Yuko Tamura

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s announcement hits all the right notes in Japan Japanese culture is in the depths of a nostalgia wave, and the engagement announcement for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce fits in with it nicely.

Taylor's engagement was so moving for fans partly because of her song "So High School." Coincidentally, Japan has been seeing a retro boom, fueled by the comeback of disposable cameras and Tamagotchi.

みんなの So High Schoolな物は何ですか？
#jlpt #nihongo #日本語

www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/09...

Probably an unpopular opinion, but as a mother of a young kid, I found Chiikawa Park too packed despite its limited space and attractions...

Chiikawa Seizes the Moment in Japan’s Fierce Character Battle My honest take on the newly opened Chiikawa Park in Tokyo

A little bit about my kawaii summer memories behind the Japan Times assignment. I swear this is my last article about characters, at least for 2025! lol
This is a Friend Link to Medium, so you can read till the end without a paywall.

medium.com/japonica-pub...

Mark Japan’s Sleep Day by making some lifestyle changes The Japanese are not getting enough sleep. Luckily, everyone from scientists to Shohei Ohtani are offering solutions.

Today is #SleepDay in Japan. A recent survey found that 16% of Japanese people experience social jet lag, struggling to align their body clocks with weekday work hours. Discover the keys to better sleep in my latest @japantimes.co.jp piece.

#jlpt #nihongo #日本語
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/09...

How to complain politely: Lessons from the McDonald’s Pokemon debacle In Japan, the right phrasing can mean the difference between a request and harassment.

Who knew a Happy Meal promo could spark nationwide discussions so often? My latest article explores the right phrases to use when complaining, especially with the new customer harassment regulations in mind.
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/08...
#jlpt #nihongo #日本語 #Japanese

Character-crazed Japan has little appetite for Labubu The monster dolls may be driving fans wild elsewhere, but Japan has long had plenty of its own domestically produced characters that know exactly what consumers want.

日本ではなぜLabubuがそこまで流行らないのか、そして #ちいかわ の魅力について書きました！今日の紙面にも出てるので、読んでみてね☺️

Why isn’t #Labubu huge in Japan? In this article, I delve into the irresistible pull of homegrown characters like #Chiikawa.
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/08...

Brave the Bon holiday traffic to discover tourism gems off the beaten path Learn how to ask about secret spots, regional dishes and specialty gifts using natural Japanese structures on your summer travels.

If you’re hitting the road this Bon holiday, knowing how to ask about local hidden gems and read key traffic kanji can make a big difference. I hope my latest Bilingual helps!

今日のバイリンガルはドライバーの方にぜひ😊
#nihongo #jlpt
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/08...

It’s time to take children’s mental health seriously Given these disparities, it is clear the government needs to build a consistent school system with appropriate emotional support mechanisms

Japan consistently ranks high in children's physical health but near the bottom for mental well-being. I wrote about why early school support matters with recent research and cognitive behavioural therapy examples.

もっと教育を通じて子どもたちの心を守れるように願って書きました。

www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...

'Over the Sun': A podcast for Japanese women who’ve lived a little In their hit podcast “Over the Sun,” hosts Jane Su and Mika Horii turn everyday chats into a cultural phenomenon.

Ever tuned into Japanese podcasts?
I interviewed the duo behind Over the Sun, a hugely popular show whose fans have created a tight-knit community on and offline.
The print hits the stands tomorrow, so please take a look!
紙面では明日出るのでぜひ読んでみてね！
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/07...

If you're planning a trip to the Osaka Expo, my latest article for Lonely Planet might come in handy😉
www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top...

An emoji used to say it all. Now it might say too much. With World Emoji Day approaching, it's a good opportunity to recognize how important these digital pictures have become.

July 17 is #WorldEmojiDay. Have fun with your favorite emoji, everyone!🥳

#nihongo #世界絵文字デー #jlpt
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/07...

What’s the first thing you think of when you think of a Japanese summer? Fireworks and festivals are part of the traditional Japanese summer, but what do people associate with the season these days?

What’s your favorite thing that reminds you of summer?
My latest Japan Times piece looks at the top 10 summery things. You’ll see times are changing!

#nihongo #jlpt
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/07...

Love that story! Thanks for cracking me up😂

What’s in a name? With new guidelines, the Japanese government wants to know. Japan now requires official furigana for names in the family register, aiming to limit overly creative 'kira-kira' readings.

Aaand here’s my latest Bilingual, which came out last Friday! You know I’m always behind when it comes to sharing…
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/06...

So long, gateball. Japan’s seniors are ready to work those core muscles. Japan’s seniors are trading gateball for Pilates, chasing strength, stability and a new kind of aging — with core control.

