Uchikura & Co Blog
The Restaurant That Even Japan...
2026-02-07
The Restaurant That Even Japanese Think Is Too Cheap — Saizeriya   Before flying back to Seattle yesterday, I stopped for lunch at Saizeriya, a very popular Italian-style restaurant chain in Japan. M...
NO on Washington Senate Bill 6346
2026-02-05
Washington Senate Bill 6346 proposes introducing an income tax targeting individuals earning over $1,000,000 annually. While it may sound limited in scope, policies like this often expand over time an...
I found something rare in Tokyo.
2026-02-04
Yesterday, I finally found a trash can in Tokyo.It was the very first trash can I saw during this entire trip.   So when people say, “There are no trash cans in Tokyo,” I’ll tell them this:there is a...
GIFT SHOW
2026-02-04
Yesterday, I visited a gift show at Tokyo Big Sight, expecting it to be a good place to meet Japanese companies producing customizable gifts for corporate promotions and overseas distribution.   The ...
Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 3...
2026-02-04
Not Swinging at Full Power: Golf and Management Until a recent surgery forced me to take a break, I played golf almost every week. My golf journey began back in junior high school. A driving range own...
How Safe Is Japan?
2026-02-03
How Safe Is Japan?   This afternoon, I walked into the lobby of a large business building. Right there—open to anyone passing through—was a FamilyMart apparel corner.   No cashier.No staff.Just shelv...
February 3: Setsubun, Ehomaki,...
2026-02-02
February 3: Setsubun, Ehomaki, and Mamemaki   Setsubun is observed on February 3, marking the seasonal turning point between winter and spring. On this day, people across Japan throw roasted soybeans...
Why are people in Japan so hea...
2026-02-02
This morning I had a meeting about two miles away.   In the U.S., there’s no question what I would do. I’d get in my car, drive to the location, have the meeting, then get back in my car and return t...
How many non Japanese know this?
2026-02-01
When you look at this photo of a Shinto shrine gate, you may notice a small fence placed in the middle of the pathway. How many of you know why that fence is there?   There are two reasons.   First, ...
Japanese Tissue Paper Marketin...
2026-02-01
Japanese Tissue Paper Marketing: Small, Polite, and Brilliant   If you’ve ever walked near a train station in Japan, you’ve probably been handed a small packet of tissue paper. It feels insignificant...