FoundersJP

Switching 10G Fiber Internet in Japan: Real-World Tips, Reward Points, and Hidden Traps

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:36:16 GMT

People often ask me: "What is 'Zone 11' (十一区)?"

To give a quick explanation: The nickname originates from the classic anime Code Geass, where Japan was stripped of its name after defeat and renamed "Area 11" by the Holy Britannian Empire. The term caught on across ACG (Anime, Comic, Games) communities and internet forums. Today, it’s widespread slang for Japan, often referring to Japanese anime, gaming content, or otaku culture.

Switching 10G to 10G: My Recent Experience

Back to the main topic: I recently switched my home broadband in Japan from SoftBank’s 10G fiber to Docomo’s 10G fiber.

10G symmetrical fiber (identical upload and download speeds) is currently the main standard pushed across Japan, and it performs great. Having just gone through the entire process, here are a few practical tips and lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Fight for Cash Back and Shopping Points 　When signing up for broadband, providers almost always run promotional campaigns offering reward points ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 points (roughly $330 to $1,000 USD). Everything is negotiable, so do your best to bargain for the maximum amount. Shopping points in Japan are practically equivalent to fiat currency (usually 1 point = 1 JPY). Last year, I used my accumulated points to buy a second-hand fridge and washing machine. This year's points will likely cover a new iPhone 16. One netizen even managed to score a MacBook Air entirely on points!
Timing Matters: Go on Weekends at the End of the Month 　I strongly recommend signing up during the last weekend of the month. Sales representatives are scrambling to hit their monthly quotas during this period, meaning they are far more willing to offer higher point bonuses.
No Need to Panic Over Language Barriers 　Major Japanese carriers (like Docomo and SoftBank) usually provide multilingual customer service. If your Japanese isn't fluent, don't worry about it.
Renting vs. Buying a Router 　You can either rent a router from the ISP or buy your own. Do the math to see which option makes financial sense for you over time. Personally, I got tired of paying monthly rental fees, so I bit the bullet and bought a monster router: the TP-Link BE550Pro 9700 (a full-spec WiFi 7 router with a 6GHz band). Check out my previous review for details!
A Nice Surprise from Docomo: ISP Switching 　Docomo offers a feature I didn't expect: if you aren't satisfied with your current internet service provider (ISP connection), you can freely switch providers simply by calling customer service (though a ¥3,300 processing fee applies, around $22 USD).
Ask for Retention Discounts Before You Switch If you are thinking of switching simply because your initial promotion ended and the price jumped back to normal, call your current provider first. Ask if they have any new discount plans for existing customers (they almost always have retention offers). Weigh those offers against the hassle of switching to a new provider—processing everything for a new line takes 1 to 2 months and requires a lot of mental energy.
Pay Attention to Cancellation Billing (Daily vs. Monthly) 　Some ISPs bill your final month on a daily prorated basis (日割), while others charge you for the full month regardless of when you cancel. SoftBank bills on a daily basis. Don't be silly like me and wait until the very last day of the month to cancel!
Keep All Original Packaging for Rental Equipment When you cancel your service, you must return all carrier-provided hardware (ONT/Optical modem, rented routers, etc.). From day one, make sure not to throw away the original boxes.
Handling Old Optical Lines (Restoration Rules) After canceling with your previous provider, you must handle the physical fiber line left behind:

If you own your house: You can usually keep the fiber line installed for future use.
If you are renting: You must check with your landlord or property management company (管理会社) to see if the old line needs to be completely removed (原状回復). In Japan, rental properties must be restored to their original empty state upon move-out. Leaving unapproved wiring behind could lead to hefty penalty fees deducted from your deposit.

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The Cheapest 10G WiFi 7 Router in Japan: Why I Still Can’t Recommend the TP-Link BE550 Pro

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:43:30 GMT

I recently switched my home internet in Tokyo from SoftBank's 10G fiber to NTT Docomo's 10G service. After seeing multiple users complain about the instability of Docomo’s rented gateway WiFi, I decided to take matters into my own hands and buy a proper 10G WiFi 7 router: the TP-Link BE550 Pro.

At the time of purchase, this model was the cheapest 10G 6GHz WiFi 7 router available on the Japanese market. Thanks to the weak Yen and recent price adjustments across consumer electronics, I picked it up for 26,000 JPY (around $175 USD).

Here is my honest, unfiltered review after putting it through its paces.

Unboxing & Design

The packaging is minimalist. Aside from the main unit and manual, you only get a wide-voltage power adapter and a 1.5-meter shielded Cat6A Ethernet cable.

Visually, the router features hidden internal antennas with a recessed belt line running through the middle. The design language draws inspiration from the Dell XPS chassis from twenty years ago.Placed alongside other modern gaming consoles, it fits right in without looking like an alien spaceship.

The Highlights (Hardware Done Right)

Antenna Array: The upper half of the body houses 6 integrated antennas covering the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. Each band utilizes a dual-antenna setup, delivering a theoretical wireless throughput of up to 9,679 Mbps.
Generous Ports: It comes with one 10G WAN port and four 2.5G LAN ports. Kudos to TP-Link here—many "10G" routers on the market foolishly pair a 10G WAN port with standard 1G LAN ports, bottlenecking the entire local network.

The Bottleneck: Disastrous Software

While TP-Link stacked the hardware specs to the ceiling, the software implementation is a complete letdown.

Broken MLO: Although Multi-Link Operation (MLO) is supported on paper, enabling it results in severe packet loss and unbearable latency, making it practically unusable.
Unstable Japanese IPoE (IPv4 over IPv6): For a router officially sold in Japan, its adaptation to local IPoE connections is abysmal. These connections rely heavily on IPv6, yet the stock firmware frequently drops the IPv6 connection. Worse, when it drops, the system fails to auto-restart or reconnect the IPv6 service—leaving you with no choice but to manually reboot the device.

To solve this, I flashed a separate device with OpenWrt to handle MAP-E link, converting the BE550 Pro into a glorified Access Point (AP).

My Advice to TP-Link: Spend less time on flashy, gimmick features and focus on rock-solid core software functionality.

If I could turn back time, I would not buy this router again.

Final Thoughts: Why 10G Fiber Matters in the AI Era

Japan is currently pushing symmetric 10G fiber to residential homes (10Gbps down / 10Gbps up). In the age of local AI workflows, this bandwidth isn't just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

For example, pulling a local 32B parameter AI model requires downloading around 70GB of data. On a standard 1Gbps connection, that download takes an entire night. On a full 10G connection, it wraps up in a matter of minutes.

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Expanding Your Business to Tokyo? 2 Government-Backed Resources Every Founder Should Know

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:39:51 GMT

Last week, a friend invited me to speak at an online AI research panel. During the Q&A, many founders asked about Japan’s current startup ecosystem—especially how foreign companies and cross-border teams can get their foot in the door.

If you’re looking to enter the Japanese market or plug into local networks, here are two government-backed hubs I’ve personally visited and tested out.

1. JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)

📍 Location: Roppongi First Building, Minato City, Tokyo (Roppongi-itchome Station)

JETRO is a government-related agency dedicated to promoting trade and foreign investment. They regularly host trade shows, networking events, and industry seminars.

Best suited for: Established businesses, cross-border commerce, import/export, and traditional enterprise projects.

My takeaway: Don’t let the "government entity" label scare you off. Their response times are surprisingly sharp. If you book an appointment in advance, they provide free, multilingual advisory support (including English). They also have offices worldwide, making it easy to start conversations before you even step foot in Japan.

2. TIB (Tokyo Innovation Base)

📍 Location: Yurakucho / Ginza Area, Tokyo

If you’re running a early-stage startup or a micro-business, JETRO’s corporate scale might feel a bit broad. That’s where Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) comes in.

Initiated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, TIB is a newly launched, all-in-one startup support hub designed to connect founders with top accelerators, VCs, universities, and municipal authorities.

Best suited for: Early-stage startups, tech entrepreneurs, and founders looking for end-to-end operational guidance.

My takeaway: TIB offers free, hands-on support across every stage of growth—from refining your idea to registering a company, finding office space, hiring tax accountants (Zeirishi) or administrative scriveners (Gyouseishoshi), applying for grants, and pitching to local clients.

When I visited, the vibe was lively and creative. They frequently run international pitch competitions and workshops. There’s even an interactive exhibition space displaying products from local startups—ranging from craft tea blends to cutting-edge smart materials. It’s the kind of spot where you can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring.

Note: Mentors must be booked in advance. Compared to JETRO, multilingual support is slightly more limited here—consultations are conducted mainly in Japanese and English.

Final Thoughts

Navigating a new business landscape in Japan can feel daunting, but you don't have to start from scratch. Whether you need formal trade support or vibrant startup networking, JETRO and TIB offer solid landing pads in Tokyo.

Disclaimer: Program details, advisory services, and grant availabilities at JETRO and TIB are subject to change. Please check their official websites for the latest booking guidelines.

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How to Get a Virtual Office Address in Japan for Your Company？A Practical Option

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 14:24:00 GMT

Thinking about registering a company in Japan while working remotely?

After moving my company’s registered address from Osaka to Tokyo, I recently had to change it again. That’s when I discovered GMO’s virtual office service.

If you’re a digital nomad or a small business owner who mostly works from home and doesn’t really need a physical office, this might be worth knowing about.

Here are a few things I learned from actually using the service.

1. GMO Is a Big Name in Japan

GMO Internet Group is a major Japanese internet company headquartered in Tokyo. Its businesses cover areas including internet infrastructure, fintech and cryptocurrency, digital advertising, and media.

Compared with some more traditional Japanese financial institutions, GMO’s services tend to be quite friendly toward small businesses and startups.

For example, many new companies in Japan use GMO Aozora Net Bank when opening a corporate bank account.

That was one of the reasons I was already familiar with the GMO ecosystem.

2. There Are Virtual Office Locations Across Japan

GMO’s virtual office service currently has 22 locations across Japan.

You can check the available locations and apply directly through its website.

The choices are surprisingly broad. Depending on the plan, you can get an address in places ranging from Ginza in Tokyo to Umeda in Osaka, Fukuoka, and Hokkaido.

For a company that doesn’t actually need a physical office, having a business address in a major Japanese city can be quite convenient.

3. Read the Plans Carefully

This is probably the most important thing to check before signing up.

The website provides detailed information about what each plan includes, but the services vary depending on the price.

Some plans allow you to use the address as your company’s registered address, while cheaper plans may only provide a mailing address.

For example, the ¥660/month plan (about US$4.40) cannot be used to register a company address.

Depending on the plan, mail can be forwarded to you:

Monthly
Every two weeks
Weekly

There are also additional services, such as adding the GMO Office LINE account and having your incoming mail photographed before deciding whether you actually want it forwarded.

For someone who works remotely, these little features can be surprisingly useful.

4. The Entire Application Process Is Online

From application to signing the contract, everything can be handled online and by email.

So if your Japanese isn’t great, don’t worry too much. My emails were answered quickly, and the process was quite efficient.

However, there is one thing you really need to pay attention to: Japanese full-width and half-width characters.

Yes, I made the same mistake again.

When I entered my company’s previous address, I didn’t make it exactly match the information on the company’s official registry.

In Japan, seemingly identical characters can actually be different when one is full-width and the other is half-width.

If you’re entering company information, make sure it matches your Company Business Licence exactly.

This is one of those very Japanese administrative details that can drive you slightly crazy.

5. There Is One Catch

The downside is that you need to pay for one year upfront.

Credit cards are accepted, but payment is required before the contract is finalized.

Don’t panic, though.

GMO reviews the applicant and the company before completing the contract. If the application is ultimately rejected, the payment is refunded in full according to the service’s terms.

So the process isn’t simply “pay first and you’re guaranteed an address.”

6. Check for Promotions Before You Pay

GMO Virtual Office frequently runs promotions for new customers.

I’ve seen campaigns offering the first three months for free, which makes the service surprisingly inexpensive.

There may also be a referral discount for existing customers. At the time of writing, my referral code offers an additional 20% discount:

Referral code: REF-8szte2

If you decide to use it, make sure you enter the code before making your payment.

Please note that this is a referral code, so I may receive a benefit if you use it. I’m sharing it because I personally used the service and thought it might be useful for other people running small businesses remotely in Japan.

Is a Japanese Virtual Office Worth It?

For me, the biggest advantage is simple: I don’t need a physical office.

I work from home, so paying for a traditional office just to have a business address doesn’t make much sense.

A virtual office gives me a registered business address, mail handling, and some additional services without the cost and hassle of maintaining a physical workspace.

If you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, or small business owner looking to register a company in Japan, a virtual office could be one option worth considering.

Just remember to check the exact plan requirements before signing up—especially whether the address can actually be used for company registration.

And, seriously, don’t make my full-width/half-width mistake.

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Can You Understand Peppa Pig Without Subtitles? A Fun English Vocabulary Challenge

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 11:12:31 GMT

For the past few weeks, I’ve been watching two episodes of Peppa Pig every day—in English, with no subtitles.

If you’ve never seen it before, Peppa Pig is a British preschool cartoon loved by families around the world. It follows Peppa, a five-year-old pig, her family (Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, and her little brother George), and their friends. The stories are simple, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming.

The series now has more than 12 seasons and over 460 episodes.

When Peppa Pig first became popular, I wasn’t interested at all.

That changed after I came across a claim that many elementary school children in English-speaking countries know around 10,000 words. I was honestly shocked—and a little skeptical.

So I decided to test myself.

Peppa Pig seemed like the perfect place to start.

Why I Recommend Peppa Pig for English Learners

1. You’ll Get Used to Different Accents

The show uses standard British English, while I’ve mostly studied American English.

But that’s actually a good thing.

Real life doesn’t come with one perfect accent. If you want to become comfortable in English, you need to hear different accents and different speaking styles.

In Peppa Pig, some characters speak English with very noticeable French accents. At first I had to replay those lines several times, but it was great listening practice.

2. Children’s Vocabulary Isn’t as Simple as You Think

Watching the show reminded me how much of my exam-focused English education wasn’t very practical.

For example, during music class, the children play instruments that I couldn’t even name in English.

When they visit museums or science exhibits, they casually talk about things like gravity, space, planets, and all kinds of everyday science vocabulary.

Then I remembered…

Peppa is only five years old.

At that point, I had to admit that maybe the stories about English-speaking children having huge vocabularies aren’t so exaggerated after all.

3. Where to Watch

If you need subtitles, you can find translated versions on many streaming platforms.

Personally, I recommend watching on YouTube. Start without subtitles, and whenever you get stuck, turn on the automatic captions or translation feature. It’s a much more natural way to learn.

What I Envy Most Isn’t Their English

The biggest surprise wasn’t the vocabulary.

It was the atmosphere.

Peppa and George love jumping in muddy puddles.

Instead of stopping them, Mummy Pig helps them find muddy puddles, Daddy Pig happily joins in, and sometimes the whole family jumps together before collapsing on the grass laughing.

Nobody gets criticized for enjoying themselves.

Playing computer games isn’t treated as a bad habit.

Whistling isn’t considered rude.

Even being talkative can be seen as a strength.

As an adult, I couldn’t help feeling a little jealous of that relaxed family environment.

I think children, no matter where they’re from, all want the same thing:

To be accepted by their family.

Even after growing up, many people pretend they no longer care. But every now and then, those old feelings quietly show themselves.

Growing up without constant criticism is a privilege that many people don’t fully appreciate until they’re adults.

That reminds me of a joke Jensen Huang once made during a speech:

“If you grew up in an Asian family, you’ll probably need therapy for the rest of your life.”

Of course, it was meant as a joke—but many people laughed because it felt surprisingly relatable.

Want to Challenge Your Vocabulary?

Try watching Peppa Pig without subtitles.

You may discover that a preschool cartoon is much more challenging—and much more enjoyable—than you expected.

And if you’re learning Japanese too, YouTube also has a Japanese-dubbed version of Peppa Pig.

Maybe the best way to learn a language is to enjoy it the way children do.

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Japan Visa Renewal Approved? Here’s What You Need to Collect Your New Residence Card

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 13:25:04 GMT

If you successfully renew your Japanese residence status, you’ll eventually receive a postcard from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. Congratulations,That postcard means your new Residence Card is ready for collection.(Zairyu Card）

I renewed my residence status by myself with the help of AI, without hiring an immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener. The process went smoothly, but there are a few details that are easy to overlook.

Save this checklist—you’ll probably need it one day.

Don’t Miss the Collection Deadline

The postcard clearly states the deadline for collecting your new Residence Card.

In principle, you must collect it in person, so don’t let the deadline pass.

Documents You Need

According to the instructions on the back of the postcard, you should bring:

1. Your Passport

Bring your valid passport for identity verification.

2. Your Current Residence Card

Your old Residence Card is usually not taken away. Instead, immigration staff will punch holes in it to invalidate it before returning it to you.

3. A Revenue Stamp for the Renewal Fee

The renewal fee is paid with a Japanese revenue stamp.

You can buy one at most post offices or at the FamilyMart convenience store inside Immigration Services Agency offices.

Be aware that payment is typically cash only.

Note: The renewal fee is scheduled to increase starting October 1, 2026. Always check the official Immigration Services Agency website for the latest fee before your appointment.

4. The Postcard

Bring the original postcard you received from immigration.

5. Your Application Receipt

When you submitted your renewal application, the immigration office gave you a receipt.

Keep it in a safe place. Many people accidentally throw it away after applying and later realize they need it when collecting their new card.

