The year 2024 will likely be remembered as a hot one (at least, until next summer). It was a hot year for Japanese culture overseas, too, and heated debates were had over a huge influx of tourists. Through it all, the people we spoke to for 20 Questions offered us cool heads and calm words of advice, so let’s refresh our memories on what they said as we near the year’s end.
On life in Japan...
What have your years of living here taught you about Japanese language and culture? The Japanese don’t always articulate their feelings — it’s a very “dot dot dot” society — and you’re often just expected to understand. You’ve really got to be here to learn it. Though being an arts lover, I do think that films and theater offer some good hints. Gary Perlman, playwright, Nov. 7
What were your first thoughts on Tokyo? I fell in love with what I call “the beauty of the ordinary.” I float through the day enjoying everyday life versus trying to find a kick in something extraordinary. After five-ish years, slowly these details became “my life.” I still appreciate the little things here over some of the bigger moments. Adrian Bianco, editor in chief Sabukaru Online, Aug. 30
What have you learned since being in Japan? The one thing that is respected the most in Japanese society is doing something and staying with it. Really gritting your teeth and bearing it out.... Once you are able to create something that has sustainability, and can continue on regularly, then you’re going to get help and support. Duane Levi, concert organizer, Sept. 27
On working in Japan...
When is your job the most fulfilling? When I take care of senior dogs until our last goodbyes. Senior dogs are so old or sick that the purpose of care is no longer about recovery. My job is to provide them with relief from even the smallest amount of pain. Meanwhile, the owner knows their dog is running out of time and wants somebody to talk to. So, my job is also to support them until their dog passes. That is when I receive the most appreciation from clients. Both owners and I are fulfilled by knowing we did every possible thing until the end. Ellie Harrell, physical therapist for dogs, Jan. 27
What is the secret to being able to work together as a couple? Lots of fighting! Seriously though, (my wife) says things to me that other people wouldn’t, which ends up having a positive effect on the restaurant and the food. Kazuyuki and Yuki Shimamoto, restauranteurs, Feb. 10
What excites you about the job? As a recruiter, you’re always in control of your own destiny and what you earn. As long as you’re working for a good company, there really are no limitations. And it’s one of the few industries where it really doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, how old you are, or what nationality you are. It’s entirely results-based. I think that’s comforting, and it’s rare in Japan. Matt Nichols, recruiter, Mar. 9
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your business? I think that food is actually a gateway into deeper aspects of a culture. People love the cuisine in Japan, but beyond this what they really want is to know more about what life is actually like here. Anne Kyle, CEO Arigato Travel, Apr. 26
On being a woman in Japan...
How has your dating-focused “Tokyo Hoe Tales” show been received? I realized that a lot of women come to my shows and most of my followers are women; a lot of Japanese women as well. So I wanted to make a girly space. Obviously, everyone's welcome, but the attitude is not being ashamed, being unconventional, being a “badass bitch.” And some Japanese women have come up to me (and said), “You say what I can't say. Thank you for being a voice.” Yurie Collins, comedian, Dec. 10
How should we help women in the film industry? (I want) film studios to start having quotas for movies that they either distribute or produce, to be intentionally seeking female stories and be more open-minded. We have to create more opportunities for women to be playing on equal ground. Andrijana Cvetkovikj, Tokyo International Film Festival programmer, Oct. 24
What is it like to embed yourself in the male-dominated fishing industry? Ironically, the Shinto god of the sea is female. There is a long-standing superstition of women on ships, that the sea goddess might be jealous and bring bad weather or hauls. This idea isn’t isolated to only Japan. It's probably because there's a lot of physical work and danger involved, so they don't include women for safety reasons. But considering the current state of the fishing industry, the number of women is increasing due to the general downturn in people wanting to become fishermen. Smaller communities such as Konbumori just north of Kushiro have more female fishers as of late. Toko Jinno, photographer, May 11
On humans and nature...
What’s the role of tourism and the cranes? I think tourism is incredibly helpful for the birds, but there is a downside. As more people come to take pictures of the birds we have to remember they are still wild animals. When taking pictures, remember to not approach the cranes too closely and only do so from designated places. Miyuki Kawase, Akan International Crane Center director, Feb. 24
What is the main issue that bears can cause us? There are so many issues within human-wildlife conflict, but with bears I think the main issue would perhaps be encroaching into human areas in search for food, whether it's natural or anthropogenic. And that obviously causes conflict because they're in residential areas, so there's more chances to meet and cause damage. Amelia Hiorns, wildlife researcher, March 30
What does a windsurfer struggle with on a marathon voyage like yours? The psychological challenge of being kind of comfortable with the level of exposure. Out on the big ocean swells you are quite vulnerable and my first few experiences took me a long time to get accustomed to. The ocean is far bigger than we are, it will humble us. Jonathan Dunnett, windsurfer, Oct. 10
On the pursuit of passion...
Was leaving the corporate world to become a creative easy? No, it was very hard. When I quit recruitment, I took a drastic pay cut — which I guess seems to be a pattern with me. I was just living off what I had saved. But to get out of the corporate world, I knew it was do or die. That voice inside me said, “You have one chance to get out of this and turn your creative desire into something." It was screaming at me to just go for it, but it was a difficult and risky transition. Ryan Filiatrault, filmmaker, May 24
How was the transition from office work to craftsmanship? It wasn’t too hard at first because it was at the time when my children were grown and independent. If I had been still raising kids, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. I can’t say it was financially easy, but I still think I made the right choice. Hisako Tokuda, bekko tortoiseshell artisan, Aug. 23
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