Welcome to Wa-Japan.org
My name is Takeshi.K, and I live in Osaka, Japan.
For many years, I have traveled to every prefecture in Japan, not only for work but also for leisure.
Through these journeys, I have had countless opportunities to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, traditions, and regional cultures.
On this site, I share my experiences with readers around the world.
The places I write about are not always from recent travels, but my goal is to highlight timeless destinations and aspects of Japanese history and culture that continue to shape our identity today.
Why I Started Writing About Japan
After the pandemic, inbound tourism to Japan increased rapidly, and I began to see more posts by foreign visitors on Facebook and YouTube.
Many of them said things like, “I try not to cause trouble for Japanese people” or “I do my best to follow Japanese customs.”
Of course, I too feel a bit lost when faced with unfamiliar customs while traveling abroad.
But seeing foreign visitors puzzled by Japanese culture made me realize how much of what I had always considered “normal” in daily life might actually be unique.
Take vending machines, for example.
For us Japanese, being able to buy hot or cold drinks anywhere, at any time of day or night, is completely natural. Yet when I asked myself, “When did this become normal?” I had no answer.
Or consider the Japanese language.
Even the same fish is referred to differently depending on whether it is alive, displayed in a supermarket, or cut into fillets or sashimi – and the way we count them also changes.
Foreigners often find this confusing, and seeing their reaction made me wonder, “When and why did these rules begin?” That curiosity is what led me to start this blog.
I have visited every prefecture in Japan for both work and personal travel.
Based on these experiences, I also introduce sightseeing spots, but my articles are not written as travel diaries.
Instead, I focus on the history, traditions, and cultural background of each place.
Some readers may find my posts less visually appealing, since they contain fewer photos.
But that is intentional.
Rather than simply filling pages with beautiful images or words of praise for Japan, I strive to present information as objectively as possible – allowing readers to form their own impressions.
Japan’s traditions, passed down through the centuries, are truly unique in the world.
Calmness in times of disaster, the deep respect for others found in sports and martial arts, the remarkable punctuality of public transportation, diligence, and the safety of daily life – these are all qualities worthy of admiration.
At the same time, I am also aware that misunderstandings about Japan have grown in recent years.
That is why I avoid self-congratulation and instead aim to introduce Japan through facts and balanced perspectives.
My wish is simple: that readers discover something new here, whether it deepens their knowledge or sparks fresh curiosity about Japan.
This is the reason why I continue to write and share.
Takeshi.K