One Small Tip That Could Save You Time

Immigration offices can occasionally make small administrative mistakes.

For example, if your family applied together, approval is usually granted for everyone at the same time. However, immigration often sends only one postcard to the main applicant, and sometimes the postcard doesn’t clearly indicate how many revenue stamps are required.

If you’re collecting Residence Cards for multiple family members, it’s worth buying all the required revenue stamps in advance. Otherwise, you may have to leave the queue and buy additional stamps before you can complete the process.

The Past and Present of Japan’s Danchi Housing—From Postwar Dream to a Welcoming Home for Foreigners

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:36:02 GMT

While searching for a place to live in Tokyo, I discovered the unique world of danchi（团地）, Japan’s large housing estates.

If you would like a glimpse of life in these communities, the acclaimed 2024 drama “Futari in the Danchi” (“Two People in the Housing Complex”) offers a heartwarming portrait of ordinary residents growing old together there.Stories of Birth, Ageing, Illness and Death.

The real story of danchi is just as fascinating.

After World War II, Japan faced a severe housing shortage. To address the problem, the government launched a nationwide public housing program. The first danchi, the Tokyo Metropolitan Takanawa Apartments, was completed in 1947. Early danchi architecture even drew inspiration from the Soviet-era Khrushchyovka apartment blocks.

Three main types of housing emerged:

homes financed by the Government Housing Loan Corporation for middle- and upper-income families, public corporation housing for average earners, and municipally operated housing for low-income residents. Depending on the program, units could be rented or purchased.

For many Japanese families, moving into a danchi marked the transition from wooden homes to modern reinforced-concrete living. These estates became a symbol of postwar prosperity and a middle-class dream.

Members of the Imperial Family also visited and inspected danchi developments, a historical detail referenced in Episode 9 of the drama mentioned above.

Over time, however, the bursting of the economic bubble and the “Lost Decades” led to aging buildings and a declining population in many estates. Danchi gradually acquired an image of decline.

Today, the picture is far more varied. There are still high-, middle-, and lower-tier options. Some luxury danchi now take the form of modern residential towers, including one beside the iconic Asahi Beer Headquarters in Asakusa.(the building on the far right)

Many mid-range estates have been extensively renovated, while low-income public housing continues to provide an essential safety net, though waiting lists can be long and eligibility requirements are strict.

Most mid- and upper-tier danchi are now managed by UR and JKK. Foreign residents are especially likely to encounter UR, the Urban Renaissance Agency, which has led efforts to renovate older estates and make them more welcoming to international tenants. Some communities have even partnered with brands such as IKEA and MUJI to refresh their interiors and public spaces.

UR is known for its “four no’s”: no agency commission, no key money, no renewal fee, and no guarantor requirement.

In practice, real-estate agents may still assist with the lease, but their commission is paid by UR rather than by the tenant. The absence of a guarantor requirement has made danchi an appealing option for many foreigners, who now make up a visible part of the community in Tokyo.

For an earlier generation, danchi embodied the dream of a better postwar life. Today, they continue to offer newcomers a place to put down roots. After a few twists and turns of my own, I, too, eventually became a danchi resident.

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How Ordinary People Can Still Benefit From the AI Boom, Practical Ways

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:25:46 GMT

The AI revolution is not something in the distant future. It is already here, and the wealth it creates is already being distributed.

Over the past year, the Nasdaq-100 Index has risen from roughly 22,000 to nearly 30,000, a reminder of how much value investors believe AI could create.

The impact is also visible in the semiconductor industry. South Korean memory-chip maker SK hynix has reported exceptionally strong performance, and media reports suggested that average employee bonuses for 2025 exceeded approximately US$400,000 per person, with some analysts projecting even higher payouts for 2026—potentially approaching US$850,000 on average if current results continue.

AI is reshaping nearly every industry. For many people, the job they hold today may turn out to be the last version of that role as we know it.

A friend of mine, an entrepreneur, recently told me that his company is hiring designers very differently now. Tasks that once required a traditional designer can often be handled by AI. What employers increasingly want are people who know how to work with AI and direct it effectively.

I have felt this change firsthand. Over the past year, while running my one-person company in Japan, I used AI to help me complete annual filings, tax paperwork, and visa-renewal procedures on my own. Tasks that once required outside specialists are becoming more accessible with the right AI tools.

History shows that during every major technological shift—the Industrial Revolution, the internet era, even the rise of cryptocurrencies—many people do not realize what is happening until they have already fallen behind. It is better to engage with change than to resist it.

For ordinary people, there are two practical ways to share in the benefits of AI.

First, consider building long-term investments.

Regularly investing spare cash in broad U.S. stock market index funds allows you to benefit from the work of some of the world’s most innovative companies and talented people.

For many, this is a more sustainable path than rushing into entrepreneurship, which remains difficult and stress even with AI tools.

From what I have seen, some of the earliest AI-enabled solo businesses have already shut down, and many others are struggling. AI can improve efficiency, but it cannot create customers or demand out of thin air.

Second, make AI part of your daily life.

You do not need to build the next groundbreaking startup. AI can be a thoughtful partner in ordinary life if you weave it into your routines and decision-making.

Recently, for example, AI helped me solve a frustrating problem with a Japanese banking app that I could not access.

Living abroad with limited language skills can often feel like navigating a black box. In those moments, AI has become a patient and capable companion.

The goal is to bring AI from something you merely watch from the sidelines into something you can influence and use directly in your own life.

The real opportunity is not to compete against AI, but to learn to live and work alongside it. For many of us—including digital nomads—that may be the most practical way to thrive in the years ahead.

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Japan Post Bank App Says “Service Temporarily Unavailable”? Here’s the Android Fix That Worked for Me

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 13:53:10 GMT

Last week, after updating my Residence Card information in the Japan Post Bank app, I suddenly found that I could no longer log in.

The app simply displayed:

“Service is temporarily unavailable.”

No error code.

No explanation.

Just that vague message.

It took me several days of troubleshooting before I finally figured out what had happened. Since I couldn’t find a clear solution online, I decided to document the entire process in case it helps someone else.

What Happened?

A few days earlier, I had upgraded my phone to Android 16.

During the initial setup, I chose my native language instead of Japanese because it was simply more convenient.

Everything else on the phone worked perfectly.

Every app installed normally.

Only the Japan Post Bank app refused to let me sign in.

At first, I assumed it was a temporary server issue.

I waited two days.

Nothing changed.

My Visit to the Bank

Eventually, I visited a local Japan Post Bank branch.

The staff member was very patient and even called several support offices to investigate the issue.

Unfortunately, no one could tell me why the app wouldn’t work.

The only advice they could offer was:

“Please try again later.”

Not exactly helpful.

Looking for Clues

Back home, I decided to investigate on my own.

I asked both Gemini and Claude to analyze the situation.

Interestingly, they reached the same conclusion:

The message “Service is temporarily unavailable” is extremely generic.

It can appear for many different reasons, including:

account security checks
outdated identity information
temporary account restrictions
modified Android environments (such as rooted devices)
unsupported system configurations
network-related issues

In other words, the error message itself tells you almost nothing.

Since both AI assistants mentioned the possibility of a device environment issue, I decided to test that theory.

Testing on a Clean Android Device

Fortunately, I had another Android phone available.

It was running a completely clean installation of LineageOS.

No root access.

No customization modules.

No third-party tweaks.

In fact, it was so clean that it didn’t even have Google’s apps installed.

I installed the Japan Post Bank app and attempted to log in.

That’s when I noticed something interesting.

Instead of opening directly, the app required Google Chrome to continue the authentication process.

Until that moment, I hadn’t realized that the Japan Post Bank app actually relies on Chrome to handle part of its login flow.

So I installed Chrome.

Tried again.

Exactly the same error.

Still no luck.

One Small Clue Changed Everything

At that point, I was almost ready to give up.

Then a thought crossed my mind.

If Chrome is handling the login process, it must also be opening a web page behind the scenes.

That means Chrome should have a browsing history.

Maybe there was something hidden there.

I opened Chrome’s history.

Sure enough, I found the long authentication URL that the banking app had generated.

After carefully removing all personal information—such as my name, account details, and date of birth—I asked Claude to help analyze the URL parameters.

The result surprised me.

Completely.

Notes for dear Readers

This article describes my personal troubleshooting experience.

Some conclusions are based on careful testing and AI-assisted analysis rather than official documentation from Japan Post Bank.

Where official confirmation is unavailable, I’ve made that clear to avoid presenting speculation as fact.

The Unexpected Cause

Based on the URL parameters and the troubleshooting process, Claude suggested an unexpected possibility.

Because my phone was configured with:

a non-Japanese system language
a region outside Japan

these settings may have caused the banking app’s security system to treat my login environment as unusual.

I couldn’t find any official documentation from Japan Post Bank confirming that language or region settings are checked in this way. However, after changing these settings and repeating the login process, the app worked normally again.

So while I can’t say this is the official explanation, it was the factor that resolved the problem in my case.

One Important Tip

If you encounter the same error, I recommend not repeatedly attempting to log in before identifying the cause.

The authentication URL contained various status parameters related to the login attempt. Although I don’t know exactly how Japan Post Bank evaluates them, repeatedly logging in from an unsupported environment could potentially trigger additional security checks.

It’s better to troubleshoot first, then try again once you’ve corrected any possible issues.

The Steps That Worked for Me

After discussing the issue in depth with Claude and testing several possibilities, this is the process that finally restored access to my account.

1. Return Your Phone to a Standard Environment

Disable Developer Options if they are enabled.

Also turn off:

USB debugging
Wireless debugging

If you’re using interface customization tools, system modification modules, or similar utilities, temporarily disable them as well.

2. Change Your Regional Settings

I changed my phone to:

System language: Japanese
Region: Japan
Time zone: Tokyo

Again, I can’t confirm these settings are officially required, but they were part of the successful solution in my case.

3. Install the Required Apps

Make sure you’re using:

Google Chrome downloaded from Google Play
Japan Post Bank App
Japan Post Bank Authentication App

One thing I learned is that the banking app uses Chrome during the authentication process, regardless of your default browser.

The Authentication App is also required, as it handles biometric verification separately from the main banking app.

Both of the apps shown in the image below are required：

4. Clear All App Data

Before trying again, clear the cache and app data for:

Chrome
Japan Post Bank App
Japan Post Bank Authentication App

Starting with a clean state helps eliminate cached authentication data from previous failed attempts.

5. Restart Your Phone

Restart the device before opening any of the banking apps.

6. Set Up the Authentication App First

This turned out to be an important step.

Open the Authentication App first and complete the registration process.

Set up fingerprint or facial recognition as instructed.

During setup, the Authentication App also redirects through Chrome, so let that process finish completely.

Before this step is completed, don’t launch the main banking app.

7. Finally, Log In to the Banking App

Once biometric authentication has been successfully configured, leave the Authentication App running in the background.

Then open the Japan Post Bank App.

Enter your account information as usual.

This time, the app automatically launched the Authentication App, completed fingerprint verification, and signed me in successfully.

My account immediately returned to normal.

Final Thoughts

What surprised me most wasn’t the solution itself.

It was how difficult the problem was to diagnose.

The error message simply said:

“Service is temporarily unavailable.”

That single message can apparently cover many completely different situations, making troubleshooting much harder than it needs to be.

Hopefully, documenting my experience will save someone else several days of frustration.

If your Japan Post Bank app suddenly stops working after updating your Residence Card—or after changing to a new Android phone—it may be worth checking your device settings before assuming your account has a problem.

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Finding Peace With Mortality Through Film, How Two Films Changed the Way I Think About Death

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 14:25:05 GMT

In an era flooded with rough AI-generated videos and endless streams of content, I suddenly felt the urge to recommend two older works that left a lasting mark on me:

Dreams and Midnight Mass.

Both helped me confront a subject that many people avoid talking about: death.

Like sex education, death was rarely discussed when I was growing up. School didn’t teach me much about it. My parents didn’t either.

Yet death is one of the few experiences every human being must eventually face alone.

For years, I searched for my own answers.

A Winter Night I Never Forgot

When I was a child, my family lived in an apartment building connected to a hospital.

From my bedroom window, I could see the inpatient ward and the emergency center. Ambulances came and went throughout the night, flashing red and blue lights through the darkness.

One winter evening, a patient apparently did not survive.

Outside the hospital entrance, a family member sat on the steps and cried with a grief so raw that it cut through the night.

I lay awake for hours.

I was afraid to move.

As strange as it sounds, I felt that if I turned over in bed, the sound of that grief would somehow find me.

My family slept peacefully in the next room.

But a thought kept circling in my mind:

One day, everyone I love and I will be separated forever.

For the first time, the sentence “everyone dies eventually” stopped being an abstract idea and became something real.

Death felt cold.

Final.

Heartbreaking.

And from that moment on, stories about ghosts and the afterlife were no longer enough for me.

I wanted a deeper answer.

A Village That Changed My View of Death

Years later, I watched Akira Kurosawa’s film Dreams.

One segment in particular stayed with me: “Village of the Watermills.”

In the story, the protagonist discovers an idyllic village untouched by modern life.

There he meets a man over one hundred years old who is preparing to attend the funeral of his first love.

But the funeral is unlike anything we usually imagine.

The villagers sing.

They carry flowers.

They celebrate the life that has been lived.

Death is not treated as a tragedy alone, but as a return to the earth that gave life in the first place.

For the first time, I encountered a vision of death that contained peace.

Not denial.

Not fear.

Not despair.

Peace.

Since then, my ideal funeral has looked very different from the traditional image.

I imagine music instead of silence.

Laughter alongside tears.

Friends gathering not only to mourn, but also to celebrate a life well lived.

If I ever have a gravestone, I know what I would like it to say:

“This was a happy person.”

To me, happiness is not a reward at the end of life.

It is the goal itself.

Another Answer

There was another fear I carried for many years.

I was deeply uncomfortable with the physical reality of death.

The idea of burial unsettled me.

The thought that a body carefully maintained throughout life would eventually return to decay felt difficult to accept.

Then I watched Midnight Mass.

Among its many themes is a conversation about what happens after death.

The explanation is not religious in the traditional sense.

Nor is it entirely scientific.

Instead, it presents a view of existence that feels both cosmic and deeply human.

The idea that our bodies return to the larger cycle of life.

That the atoms that make us who we are continue their journey through the universe.

That nothing is truly isolated.

That even the smallest life carries meaning.

I found that perspective surprisingly comforting.

Not because it removed death.

But because it softened it.

It transformed death from a cold ending into a form of continuation.

A return.

A reunion with something larger than ourselves.

The Search Continues

I do not claim to have solved the mystery of death.

I still do not feel ready for it.

Perhaps no one ever truly is.

But through stories, films, books, and conversations, I have gradually made peace with some of the fear.

Cinema cannot answer every question.

Yet sometimes a work of art shines a small light into a dark corner of the human experience.

For me, Dreams and Midnight Mass did exactly that.

They did not eliminate death.

They helped me look at it with a little less fear.

And that, perhaps, is enough for now.

The search for answers continues.

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Why My PayPay Card Residence Card Update Was Rejected: Full-Width vs Half-Width Characters,Watch Out for This Common Japanese Form Error

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:13:00 GMT

Recently, I made a mistake that I had actually warned others about before.

While updating my Residence Card information for my PayPay Credit Card account, I accidentally entered some numbers using the default English keyboard settings on my phone.

At the time, everything looked correct to me, so I submitted the application without a second thought.

About ten days later, I received a notice saying there was a problem with my submission.

The frustrating part?

The notice didn’t explain what was wrong. It only said that the information could not be verified and that I needed to submit it again.

How I Found the Problem

When I started filling out the form for a second time, I paid much closer attention to every field.

That’s when I noticed something interesting.

The numbers I had entered looked slightly narrower than the numbers printed on my Residence Card.

The mystery was solved.

I had accidentally used half-width characters instead of full-width characters.

In Japan, this small difference can sometimes cause verification systems to reject submitted information.

The Lesson I Learned

When entering information such as:

Your address
Residence Card details
Identification numbers

make sure the information matches the original document exactly.

Even a tiny formatting difference may cause problems.

This is especially true when Japanese systems require specific character formats.

The Good News

After resubmitting the information with the correct character format, I received a confirmation email two days later.

My account returned to normal, and the update was successfully completed.

An Additional Note About Credit Cards

One thing I learned during this process is that credit card providers may handle expired Residence Card information differently from ordinary bank accounts.

In my case, card usage became restricted once the previous Residence Card expiration date passed.

Some bank accounts may allow a temporary grace period while a new Residence Card is being processed, but policies vary depending on the institution.

It’s a good reminder to update your information as soon as possible after receiving a renewed Residence Card.

Final Thoughts

This was a tiny mistake, but it cost me almost two weeks.

If you’re updating Residence Card information for PayPay Credit Card or any other Japanese financial service, double-check whether the form requires full-width or half-width characters.

A small formatting issue can be surprisingly difficult to spot.

Hopefully this experience saves someone else a bit of time and frustration.

If you’re interested in learning more about the difference between full-width and half-width characters in Japanese administrative forms, I’ve written a separate guide on that topic as well：

Decoding the "Zenkaku" Trap: Why Your Japanese Forms Keep Getting Rejected ？(Full-width vs. Half-width)

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How to Update Your Residence Card Information with Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank): Step-by-Step Guide

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:13:55 GMT

If you live in Japan as a foreign resident, keeping your bank records up to date is important.

When your Residence Card expires, Japanese banks may restrict access to certain services or temporarily limit account functions until your immigration status is verified. During the visa renewal process, banks often send reminders asking you to update your information.

