The ninth episode of the podcast “CrossWorld Puzzles” is now out!
I was super excited to welcome my longtime friend Mari Yobp, who I’ve known since middle school! Mari is an artist and poet raised in Japan. After graduating from Musashino Art University, she worked as an art teacher at a school in Osaka (where she met her future husband) and immigrated to the U.S. She is currently based in Pittsburgh, PA, and has also lived in Idaho. Mari draws and paints mostly flowers in watercolor. She also writes Tanka poetry and publishes her work in a poetry magazine.
We discuss her philosophy in creating art; how she met her husband and built her own community in the U.S.; how she keeps in touch with the Japanese language and writes poetry; how she has contended with her child’s medical challenges; and how she stays positive no matter what challenges come her way.
Many thanks to Mari for sharing her wisdom. She’s always been an inspiration and source of strength for me, and I’m sure many will find her words and kind demeanor comforting.
The video podcast with Mari is below, but for more information, please see photos (and the episode transcript) here: https://crossworld-puzzles.com/episode9-mari/. This webpage includes a lot of Mari’s art, and should not be missed!
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#14): How to Explain Why You Need to Increase Your Prices”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Inflation in the United States shows no signs of slowing down, and we are all worried about the likelihood of tariffs resulting in even higher prices. For U.S.-based individuals who have Japanese customers or employers, the weak yen continues to worsen an already dire situation. Many people may have no choice but to raise the price of their products or services in order to continue operating their businesses. In this issue, I discuss how to explain price increases logically yet respectfully, in a way that would gain customers’ understanding.
加工食品などを売っている場合、原材料の価格高騰、流通における課題などによって最終製品の料金も上げざるを得ないのは、消費者もよくあることとして理解していると思います。Due to the avian flu outbreak, we have had to temporarily raise the prices of our omelets. や、Because of the challenge in obtaining flour, a key ingredient for our bread, we have made the difficult decision to raise its price. などといった説明ができるでしょう。
より難しいのは、人件費など、外部から見えづらい理由で料金を上げる場合です。フリーランスで働いていて、生活が厳しくなったときなどは、Due to the higher cost of living in recent years, I have decided to increase my daily rate, and humbly ask for your understanding. などとお客様にお願いできます。組織内での人件費について対外的に説明するときには、We apologize for the higher prices—they are the result of our endeavor to ensure that our employees’ salaries match industry standards. などと言えます。さらに、As a family-owned business, we cherish the employees who have worked for us for decades, and appreciate your investment and trust in us. などと補足すれば、理解を得やすいでしょう。
値段はそのままにしつつ、製品やサービスの中身を見直すことも可能です。市場に大きく出回っている製品はいつの間にか一袋あたりの個数が減ったりしていますが、個人的なビジネスのやり取りでは、きちんと変化を報告した方が誠意が感じられるでしょう。As you know, our design package previously included three rounds of edits, but we have recently updated that to two. If you are unhappy with the final version, a third round can be added for $100. などと、何が変わったかを明確にするとよいでしょう。Some past clients have told us that they did not need three rounds, so we believe this update would be more efficient in terms of time and cost. などと合理的に説明できれば、批判されにくく、お客様の声に耳を傾けるビジネスとして逆に評価されるかもしれません。
The eighth episode of the podcast CrossWorld Puzzles is now out!
I was excited to welcome storyteller Natalia Quintana-Feliciano, who I met through a writer’s group in DC (The Awesome Writers Accountability Club). Natalia is a Puerto-Rican & Colombian storyteller, poet, artist, and student reporter. She currently works as a communications and event coordinator at a health policy think tank. She has also worked at PBS KIDS, and has written for several award-winning publications.
We discuss the complicated relationship between Puerto Rico and the Continental United States, as well as the many layers of what it means to be American; her creative writing process and her muses, including the “vengeful woman”; how local journalism can build empathy; and the importance of feeling seen in children’s media as we grow up.
Many thanks to Natalia for sharing her fascinating thoughts on creativity, great outlook on life, and so much more!
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#13): How to Discuss a Change in Career”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. Since the start of the new administration, more and more people throughout the United States have been laid off or are at risk. Many federal government employees have been let go, nonprofit organizations are facing financial difficulties due to the freeze on government funding, and DEI positions are being cut in both the public and private sectors. This isn’t just about jobs; entire careers–into which many have doubtless poured so much of their time, energy, and passion–are in jeopardy. Some people may feel that they have no choice but to seek a new direction, at least temporarily. In this issue, I examine how, even under such challenging circumstances, one can write about career change in a positive way in their cover letters and other documents.
