS: 10,000 Lakes to the Rising Sun (English Edition)

#AllenLindskoog #KominkaLifeJapan #kominka #foreigner #MeijiUniversity #ChuoUniversity #HoseiUniversity #アレンリンズクーグ #法政大学 #明治大学 #中央大学 #古民家 #外国人 #外人

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.

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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:

https://buymeacoffee.com/realgaijin

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).

https://bsky.app/profile/realgaijin.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/real_gaijin_on_substack/

https://www.threads.net/@real_gaijin_on_substack

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