From Japanese elementary schools to Silicon Valley startups, this week’s newsletter explores the unexpected places where leadership, creativity, and cross-cultural insight intersect.

I reflect on what we can learn from Japan’s classrooms, why hiring the right local HR talent is critical for global teams, and how Japan’s innovators are making waves in the Bay Area.

Plus, a fun dive into Japan’s manhole cover art, and a teaser from last night’s Japan Society event with Jake Adelstein, where he introduced his new book The Devil Takes Bitcoin.

Happy Halloween!

This week wrapped up a whirlwind of events that reminded me how meaningful it is to simply show up.

From the elegant Japan Society Gala at the Hyatt near SFO, where tradition met transformation, to volunteering at the CGJ/JCCNC U.S.-Japan Dual-Use Tech Seminar focused on the space sector, I’ve been lucky to witness the energy driving US-Japan collaboration firsthand.

I had fun remembering Tokyo Halloween celebrations that were equal parts spooky and adorable. And just last night, I joined a pitch event hosted by JETRO and Tokyo Metro, where Japanese startups showcased bold ideas for the future.

As autumn settles in, I’ve been reflecting on the rhythms of Japanese winter and the quiet wisdom that comes with seasonal change.

This week’s newsletter touches on kotatsu living, a thought-provoking Japanese proverb, the joy of Sports Day, and a few upcoming events, including the Japan Society Gala and a pitch event featuring 10 innovative Japanese startups in SF.

If you're curious about culture, connection, and global business, I’d love for you to read along. Have a restful, cozy weekend!

A Week of Connection, Culture, and Capsule Surprises!

This week reminded me how meaningful connections can show up in the most unexpected places.

• I reunited with a longtime friend in Nashville, my middle school pen pal who helped me learn English. Decades later, we’re still sharing stories and laughter.

• I wrote about joining the Sliders & Sake event during SF Tech Week, where great food met great company.

• The Gachapon machine at the event inspired me to write some more about this fun toy dispenser!

This week, I’ve been reflecting on the journeys that shape us, whether it’s a quiet train ride through Nikkō, a bento box that tells a regional story, or the cultural bridges we build in the workplace.

From exploring the feedback gap between Japanese jinji and U.S. HR, to supporting global talent development from Tokyo to Texas, I’m reminded how movement whether it be across borders, ideas, and industries, can lead to deeper understanding and growth.
Thanks for traveling with me!

This week has been all about connection: across cultures, communities, and even train tracks.

- I reflected on the Tabemasho event in SF Japantown, where food and friendship came together at the JCCNC gold sponsor table.
- I shared my journey From Komatsu to California, tracing the path from being a JET in rural Ishikawa to building a cross-cultural career with USJETAA.
- And, I embraced the joy of living with a Densha Otaku, because Japanese trains are more than transit; they’re a cultural adventure.

This week’s Genki? What’s Up? newsletter is all about movement: across borders, cultures, and ideas

I reflect on:
• Becoming a U.S. citizen and what it stirred up about identity and belonging
• Bridging Jinji人事 and U.S. HR: when orders spark more than just fire
• Insights from Northampton, MA on closing gaps in global HR
• And a lighthearted wish for Doraemon’s Doko Demo Doa (Anywhere Door), because after all this travel, teleportation sounds pretty great!

This week’s Genki? What’s Up? newsletter comes to you from lovely Northampton, MA, where I’m working and enjoying the charm of this town.

I’m sharing reflections on:
• Recycling in Kamakura and what it taught me about mindful living
• The journey from 2% to 20% women on boards in Japan: progress worth celebrating
• A quiet Tokyo gem: Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, where old Edo meets modern calm

Just back from an epic Amtrak journey through the Rockies, and this week’s Genki? What’s Up? newsletter is full of reflections from the ride and beyond.

I’m sharing:
• A mindful train ride from Denver to San Francisco
• How HR teams can support visa-related anxiety before it becomes a complaint
• A new JCO e-learning program for Japanese expats heading to the Americas
• And a look at how studying Japanese has evolved: from flashcards to AI

A day late, but worth the wait! this week’s Genki? What’s Up? newsletter is live!

After an unforgettable Amtrak ride from Denver to San Francisco, I’m back with reflections on sacrifice and the moon, what Japan taught me about communication, and a simple comfort food: tamago-sando.

Catch up on the latest musings, memories, and mindful bites

This week’s Genki? What’s Up? newsletter is live!

From a thought-provoking coffee chat with Glen S. Fukushima to lessons learned from a $10 million HR discrimination case, I’m reflecting on leadership, accountability, and the rise of foreign workers in Japan. Also: grilled musubi rice balls, because sometimes, comfort food says it best.

I can’t believe it’s the 10th edition already!

This week’s newsletter is a summer blend of chilled noodles, deep conversations, and reflections on Japan’s shifting work culture.

Thanks for reading and being part of this journey!