I wondered quite a bit whether it was ok for me to discuss this topic. Although many of my friends and acquaintances have been laid off or are worried about the risk of that happening, its impact hasn’t yet hit my industry in a significant way. Since I haven’t gone through what they have, I was unsure whether I had the right to discuss it. And I can only imagine how painful and frustrating it must be to consider leaving a field that may have been a lifelong dream. Even if switching careers could be a temporary measure until the administration changes again, it’s hard to say how long this turbulence would last. Having an outsider suggest a career change likely only sounds thoughtless and insensitive.
On the other hand, I wanted to do anything I could to help–even if all I can do is show support. And because I know so many people who are impacted, I felt compelled to discuss it, at least to convey to people in Japan and elsewhere what’s happening in DC. And putting aside all the ongoing chaos, many of us will likely consider a career change someday in any case. Even in the darkest of times, I believe there are steps we can take to ensure a brighter future.
仕方なく応募する人より、自分の意志でチャンスを探しに来た人の方が雇う側には魅力的に映ります。最初に出すカバーレターでは、While I have worked with government agencies for most of my career, I am now interested in broadening my experience through opportunities in the private sector. といった書き方が賢明でしょう。その後書類審査を通り、「所属機関が閉鎖されそうだから転職するのか」などと面接で聞かれて初めて、The changing landscape is certainly a factor, but I was hoping to diversify my career in any case. と答えた方がよさそうです。
政府は官僚主義的なイメージが強いため、民間企業のスピードを経験したいというのもよい応募理由かもしれません。While I’m proud of the crisis communications skills I honed after fielding hundreds of daily calls during the LA Wildfires, I’d now like to challenge myself by working in the media relations team of a fast-growing brand like yours. といった書き方ができます。
今や連邦機関より安定していそうな州政府や自治体に移る方もいるかもしれません。Building upon my experience in the federal government, I’m now keen to return to my hometown and give back by working with the city council. などと書けば、故郷に貢献したい強い意志が感じられるでしょう。
最も大きな方向転換をせざるを得ないのがDEIや国際援助に携わってきた方々かもしれませんが、その場合も、スキル、知識、ネットワークなどをアピールできます。After supporting minority business owners by using Spanish daily, I am confident that my language skills would prove useful to a multinational company like yours. や、I have strong relations with the CSR offices of several Fortune 500 companies. While my contact with them was through the gender rights conference I managed, I would be able to write to them for any kind of sponsorship. といった表現ができます。
The seventh episode of the podcast CrossWorld Puzzles is now out!
I was excited to welcome multimedia journalist David Caprara, who I met through the U.S.-Japan Council. His documentary work has ranged from covering Nepali honey hunters in Himalayan foothills, to reconstruction efforts after the 2011 Tohoku disaster, to uncovering the mysteries of a WWII B-29 crash on a Buddhist holy mountain. He lives in a kominka (traditional Japanese house) that he bought in the Yoshino region of Nara. We discuss how he jumped into international journalism by reporting recovery efforts after a major earthquake in Nepal; how he builds rapport with people around the world, especially during interviews; how he’s succeeded as a freelance journalist living abroad; and why he appreciates life in rural Japan.
The video podcast with David is below, but please also check out the website, which has a full transcript as well as some very cool photos: https://crossworld-puzzles.com/episode7-david/.
Many thanks to David for sharing his fascinating journey! His talent and passion for photography (which kickstarted his journalism career) are evident in the photos he kindly shared. His work with Japan started with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program(me), and after spending some time in the U.S., he’s since returned to Nara, the prefecture JET originally assigned him to. His deep knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and religion inspired me to travel and learn more about different regions throughout Japan.
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#12): How to Make a Complaint”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. It’s hard to believe that we are only a month into 2025, as disasters, wars, and political turmoil continue around the world. The Japanese tradition of Setsubun–warding off evil spirits at the beginning of February by throwing beans–seems more relevant than ever. But in the real world, we can’t get rid of someone by throwing beans at them. It’s more appropriate to seek improvement by filing a complaint or giving a warning. In this issue, I discuss how to logically communicate your feelings to someone important–such as your boss or client–and convince them to respond.
