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For me, the December holiday season is a time of merriment, exchanging of gifts, and spending time with family. Christmas, and the month or so leading up to it was heralded by the Black Friday (and Cyber Monday) sales, a scramble to find every gift on my family’s list, hanging decorations, singing carols, watching the […]

Gifts are often thought of as a sign of connection and appreciation. No place is that more clear than here in Japan. The culture around gift giving in Japan is very robust, and very unique. For businesses trying to succeed in Japan, it is best to understand the nuances behind the gift culture and the […]

To many cultures, ringing in the new year is a time of utmost importance and celebration, and Japan is no different. In December, typical goodbyes are replaced with よいお年を! (yoi otoshi wo, “have a good year”) and my phone is abuzz right at the strike of midnight with messages saying 明けましておめでとうございます (akemashite omedetougozaimasu, “congratulations for […]

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us seek ways to slow down, find peace, and appreciate the simple things in life. These themes—mindfulness, simplicity, and balance—not only resonate strongly in the field of UX design but are also deeply embedded in Japanese culture, especially in the tea ceremony, or sado/chado (we’ll use sado for the […]

In The Book of Tea, Okakura Tenshin remarked, “Translation is always a treason, and as a Ming author observed, can at its best be only the reverse side of a brocade — all the threads are there, but not the subtlety of color or design.” This powerful statement highlights the fundamental challenge of translation: no […]

Many people view Japan as a country with a strong focus on health, from its lifestyle to its cuisine. However, when it comes to the digital aspect of healthcare, Japan lags behind. Meanwhile, in the United States, digital technology has rapidly advanced, offering a variety of services like remote monitoring, telehealth, fitness, and wellness apps. […]

In UX research, the term “insight” is frequently used. If you work in product development or marketing, you’ve likely heard it many times. However, despite its widespread use, “insight” is often confused with another term: “finding.” In the context of UX research, which seeks to deeply understand users’ experiences and improve products or services based […]

When we talk about psychology, especially in the context of understanding human behavior and thought processes, Carl Jung, the father of Analytical Psychology, is a central figure. His theories, such as the collective unconscious and archetypes, offer valuable insights into the symbolic patterns that emerge across different cultures. Jung believed that these archetypes, universal symbols […]

Entering the Japanese market presents unique challenges and opportunities for companies worldwide. Japan is known for its distinctive culture, advanced technology, and discerning consumers who expect high-quality products and services. To succeed in this market, it is crucial to go beyond simple translation and engage in thorough localization. UX research plays a vital role in […]

With advancements in medical technology and better access to food and shelter in a globalized market economy, people around the world are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. According to the World Health Organization, the global average for life expectancy has surpassed 70 years, compared to an average just under 47 back in 1950.1 […]