This year, I started Pilates and was surprised to find that my gym buddies were inspiring enthusiasts decades older than me. Instagram’s acrobatic Pilatesphere rarely features them, but senior Pilates is quietly growing, and here's my take on this trend.
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/06...

I’ve only just come back from Osaka, but I’m ready to hit the Expo The term “bakari” can be used in several different ways to emphasize and define the limit of a range.

Hi all, it’s Bilingual Friday at The Japan Times, and my latest article is up!
I spent New Year’s in Osaka, so I wasn’t planning to return so soon... but I guess I can’t miss the Expo after all. Anyone else planning to go?
みんなは万博行くかな？ #jlpt #日本語
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/04...

38 ways to be a better tourist in Japan These tourist tips will have you acting like a local in no time.

My latest article for Lonely Planet is about travel etiquette. If you're planning a trip to Japan, get to know Japanese culture and travel etiquette first to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

外国人観光客に日本でしないでほしい38の事について書きました。お仕事ででも海外のお友達とでも、ぜひ共有して活用していただけたら嬉しいです！
www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/ess...

Brats, rebels and rascals: Finding the right word for mischievous kids Charli XCX’s idea of “brat” doesn’t translate neatly into Japanese, but there are other words for playful rebellion.

This piece is for anyone who’s ever gone through a brat phase. Honestly, I’m still not sure if I’m over it 😎

ブラットな皆のために書きましたよ！#nihongo #jlpt #日本語
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/02...

Thanks for sharing, Hiroko-san! I'm grateful, especially because I can be so behind when it comes to social media 😅

Japan’s English-language education doesn’t pass the test An excessive focus on testing students' English ability is turning language learning into a chore, depriving children of the joy and opportunities of intercultural communication.

My latest opinion piece on English education in Japan is out in @japantimes.co.jp today. I explore why students struggle to use English in real life after years of studying, and what might help. Would love to hear your thoughts!

www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2...

Silent night? Not if you want to impress your Christmas Eve date. In Japan, a date night on Christmas Eve typically starts with a romantic dinner at a restaurant often with a great view or a private space.

If you’ve got a partner this holiday season, you may want to know how Japanese couples plan their dates on all-important Christmas Eve.

Looking for ways to be charitable in Japan? Give the gift of reading. Book donations are just one of many ways you can give back to the community during the holidays.

My latest bilingual for @japantimes.co.jp delves into charitable initiatives taking place this holiday season, including Book Santa, #あしながサンタ, and Tiger Mask.

寄付をしてサンタになろうという記事を書きました。ぜひご一読下さい。
#日本語 #jlpt #Japanese
www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/12...

Looking for ways to be charitable in Japan? Give the gift of reading. Book donations are just one of many ways you can give back to the community during the holidays.

By giving books to children in need or Christmas cakes to young ones displaced by natural disasters, there are a lot of ways to be charitable in Japan during the holidays.

A spiritual retreat by Hokuriku's seaside: Feel the soul and resilience of Japan #Ad Paid and Presented by Japan National Tourism Organization A spiritual retreat by Hokuriku's seaside: Feel the soul and resilience of Japan

As a Snow Country native, I'm thrilled to share all the amazing spots, and I hope you find your next destination.

www.bbc.com/storyworks/j...

The shokunin spirit: A guide to Hokuriku's resilient craft masters #Ad Paid and Presented by Japan National Tourism Organization The shokunin spirit: A guide to Hokuriku's resilient craft masters

I've been a lifelong cheerleader for #Hokuriku, and here's my latest work showcasing its amazing charms!

いつも勝手に北陸を応援している私ですが、改めてその魅力について書きました。一同頑張ったのでぜひ読んでみてね！
#niigata #toyama #ishikawa #fukui

www.bbc.com/storyworks/j...

Definitely much more uplifting 😂😂😂

Getting whammed doesn’t really bother me, but for some reason, I can’t stand old J-pop Christmas songs. They’re just so depressing that I feel like I have to evacuate immediately. The world needs to know what it’s like to get B’z-ed.

Aww, thank you, Don! You have no idea how much you've inspired me, though!! 😉

My Journey From a Depressed Mom to a Journalist Three years of wins and losses as a writer

If you're wondering how I transitioned from a full-time corporate career to freelancing as a writer/journalist, here's a Friend Link to a reflection on my journey. Hard to believe it’s been only three years!
#amwriting

writingcooperative.com/my-journey-f...

I assumed it was “futebuteshii nimo hodo ga aru,” like way too bold, but I was wrong😂 Japan’s word of the year just keeps getting weirder every year.