Deep Japan

Our Deep Japan storytellers, your Senpai.

Our Deep Japan storytellers,
your Senpai.

Our mission.

Deep Japan is a community-driven tourism platform offering authentic insights into Japanese culture, travel, and everyday life. Our diverse “Senpai” writers—many with over 20 years of living in Japan—share heartfelt stories, practical travel tips, and fascinating observations about the Japan they know and love. 

Our mission is to shine a light on the thoughtful traditions and endearing quirks that define Japanese life, fostering a deeper appreciation for what makes this country so beautifully different.

Write for us. Tell your story.

Professional writing experience is not required—if you have lived in Japan for at least three years at any point, we welcome you to apply to join our Senpai writer community. Whether you first came to Japan to teach, study abroad, follow a partner, launch a new career, or simply chase a curiosity—we want to hear from you.

There are stories only you can tell, and at Deep Japan, we would be honored to give your voice a home.

Word of the Week

Meri hari

A bit of context for choosing this word for this week: I am currently working towards getting my driver’s license in Japan! During my lessons, my instructor always tells me how important it is to have meri hari when taking the wheel. It is a fabulous word that essentially speaks to the balance between going for it and holding back. In driving, this means footing the throttle when appropriate and easing off when necessary. Driving too slowly can sometimes be just as dangerous as driving too fast.

I believe this word can also be applied to work or life in general, in terms of navigating when it is the right time to push oneself and when to ease or relax.

P.S. I have my final driving exam at the end of this month…with me luck!

Right Now in Tokyo

Tokyo, JP

7°C

December’s Read

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  Tips

  Class is always in session: Lessons from living in Japan

  When you move to a different country, especially if the language is different, you can expect to learn a lot (including, hopefully, the language). In Japan, every day is a school day: there is always something new to find out about the c…

  

  Tobias Waters