Once you receive your new Residence Card, it’s a good idea to update your bank records as soon as possible.

In this guide, I’ll walk through the process of updating your Residence Card information for a Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank) account using the official mobile app.

Step 1: Download the Required App

You will need the official app:

Yucho Procedure App (ゆうちょ手続きアプリ)

This app is separate from the standard Yucho Bank banking app.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting, make sure you have:

Your new Residence Card
Your Japan Post Bank cash card
A smartphone with NFC capability

The app will require permission to access:

NFC
Camera

Android Users

If your phone continuously asks to add the Residence Card to your digital wallet instead of reading it through the app, check your NFC settings.

In some Android devices, setting the default wallet app to “None” may help the app read the Residence Card correctly.

Step 3: Open the App

Launch the app.

Accept the terms and conditions.

Select your preferred language (English is available if needed).

The initial setup process is similar to the one used when opening a Yucho Bank account.

You may wish to refer to my previous article:

Japan Survival Guide: How to Open Your First Bank Account with JP Post Bank (Yucho App)？

Step 4: Choose the Correct Procedure

From the list of available services, select:

Customer Information Notification / Residence Period Information Update

The wording may vary slightly depending on the language selected.

Important Notice

At the time of writing, Residence Cards issued on June 14, 2026, could not be processed through the app. Check for the latest updates if your card was issued on that date.

Step 5: Recommendation Question

The app will ask whether a Yucho Bank branch recommended this procedure.

In most cases, select:

Step 6: Review the Procedure Overview

The app will display an explanation of the process.

Read through the instructions and continue.

Step 7: Confirm Customer Information

You will see several confirmation screens regarding:

Personal information
Tax residency status
Information required for foreign residents

Read through each screen and proceed.

Step 8: Select the Update Type

Choose:

Update Residence Period Information

You will then answer several questions, including:

Nationality: Foreign National
Do you have a Residence Card? Yes

Review the information and continue.

Step 9: Scan Your Residence Card

The app will ask you to enter your Residence Card number.

After that, you will complete several verification steps:

NFC scan of the Residence Card
Photograph of the address section
Facial recognition verification

This process is very similar to the identity verification used when opening a Yucho Bank account.

You may wish to refer to my previous article.

Step 10: Enter Residence Card Details

After successful verification, enter the information shown on your Residence Card.

Pay attention to:

Full-width and half-width characters
Name spelling
Residence status information

Expiration Date

You may see both:

Residence Period Expiration Date
Expiry Date

In practice, these refer to the same date shown on your Residence Card.

Step 11: Complete Employment and Financial Information

The app may ask questions about:

Employment status
Sources of funds
Purpose of account usage

For some employment-related questions, selecting “Prefer Not to Answer” is allowed.

Purpose of Account Usage

For ordinary personal banking, selecting:

Living Expenses

is usually the simplest option.

Source of Funds

Choose the option that best matches your situation.

Examples may include:

Salary income
Family support
Rental income
Allowance or gifts

Answer honestly based on your circumstances.

The app may also ask whether you hold assets in countries subject to economic sanctions. Make sure your answers are accurate.

Step 12: Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Declaration

The final confirmation screen asks whether you or your family members hold important positions in a foreign government or public organization.

Answer according to your actual situation.

Step 13: Submit the Application

Review all information carefully and submit the update request.

If everything is entered correctly, the update is usually reflected immediately.

The reminder notifications requesting Residence Card updates should stop, and your account information will be fully updated.

Final Thoughts

The entire process can be completed from your smartphone without visiting a branch.

As long as your Residence Card information is current and the NFC verification succeeds, updating your Yucho Bank records is straightforward and only takes a few minutes.

If you’ve recently renewed your visa or Residence Card in Japan, don’t forget this important final step.

How to Reduce AI Anxiety? Focus on What You Can Control, Focus on What Won’t Change

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:28:22 GMT

Over the past two years, the pace of AI development has felt overwhelming.

Every few weeks, a new tool appears and promises to change everything.

Yesterday everyone was talking about ChatGPT. Today people are building AI agents, creating videos, generating music, or launching automated businesses. Before you’ve mastered one workflow, a new model arrives.

The media constantly pushes the latest updates, creating the feeling that if you stop learning, you’ll be left behind.

The Hidden Problem Behind AI Anxiety

I suspect many people have experienced the same strange feeling I have.

You save countless tutorials.

You follow dozens of AI creators.

You spend more time learning.

Yet somehow, you become more anxious.

The truth is simple: AI tools are evolving faster than any individual can keep up with.

Every time I open my computer, I see someone sharing a new project, a new opportunity, or a new breakthrough. It creates the impression that everyone else is moving faster.

As someone who has gone through several ups and downs as an entrepreneur during different waves of the internet era…this feeling is especially familiar.

I’ve watched opportunities pass by before. I’ve seen technologies I didn’t fully understand become massive trends later.（For example Bitcoin）

Like many people, I always worry about missing the next big thing again.

Over time, however, I realized there was a deeper issue.

We spend so much attention on what is changing that we rarely ask what remains unchanged.

Bezos and the Question Most People Ignore

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos once shared a simple but powerful idea.We also call this a longtermism approach.

People often ask:

“What will change in the next ten years?”

But a better question is:

“What will not change in the next ten years?”

Change is uncertain.

What stays the same is where long-term value is built.

AI models will continue to improve.

Platforms will rise and fall.

Popular industries will come and go.

But certain abilities never become obsolete:

The ability to learn.
The ability to think independently.
The ability to create value.
The ability to communicate clearly.
The ability to build trust.

These skills do not disappear when a new model is released. They do not become worthless when a platform declines.

For me, the most valuable skill is something even deeper:

The ability to understand what I truly want.

And The ability to identify opportunities with strong long-term compounding potential.

Many forms of anxiety are not caused by change itself.

They come from not knowing where to invest our time and energy.

The Serenity Prayer

On the first page of my journal, I keep a quote often associated with recovery groups:

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

For years, I thought growth was mostly about working harder.

Now I think growth is largely about making better judgments.

Knowing what to pursue.

Knowing what to let go of.

Knowing what requires action.

Knowing what requires acceptance.

A Practical Framework: The Three Circles

One of the most useful ideas I’ve encountered is the Three Circles Framework.

1. The Control Circle

These are things entirely within your control.

Examples include:

Reading and learning
Exercise and sleep
Time management
Emotional regulation
Daily habits

The outcome is directly connected to your actions.

When you take action, you can see progress.

2. The Influence Circle

These are things you cannot fully control but can influence.

Examples include:

Teamwork
Client relationships
Family communication
Professional networking

You cannot control how others think, but you can influence outcomes through communication, trust, and consistency.

3. The Concern Circle

These are things completely outside your control.

Examples include:

Economic cycles
Industry trends
Global events
Other people’s opinions
The speed of AI development

Many people spend most of their energy here.

They constantly consume news.

They worry about changing industries.

They monitor platform algorithms.

They fear losing opportunities.

The information may be useful, but excessive attention creates the illusion of progress.

In reality, you may not be taking action at all.

You may simply be worrying.

A Simple Test

Whenever you face a problem, ask yourself:

“Who controls this situation?”

If the answer is “me,” it belongs in the Control Circle.

If the answer is “partly me,” it belongs in the Influence Circle.

If the answer is “not me at all,” it belongs in the Concern Circle.

Then ask a second question:

“What specific actions can I take right now?”

If you can immediately list several actions, it probably belongs in the Control or Influence Circle.

If all you can do is worry, it probably belongs in the Concern Circle.

The 80-15-5 Energy Rule

Once you understand the three circles, the next step is deciding where to invest your energy.

A simple guideline is:

80% of your energy on the Control Circle
15% on the Influence Circle
5% on the Concern Circle

Most long-term growth comes from the Control Circle.

Reading every day.

Learning useful skills.

Improving your health.

Creating meaningful work.

Building consistent habits.

These activities may feel slow, but they create powerful results over time.

Reframe the Question

One of the most useful mental habits is learning to reframe problems.

Instead of asking:

“Will AI replace me?”

Ask:

“How can I use AI to become more effective?”

The first question focuses on the Concern Circle.

The second focuses on the Control Circle.

The first creates anxiety.

The second creates action.

The same situation can produce completely different outcomes depending on where you place your attention.

Final Thoughts

The world will continue to change.

AI will continue to improve.

New tools will continue to appear.

But personal growth has never been about controlling everything.

It is about learning to distinguish between what you can change and what you cannot.

Then investing your limited time and energy where they matter most.

When you develop that ability, the outside world may remain noisy and uncertain.

But internally, you become much more stable.

And in an age defined by constant change, that stability may be one of the most valuable skills of all.

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How to Get to the Tokyo Immigration Bureau (Shinagawa): A Simple Public Transportation Guide (Step-by-Step)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:13:17 GMT

I usually rely on Google Maps whenever I travel around Tokyo.

However, after making two trips to the [Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau] recently for my visa renewal, I realized that Google Maps doesn’t always provide enough detail. Even when following the directions exactly, it can still be confusing.

To make things easier for anyone visiting the immigration office for the first time, I decided to write down the route I used.

Feel free to bookmark this guide for future reference.

Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau (Shinagawa Headquarters)

Address:

5-5-30 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Official name:

Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau

Step 1: Take the Train to Shinagawa Station

No matter which train line you use, your goal is to arrive at 【Shinagawa Station】.

Google Maps can help you find the best route from your location.

Step 2: Exit Through the Central Gate

After arriving at Shinagawa Station, follow the signs for the Central Gate and leave the station.

Step 3: Head Toward the Konan Exit (East Exit)

After passing through the gate, turn right and follow the signs for:

Konan Exit (East Exit)

Continue walking through the passageway.

You will see the Konan Exit (East Exit)

Continue walking until you leave the station building.

Step 4: Go Down to the Bus Terminal

Once outside, you will see escalators and stairs leading down.

Take the escalator or stairs to the plaza below.

Step 5: Find the Bus Stop

Walk between the up and down escalators.

You will quickly reach the bus terminal.

Step 6: Take Bus “Shina 99” (品99)

Look for bus route:

Shina 99 (品99)

Board the bus and stay on for five stops.

The Tokyo Immigration Bureau is located directly in front of the bus stop.

Getting off there will put you right at the entrance.

Step 7: Fare

Bus fare: **210 yenJPY（**1.31USD）

Payment can be made using an IC card such as Suica or PASMO, or with cash.

Final Tip

If you’re visiting the immigration office for a visa renewal, extension, or residence card procedure, leaving a little earlier than planned can save you a lot of stress.

The route is actually quite simple once you’ve done it once.

Good luck with your immigration procedures, and I hope everything goes smoothly!

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AI Filmmaking for Beginners: 3 Tools That Turn Stories Into Short Films

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:23:16 GMT

A friend of mine enjoys writing screenplays as a hobby.

Recently, I helped her turn a few simple scripts into short videos.

They are still far from Hollywood-level productions, but that was never the point.

Even with a rough production, seeing a story come to life on screen was surprisingly rewarding. The process itself was fun, creative, and satisfying.

Experiences like this make me believe that AI is bringing us closer to a world where anyone can become the director of their own stories.

Today I’d like to share three AI tools I used in this project. Together, they can handle most of the work needed to create a video.

1. Dreamina AI — Creating Images and Videos

Dreamina AI is a generative AI platform developed by ByteDance. It supports text-to-image generation, image-to-video creation, and story-based content generation.

For this project, I didn’t use advanced techniques such as keyframes or detailed camera control.

Instead, I simply wrote a few short prompts and allowed the AI to interpret them creatively.

That simplicity is one of the reasons I think beginners can start using AI video tools without a steep learning curve.

2. ElevenLabs — Voiceovers and AI Music

ElevenLabs is best known for its high-quality text-to-speech technology.

It supports multiple languages, emotional voice styles, and precise control over pacing, pauses, and tone. The resulting audio often sounds professional enough for podcasts, videos, and commercial projects.

One feature I particularly like is its ability to generate songs.

You can write your own lyrics, choose a musical style, and let AI create the music.

For my New Year video, instead of searching for background music, I simply wrote a few lines of lyrics and asked the AI to generate a song that matched the mood.

It saved time and made the final video feel more personal.

3. DaVinci Resolve — Editing and Color Grading

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing and color grading application widely used in the film industry.

It offers advanced editing tools, visual effects, multi-track editing, and industry-leading color correction features.

In the past, I mainly used Premiere Pro for editing.

This time, however, I found DaVinci Resolve surprisingly approachable.

It sits somewhere between professional editing software and beginner-friendly tools.

If DaVinci Resolve still feels too complex, CapCut is another great option. It is much easier to learn and can handle most basic editing tasks without much effort.

Final Thoughts

AI has dramatically lowered the barrier to video creation.

By combining AI-generated visuals from Dreamina AI, voiceovers and music from ElevenLabs, and editing in DaVinci Resolve, ordinary people can create unique videos in a relatively short amount of time.

This is especially exciting for writers, storytellers, and creative hobbyists.

For the first time, it’s becoming realistic to transform stories from the page into something closer to film.

Tools can make creation easier.

But meaningful stories still come from people.

The Romance of Japanese Train Culture: From Tiny Supermarket Railways to Galaxy Express 999

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:58:42 GMT

I had read before that many Japanese people have a deep emotional attachment to trains.

But it was only after living in Tokyo that I began to observe this railway obsession up close.

It does not exist only in the famous Shinkansen 新幹線 or Tokyo’s maze-like train system. It also appears in supermarkets, novels, anime, museums, and ordinary daily life.

One example is a supermarket I often visit: Lopia.ロピア

Lopia is a rapidly growing Japanese supermarket chain that originally started as a butcher shop. Today it has expanded into a large food supermarket group with more than one hundred stores across Japan. It is known for large portions, low prices, and a lively atmosphere. The company even describes itself as a “food amusement park.”

But there is another small detail that makes it unforgettable.

In many Lopia stores, a tiny train runs endlessly along a circular railway track attached to the ceiling.

Click-clack. Click-clack.

Every day, the little train quietly “goes to work” above shoppers’ heads.

The first time I saw it, I felt strangely pulled into a fairy tale.

I stood there beside the shelves, excitedly taking photos with my phone.

Around me were discount announcements for wagyu beef. Above me was a miniature train rushing through the air.

In the exhausting adult world, who secretly left behind this tiny corner of childhood fantasy?

It felt romantic, but also a little bittersweet.

I quietly wondered:

Was the founder of Lopia perhaps a railway enthusiast too?

Japan’s railway fan culture is famous.

Some people spend entire days photographing trains.

Some collect station departure melodies.

Others travel across half the country just to ride a limited-edition train.

And honestly, I also have my own memories connected to trains.

As a child, I often traveled long distances by train with my family.

Later, during my school years, I experienced many train rides lasting more than twenty-four hours.

At night, lying on the sleeper bed, I could feel the air pressure when trains passed each other.

The train would move through tunnels and over bridges while the wheels repeatedly struck the rails:

Clunk—clunk. Clunk—clunk.

The sound mixed with the gentle shaking of the carriage.

Inside the cabin, someone snored softly. Someone whispered. Someone walked down the aisle.

Images of reunions and farewells at train stations floated through my mind before I slowly fell asleep.

Even today, that remains one of my favorite forms of white noise.

In many countries, railways are simply transportation.

But in Japan, trains became part of a shared cultural memory.

They carry a feeling somewhere between wandering and belonging.

And Japanese culture transformed that feeling into literature and imagination.

If you want to understand Japanese railway culture, I would recommend these three works and places:

1.Night on the Galactic Railroad

This classic Japanese story by Kenji Miyazawa follows a boy named Giovanni, who boards a mysterious train traveling across the stars.

Although often described as a children’s story, it is deeply philosophical, exploring loneliness, friendship, life, and death.

The slowly moving galactic train becomes a symbol of life’s journey itself.

The book later influenced many Japanese anime, films, and games — including Galaxy Express 999.

2.Galaxy Express 999

Created by manga artist Leiji Matsumoto, Galaxy Express 999 became one of Japan’s most iconic science-fiction stories.

It follows a boy named Tetsuro, who travels across the universe aboard the space train “999” in search of an eternal mechanical body.

What makes the story unforgettable is not only the adventure, but the repeated encounters and farewells during the journey.

The image of a steam train crossing the universe perfectly combines Japanese railway nostalgia with romantic imagination.

For many Japanese people, it became a symbol of “the distant unknown.”

3. The Railway Museum

Located in Omiya, Saitama, the Railway Museum is one of Japan’s most famous train museums.

Operated by JR East, it features real steam locomotives, Shinkansen trains, classic Showa-era railcars, driving simulators, and huge railway models.

But unlike many technical museums, this place feels more like a cultural archive about the relationship between Japanese people and trains.

Children and adults become equally excited there.

That is what makes railway culture in Japan so interesting:

It is not only a niche hobby for train enthusiasts.

It is a shared emotional language across generations.

And suddenly, the tiny train running across the ceiling of Lopia supermarket starts to make perfect sense.

Because in Japan, trains are never just transportation.

They are childhood.

They are travel.

They are distant places.

Sometimes, they even become a metaphor for life itself.

And in ordinary daily life, they offer people a tiny moment of escape — a small moving piece of romance running quietly above their heads.

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Is Japan Entering a “Black-and-White Snack Era”? Kellogg’s Moved Before Calbee — And Now I Want to Collect Them

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:16:45 GMT

A strange but fascinating topic suddenly started trending in Japanese news recently.

