About

Japanese culture has always been, in every sense of the word, unique. And today, as Japan seeks to balance modernism with thousands of years of tradition, we are witnessing a dramatic cultural shift that is both captivating and mysterious.

Many foreigners are curious, fascinated, and even amused by Japanese culture. Some are intrigued by the Zen-like purity and simplicity often found in Japanese arts, while others are passionate collectors of Japanese gadgets and toys. Western women may be interested in learning about healthy Japanese food and skin care while men may lean more toward martial arts and sake.

One thing is true: Japan has a lot to offer the world. That’s why we started the official blog of Unique Japan. In this space, we hope to explain the myths that surround Japan, shed light on the unique aspects of everyday Japanese life, and introduce current trends that bridge modern life and tradition.



Contributors

Pablo Kuntz: Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, Pablo has been working in Japan and Asia since 1993. Managing Director of Unique Japan, Mr. Kuntz founded MarchForth in 1999, encouraging Japanese companies to utilize the Internet as a first step toward making their firms more international. Mr. Kuntz has a Degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and currently resides in Tokyo with his wife Donna and their daughter, Hannah Marie.

Mayumi Hirai (Tokiwa): Mayumi embodies the essence of Unique Japan. A modern woman living near Tokyo, Mayumi finds Japanese traditions popping up in her life on an almost daily basis.

Megumi Feyen: Meg brings a distinctive perspective to Unique Japan. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from an American University, but has returned to Japan to immerse herself in the place where she grew up. Now as a mother, she is reliving many traditions from her childhood.

Mark Paterson: Mark was born in San Francisco and grew up in Montreal where he lives and writes. Author of the short story collections A Finely Tuned Apathy Machine and Other People’s Showers, Mark is the UJ Blog editor.