Author: Yuka
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Japan’s Everyday Surprises — Little Culture Shocks You’ll Remember
“Japan doesn’t shout its differences — but you’ll feel them everywhere.” I was born and raised in Japan, but after living abroad for more than ten years, I’ve started noticing things that surprise me every time I go back. They’re not the kind of things you’ll find in a guidebook, but those small, almost invisible…
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15 Simple Japanese Objects That Will Transform Your Space: A Complete Japandi Guide
Introduction Does your home feel cluttered and restless? Do you want to create a stylish space without adding more stuff? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Imagine a home where less truly feels like more—where imperfection becomes beautiful, and living alongside nature feels effortless. This is the heart of Japandi style. In this guide,…
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Overseas Living: What I’ve Learned from 10 Years in New Zealand
A Japanese Perspective on Cultural Adjustment and Cross-Cultural Communication To you who are considering overseas living—your anxieties and confusion might just overlap with my own experiences. If you’re reading this, you’re probably someone who’s thinking “I’d love to experience overseas living,” or maybe you’re already navigating life as a “foreigner” in a different country. Overseas…
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Tokyo Fashion Travel Guide: Where to Shop, What to Buy, and Useful Shopping Tips
Introduction: Fashion in Tokyo — A Destination in Itself Living in New Zealand, where most people wear comfy clothes like sweatpants and leggings on a daily basis, I’m always struck by how stylish everyone looks whenever I go back to Japan. Whether it’s students or working professionals, it’s totally normal to see people with perfectly…
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What is Japanese Aesthetics? An Ultimate Guide to Wabi-Sabi, Minimalism, and Design Principles
A Quiet Beauty: What Japanese Aesthetics Can Teach Us About Living Well Your home feels cluttered. Your mind feels busy. You’re drawn to the serene beauty of Japanese interiors—simple, calm, and deeply intentional. But what lies beneath this aesthetic that feels so effortlessly elegant? In Japan, beauty isn’t about perfection or luxury. It’s about subtlety,…
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The Art of Japanese Tea: A Gentle Ritual for Body and Mind
A Gentle Start: Embracing Mornings with Japanese Tea You might reach for your morning coffee without a second thought.But what if there were a gentler way to start the day—one that calms the mind, nourishes the body, and connects you to centuries of quiet tradition? When I first replaced my daily coffee with wakoucha, Japan’s…
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10 Must-Read Aesthetic Japanese Magazines for Art & Culture Lovers
Explore the Best Aesthetic Japanese Magazines for Fashion, Art, and Culture Ever wished you could hold Japan’s aesthetics in your hands? While the world rushes toward digital, Japan still embraces the beauty of print—especially when it comes to magazines that feel more like art books.From avant-garde fashion to serene interiors, Japanese magazines offer a unique…
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Kyoto Design Guide: Aesthetic Travel Through Art, Architecture & Hidden Gems
Tired of the typical Kyoto travel guides? Looking for a travel experience that blends timeless tradition with design-forward beauty? This Kyoto Design Guide takes you through the city’s most stunning neighbourhoods, from historic machiya townhouses to contemporary museums and artistic cafés. Whether you’re an architect, artist, or lover of aesthetic culture, Kyoto offers a sensory-rich…