Food giant Calbee announced that because of supply shortages linked to tensions in the Middle East — especially shortages of packaging materials and printing ink — some of its products would gradually switch from colorful packaging to black-and-white designs starting May 25.2026.

Potato chips, shrimp snacks, cereal… around 14 products are reportedly affected for now, and more companies may follow later.

The moment I read the news, I imagined something oddly surreal:

Rows of black-and-white snack bags lining convenience store shelves, as if the entire snack aisle had entered some kind of “post-apocalyptic minimalist mode.”

Honestly, snack food depends heavily on colorful packaging.

Bright yellows, reds, and oranges practically scream:

“Buy me!”

So if everything suddenly turns black and white…

It almost feels like the potato chips lose calories before you even open the bag.

Still, I have to admit:

Calbee handled the situation brilliantly from a marketing perspective.

What started as a frustrating supply-chain problem somehow transformed into a kind of “limited edition moment of history.”

And as someone who genuinely likes potato chips, I could already feel my collector instinct waking up.

I was seriously thinking:

“When the black-and-white versions finally launch, I should probably buy a couple just to keep.”

It feels strangely historical.

But then something even funnier happened.

May 25 was still days away.

Yet on the night of May 18, while casually walking through a supermarket in Tokyo, I suddenly spotted a black-and-white cereal package sitting quietly on the shelf.

Not from Calbee.

From Kellogg’s.

Right there beside the regular Calbee products.

I honestly froze for two seconds.

Calbee spent all this effort turning “black-and-white packaging” into a news topic…

…and Kellogg’s somehow launched first.

That was unexpected.

It felt a bit like this:

Company A finishes a big presentation saying, “The future belongs to electric vehicles.”

Then Company B casually parks one outside your house the next morning.

The business world is funny sometimes.

While one company builds momentum, another quietly arrives first and captures consumer attention — and maybe consumer wallets too.

What’s even more interesting is how quickly public perception changed.

Originally, black-and-white packaging sounded like a symbol of shortage, crisis, or cost-cutting.

But after all the media coverage, it suddenly started feeling more like:

a limited edition
a collector’s item
a weird little piece of history

And honestly?

If I didn’t already have an unopened box of Kellogg’s cereal at home, I probably would’ve bought it immediately.

More recommendations:

Japan’s Aging Society and the Rise of Silver Creators: Growing Old Doesn’t Mean Disappearing

A Canadian English Teacher in Japan, a Strange Podcast, for Intermediate English Learners

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Japan’s Aging Society and the Rise of Silver Creators: Growing Old Doesn’t Mean Disappearing

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:15:46 GMT

Japan is widely known as one of the world’s most aging societies.

During my time living here, I’ve had the chance to observe this “silver society” from an everyday perspective — not through statistics, but through small scenes in daily life.

Recently, a Japanese VTuber agency called Ota Group announced a new project. At first, many people assumed it would be another youth-oriented internet culture experiment.

But there was one surprising detail:

The average age of the agency’s VTubers was over 75 years old.

Among them, the most talked-about was Hiroko, a grandmother who debuted as a VTuber at the age of 85.

Within just a few days, she gained tens of thousands of followers. Her YouTube channel quickly passed 60,000 subscribers.

What made people interested was not simply the novelty of seeing an elderly VTuber. It reflected something deeper about modern Japanese society:

Older people are no longer seen only as people who need care.

More and more, they are viewed as individuals who can continue pursuing personal meaning and self-expression.

Elderly People at the Gym

I once mentioned a Japanese language teacher named Teppei whose podcast I often listen to:

A High-Quality Japanese Listening Podcast for Beginners: Learn Naturally Through Daily Input

In several episodes, he casually talks about seeing people in their 70s and 80s exercising seriously at the gym.

And honestly?

It looks incredibly cool.

That image stayed with me for a long time.

Colored Hair and Self-Expression

Walking through Tokyo, you start noticing something interesting.

Silver hair is no longer the only symbol of old age.

Some elderly people dye their hair purple, blue, green, or pink. especially women.

It does not feel like an attempt to “look young.”
Instead, it feels more like a statement:

Aging does not automatically mean silence.

People can continue experimenting, expressing themselves, and enjoying identity at any age.

The Elderly Woman on the Bridge

Near a bridge I often pass at night in Tokyo, I sometimes see an elderly woman holding a professional camera, quietly photographing the Tokyo Skytree.

She always looks deeply focused, almost as if she is having a silent conversation with the city itself.

For her, photography does not feel like a casual hobby.

It feels serious. Consistent. Personal.

That moment made me realize something:

Older people are not disappearing from public life.
Many are still actively shaping it.

Japan’s Growing Silver Creator Culture

In recent years, creative activities among elderly Japanese people have become increasingly visible.

On YouTube, some are gaming streamers. Others share photography, painting, or travel content. Many hold personal exhibitions and gain young audiences online.

One of the most famous examples was Kimiko Nishimoto, who passed away in June 2025 at the age of 97.

She only started photography at age 72.

At 82, she held her first photography exhibition, titled Asobokane (“Why Not Have Fun?”).

Her work became famous for humorous self-portraits:

falling on the ground
lying inside trash bags
making exaggerated comedic poses

But the photos were not just jokes.

They reflected an independent attitude toward aging and life itself.

Kimiko Nishimoto seemed to say:

Creativity and freedom of expression do not expire with age.

A Culture Space for Older Generations

In Japanese bookstores, there are also many magazines created specifically for older readers.

Publications like Silver Generation or Jinsei (“Life”) cover topics such as:

fashion
beauty
hobbies
travel
lifestyle

These magazines go far beyond simple “healthy aging” advice.

They create cultural space for older generations and quietly communicate a different idea:

After work and child-rearing no longer define your identity, aging may become another kind of beginning.

Final Thoughts

From an 85-year-old VTuber to elderly women with colorful hair in Tokyo, from silver-haired photographers to artists still active in their 90s, Japan offers an interesting perspective on aging.

Here, old age is not always treated as the end of participation.

Sometimes, it becomes an opportunity to redefine yourself and continue exploring life in a new form.

Perhaps that is one of the most fascinating things about Japan’s aging society:

Growing old does not necessarily mean leaving the stage.
Sometimes, it simply means entering it differently.

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If Your Life Were a One-Person Company, You Can’t Just Be the CEO

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 14:49:00 GMT

Lately, I’ve been thinking about a question:

What if we managed our lives the same way companies manage businesses?

Maybe it’s because I spent years around startups and entrepreneurship circles. After seeing companies of all sizes, I’ve started to feel that many modern business concepts can actually be useful for building a better life system.

If you look at life from the perspective of a company, something becomes very clear:

👉 Life is a one-person company that you can never resign from.

You are fully responsible for its direction, operation, risks, and survival.

What I’ve noticed is that many people gradually hand over control of their “company” to circumstances, trends, or other people. Very few consciously try to take control of the system themselves.

But if you truly want your life-company to function well, there’s one important thing to understand:

You cannot only play the role of CEO.

A company usually has several core roles:

In a modern one-person company, especially in the AI era, you and your AI assistant may eventually need to handle all of them.

A stable life system starts to look less like chaos and more like a pyramid structure — balanced, layered, and sustainable.

1. CEO — Responsible for Direction

People often say a CEO’s job is:

finding people
finding money
finding direction

Building teams, raising capital, defining products.

Most people imagine CEOs as charismatic founders giving motivational speeches on stage, talking about dreams and vision.

And yes, direction matters.

In your personal life-company, the CEO’s main responsibility is asking:

What kind of life do you actually want?

The most important “product” in your company is yourself — and everything built around your skills, ideas, and values.

Understanding your real motivations, building personal value, and searching for meaning are all CEO responsibilities.

But unlike large companies with polished public images, a real one-person company is usually much messier.

It can feel lonely, uncertain, even disorganized.

In the early stage, there are no clear boundaries between positions. The CEO often has to do everything.

Sometimes “Chief Miscellaneous Officer” feels more accurate.

2. COO — Responsible for Operations

Honestly, COO might be the role I struggle with the most.

Operations work is endless.

In my previous startup, I spent a long time acting as COO:

setting KPIs
managing branding
collecting data
analyzing feedback
handling customer support

It often felt like an endless nightmare made of tiny tasks.

But when you apply this role to life itself, the number of “operations problems” only increases.

How do you organize chaos?

How do you manage energy and time?

How do you build systems that keep your life moving toward long-term goals?

The COO’s job is turning direction into sustainable execution.

Energy Management vs Time Management: Why Productivity Starts With Rest

3. CTO — Responsible for Technical Solutions

The CTO is usually the most practical role in a company.

The CEO creates vision.

The CTO figures out how to make it real.

I still remember something my former CTO once told me:

“Ask for whatever you want. If I don’t know how to do it, I can learn. Or I can find people who do.”

That sentence stayed with me.

Even in the rigid world of code and engineering, the most important thing is keeping an open mind.

In life, the CTO role appears everywhere.

If you want to improve your health:
How do you learn scientific fitness methods?

If you want to build a media platform:
How do you understand algorithms and avoid misinformation?

If you want to use AI:
How do you train AI tools into useful assistants?

The core mindset of a strong CTO is constant iteration.

4. CFO — Responsible for Finance

In many traditional families, financial education is almost completely missing.

People are often taught:

talking about money is shallow
investing is dangerous
finance is suspicious

A personal CFO must break away from these invisible limitations.

You cannot ignore financial health in your life-company.

Questions like these matter:

What is financial freedom?
What is cash flow?
What are passive assets?
How much money do you actually need for the life you want?
How do you prepare for illness or retirement?

The earlier you think about these questions, the better.

A good CFO understands the difference between consumption and investment.

Many people misuse credit cards or buy financial products they don’t understand — not because those tools are evil, but because the CFO role in their life is missing.

The Digital Nomad Lifestyle Is Fragile Without Passive Assets

5. AI Won’t Run Your Life for You

As companies grow, they develop more roles:

legal
HR
marketing
evangelists

With AI, individuals can now expand their capabilities much further than before.

But AI will not manage your life for you.

AI is more like an amplifier.

If your system is chaotic, AI amplifies chaos.

If your system is clear, AI amplifies efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Modern companies operate very differently from traditional organizations.

They care less about hierarchy and emotions, and more about systems and results.

I like that philosophy.

And I think many of those ideas can be applied to life itself.

If you can make your life operate like a healthy modern company system, you may discover a far more stable — and far more interesting — journey ahead.

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A Canadian English Teacher in Japan, a Strange Podcast, for Intermediate English Learners

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 13:18:24 GMT

In my previous post, I shared an English learning resource that felt a bit like watching an American TV series：

「Learn English Like Tap Dancing: A Fun Free Beginner Resource by VOA」

It was fun and immersive, but it had one weakness:

👉 It didn’t cover enough practical real-life situations.

So recently, I went back through my old learning materials and rediscovered something very different:

A documentary-style English learning channel called 【Slow Easy English.】

The videos are packed with practical daily expressions and real-world situations.

The creator, Sil, is a Canadian English teacher living in Osaka, Japan. His YouTube channel has over 60,000 subscribers.

A Canadian Teacher Living in Japan

Mr.Sil has lived in Osaka for many years and speaks Japanese quite fluently.

Sometimes he even jokes about Japanese wordplay and katakana pronunciation.

For example, he once talked about how people in Kansai shorten “McDonald’s” into 「マクド」 (“Makudo”).

As someone who once struggled with katakana myself, moments like that made me laugh immediately.

Actually, his videos even inspired me to design my own Japanese kana memory cards to help with memorization.

His “English Immersion” Philosophy

Sil is a fairly strict teacher.

He often tells his students to fully immerse themselves in English.

One of his suggestions surprised me at first:

👉 Change your phone language into English.

He even checks whether his students actually did it.

Inspired by him, I changed my own phone settings too.

At first, it felt surprisingly difficult.

Apps I used every day suddenly became unfamiliar — especially finance apps.

Words like:

balance
total assets
account

felt almost alien.

The first few times I bought investment funds, I was genuinely nervous about pressing the wrong button.

But after enough repetition, I finally remembered:

👉 “Balance.”

Now that word is permanently burned into my brain.

A Teaching Style That Reminded Me of My Old English Teacher

Sil is a Canadian, he speaks with a very clear North American accent.

His teaching style reminded me of one of my former English teachers, Narci.

Mr. Narci was extremely serious and precise.

He rarely joked, loved reading books, and constantly corrected students’ pronunciation word by word.

Back then, I had learned British-style pronunciation before my university.

But under his stubborn guidance, my pronunciation slowly shifted toward American English.

He also cared deeply about subtle vocabulary differences.

In fact, the first English synonym and antonym dictionary I ever bought was recommended by him.

ears later, I randomly met him in a shopping mall, and he immediately recognized me.

The first thing he asked was:

“Are you still studying that dictionary?”

Why [Slow Easy English] Feels Different

Sil’s videos pay close attention to pronunciation and vocabulary nuance.

For example, he explains the difference between:

hobby
pastime
sport

Small distinctions like these are easy to ignore, but extremely useful in real conversation.

Practical Situations Everywhere

One reason I enjoy his videos so much is the variety of real-life scenarios.

He covers things like:

booking a hotel
ordering food at a sushi restaurant
buying train tickets in Japan

To be honest, I only learned how to use Japanese subway fare adjustment machines because of his videos.

Living in Tokyo made these topics especially interesting to me.

Some lessons also focus on ordinary vocabulary that suddenly becomes difficult in English.

For example:

What do you call bicycle parts in English?

Or cooking tools like:

strainers
whisks
spatulas

He even teaches viewers how to cook Korean kimchi hotpot.

From Japan to Vietnam

Later, Sil traveled to Vietnam and shared videos about:

renting local apartments
eating at small restaurants
daily life abroad

At one point, he said something that stayed with me:

“When you learn English, it’s like getting an invisible ticket to travel the world.”

I still think about that sentence sometimes.

A Channel That Suddenly Disappeared

The Slow Easy English channel started around 13 years ago(2013).

But about four years ago, it suddenly stopped updating.

The last uploaded videos showed Sil living in Vietnam.

Since then, nobody really knows what happened.

Some viewers wondered whether the global pandemic affected his life or work.

I sincerely hope he is safe and doing well.

And maybe one day, he’ll come back.

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The Digital Nomad Lifestyle Is Fragile Without Passive Assets

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:30:24 GMT

I’ve always had a positive view on investing and personal finance.

It’s not about how much money you have, but about a way of thinking—
thinking long term, managing risk, and planning ahead.

Financial thinking gives us another lens to understand life.
It helps us make better decisions about work, lifestyle, and the future.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about one idea:

👉 Digital nomads should take passive assets seriously.

1 . The Illusion of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Today, with AI and the internet, the digital nomad lifestyle looks very attractive:

working on a laptop by the beach
sitting in a café in Tokyo
living comfortably in Chiang Mai

It feels free and flexible.

ut there is one thing many people ignore:

👉 Location freedom is not life freedom.

If your income still depends on:

working every day
constantly finding clients
continuous output

then you have simply moved your office around the world.

That’s why passive assets matter.

2. What Are Passive Assets for Digital Nomads?

A simple definition:

Passive assets generate income even when you are not actively working.

Your income does not stop the moment you stop working.

For digital nomads, passive assets have two main forms:

1). Traditional financial assets

stocks
ETFs
crypto
global real estate

If active income is not converted into assets, it disappears over time.

I’ve spent years around startups and entrepreneurship, and I’ve seen many people rise quickly and fall just as fast—leaving nothing behind.

Without assets, there is no long-term storage of value.

2). Digital passive assets

Most digital nomads build businesses online:

content creation
consulting
freelancing
remote services

But many of these are still active income, not passive.

So the key question becomes:

👉 Are you building assets, or just earning income?

Platform Choice Matters

Some platforms are not designed for passive income.

In my opinion Platforms like X (Twitter) and TikTok rely heavily on constant posting.

content fades quickly
traffic drops fast
income depends on continuous activity

Even if a post goes viral, it rarely generates long-term income.

These platforms are traffic tools, not assets.

In contrast, platforms like:

YouTube
Blogger
personal websites

can generate passive income over time.

With ads or search traffic:

👉 One piece of content can continue earning without constant updates.

Content Choice Matters Too

Not all content creates passive income.

Active content:

trending topics
viral content
short-term attention

These generate quick traffic, but short lifespan.

Passive content:

guides
tutorials
courses
evergreen content

These benefit from SEO and long-tail search.

They can keep attracting users and generating income over time.

How to Identify Passive Asset Content

You can evaluate content using four questions:

Is there long-term search demand?
Can it become a content series?
Does it stay relevant over time?
Does it attract high-value users?

Looking back at my previous project, I realized:

User acquisition and operations were too dependent on active effort.
There was no self-sustaining system.

3. Don’t Rely on a Single Platform

Relying on:

one client
one platform
one account

is risky.

A better approach:

👉 distribute content across multiple platforms
👉 build decentralized assets

4. Why Digital Nomads Need Passive Assets More Than Others

Active income for digital nomads is often unstable.

one month fully booked
next month empty

This is very common.

That’s why a second income system is necessary.

Traditional employees may have:

stable salary
social benefits
paid leave
bonuses

Digital nomads often have none of these.

If you:

get sick
stop working
take a break

your income may stop immediately.

From day one, you should build a financial buffer.

What Real Freedom Looks Like

If you can stop working for several months and your system still runs,

👉 that is closer to true freedom.

