Life Style

Love or Hate – Japan’s Mysterious Tattoo Culture

Me Time Japan Team | November 25, 2021

Many curious people outside of Japan ask us about the some of the stigmas surrounding Japanese people having tattoos. They first ask, “Why can’t Japanese people with tattoos seem to buy life insurance?” and secondly they ask, “Why are people with tattoos frequently not allowed in Japanese public baths?“. At first glance there seems to be a definite negative bias and discrimination towards those with tattoos. However, while some view tattoos as an art form, the Japanese government, on the other hand, does not. “Why can’t many Japanese people with tattoos buy life insurance?” The first reason is that there is a long-held belief that tattoos represent the Japanese criminal syndicates … arrow_forward

Life Style

How to Enjoy Your Single Solo Life in One of the Most Aging Countries

Me Time Japan Team | November 24, 2021

According to the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research (IPSS), one in four women are expected to become single for life in the next 10 years in Japan. This is due to the increase in middle-aged divorce, separation, and other factors. Thus many of these Japanese women are coming to realize the importance of spending quality time for themselves and enjoying experiences by themselves. This realization is magnified especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as people were more isolated in their homes and feeling more lonely. For many reasons, it is an ideal time for single people embrace solo living and to enjoy Me Time. Actually many single people … arrow_forward

Life Style

Use Your Fingers to Find a New Pathway to Mindfulness and to Better Health-Acupressure

Me Time Japan Team | November 5, 2021

As we intuitively know mental and physical health are closely linked. When you are sick, do you take medicine or see a doctor for advice? If you feel sluggish, do you get massage? When we feel physical sick or stressed, we may decide to use natural medicine (naturopathy) to boost our immune system instead of prescription drugs. Broadly speaking in accutherapy, hands tend to have more acupressure points that work for the upper body, while feet have more acupressure points that work for the lower body. You can practice acupressure point massage on your hands on your way to work or while you are at work, but we recommend it … arrow_forward

Me Time Guide Life Style Cultural Footprint

Minimalism Stories You Should Read in Your Lifetime

Me Time Japan Team | October 22, 2021

Autumn is a great time to expand your artistic horizons and interests, whether it’s arts, movies, theatrical performances, classical music, or jazz. We think one of the easiest and convenient things to do by ourselves every fall is to read. In Japan, there is a saying, “Autumn is the season for reading.” We considered it to be the best season for deepening our knowledge. We will introduce you to recommended Japanese pieces of literature which will enhance your life. While the most recognizable Japanese author is Haruki Murakami, a younger generation of writers is making its mark. In recent years, many contemporary Japanese works of literature have been translated into … arrow_forward

Life Style Cultural Footprint

To Inspire You from the Archaic Spirituality of Japan, Wisdom as a Way of Life

Me Time Japan Team | September 24, 2021

Fireworks, which are known as Hanabi, and festivals, which are known as Matsuri, are two of the most popular summer traditions in Japan. However, not many people know that their origins lie in the spiritual practice of exorcism. Fireworks originally were used to console the souls of the deceased and to ward off bad spirits. The most famous annual fireworks festival in Tokyo, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, dates back to 1733. It was held in memory of the victims of starvation due to extreme food shortages the previous year. The Japanese ruler, Shogun Yoshimune Tokugawa, held a Water God festival at the Sumida River to bring consolation to the people. … arrow_forward

Life Style

Falling Asleep, Quick Self-Care Through Your Acupressure Points

Me Time Japan Team | June 26, 2021

In Japan, it is generally believed that if you feel pain when you press on the sole of your foot, you might have some sort of ailment. The soles of the feet are also known as the “second heart” and have about 60-70 reflex points or acupuncture points. Massaging the pressure points or pressing them to stimulate the painful areas can improve blood circulation, increase natural healing power, and relieve discomfort. You may also like to read hand acupressure points. An Easy Head & Feet Massage Requiring Little Time & Effort Hyakue (百会)Uses: Stimulation helps promote blood circulation of the scalp which in turn relieves neck and shoulder pain. As … arrow_forward

Life Style

Japanese Minimalist: Post Corona Lifestyle is Less is More

Me Time Japan Team | April 16, 2021

In Japan, many people are living alone. There are many reasons why the Japanese decide to stay single. According to research from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research in 2015, the lifetime unmarried rate for Japanese men was about 23% and for women it was about 14%. By 2030, one out of three men and one out of four women will be unmarried for their lifetime. By 2035, it is predicted that 50% of the Japanese entire population will be single. But did you know that in the history of Japan, specifically during the Edo period (1603-1868), many Japanese people lived alone and remained single as well? … arrow_forward

YOU SHOULD KNOW

YOU SHOULD KNOW

YOU SHOULD KNOW

YOU SHOULD KNOW

YOU SHOULD KNOW

YOU SHOULD KNOW

YOU SHOULD KNOW

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