Aloha! My name is Ruth Marie Jarman, and I am from Hawaii but have lived in Japan for over 35 years. Having fully immersed myself in Japanese culture and the corporate world, I have many insights to share on how you can truly ‘live’ Japan—gaining a deeper understanding of its intricacies and sometimes puzzling norms. I am always learning and discovering new things here, and I hope my insights add to your Japan adventure!
“‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.’ This line perfectly captures how I feel about Japan. Interacting with friends and colleagues, struggling with the language, learning the nuances of high-context communication, navigating a business culture that leans heavily on ambiguity, witnessing the emphasis on positivity and teamwork, and the community’s ability to harness the power of solidarity in hard times…all of it keeps me here. I love how deeply yet quietly emotion is felt and expressed in Japan. More than words or explanations, walking the walk and achieving results take precedence. There is always an attitude of perseverance and a commitment to being better today than you were yesterday.”
United States of America
