Japan Culture

The Cashless Paradox  For any global visitor, Japan has long been a land of fascinating contradictions: a nation of futuristic bullet trains and talking toilets that, until very recently, ran on physical cash. As UX researchers in Tokyo, we’ve had a front-row seat to the dramatic unraveling of this very paradox.  If we turn the clock back just seven […]

Words like emoji and otaku have entered the global business lexicon, each offering a unique window into Japanese culture. It’s time to add a new one to your list: Oshikatsu (推し活).  On the surface, Oshikatsu might look like simple fandom. It translates loosely to “supporting one’s fave,” with “oshi” (推し) being the favorite idol or […]

Fireworks as More Than a Spectacle  For many outside Japan, hanabi (花火) are simply a beautiful pyrotechnic show. But for the Japanese, they are a seasonal tradition that evokes a deep sense of summer, nostalgia, and community. What if we told you that a Japanese fireworks display is not just a cultural event, but one […]

Japan has a long history of taking ideas from other cultures and refining them into something uniquely Japanese. Toilets are no exception. They’ve been transformed into high-tech marvels, complete with heated seats, bidets, dryers, self-cleaning functions, sound masking, all integrated into a compact Washlet.   But here’s the twist. For something so advanced, there are countless […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

Growing up in a digital environment, I have experienced profound changes in how social media apps and sites are used. Unique values and evolving preferences have naturally influenced the way I, and many others of generation Z (Gen Z), engage with these platforms. But what are the values that have come to define the Gen […]

Introduction The trend of young people distancing themselves from car ownership has been a significant topic in Japan since the early 2000s. This phenomenon, reflecting broader changes in economic, social, and lifestyle factors, poses a critical challenge for car manufacturers. To understand and address this issue, we need to delve into the underlying reasons and […]