Why Travelling Japan for 14 Days on $1,000 is Now Possible! | @AbroadinJapan Podcast #54

TL;DR

Japan is considering changing its law requiring spouses to use the same surname, a tradition that symbolizes the lack of gender equality in the country. Meanwhile, a branch manager at a Lawson convenience store mistakenly ordered 999 onigiri, leading to a Twitter plea for help to clear the shelves.

Transcript

so I've got a few friends coming over in April who are taking advantage of the Yen and if you are listening to this and you have yet to book a trip Japan do it now go and do it wow hello and welcome to the abon Japan podcast probably the best way of learning about life in Japan without actually being in Japan I'm your host Chris broad we're joined ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😒 Japan is facing criticism for its law mandating the use of the same surname for spouses, which is seen as indicative of overall gender inequality in the country.
• ✊ The power of social media was demonstrated when a branch manager utilized Twitter to successfully sell 999 onigiri that had been mistakenly ordered.
• 🧑‍🌾 Changing one's name in Japan can be complicated and have far-reaching consequences due to bureaucratic processes.
• 🗾 Moving to Japan as a remote worker is currently not straightforward, but Japan is considering implementing digital nomad visas to accommodate this growing trend.
• 🧚 Japan has had its fair share of corporate scandals, such as the Olympus Scandal, highlighting potential issues in the country's corporate culture.
• 🗾 Shelves full of onigiri can be sold with the help of social media, showcasing the influence and reach of online platforms in Japan.
• 🏯 Japan's law mandating the same surname for spouses reflects societal expectations and traditions deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is Japan being criticized for its law mandating spouses to use the same surname?

The insistence on using the same surname is seen as a reflection of gender inequality in Japan, showcasing societal expectations and lack of progress in terms of gender equality.

Q: How did the branch manager resolve the onigiri mishap?

The branch manager took to Twitter to ask for help in selling the 999 onigiri before their expiry date, and thanks to the power of social media, all the onigiri were sold.

Q: What are some potential drawbacks of changing one's surname in Japan?

Changing one's name in Japan can be complicated due to bureaucratic processes and administrative difficulties. It could lead to challenges in various aspects of life, such as banking and official documentation.

Q: Is it possible to move to Japan as a remote worker?

Currently, it is not easy for remote workers to move to Japan as they still require a visa, usually obtained through company sponsorship. However, Japan has recently shown interest in exploring digital nomad visas, but it remains uncertain when or if this will become a reality.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Japan is facing pressure to change its law mandating that spouses use the same surname, showcasing the country's gender inequality.

• A branch manager at Lawson convenience store mistakenly ordered 999 onigiri, leading to a desperate plea on Twitter for assistance in selling them before their expiry date.

• This unlikely situation turned out to be a success, with all the onigiri being sold thanks to the power of social media.