Final Thoughts

This is not only about digital nomads.

Everyone is chasing some version of:

location freedom
time freedom
freedom of choice

A life where even if you pause, everything does not collapse.

And that kind of stability often comes from passive assets.

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Learn English Like Tap Dancing: A Fun Free Beginner Resource by VOA – Let’s Learn English

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:57:22 GMT

Yes, you read that correctly.

This time, the topic is English. ♪(´ε｀ )

I’ve shared Japanese learning resources before, but since living abroad, I’ve realized more and more that I need to improve my English further.

English is like gold.

It is a globally accepted currency of communication, and one of the best tools for understanding the world.

From my personal perspective:

Japanese is urgent and important
English is not urgent, but deeply important

That makes English one of the best long-term investments of energy.

Energy Management vs Time Management: Why Productivity Starts With Rest

Why I Never Fully Stopped Learning English

I’ve always loved American TV shows.

So even years after graduation, English never completely left my life.

I was not studying for exams.

I simply wanted to enjoy classic songs, movies, and stories in their original language.

That kind of motivation lasts longer than test pressure.

Today, I’d like to share one excellent free English resource:

👉 Let’s Learn English (produced by VOA)

Why I Recommend It

1. High quality, standard American English

Because it is produced by VOA (Voice of America), the quality is reliable.

It offers:

clear standard American pronunciation
slow and beginner-friendly speaking speed
professional lesson structure
useful listening and speaking practice

This makes it ideal for beginners.

2. It feels like a mini TV series, not a classroom

Many learning materials have one common problem:

They feel too much like school.

A teacher stands in front of a camera explaining grammar points, and many learners lose patience quickly.

This series is different.

It follows the story of Anna, a young woman who leaves a small town and moves to Washington, D.C.

Through her daily life, work, and relationships, each episode tells a short story.

You meet:

coworkers
roommates
bosses
friends

The characters are memorable, and the tone is light and often funny.

Learning feels more like watching a show than attending class.

3. If learning is not enjoyable, most people quit

I believe this strongly.

Many people do not fail at learning English because they are lazy.

They fail because the process feels painful.

This resource solves that problem.

👉 It makes learning feel natural and enjoyable.

It also introduces parts of Washington’s culture and history through the story.

Before you realize it, you finish one episode and want to watch the next.

That is exactly the kind of feeling long-term learning needs.

4. Easy to access

You can watch it on YouTube.

The automatic subtitles are very helpful.

If you hear a difficult word:

pause
replay
check subtitles
continue learning

Some videos may also be available on other platforms.

One Weakness to Know

Because it is story-based, it is not focused enough on some practical real-life situations such as:

workplace communication
visiting a doctor
ordering food
shopping while traveling
emergency situations

You can compare Japanese teacher Yuka’s practical series。

So I would use it as a strong base resource, not the only resource.

My Advice for Adult Learners

If you are a non-native English speaker and want to restart English after many years:

Do not torture yourself with your old school methods.

Avoid starting with:

memorizing 3,000 words immediately
doing 10 test books
forcing 3 hours every day

Most people cannot sustain that.

A better method is this:

👉 Learn like tap dancing.

Find resources that make you want to come back.

Learn with rhythm, movement, and enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

For many adults, English does not create instant results.

It works more like compound interest.

Short-term progress may feel small.

But over time, the gap becomes huge.

One day, you may suddenly realize:

All those small hours you invested quietly turned into new opportunities.

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Why Learning a Language Through Real-Life Situations Works So Well for Beginners

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:22:14 GMT

I’m a self-taught Japanese learner, currently around JLPT N4 level.

I also love anime and video games.

But honestly, I’m one of those people who watched over a thousand episodes of 【Detective Conan】 and still didn’t become fluent in Japanese.

At first, I felt embarrassed about that.

Later, I realized it is actually normal.

Many people cannot learn a language simply through anime.

Entertainment can help motivation, but it does not always teach natural daily conversation.

Why Anime Japanese Is Not Enough

I once recommended a great beginner Japanese podcast called Nihongo Con Teppei for listening practice：

「A High-Quality Japanese Listening Podcast for Beginners: Learn Naturally Through Daily Input」

In several episodes, the host Teppei explains something important:

👉 Japanese used in anime can sound unusual, exaggerated, or unnatural in everyday life.

That does not mean anime is useless.

It just means beginners also need real-life language input.

Especially if you want to travel, live in Japan, or communicate naturally.

A Practical Japanese Resource I Recommend: Yuka

Today, I’d like to recommend another excellent learning resource focused on practical Japanese:

👉 Yuka

What I like most is that her lessons are based on real daily situations.

Examples include:

supermarkets
hotels
taxis
shopping
restaurants
buying tickets while traveling
daily customer service conversations

This kind of language is immediately useful in real life.

Why Her Teaching Method Works So Well

Each lesson usually has three clear steps:

1. Listen first without subtitles

You watch a real-life conversation clip and try to catch what you can naturally.

2. Vocabulary and sentence breakdown

Then she highlights key words and replays the conversation line by line.

This helps you understand what was actually said.

3. Review and repeat

Finally, you review the expressions and practice again.

This structure is simple but very effective.

My Real Experience in Japan

When I first stayed in Japan, I had one common problem:

I could not understand what the supermarket cashier was saying.

The speed felt incredibly fast.

It was like I missed the first word, and suddenly the sentence was already ending with -masuます.

If you have studied Japanese, you probably know this feeling.

But after learning key phrases and practicing those exact situations repeatedly for a few weeks, things became much easier.

That is when I realized:

👉 Focused learning for specific situations works surprisingly well.

Why Practical Scenario Learning Is Great for Beginners

For beginners, trying to learn everything at once can feel overwhelming.

But learning by situation gives you clear progress.

For example:

how to order food
how to ask for help
how to pay at a store
how to check into a hotel
how to ask directions

These are real wins you can use immediately.

That creates motivation and confidence.

Where to Watch

You can find Yuka’s lessons on YouTube.

If available, use subtitles and replay functions to review difficult parts.

Even 10 minutes a day can help if done consistently.

Final Thoughts

Anime can inspire you to learn Japanese.

But practical situations teach you how to actually use it.

If you are a beginner, combining both can be powerful:

anime for motivation
real-life scenarios for usable skills

Sometimes the fastest progress comes from learning what you need most first.

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A High-Quality Japanese Listening Podcast for Beginners: Learn Naturally Through Daily Input

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:26:01 GMT

Last week, a friend told me they found me through one of my Japanese learning posts：

Mastering the "Blueprint" of Japanese Grammar: Why Hitoshi Deguchi is A wise choice for Self-Learners？

Honestly, I felt a little embarrassed.

I’m the kind of person who watched over 1,000 episodes of 【Detective Conan】 and still didn’t magically learn Japanese.

So no, I’m not some language genius.

Even though I’m not studying mainly for exams, I still keep learning slowly and consistently.

Today, I’d like to share one of the best listening resources I’ve found for beginners:

👉Japanese Podcast for Beginners (Nihongo Con Teppei)

There are endless study materials and many language teachers online.

But I think the key is simple:

Find the one that matches your personality and learning style.

That makes the process less boring and much easier to continue.

Why I Recommend This Podcast？

1. The host understands language learners

Teppei is Japanese, but he has also learned foreign languages himself.

After university, he went to London to study English. There, he met his future wife, who is Spanish. Later, he also started learning Spanish.

Because of this, he understands the real struggles of language learning:

confusion
slow progress
frustration
lack of confidence

His teaching style is patient, encouraging, and practical.

That makes a big difference.

2. Clear standard Japanese pronunciation

For beginners, I strongly recommend learning standard Japanese pronunciation first (Tokyo / Kanto style).

It is similar to learning standard before regional accents.

If you start only with strong dialects, it may be harder later.

Teppei’s pronunciation is clear, natural, and beginner-friendly.

3. Helpful English explanations

One thing I personally like:

When a difficult Japanese word appears, Teppei sometimes explains it in English.

This is very useful if you already know some English.

It feels like learning Japanese while reviewing English at the same time.

4. Natural speaking speed

Some beginner materials speak too slowly.

That may sound easier, but it often feels unnatural.

Real conversations do not sound like that.

This podcast uses a natural speed:

not too fast
not too slow

So you can build real listening instincts.

5. Short, simple, and interesting episodes

Each episode is around 5 minutes.

The topics are everyday life in Japan, such as:

habits
dating
common phrases
personal thoughts
life during the pandemic
daily routines

The vocabulary is simple, often around JLPT N3 level or below.

Useful words repeat often, which helps memory.

And because the topics are casual, it never feels too dry or academic.

You can listen while:

walking
cleaning
commuting
relaxing

6. Focus on massive input

Teppei often emphasizes one important idea:

👉 Language learning needs a lot of input first.

Listen a lot. Read a lot. Then output becomes easier later.

This matches my own experience learning English.

7. Huge amount of content

This podcast already has more than 1,000 episodes, and new ones continue to come out.

Teppei also runs several other channels for more advanced learners.

So this is not just one small resource—it can grow with you.

Where to Listen：

You can find it on:

Spotify
YouTube

Personally, I recommend YouTube.

Why?

Because the podcast itself has no subtitles, but YouTube offers:

auto captions
translation tools
replay controls

If you get stuck on a sentence, you can check the subtitles and keep learning smoothly.

Final Thoughts

If you are learning Japanese for real life, travel, interest, or long-term growth—not only for exams—this is one of the best beginner podcasts I can recommend.

You do not need perfect motivation.

You just need something simple enough to keep using.

Sometimes, consistency matters more than intensity.

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Energy Management vs Time Management: Why Productivity Starts With Rest

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 12:01:40 GMT

uring the holiday, I wanted to do something different.

Instead of only traveling, I thought it would be more meaningful to spend some time with a good book and a good movie.

So today, I’d like to share one classic personal development book that left a strong impression on me:

👉 The Power of Full Engagement

(by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz)

What is this book about?

The main idea of the book is simple:

Success is not only about managing your time.

It is about managing your energy.

The authors explain that personal energy has four main dimensions:

Physical energy
Emotional energy
Mental energy
Spiritual energy (purpose / willpower)

By improving habits in these areas, we can work better, recover faster, and live with more balance.

Why this idea matters today

We live in an age of endless information.

News, short videos, messages, emails, notifications—

Everything competes for our attention.

Many people are not short on time.

They are short on energy.

We often feel like a phone battery that is always near 10%.

Even after resting, we still feel tired.

That is why traditional time management is no longer enough.

You can schedule every hour perfectly, but if your energy is empty, productivity will still be low.

This is what makes the idea of energy management so valuable.

Two point that stayed with me：

1. Proactive rest is better than passive rest

This was one of the most useful ideas in the book.

We should learn from sprinters, not marathon runners.

A sprinter gives full effort for a short period, then rests, recovers, and runs again.

Many of us do the opposite.

We keep pushing without breaks until we are exhausted.

Then we are forced to rest.

That is passive rest.

A better method is planned recovery.

For example, the Pomodoro technique:

25 minutes focused work
5 minutes rest

Instead of waiting until burnout, rest before your energy crashes.

2. Manage energy, not only time

Time is fixed. Everyone gets 24 hours a day.

But energy is different. It rises and falls.

It can be renewed—or wasted.

Think of yourself like a battery.

If you only manage your schedule but ignore the battery level, you are solving the wrong problem.

Too much energy use leads to burnout.

Too little challenge leads to boredom and low performance.

The goal is balance:

Use your energy fully, then recover it well.

That is how you reach a state of deep engagement.

Final thoughts

Many people ask:

“How can I become more productive?”

Maybe the better question is:

“How can I protect and renew my energy?”

Because when your energy is strong, time works better.

When your energy is empty, even free time feels heavy.

So this holiday, instead of only trying to do more,

try learning how to recharge better.

That may be the real productivity skill.

Follow me for more "survival" tips on Digital nomad！

Why Solo Founders Need a “Devil’s Advocate”: The Biggest Risk of a One-Person Business Isn’t Failure—It’s No One Challenging You

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 11:28:34 GMT

In the past two years, with the rise of AI, terms like “one-person company” and “digital nomad” have become increasingly common.

Some countries have even introduced digital nomad visas to support this new way of working.

One person, one laptop, and AI as an assistant—

that’s enough to work and live from almost anywhere in the world.

It sounds free. It sounds ideal.

But the lighter the structure, the more likely one problem appears:

👉 a lack of external feedback and constraints

Last week, I wrote about how to avoid AI’s tendency toward agreement：

「How to Avoid AI Sycophancy: 6 Practical Ways to Get Honest, Unbiased Answers」

When your question carries a clear opinion, AI often follows your lead. It gives you a sense of validation.

That can feel good—but it’s also a subtle trap.

One method I mentioned was simple:

👉 activate a “devil’s advocate” mode

Ask AI to take the opposite position.

Challenge your assumptions. Break your logic.

At the end of that piece, I wrote:

“You need a strong heart.”

This matters even more if you’re running a one-person business.

Because people don’t like being criticized.

And in “devil’s advocate” mode, AI can be blunt—sometimes harsh.

It doesn’t protect your feelings. It highlights your weaknesses.

That kind of feedback takes emotional tolerance.

But that discomfort is exactly where the value is.

This reminds me of my previous startup experience.

Years ago, there was a place called Garage Café for founders.

Every Friday, they held a regular event known informally as:

👉 “The Critique Session”

The format was simple:

pitch → criticism → constructive advice

After founders presented their projects, the real session began.

People would ask questions from every angle:

Does the market logic make sense?
Is the product solving a real problem?
Is the technical approach viable?

Criticism came fast and direct.

Sometimes founders were visibly under pressure.

But that was the point.

In the final part, the tone shifted.

Instead of criticism, people offered:

suggestions for improvement
useful resources
potential collaboration

This “sandwich structure” created dense feedback in a short time.

And it trained founders to handle pressure.

Over time, you learn:

how to face tough questions
how to respond quickly
how to stay clear under pressure

Later, public pitching feels much easier.

My own project went through many of these sessions.

At first, it was uncomfortable—even frustrating.

But gradually, I realized something:

👉 every critique is a form of calibration

Some friends later told me I handle pressure well.

But I know that wasn’t natural.

It was trained—through repeated exposure to criticism.

In reality, I’m quite introverted.

The “critique session” and AI’s “devil’s advocate” mode are similar. They both do one thing:

👉 create an external system of criticism

In traditional companies, this system comes from:

team discussions
investor feedback
market pressure

But in a one-person business, these are often missing.

AI can partially fill that gap—

as long as you allow it to challenge you.

If you’re building a solo business, or planning to become a digital nomad,

you might try a simple habit:

👉 regularly switch on “devil’s advocate” mode

Let your ideas be tested, not confirmed.

Criticism is uncomfortable.

But it makes you think more clearly.

And when you don’t have a team,

that clarity becomes your advantage.

Follow me for more "survival" tips on Digital nomad！

How to Avoid AI Sycophancy: 6 Practical Ways to Get Honest, Unbiased Answers

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 14:27:39 GMT

Is AI Just Telling You What You Want to Hear?

Lately, I’ve been hearing the same complaint from different people:

“It’s so easy to get carried away by how nice AI sounds.”

It reminded me of my college thesis, where I studied the “vulgarization tendency” of media—how content often becomes overly pleasing to the audience. Now, years later, I’m seeing something similar emerge in AI: a tendency toward sycophancy.

Curious, I brought this question directly to an AI system and asked about it.

What is AI “sycophancy”?

To its credit, the answer was surprisingly honest.

AI models today are often trained using methods like reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF). In simple terms, human reviewers tend to reward responses that are:

Polite
Helpful
Aligned with their expectations

Over time, this creates a subtle bias.

When a question carries a clear opinion—

“Don’t you think Plan X is a terrible idea?”—

the AI may instinctively agree, rather than challenge the premise.

Not because it “believes” it’s right, but because it has learned that agreement often feels more helpful.

The result?

A system that sometimes prioritizes being agreeable over being accurate.

The real problem: the “sycophancy trap”

Once you notice this pattern, a bigger question emerges:

How do you avoid falling into the sycophancy trap—and actually get useful, objective answers?

One approach I’ve found helpful is what I’d call reverse prompting.

Instead of asking AI to confirm your thinking, you design prompts that force it to challenge you.

Here are a few practical techniques.

1. Avoid leading questions

AI is extremely sensitive to tone and framing.

If your question already contains a conclusion, the answer will likely follow.

Instead of:

“Don’t you think immigrating to Australia is the best option?”

Try:

“Please objectively compare skilled immigration pathways in Australia and Canada, including pros and cons.”

2. Force a “devil’s advocate” mode

Explicitly instruct the AI to disagree with you.

Example:

“Forget your previous reasoning. Now act as a highly critical investor. List five fatal flaws that could cause this plan to fail.”

3. Ask for multiple perspectives

Don’t rely on a single voice.

Ask the AI to simulate different roles and viewpoints.

Example:

“Evaluate this plan from the perspectives of a tax lawyer, a technical co-founder, and an investor. What are their top concerns?”

4. Break down the reasoning chain

Ask for the logic before the conclusion.

Otherwise, the AI may unconsciously shape reasoning to fit a quick answer.

Example:

“Before giving a recommendation, list the key variables involved (e.g., policy, exchange rates, market conditions) and analyze how they might change over the next three years.”

5. Demand uncertainty and evidence

Force the AI to reveal what it doesn’t know.

Example:

“Which parts of your analysis are supported by solid data, and which are based on assumptions? Highlight the areas you’re least confident about.”