感情的にならないよう、最初は口頭ではなく文章での連絡がよいかもしれません。また、急に本題に入るのではなく、日頃お世話になっていることへの感謝などを冒頭に述べるとよいでしょう。その後、本題の段落は、I’m emailing to ask about the HR announcement that came out yesterday. や、 I’ve had some time to consider our discussion last week, and would like to address this in writing. といった一文から始めることができます。
怒りやフラストレーションを落ち着いた形で表すのに効果的な言葉は複数あります。I am disappointed that I still have not been paid despite several reminders over the past two months. や、I was greatly surprised to see that I did not receive a promotion despite what you promised last year. といった言い方ができます。さらに強い言葉を使いたい場合は、After our discussion last month, I had been looking forward to being transferred to the new branch—and I’m heartbroken that that would not be the case. などと言うこともできます。
次に、相手にどうしてほしいかを具体的に提示します。I’d like to request a meeting so that I can better understand what happened. Would you please tell me when you’re available in the next two weeks? や、Please kindly remit the payment as soon as possible. などと述べます。
締めの言葉は、最後に残す印象を左右します。雰囲気を和らげたい場合には、If there’s anything I can do to make the payment process easier for you, please let me know. などと前向きな言葉を使うとよいでしょう。幾度目かの連絡となり、今回の件が解決すれば関係を断ち切る覚悟がある場合には、Otherwise, I may be forced to take legal action. などと厳しい言葉を足すことができます。
The sixth episode of the podcast CrossWorld Puzzles is now out!
I was thrilled to welcome my close friend Yuri Akahira, who’s worked in multiple locations around the world, and is now a Tokyo-based director at a global IT company. A strong advocate for women, she has a background in social work and leads the women’s employee resource group in her company. She’s even taken part in the Mrs. Universe Japan competition and placed first in the 40s category! We discuss how she became interested in different cultures, how she built her confidence after overcoming challenges like bullying, and how she befriends people from all different backgrounds.
The video podcast with Yuko is below, but more information, including photos and a full transcript, can be found here.
The fifth episode of the podcast “CrossWorld Puzzles” is now out! I was so happy to welcome strategy and operations consultant Yuko Watanabe, who’s also a good friend via the U.S.-Japan Council.
Yuko, who’s based in Seattle, has worked all over the world supporting everything from big companies to nonprofits. There are so many things I admire about her, including her strength, resilience, and ability to find humor even in challenging circumstances. I also love how she’s built various communities that allow participants to connect in unique ways, including “Tapestory” (大人の等身大作文集 Tapestory + All our tomorrows). We discuss how she first came to the United States, what led her to create those communities, and how it’s best to stop planning and instead find joy in whatever comes our way.
The video podcast with Yuko is below, but more information, including photos and a full transcript, can be found here.
“Compassionate Phrases in English (#11): How to Express Solidarity”
Here’s the latest for my column in “Sakura Shimbun,” a Japanese community paper in DC and Houston. December is usually an enjoyable month filled with parties and holidays spent with family. But this December, many–especially those of us in the United States–are likely feeling anxious about the coming year(s). According to media reports, following the elections last month, harassment of women and Black people are already on the rise. Regardless of our political opinions, any minority could become a target of hatred and violence. In this issue, I examine how we can comfort one another, express solidarity, and face this challenge together.
米国における政治的分断は悪化する一方ですが、普段付き合いのある人と大体考えが似ているのは、悩みを共有しやすいという意味ではありがたいことです。具体的な話に入るほどの親しさでなくとも、ちょっとしたやり取りの中で、There’s a lot going on, but I hope you’re hanging in there. と一言足したり、I’m here if you’d ever like to talk about anything. We’re all in this together. と声をかけたりできます。
また、頻繁に政治家の批判の対象となっている中南米の移民、戸別訪問をしたりしてハリス副大統領の選挙活動に積極的に携わっていた人たちなど、より辛い立場にいるであろう人は多くいます。そういった人たちに対し、I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be for you. と手を差し伸べたり、I was shocked to hear about his latest policy on immigrants, but are you and your family doing ok? と聞いたりすることができます。
お互いに行動を呼びかけることもできます。コミュニティで活動する米国籍の人には、I think you’re a wonderful leader. If you ever run for office, I would love to support you! と支持を表明できます。また、デモ行進や抗議に参加することは、たとえ具体的な成果につながらなかったとしても、同志に囲まれてほっとする機会となります。Why don’t we have brunch on Sunday, and join this march afterwards? と何かのついでに行けば、今まで政治的なことに抵抗のあった人も誘いやすいかもしれません。また、いずれにせよお金を使うなら、支援できる相手を考え、This is a list of women-owned businesses in the DC area. Do you want to check out any of them with me? と友人に声をかけたり、Let’s go support immigrants! と、移民が家族で営む小さなレストランに出かけたりするだけでも一つの行動です。
The fourth episode of “CrossWorld Puzzles” is now out!
I was honored to welcome Korean interpreter and community builder Robert Holloway. Robert did not grow up speaking Korean, but studied it because of his interest in his family’s history: his mother was adopted from South Korea. Not only has he become fluent enough to serve as a conference interpreter, he also supports other Korean adoptees by building a community and teaching them the Korean language. We discuss his family history and the challenges many Korean adoptees face, as well as how identity is deeply intertwined with our own culture.
The video podcast with Robert is below, but more information, including photos and a full transcript, can be found here.
