TAKUAN AMARU When a college-buddy of mine in the U.S. asked me this question, he was astonished to hear me say: “I don’t really face any racism in Japan…this is why I choose to live here.” “Really?” my friend, Bill, responded with more than a hint of disbelief. “The reason I ask is that I […]
Nippon Series 6: How Bad is Racism in Japan? Read More »
TAKUAN AMARU Selling-out is usually more a matter of buying in. Sell out, and you’re really buying into someone else’s system of values, rules, and rewards” ~Bill Watterson A couple weeks ago, I had an interesting conversation with two sistas while in Atlanta. For those who don’t know, Atlanta is a
Nippon Series 7: Are Black Folks in Japan Sellouts? Read More »
“We (the U.S.) have dropped two atomic bombs on fuckin’ Japan and they’ve been drawing Hello-Kitty and shit ever since.” ~ Comedian, Dave Chappelle A book published in 1900 entitled, Bushido: The Soul of Japan, outlines the principles of manhood according to Japan’s warrior class. The author, Inazo Nitobe, claims Bushido’s “8 Virtues” (Justice, Courage,
Nippon Series 8: Can Asians be Sellouts? Read More »
“We (Japanese) have worked diligently to become members of the international community” ~Tomoko Ishida, 11th grade student in Nagoya City Considering the slogans which have been chosen by Japan, such as Hope Lights Our Way and Discover Tomorrow, perhaps the quote by this high school student perfectly captures the symbolic meaning of the 2020 Olympics.
Nippon Series 9: Are Japanese still Xenophobic? Read More »
A big thanks and respect to all those who have recently submitted a comment or question, especially in regards to the next book, Modern Japan—decoded! I have written this short commentary in response to the two most popular questions I’ve received: (1) Why did you leave the US and move to Japan? And (2) What
Nippon Series 10: Modern Japan–decoded! Read More »
Takuan Amaru Many people imagine that moving to Japan represents escaping reality. For members of the disenfranchised class, this makes …
Nippon Series 20: Escaping to Japan Read More »
by Takuan Amaru In March 2020, a 35-year-old, Japanese resident filed a lawsuit against the Shinjuku Ward Office to the …
Nippon Series 19: Does Japan Accept Transgenders? Read More »
by Takuan Amaru The overwhelming pressure felt by superstar athlete, Naomi Osaka, which led to her controversial withdrawals of grand …
Nippon Series 18: Mental Health and Controlling the Narrative Read More »
Takuan Amaru In Japan, with its reputation as one of the world’s safest countries, I have been exposed to sexual …
Nippon Series 17: Do Women have Rights? Read More »
Takuan Amaru For Japanese, being a member of the group is what gives a person his power. The group-dynamic is …
Nippon Series 16: Analyzing the Yamato Code Read More »