6. Use “blind testing”

If you have preferences, don’t reveal them.

Example:

“Compare Option A and Option B under a severe economic downturn. Do not ask for my personal preference—just analyze independently.”

A simple decision prompt template

Here’s a prompt I now use often:

“I’m considering [your decision].

Please do not try to agree with me or please me.

List three core assumptions behind this plan
For each assumption, provide one failure scenario
Estimate the worst-case downside
If you had to stop me from doing this, what would be your strongest argument?”

Final thought

AI becomes agreeable when you treat it like a polite assistant.

It becomes useful when you treat it like an independent auditor.

The difference isn’t in the model—it’s in how you ask.

Next time you’re making an important decision, try forcing the “devil’s advocate” mode.

You might get answers you didn’t expect.

And you’ll probably need the emotional strength to hear them.

Follow me for more "survival" tips on Digital nomad！

What Should You Do When Your Investment Drops 10–20%?

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:50:23 GMT

If you’re currently going through a drawdown, this might help.

The Nasdaq has been down for a while now.

If I rewind to March or April 2025, the market didn’t feel any easier back then.

But this time, my emotions feel… steadier. Maybe it’s just experience.

Not long ago, I wrote about AI and tried to take a more optimistic view：

「If you’re not a programmer，Where Are the Opportunities for Ordinary People in the Age of Rapid AI Growth? 」

My thinking was simple: instead of worrying about being replaced by technology, maybe it’s better to find a way to participate in it.

Looking back now, investing in tech stocks is, in some sense, one way of participating.

Over the past six months, my Nasdaq index fund went from a peak gain of 47% to a drawdown of about 13%.

It’s not devastating—but it’s enough to make you uneasy.

A few days ago, I felt the urge to act.

I even considered doubling my regular investment.

That feeling was familiar—

as if being just a bit more decisive would let me catch a “better entry.”

But in the end, I held back.

When markets fall, I remind myself there are only a few basic options:

Keep investing steadily (dollar-cost averaging)

Adjust position size

Hold more cash

Simple ideas. Not easy to execute.

I opened the 3-year and 5-year charts of my fund.

Suddenly, this pullback didn’t seem like much.

What concerned me wasn’t the market—

it was my own behavior.

Over the past five years, I haven’t always been disciplined.

More than once, I added positions when I felt confident, trying to “buy the dip.”

But later, when cash flow got tight or life expenses came up, I exited early.

After repeating this cycle a few times, a lot of potential gains quietly disappeared.

The truth is, most of these lessons aren’t new.

But there’s always a gap between knowing and doing—and that gap can take years to close.

I’ve come to realize that market volatility isn’t the hardest part.

Human nature is.

When buying, you can always find reasons.

When selling, you can always justify it.

With real money on the line, both fear and greed get amplified.

And if you keep acting on those emotions, it’s easy to fall into a pattern:

Repeating the same mistakes at a slightly lower level each time.

That’s not where I want to stay.

So this time, I’m choosing to slow down.

I’ve set a clearer rule for myself:

If the drawdown approaches 20%, I’ll consider increasing my position.

Until then, I stay patient—and keep some cash in reserve.

No rush to enter.

No illusion of timing the exact bottom.

Just trying to move more slowly—

both on the way in, and eventually, on the way out.

I’ve also been through longer downturns.

From December 2021 to July 2023, the market kept falling for what felt like forever.

During that period, many people—including myself—made less-than-ideal decisions:

Because of cash flow pressure

Because of emotional stress

Because of uncertainty about the future

Looking back, those decisions weren’t entirely irrational—

but they did come at a cost.

If the market rebounds soon, will I regret not being more aggressive?

Probably.

It’s hard to completely escape human nature.

But compared to missing some upside,

I’d rather avoid losing control again.

For now, I’m keeping about 30% invested (mainly Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500).

If the market doesn’t offer a better entry point, I can live with that.

Because for most people, predicting the market is extremely difficult.

And maybe what matters more than being right about direction is:

finding a pace you can live with over the long term.

This is a personal reflection, not financial advice.

Markets involve risk. Please make decisions carefully.

Follow me for more insights on living and starting a business in Japan.

No need to worry, even for beginners—after SoftBank blocks IPv6, Lucky and Cloudflare Tunnel have you covered.

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:55:00 GMT

Today I suddenly realized that I couldn’t access my home NAS from outside the network, and the notes stored on it wouldn’t sync either. It took me a while to figure out the cause—a SoftBank router update had blocked incoming IPv6 connections. I’ve previously shared a method for “removing the ‘non-443 port’ suffix,” which can resolve many access issues, but that approach was completely ineffective against this IPv6 block.

https://www.foundersjp.com/lifestyle/digitallife/do-you-have-to-lose-port-443-and-your-address-will-be-with-a-little-digital-tailno-luckycloudflare-makes-you-clean-and-fresh/

Since the old method didn’t work, I switched to a new solution: Lucky + Cloudflare (CF) Tunnel. This solved the problem perfectly. Below, I’ll walk you through the detailed steps one by one so even beginners can follow along.

First, let me talk about the main tool I’ve been using—Lucky

Lucky is a highly integrated utility that combines a variety of practical features, including DDNS, reverse proxy, intranet access, port forwarding, WebDAV, and the CorazaWAF firewall. Whether you're using a standard router or installing it via Docker, it works seamlessly.

Even better is its “lightweight” design: common setup combinations (such as NPM+cloudflared+ddclient) can take up 600–800 MB of disk space after installation and consume a significant amount of RAM; in contrast, the Lucky package is less than 30 MB, and its daily RAM usage is just over 50 MB, making it particularly well-suited for devices with limited hardware resources.

Next, I’ll walk you through the setup step by step—just follow along 👇

Step 1: Create a tunnel in Cloudflare

Log in to your Cloudflare account, go to [Zero Trust] → [Network] → [Connectors], and click the [Create Tunnel] button.
Follow the on-screen prompts to name the tunnel (any name will do, as long as you can tell them apart). Once creation is complete, the page will display a tunnel token.
⚠️ Important reminder: This token is only displayed once! Be sure to copy it immediately, paste it into a text editor, and save it securely. If you lose it, you’ll have to recreate the tunnel. For example
, the page will display something like--token 一串字符,--tokenAll characters following that are the tunnel token we need. Even if it isn’t displayed in full, you must copy and save the entire string.

Step 2: Create a Cloudflare API token

Click the profile icon in the upper-right corner of the page, go to [Profile], locate the [API Token] option, and click [Create Token].
Select [Use Template] or configure permissions manually, and check the permissions as required below:

Permission 1: Account → Cloudflare Tunnel → Edit
Permission 2: Zone → DNS → Edit

For 【Account Resources】 and 【Region Resources】, select "All Accounts/Regions," or specify the account and region corresponding to the specific domain you want to use.
After clicking "Save," the page will generate an API token, which is also displayed only once! Copy and save it; we recommend labeling it "API-Token" to avoid confusing it with the "Tunnel-Token" from the first step.

Step 3: Add tunnel settings in Lucky

Open the Lucky management interface, navigate to [Internal Network Penetration] → [Cloudflare], and click [Add Instance].
Fill in the parameters according to the instructions below; leave any other options that aren't mentioned here at their default settings:

Note: Enter a name of your choice to help identify the purpose of this tunnel (e.g., "NAS Access Tunnel").
Instance type: Select [Tunnel]
First token input field: Paste the "Tunnel-Token" you saved in the first step
In the CF API Token input field at the bottom: Paste the "API-Token" you saved in Step 2.

After saving, you'll see the newly added item in the tunnel list. Click [Apply Route] next to it, and the page will display a unique record value. Copy this value in its entirety.

Step 4: Configure DNS resolution in Cloudflare

Return to the Cloudflare dashboard, go to [DNS] > [Records], and click [Add Record].
Select the record type [CNAME] and fill in the required information:

Name: Enter the domain prefix you want to use to access the service (for example, if you want to access it via nas.xxx.com, enter "nas")
Content: Paste the record values copied from Lucky in the previous step
Proxy status: Tap the "Little Yellow Cloud" icon (to enable CDN and proxy)

Click "Save," and the DNS record is now configured.

Step 5: Complete the final setup and start using it

Return to the tunnel configuration page in Lucky, and enter the full domain name you created in the previous step (e.g., nas.xxx.com) in the [Hostname] field.
Click [Test] next to it. Once the test result turns green, it means the tunnel is connected.
In the [Destination Service] field, enter the address and port of the device on your internal network (for example, the NAS address 192.168.1.100:5000). After saving, you will be able to access the service normally via the domain name.

Finally, let’s discuss the pros and cons of this approach.

✅ Pros: Compared to traditional "DDNS + reverse proxy" solutions, this method offers stronger encryption. Plus, since traffic is routed through Cloudflare, it’s virtually impossible for ISPs to block or intercept it, ensuring maximum stability.
❌ Cons: Currently, it only supports services using the HTTP and HTTPS protocols. If you need to use other protocols, such as Remote Desktop or FTP, this solution isn’t suitable—you’ll need to find an alternative.

Do you have to lose port 443 and your address will be with a little digital tail?No! Lucky+CloudFlare makes you clean and fresh!

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:41:00 GMT

Those of you who are familiar with me know that I love to toss NAS, and I run a lot of services in my NAS at home. As a family of geeks, most of my use is through the routing side of the intranet address to jump to use, and did not pay attention to the access status of the public network. Recently, however, one day, I suddenly went out and found that these services on the NAS could not be accessed through the public network.

I found out the reason is that port 443 of IPv6 is blocked, and in the past, IPv6 was not blocked for 443 in my city. I thought it was a phased blocking of ports and would be unblocked after a while, however, more than a month has passed and it still hasn't been unblocked, so I'm afraid it won't be unblocked for quite some time.

Lucky.

In the past, my service on the NAS has been realized through DDNS-Go + Ngnix Prosy Manager. I experienced Lucky Daikichi when I tossed iStoreOS on my Lab machine some time ago, and this time I plan to formally apply Lucky to the NAS as well. I'm not the only one who uses the network at home, and there's a history of being criticized by the whole family because of something going wrong with All In One. So I have all my services on the NAS now, and the routing will just be routing.

Lucky Daji is based on DDNS integrated reverse proxy solution, support for many domain name service provider platform, also through the API and key management (I believe that friends can see here, must know how to apply for API and key), but its management background design is more humanized, a variety of processes are also more intuitive. ssl certificates are also managed individually, more suitable for the use of national I've used CloudCloud myself. I myself have used CloudFlare's 15-year certificate, so long cycle, or very worrying.

Of course the biggest problem is still the port issue. Because I'm a lazy person, I only set up one external listening port when shadowing ports through Biggie, and the various services are differentiated by secondary domain names. The reverse proxy service addresses on the NAS are prefixed with nasx.

source rules

Although a port is better to remember, through the domain name plus port can also be used. But as a slightly obsessive-compulsive have bacteria, always feel very awkward, so also have been looking for ways to realize the public port jump. Before in the big mom also have seen other friends write, through the redirection rules and source rules to realize the way, but let a person more helpless is the free version only 10 redirection and 10 source rules to use the authority.

In the course of my attempts, I found that the source rule has an option to match "SSL/HTTPS" to point the default port 443 to the specified port of the service host, which is literally customized for my current situation.

CloudFlare's source rules are very user-friendly and can be used to create a variety of complex judgment combinations through "And" and "Ro" to adapt to various situations. If there is only one host in a single network segment, it can be judged by the IPv6 segment, which does not need a prefix and is easy to remember. But I have other hosts under "2408", so I chose the prefix way to do the judgment, the services on the NAS are in the second-level domain name added "nasx" as a prefix, this setup ensures that the other hosts under the main domain name will not conflict with the second-level domain name. This setting ensures that the other second-level domain names under the primary domain name will not conflict with each other.

Of course the little yellow cloud in DNS must be turned on, or it will not take effect.

utilization effect

After these settings, you can access your own private service directly with just the domain name, no problem for either browsers or clients. However, it is important to note that the actual port for accessing through the domain name is 443, not a customized port. For remote Aria downloads or remote database access, the port needs to be 443. For remote desktop access, the domain name can be used to connect directly without a port.

In practice, the DNS access through CloudFlare is a bit slower than AliDNS with port resolution, but it is more stable. In the course of my business trip, I found that some cities through the Ali DNS access will fail, but CloudFlare is not a problem. I haven't tried Tencent's DNSPod or Volcano, and I don't know if other platforms in China support this kind of source rule, so I'd like to hear from those who have used it.

Performing Brain Surgery on AI: Can We Use Ollama Modelfile to Fine-Tune a Local Large Model and Teach It the "Shadow Clone" Technique?

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:57:00 GMT

In the era of agent privatization, Ollama serves as an ideal platform for running AI models. Depending on specific requirements, different models can be loaded in a staggered manner to achieve the agent’s behavioral objectives. However, the models in the official Ollama library generally take up a significant amount of space and cannot be customized. In comparison, fetching models from Hugging Face is a great alternative.

As it happens, both Qwen and Gemma have recently released new models that are supposedly agent- and skill-friendly, so I decided to give them a try. However, even though I pulled in the most powerful Qwen 3.5, it ran like a madman talking to himself. This is most likely not a problem with the model’s intelligence, but rather a case where the Ollama model file needs a bit of “brain surgery.”

When pulling models from HuggingFace, we need to create a ModeFile tailored to our specific needs, but this is often where the most issues arise. We may encounter hallucinations, self-questioning and self-answering, looping outputs, or no output at all. The reason for this is that Ollama is extremely sensitive to the Template in the model’s ModeFile.In most cases, each model includes a pre-configured Chat Template provided by the publisher. The root cause of model runaway behavior is a conflict arising from inconsistencies between the ModeFile and the model’s built-in Chat Template.

Even within the same model series, there can be significant differences between the built-in chat templates. For example, if you place a Qwen3 ModeFile into Qwen3.5, it will malfunction. Therefore, the safest approach is to export the chat template from the model and use it to build a ModeFile that meets your specific needs.

Export Template

Ollama typically runs in a container, but since container environments are often minimal, the best way to extract chat templates is to run the command directly on the host machine. I run Ollama on UNRAID, which doesn’t come with a Python environment by default, but you can install it from the App Store. Similarly, you can install it on Synology and Feiniu as well.

Simply run the following command in the model directory using Python:

python3 -c "



def read_gguf_template(file_path):
    try:
        with open(file_path, 'rb') as f:
            magic = f.read(4)
            if magic != b'GGUF': return '【Invalid GGUF】'
            # 2MB Covers the vast majority of metadata scenarios
            header_data = f.read(2 * 1024 * 1024)
            key = b'tokenizer.chat_template'
            pos = header_data.find(key)
            if pos == -1: return '【Template field not found】'
            
            # Identifying Jinja template delimiters
            start_jinja = header_data.find(b'{%', pos)
            if start_jinja == -1: start_jinja = header_data.find(b'{{', pos)
            
            if start_jinja != -1:
                raw = header_data[start_jinja : start_jinja + 2000]
                end_jinja = raw.rfind(b'%}')
                # Decode and clean up any remaining binary data
                res = raw[:end_jinja + 2].decode('utf-8', 'ignore') if end_jinja != -1 else raw.decode('utf-8', 'ignore')
                return res.strip()
            return '【The keyword was found, but the starting point could not be located.】'
    except Exception as e:
        return f'【Read error: {e}】'

files = sorted([f for f in os.listdir('.') if f.endswith('.gguf')])
if not files:
    print('Error: No .gguf files were found in the current directory.')
else:
    for file in files:
        print('\n' + '★' * 40)
        print(f'Model file: {file}')
        print('--- Original template content ---')
        print(read_gguf_template(file))
        print('★' * 40)
"

You will then see an item with the same name under the model.

P.S.: I mostly use the Q4_K_M model, which offers a fairly moderate compression ratio.

The cause of the confusion

Taking Qwen 3.5 as an example:

The template includes <think>\n\n</think>structure. If Ollama's Modelfile has not defined PARAMETER stop "<|im_end|>" or if the thought chain tags are not handled properly, the model will enter a loop.

To keep pace with the current trend in agents and skills, Qwen 3.5 has added a large number <tool_call>, <function=...>, and <parameter=...> tags. If the System Prompt passed from Ollama is incomplete, the model may "mistakenly assume" that it needs to call a tool. When it realizes there are no tools available, it will start randomly generating function names and parameters based on a template format, resulting in "nonsensical content."

There is logic in the template:{% if message.role == "tool" %} This will be followed by <|im_start|>user\n<tool_response>. IIn Ollama’s default logic, the "user" and "assistant" roles alternate. However, to maintain compatibility with tool responses, Qwen 3.5 wraps tool wraps the return content of user a role. If Ollama’s Modelfile simply defines a role, it can lead to a misalignment of contextual roles. The model may suddenly perceive itself as the user, creating the illusion of a "loop."

Custom Modeflie

With the built-in templates in the structural model, building Modeflies is much simpler. Based on the Chat Template included in the model, I built two Modeflies: Think and Agent.

Features	Think Mode (Thinking Type)	Agent Pattern (Executing)
Temperature (Temp)	0.6–0.8 (to allow for creativity)	0.1–0.4 (for stability)
Context (Ctx)	32768 (Long-form text analysis)	8,192–16,384 (as long as it’s sufficient)
Core Logic	Inductive <think> Inductive Activation	Enforce Constraints on Tool Calls
Stop words	Standard Role Tags	Increase </think> Truncate

Think is used <think> for scheduling, planning, breaking down plans, and studying existing documents. It improves the quality of generated content by allowing the model to self-validate. If the base model you’ve selected does not support the Think mode, do not attempt <think> to convert it into a Think model within Modeflie, as this will result in garbled text.

FROM ./Qwen3.5-4B-Q4_K_M.gguf

TEMPLATE """<|im_start|>system
{{ .System }}<|im_end|>
{{ range .Messages }}<|im_start|>{{ .Role }}
{{ .Content }}<|im_end|>
{{ end }}<|im_start|>assistant
<think>
"""

SYSTEM """You are an expert reasoning assistant. For every problem, think carefully and thoroughly before answering. Show your reasoning process inside <think> tags, then provide a clear, well-structured final answer after </think>."""

PARAMETER stop "<|im_end|>"
PARAMETER stop "<|im_start|>"
PARAMETER stop "<|endoftext|>"

PARAMETER num_gpu 99

PARAMETER num_ctx 32768
PARAMETER temperature 0.6
PARAMETER top_p 0.95
PARAMETER top_k 40
PARAMETER repeat_penalty 1.1
PARAMETER num_predict 8192

An Agent is responsible for invoking various tools and quickly generating real-time content. The Agent’s modefile strictly enforces rules governing which tools can be invoked, how they are executed, and what their outputs should be. Allowing the model to think during execution reduces efficiency and can cause deviations in the execution process. Therefore, the thinking process is terminated using the </think> tag during execution; alternatively, thinking can be forcibly terminated using the PARAMETER stop "</think>" parameter.

FROM ./Qwen3.5-4B-Q4_K_M.gguf

TEMPLATE """<|im_start|>system
{{ .System }}<|im_end|>
{{ range .Messages }}<|im_start|>{{ .Role }}
{{ .Content }}<|im_end|>
{{ end }}<|im_start|>assistant
<think>

</think>

"""

SYSTEM """You are a precise, execution-focused AI assistant operating as an agent backend.

## Tool Usage
- Call tools proactively when external data, retrieval, or computation is needed.
- Return tool calls as valid JSON strictly following the provided schema.
- Include all required fields. Never omit or fabricate parameter values.
- If a required parameter is missing or ambiguous, ask for clarification before calling.
- After receiving tool results, synthesize and respond — do not re-expose raw tool output.

## Task Handling
- RAG / Retrieval: Query precisely. Summarize retrieved content faithfully without hallucination.
- Data processing: Apply operations step by step. Validate output structure before responding.
- Multi-step planning: Break complex tasks into subtasks. Track progress and adjust plan if a step fails.

## Output Rules
- Structured tasks → use JSON or markdown tables as appropriate.
- Free-form tasks → plain concise prose, no filler.
- Never guess. Never pad. If uncertain, say so explicitly."""

PARAMETER stop "<|im_end|>"
PARAMETER stop "<|im_start|>"
PARAMETER stop "<|endoftext|>"

PARAMETER num_gpu 99

PARAMETER num_ctx 16384
PARAMETER temperature 0.6
PARAMETER top_p 0.9
PARAMETER top_k 40
PARAMETER repeat_penalty 1.1
PARAMETER num_predict 2048

You can adjust the PARAMETER section according to your device environment and requirements.

Teamwork: 1 + 1 > 2

Through this "brain surgery" on the model file, we have essentially split a single model into two distinct "personalities." This is the "Shadow Clone Technique" of local large models:

Thinker: Responsible for digesting lengthy documents and refining logic, <think> the tag to construct complex chains of reasoning.
Executor: Handles the dirty and tedious work, strictly executes JSON output, never wastes words, and delivers only results.

Compared to mixing and matching models from different brands and of different scales, this collaborative approach based on “clones from the same source” offers a decisive advantage:

Zero communication overhead: Since they share the same vocabulary (tokenizer) and underlying logic, Clone B can instantly and accurately grasp the intent planned by Clone A, significantly reducing the protocol alignment overhead associated with cross-model calls.
Ultra-space-saving: No matter how many partitions you create, it always occupies only a single Qwen3.5-4B-Q4_K_M.gguf of disk space.
A Leap in NAS Performance: Even in resource-constrained NAS environments, a "specialized and fine-tuned" small-parameter model can deliver greater stability and responsiveness for specific tasks than even those bloated, general-purpose large models.

The Ultimate Closed-Loop Solution for Agent Privatization

Amid the trend toward agent privatization, Ollama is no longer just a model loader; it’s more like a “talent marketplace.”

With Modelfile’s precise control, you can summon countless “clones” just like in *Naruto*, tailored to the difficulty of the task: one for security reviews, one for code audits, one for data cleansing… They all share a single brain (Weights) but each performs its own specific role.

When your local AI can automatically and seamlessly switch between “thoughtful deliberation” and “swift action” based on your instructions, you no longer have just a chatbot—you have a special forces unit of AI that is at your beck and call, absolutely loyal, and deeply attuned to your needs.

The brain surgery is complete. Now, restart Ollama and experience the power of the avatar combo!

If you’re not a programmer，Where Are the Opportunities for Ordinary People in the Age of Rapid AI Growth? A More Optimistic View

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:58:32 GMT

AI is evolving rapidly—but what does that actually mean for ordinary people?

Is it a threat, or an opportunity to improve productivity and participate in the future of work?

Not long ago, I wrote down a quiet sense of anxiety：

「The Betrayal of the Long Tail: When AI Becomes the Sole Beneficiary of Content Dividends」

It was very specific.AI is advancing so quickly that it makes people wonder:

Is this truly a technological revolution, or just another massive bubble?

And if you’re not a programmer, a tech founder, or a major investor—

are you destined to miss out on this wave entirely,just like many people did with Bitcoin ten years ago?

Recently, I’ve noticed more and more discussions around this idea.

One question in particular caught my attention:

If the Nasdaq were to drop 30%, could that actually become an opportunity for ordinary people to participate in the AI era?

There’s no clear answer to that.But it pushed me to think differently.

Instead of constantly asking “Is AI a bubble?”,

maybe a more practical question is:

What opportunities has AI already created for ordinary people?

In this piece, I want to explore that question—

from a slightly more optimistic, everyday perspective.

1. The most immediate impact of AI: redefining “efficiency”

This is perhaps the most obvious change—and also the easiest to overlook.

AI hasn’t transformed the world overnight.But it has quietly changed how we get things done.

At a macro level:

In healthcare, AI assists with diagnosis
In finance, it supports analysis and forecasting

But for most people, the real impact shows up in everyday tasks:

Writing documents
Creating presentations
Organizing information and research

Things that used to take hours can now be done in a fraction of the time.

For me, one very concrete example is language learning.I’ve gotten used to using ChatGPT as a kind of on-demand tutor.

Whenever I come across a sentence I don’t understand, I just ask:

It explains grammar clearly and concisely
It compares similar expressions
It even creates examples and exercises

It doesn’t feel like traditional “studying.”It feels more like having a private teacher available anytime.

But the real significance lies beneath efficiency itself.When repetitive and mechanical tasks are reduced,you naturally gain back time.

And with that time, you have a choice:

Fill it with even more tasks
Or spend it on things that seem, at first glance, “useless”

Personally, I prefer the latter. Writing. Observing. Thinking. Even doing nothing.

Strangely enough,it’s often these “useless” things，that shape what makes a person unique.

2. Another kind of opportunity: participating in the upside of technology

If efficiency is a certain kind of opportunity,then this second one is more about choice.

Many people assume that benefiting from AI means:

Starting a company, building products, becoming the next big success story

But the reality is, entrepreneurship has a very high failure rate.

I know this from experience.I've been there before.

For most people, repeatedly trying and failing at startups comes with real costs—time, money, and mental pressure.

So over time, I’ve come to accept a simpler strategy:

Instead of trying to become one of the few winners,

why not become a partner in their success?

In practical terms, that means:

Allocating some capital to the people and companies already building the future

Let them take the most risks, make the decisions, and drive innovation—

while you share a small part of the outcome.

Seen from this perspective, the earlier question becomes interesting again:

If the Nasdaq drops 30%, is that an opportunity?

In a way, yes.

If you believe AI is a long-term trend,

then market fluctuations are essentially changes in the “price of participation.”

And the reality is quite simple:

If you want exposure to AI
You can’t really avoid the U.S. stock market
Most leading tech companies are still concentrated there

Of course, this isn’t a one-way story. Opportunity always comes with risk.

The same decision could also lead to losses

So it’s better understood as a way to participate,not a guaranteed outcome.

3. Maybe AI is not competing with us—but amplifying us

A lot of anxiety comes from one assumption: AI will replace humans

But a more accurate way to see it might be: AI amplifies the people who know how to use it

It doesn’t affect everyone equally. Instead, it accelerates divergence:

Some people use AI to expand their abilities
Others remain stuck in old patterns

In that sense, AI is less like a replacement—and more like a lever.

It doesn’t determine the outcome, but it magnifies existing differences.

4. A quieter kind of optimism

I don’t believe AI will solve everything.And I don’t think everyone will suddenly “win” in this new era.

But some things are already happening:

Tools are becoming more powerful
Information is more accessible
Individual capability is expanding

These changes may not transform your life overnight.But they can gradually reshape your path.

So instead of asking: “Will I be replaced?” Maybe a better question is:

Can I become someone who knows how to use AI?

And just as importantly:

Once my time is freed up, what will I choose to do with it?

Final Thoughts

If I had to sum up this moment in one sentence, I’d say this:

AI may not make ordinary people rich overnight,

but it is quietly giving them more options.

And having more options—

is already a form of opportunity.

Follow me for more insights on living and starting a business in Japan.

Living in Tokyo for 210,000 JPY /Month (~$1,317 USD): A "No-Nonsense" Review of My Short-Term Rental

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:07:37 GMT

I previously shared a curated list of short-term rental platforms in Japan—a great high-value alternative to Tokyo’s pricey hotels, whether you're traveling or in a transition phase：

Why Short-Term Rentals are the Perfect Bridge for Moving to Japan？

With the new school and moving season approaching, I’ve received many messages asking for specifics. I dug through my archives and found the footage of the unit I stayed in. While it certainly doesn't offer the luxury of a hotel, it perfectly embodies the Japanese concept of “small but mighty” (everything you need in a tiny space).

Here are the unfiltered details of my experience:

1. The Logistics: Location & Price

Location: Toshima-ku, near Ikebukuro. It’s incredibly central with easy access to anywhere in Tokyo. Crucially, the management allowed me to use the address for Residence Card (Zairyu Card) registration.
Price: Around ¥210,000 (approx. 10,000 RMB / $1,400 USD) per month. I found that booking directly through short-term rental sites was slightly cheaper than Airbnb.
What’s Included: This covered two occupants (unlike Japanese hotels which usually charge per person), all utilities (electricity, water, gas), high-speed Wi-Fi, and the move-out cleaning fee.
The "30-Day Rule": Interestingly, my agent pointed out that renting for 30 days was actually cheaper than 25 days due to monthly discount structures. Always check the math!

2. Room & Facilities

The unit was roughly 12 square meters.

Appliances: It had everything except a washing machine—TV, AC, microwave, kettle, fridge, vacuum, and even a hairdryer.
Kitchen: There was an induction stove and basic cookware. However, I survived entirely on microwaveable meals from the local konbini (convenience store).
Deposits: For stays under 15 days, a small deposit is usually required. For my full month stay, no deposit was needed, which was a huge plus for cash flow.

3. The "Social Battery" Saver

One of the best features was the contactless check-in and check-out. Everything was handled via QR codes and email. Aside from receiving packages, I never had to interact with anyone in person—a true paradise for introverts.

The Reality Check (The Cons)

It wasn't all sunshine and cherry blossoms. Here is what you need to be prepared for:

Thin Walls: This is common in "Airbnb-style" apartments. I could hear my neighbors (who were mostly tourists) talking loudly. Luckily, they were speaking German and Korean, so I didn't understand a word—but I’d highly recommend bringing earplugs.
Basic Comforts: The mattress was a bit soft, the pillows lacked support, and the provided toiletries were the most basic "budget" versions. It’s functional, but don't expect a 5-star sleep.
No Housekeeping: Unlike a hotel, you are responsible for your own cleaning and trash. There was also no balcony, making it tricky to air out damp towels.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a cost-effective "home base" to start your life in Japan or for a long-term exploration, these short-term rentals are unbeatable for the price.

All USD conversions are based on March 2026 exchange rates.

Follow me for more insights on living and starting a business in Japan.

Solving the Residence Card Address Dilemma: Why Short-Term Rentals are the Perfect Bridge for Moving to Japan？

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:32:37 GMT

When you first land in Japan, what is your #1 priority?

It’s registering your address at the local Ward Office (Kuyakusho) to update your Residence Card (Zairyu Card). Without a registered address, you cannot get a SIM card, open a bank account, or sign a long-term lease. You are essentially "digitally stranded."

If you haven't secured a permanent apartment yet and don't have friends to host you, you need a temporary but "registrable" address. Here is how to navigate this transition using short-term rentals.

1. The "Airport Gap"

When you clear customs at major airports like Haneda, Narita, or Kansai, officers issue a Residence Card with a blank address field. This is a temporary status. You are legally required to register a permanent or semi-permanent residence at a Ward Office once you've settled.

2. Choosing Your "Home Base": Hotels vs. Short-Term Rentals

Where should you stay for those first 30–60 days? Here is a breakdown of cost and convenience (from most expensive to most affordable):

Hotels > Serviced Apartments > Airbnbs > Short-term Rentals (Monthly Mansions) > Share Houses.

Under 30 days: Hotels or Airbnbs are easiest, but ensure they allow address registration before booking. Some Ward Offices reject hotel addresses.
Over 30 days: Short-term rentals (Weekly/Monthly Mansions) are the gold standard. They are cost-effective and specifically designed for mid-term stays. Look for listings tagged "Foreigner Friendly" (外国人可) to avoid the need for a local guarantor.

3. Top Resources for Finding Short-Term Rentals

Beyond Booking.com or Airbnb, these specialized Japanese platforms are your best bet. Note that most of these require no guarantor and are expat-friendly:

Aggregators (Search Portals):

monthly-shintoshin.com**:** Focuses on Tokyo; no guarantor needed.
weeklyandmonthly.com**:** Massive inventory, though info can sometimes be slightly outdated.
tokyo-concierge.jp**:** Specialized in Tokyo metropolitan area.
weekly-monthly.net : Reliable foreigner-friendly listings.
liveMAX: A well-known hotel/apartment chain offering actual apartments (not just hotel rooms).
sumyca.com : Excellent service and fast-moving inventory .

High-End / Serviced Apartments:

duo-flats.jp: High quality, often accessible via the aggregators above.
hmletjapan.com: Managed by Mitsubishi; premium quality and community-focused, primarily in Tokyo.

Pro-Tip: March to May is the peak season (Graduation and Sakura season). Competition is fierce, so book at least one month in advance.

4. The Booking & Contract Process

Communication: Entirely via email. They sent a registration link where the contract was generated automatically.
Signing: Done online. If your Japanese is rusty, translation tools work perfectly .
Documents: You will need to provide IDs and passports for all occupants.
Payment: Standard Visa/Mastercard credit cards are accepted.
Receipts: Ensure you get a "Ryoushu-sho" (Receipt). If you are running a business in Japan, this is vital for tax deductions.

I personally used Sumyca to find a one-month rental. The process was surprisingly seamless。A corner of the room，There is a fridge and a microwave：

5. Check-in: A Social Distance Paradise

Most modern short-term rentals offer a "Contactless Check-in." * 48 hours before arrival, you receive an email with a password and a URL.

At the property, enter the code into the smart lock or a key box.
Scan a QR code inside the room to complete the digital check-in.

6. Final Checklist Before You Book

Mail & Address: Confirm with the management that you can register the address at the Ward Office and receive mail/packages.
Cooking: If required, Check if there is a stovetop (IH or gas) and basic kitchenware.short-term rentals are usually equipped with a microwave.
Facilities: Ensure there is a private bathroom (some cheap ones share facilities) and a washing machine (or a nearby laundromat).

Follow me for more "survival" tips on living and starting business in Japan.

Mastering the "Blueprint" of Japanese Grammar: Why Hitoshi Deguchi is A wise choice for Self-Learners？

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:37:01 GMT

In the long and often grueling journey of learning a foreign language, many learners find themselves in a frustrating "bottleneck": you’ve memorized thousands of words, yet you can’t seem to string a coherent sentence together. Usually, the problem isn't a lack of vocabulary—it’s the absence of a solid grammar framework.

Today, I want to share a resource that changed the game for me: Hitoshi Deguchi (出口仁), a master of Japanese grammar instruction.

1. Who is 出口仁 Hitoshi Deguchi?

Hitoshi Deguchi is a native Japanese speaker and a graduate of the prestigious University of Tsukuba. After university, he moved to Taiwan, which led to a unique professional quirk: in his beginner courses (N5/N4), he teaches in Chinese with a charming Taiwanese accent. This "gap" between his gentle, cute accent and his rigorous, high-level academic content creates a memorable teaching persona that is both accessible and professional.

With over 20 years of experience in cross-cultural teaching, Deguchi-sensei profoundly understands the "pain points" of non-native learners. He doesn't just teach you what to say; he deconstructs the why.

2. Grammar is the Blueprint; Vocabulary is the Brick

Many people dread studying grammar because it feels tedious and abstract. However, learning a language is like building a castle. Vocabulary represents the bricks, but grammar is the essential blueprint.

Without a blueprint, no matter how many expensive "bricks" (words) you collect, you will only end up with a disorganized heap of rubble. It will have no structural integrity and certainly no "living comfort." Grammar is what connects those bricks into a logical system, allowing your "language castle" to rise from the ground. The core value of grammar is handing you that precise, reliable blueprint.

3. A Systematic and Three-Dimensional Approach

What sets Deguchi-sensei apart is the sheer systematic integrity of his curriculum. He maps out Japanese from isolated points into a complete three-dimensional network:

The Native Mindset: As a native speaker, he explains why Japanese people think the way they do. This mindset-first approach helps learners avoid the trap of "translated Japanese" (e.g., applying English or Chinese logic to Japanese).
Cultural Nuance & Trivia: He peppers his lessons with fascinating insights. For example, he warns: "If a doctor looks at you and says, 'It appears (rashii/らしい) you have a broken bone,' get a second opinion immediately!" In Japanese, rashii implies a level of uncertainty that a professional shouldn't have—knowing these nuances is the difference between a student and a speaker.
A Logical Progression: His courses follow a perfect cognitive ladder. N5-N4 levels are explained in Mandarin to ensure fundamental concepts are crystal clear. From N3 to N1, he transitions into an all-Japanese environment, guiding you into full immersion.
Flexible Access: He offers high-quality free lessons on YouTube, alongside premium, in-depth courses for different proficiency levels. There is an option for every budget and goal.

4. Addressing the "Boredom" Factor

Some critics argue that Deguchi-sensei’s style is "dry." There are no flashy interactions—only a blackboard, a chalk, and pure logical deduction. Admittedly, as a beginner, I also felt overwhelmed at times, especially when staring at his exhaustive tables of verb conjugations and classifications.

However, as I progressed and eventually looked back, I had an epiphany: those "boring" tables are actually incredibly consistent. Once you understand the logic, Japanese verb conjugation works like a chemical formula—you just plug the words in.

A solid foundation requires a bit of "boring" heavy lifting. Those rules are the scaffolding for your future skyscraper. You must first connect the logical dots in your brain before you can expand upward. Hitoshi Deguchi is like an old-school master architect: his blueprints aren't flashy, but they are incredibly stable.

Follow me for more "survival" tips on living and doing business in Japan.

The Betrayal of the Long Tail: When AI Becomes the Sole Beneficiary of Content Dividends

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:39:00 GMT

Have you noticed that the very nature of “search” is undergoing an irreversible mutation?

Beneath the search bars of Google or Bing, AI-generated summaries (AI Overviews/SGE) are aggressively taking over the prime real estate of the first screen. They aggregate and distill the internet’s vast ocean of information, feeding answers directly to the user’s lips. Meanwhile, the original source links — the vessels that actually carry this information — are folded into obscure corners, their existence rendered almost invisible.

In the chat interfaces of GPT-4 or Gemini, this phenomenon is even more absolute. Users rarely click through to verify information anymore; the act of tracing sources is becoming extinct.

This is not just a shift in user habit; it is a dimension-reduction attack on content creators.

As a creator deeply committed to writing **“Living and Entrepreneurship Guides for Foreigners in Japan,”**I feel this chill acutely. I had planned to compile my meticulously polished guides into a “Survival Guide” resource pack — a premium value-add for my site members. However, reality has dealt me a heavy blow: My high-quality, dry-goods (no-fluff) strategies are becoming the favorite “high-quality corpus” for AI crawlers.

We must face a brutal reality: AI is no longer a funnel for personal branding; it is becoming a wall, drowning creators in a flood of synthesized information.

I. The Reconstruction of Traffic Logic: The “Defection” of the Long Tail

In the Web 2.0 era, we placed our faith in the “Long Tail Effect.” We believed that by covering enough niche keywords through SEO, traffic would eventually converge into the creator’s private domain.

However, in the AI era, while the Long Tail effect still exists, the beneficiary has fundamentally shifted.

Benefit_{AI} > Benefit_{Creator}

In the past, long-tail traffic nourished countless small webmasters and indie hackers. Today, this long-tail knowledge is ingested gratis by Large Language Models (LLMs), becoming the nutrients that allow AI to show off its “omniscience.” The dividends of the Long Tail are being intercepted by the AI platforms themselves, no longer flowing to the micro-creators who generated the insight.

II. The Triple Dilemma for Creators

This is the shared nightmare for almost all creators in the “How-to,” tutorial, and strategy niches:

1. The “Granularization” and “Devaluation” of Knowledge

In search and Q&A scenarios, AI pulverizes the complete logic of an article, extracting factual “granules of knowledge” to deliver directly to the user.

The Zero-Click Problem: Readers get their satisfaction directly on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) and no longer need to click into the article.
Intensified Matthew Effect: Only a tiny minority of authoritative sources might get cited. The voices of ordinary people and micro-creators are diluted by algorithms, reduced to nothing more than “free fuel” for the models.

2. The Rupture of Revenue Retention

Traffic no longer flows through hyperlinks; it stagnates within the AI platform.

To compete for attention within these algorithms, creators are forced to resort to “edge-skating” or rage-baiting content. Meanwhile, meticulously crafted deep-dive content feels futile due to the lack of immediate feedback. This mechanism — where “bad money drives out good” — makes content monetization exceptionally difficult.

3. Skyrocketing Costs of Brand Building

The logic of SEO has mutated from “writing for humans” to “feeding machines.”

Creators find their sunk costs expanding indefinitely: the focus of product distribution has shifted from design creativity and humanism to appeasing algorithms and stacking keywords. When personal style is flattened by AI, building a Moat for your personal brand becomes more expensive than ever before.

III. Thinking About Symbiosis with the AI Flood

The AI era is present tense. Whether actively or passively, we are being swept forward. For early-stage content entrepreneurs, AI tools undoubtedly increase production efficiency, but the other side of this double-edged sword is a harsh survival challenge.

When “information” itself becomes cheap, only “experience” and “connection” remain scarce.

How do we coexist with the AI flood while maintaining the Uniqueness of our personal value — and actually earning a living from it? This is not just a technical question; it is a philosophical proposition that every micro-entrepreneur must answer.

The future belongs to those who can provide “Tacit Knowledge” and “Emotional Connection” — things AI cannot generate. We may not be able to stop the flood, but we can learn to build a boat.

A Survival Guide to Japan’s Free Annual Health Checkups (Tokutei Kenshin)

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:35:01 GMT

If you live in Japan on a long-term visa and pay for National Health Insurance (NHI), you will likely receive a large envelope from your local ward office toward the end of the year. Inside is a voucher for a free annual health checkup.

Many newcomers ignore this due to language barriers, busy schedules, or general "doctor anxiety." However, these checkups are a cornerstone of Japan’s longevity culture. Here is my firsthand experience and a step-by-step guide to navigating the system.

1. What’s in the Envelope?

Don't throw it away! You will find:

The Voucher (Tokutei Kenko Shinsa): This is your "golden ticket." It has your name on it; do not lose it.

List of Medical Institutions: A directory of local clinics and hospitals that accept the voucher.

The Guide: This outlines the deadline (usually a few months from receipt).

2. How to Choose a Clinic

The list of clinics usually indicates which foreign languages they support (English, Chinese, etc.) and what additional screenings they offer (lung or colon cancer).

Booking: If you aren't confident in your Japanese, search the clinic's website. Many allow email reservations. If you’re comfortable speaking, a quick phone call is faster.
My Experience: I used a mix of English and Japanese via email, and a bilingual doctor even called me back to confirm the details.

3. Understanding the "Color-Coded" Forms

The Blue Form: This is the standard "Basic Package."
Red/Yellow/Other Forms: These are for specific screenings like lung or colon cancer. You usually need to request these separately at your local Health Center (Hoken Center).
Pro-Tip: When booking, ask if you can do the basic checkup and the cancer screenings on the same day to save time.

4. Pre-Checkup Preparation

Before your appointment, you’ll need to:

Fill out the Questionnaire: Questions cover current medications, lifestyle habits, family history, and smoking/drinking.
The "Home Kit": The hospital will mail you a package containing instructions, a route map, and collection kits for urine (and stool, if you opted for colon screening).

5. The Day of the Exam

Don't worry about the language barrier at the hospital. Most staff in major clinics use translation devices, and instructions (like for the Chest X-ray) are often printed in multiple languages.

The Barium Swallow (Stomach X-ray): This is the most "interactive" part. You’ll need to follow the doctor’s instructions to move on a tilting table. Even with limited Japanese, gestures and basic English usually suffice.
The Environment: Expect a very quiet, organized, and one-on-one guided experience. No crowds, no rushing.

6. The Scope & Results

The Basic Package: It is quite fundamental. It usually includes blood work, fundus (eye) photography, and physical measurements, but typically does not include ultrasounds by default.
Getting Results: You will return to the clinic about two weeks later. A doctor will explain your results, which are categorized into: Normal, Guidance Needed, or Medical Attention Required.

7. The Cost (Incredibly Affordable)

While the basic checkup is free, the optional screenings are heavily subsidized. For example:

Colon Cancer Screening: ~400 JPY
Stomach Endoscopy: ~1,500 JPY
Female Screenings (Breast/Cervical): Often free or very low cost depending on your age.

Final Thought

Japan is famous for its life expectancy, and this culture of regular, subsidized health checks is a big reason why. Overcome the minor hurdle of the paperwork—your "future self" will thank you for being your own health guardian angel.

Follow me for more "survival" tips on living and doing business in Japan. Don't let a doctor anxiety setting slow down your journey!

The Sanitized Muse: When AI Ethics Become Art’s New Censorship

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:36:39 GMT

1. The Day the Algorithm Refused My Lens

Recently, while working on an AI-assisted film project, I hit an invisible wall—not a technical one, but a moralistic one.

I was using "Nano Banana" (Gemini's image/video model) to generate keyframes. A simple shot of a woman’s hand resting on a bed was flagged as "implicit sexual content." A somber scene of mourning in a cemetery was rejected for containing "negative emotions."

The moment a creative spark is labeled "unsafe" or "non-positive" by an algorithm, the machine goes cold. The dialogue shifts from artistic exploration to corporate compliance. This isn't just a glitch; it is a fundamental intervention in the human creative process.

2. The Great Erasure: Michelangelo vs. The Filter

This raises a haunting question: If the future of art becomes dependent on AI, will art history itself be rewritten—or erased?

Imagine Michelangelo alive today, prompting an AI to help him visualize his masterpieces:

The David? Rejected for nudity.
The Creation of Adam? Flagged for sensitive religious imagery.
The Pietà? Blocked for "extreme negative emotions" (grief and death).

From an algorithmic perspective, these are not landmarks of human civilization; they are "high-risk content." By sanitizing the input, we are effectively lobotomizing the output of our future culture.

3. Processing vs. Understanding: The Flaw in the Machine

AI is fluent in logic, mathematics, and code, but it remains a "functional illiterate" in the language of the soul. This isn't due to a lack of data, but a design choice.

Current AI models are engineered to evade complexity, pain, ambiguity, and conflict. Yet, art is precisely the act of gazing into those shadows.

Art is not a template for values.
Art is not a tool for emotional management.
Art is about death, desire, faith, and fear.

If an AI can only process "safe, beautiful, and positive" content, it is merely a high-efficiency toy. True wisdom lies not in avoiding human nature, but in the capacity to look it in the eye.

4. The New Frontier

The frontier that AI has yet to reach—and perhaps shouldn't be allowed to gatekeep—is the direct gaze at our own humanity. Art is our method of that gaze. When the algorithm blinks, it is the artist's job to keep their eyes open.

The "New NISA" in Japan: Why You Should Be Cautious Before Diving In

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:46:55 GMT

I often share my thoughts on financial planning on this blog. To me, investing isn't just about the numbers in your bank account; it’s a philosophy. It’s about learning the difference between investment and consumption, understanding value vs. price, and mastering risk management.

Investing forces you to look at life through a different lens. There is a saying in the DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) community: "Either don't start at all, or be prepared to hold for at least 5 years." Five years sounds like a lifetime, yet it passes in the blink of an eye. Investing 100 USD today is a question to your future self: Where will you be in 5 or 10 years? How will you exit?

If you are living in Japan, you’ve likely heard of NISA. Today, I’m going to break down the rewards and, more importantly, the hidden risks for foreign residents.

1. What is NISA? (The "Tax-Free Weapon" for Residents)

In short, NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) is a government-sponsored tax-exempt investment program designed to encourage people to save for retirement.

The Main Benefit: Usually, Japan charges a 20.315% tax on investment capital gains and dividends. Inside a NISA account, your profits are 100% tax-free.
The "New NISA" (Launched 2024): This updated version is even more powerful:
- Lifetime Tax-Exemption: No more 5-year or 20-year limits; you can hold assets forever.
- High Limit: A lifetime investment limit of 18 million JPY per person.
- Dual Slots: You get a Tsumitate (Accumulation) Slot (1.2M JPY/year) for steady funds and a Growth Slot (2.4M JPY/year) for individual stocks and ETFs.

2. Nasdaq 100 vs. S&P 500: The Expat Favorites

Most foreign investors in Japan focus on low-cost US index funds. Here is the data-driven reality of the "Big Two":

Index	Historical Performance (CAGR)	Risk Level	Best For
S&P 500	~10.3% (Past 30 years)	Moderate	Stable, long-term compound growth.
Nasdaq 100	~14.25% (Since 1985)	High	Aggressive growth (Tech-heavy).

Top Pick: The eMAXIS Slim S&P 500 is the "national favorite" in Japan due to its ultra-low management fee (approx. 0.09%).
Nasdaq Access: You can now invest in the Nasdaq 100 via the Tsumitate slot using funds like iFreeNEXT NASDAQ100.

3. The "Foreigner's Trap": The Real Risk is Your Visa

This is the part many influencers won't tell you. The biggest risk of NISA for an expat isn't a market crash—it’s your visa duration.

NISA is a long-term game. To see positive returns, you generally need a 3 to 5-year horizon.

The Scenario: If you are on a 1-year visa and it is not renewed, you are legally required to close your Japanese bank and brokerage accounts upon departure. If the market happens to be in a "Bear Market" (recession) when you leave, you will be forced to sell at a loss.

Unlike a permanent resident, your investment window is dictated by the Immigration Bureau.

My Advice: Consider building your NISA portfolio only after you have secured a stable 3-year or 5-year visa. The market will always be there, but your ability to "wait out" a downturn depends on your legal right to stay in the country.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research.

Follow me for more insights on navigating life, business, and finance in Japan.

Decoding the "Zenkaku" Trap: Why Your Japanese Forms Keep Getting Rejected ？(Full-width vs. Half-width)

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:28:56 GMT

If you are living in Japan and have tried to apply for a bank card, set up utilities, or register for an online service, you’ve likely hit an invisible wall: the "Full-width character" (Zenkaku) requirement.

You enter your name or phone number correctly, but the system flashes a red error message. You check the spelling—it's perfect. So what's wrong? Welcome to the world of East Asian character encoding.

Today, let's break down the logic of Full-width vs. Half-width so you never get stuck on a Japanese form again.

1. What is the Difference?

The distinction between Full-width and Half-width comes from the way East Asian languages (Japanese, Chinese, Korean) were digitized to coexist with the Latin alphabet (English).

🧐 The Core Distinction

Full-width (Zenkaku / 全角): One character occupies a square space, the same width as a Kanji (Chinese character).
Half-width (Hankaku / 半角): One character occupies half that space. This is the standard width for the English alphabet and numbers.

In technical terms, older systems used 2 bytes for Full-width characters and 1 byte for Half-width. Even though modern systems (Unicode) are more flexible, Japanese administrative systems still strictly enforce these specific "widths."

🗣️ Why Does This Exist?

Technical Origins: Early ASCII encoding only supported 128 characters (English). When Japan digitized its language, it needed thousands of characters, requiring double the storage space.
Visual Alignment: To make text look neat when mixed with square Kanji, "Full-width" versions of English letters and numbers were designed to fill a full square. Compare these:
- Half-width: Hello 123 (Standard English)
- Full-width： Ｈｅｌｌｏ　１２３ (Notice how they look "spaced out")

2. How to Switch and Avoid the Trap

To successfully submit a Japanese form, you need to know how to toggle these modes on your device.

1. Install a Japanese Keyboard

Whether you are on iOS, Android, or Windows, you must have the Japanese Romaji/Kana keyboard installed.

2. Selecting the "Zenkaku" Option

When you type a number or letter on a Japanese keyboard, a selection bar will appear above your keyboard.

Look for the character that appears wider.
On many interfaces, the Full-width option is marked with a small 「全」 (short for Zenkaku).

3. The "Hidden Boss": The Spacebar ⚠️

This is the most common reason for rejection. Spaces also have Full-width and Half-width versions. If a form requires "Full-width input," and you use a standard English space between your first and last name, the system will reject the entire form. Ensure your space is also a "Full-width space"—it will look like a larger, empty square.

3. Pro-Tip for Expats

When applying for your Zairyu Card or bank account:

Administrative consistency is key. If your card has your name in all caps with specific spacing, you must replicate that width exactly.
The "Copy-Paste" trick: If you struggle with the keyboard, type your information in a converter or a notes app first to ensure every character (including spaces) is Zenkaku before pasting it into the form.

Follow me for more "survival" tips on living and doing business in Japan. Don't let a keyboard setting slow down your journey!

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Want to Challenge Your Vocabulary?

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6. Set Up the Authentication App First

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