Latest news with #KerriKing
Japan Today
20-07-2025
- General
- Japan Today
Understanding teacher transfers in Japan from a parent's perspective
By Kerri King When we first moved to Japan and enrolled our child in elementary school, I had no idea about 教職員人事異動 (kyoshokuin jinji ido), the nationwide system of teacher transfers. I expected to get to know the teaching staff over many years and maybe even see the same faces until graduation, as is common back in New Zealand. So, when my child's beloved teacher (along with what felt like half the faculty) suddenly disappeared at the end of the school year, I was confused and, honestly, a little emotional. I've since learned that this isn't unusual at all. It's part of a long-standing system in Japan where teachers are regularly rotated between schools. For foreign parents who are used to seeing the same staff year after year, this can be a surprising and sometimes difficult adjustment. What Are Teacher Transfers & Why Do They Happen? Image: iStock: paylessimages In Japan, public school teachers are employed by the local Board of Education rather than individual schools. This means that teachers aren't permanently attached to one school but are seen as part of the wider prefectural system. Every few years (typically every three to five), they're reassigned to a different school within the region or city. Unlike in some other countries, these transfers don't usually happen because a teacher has performed poorly or done something wrong. Instead, they're part of a planned rotation system designed to support teacher growth and benefit the school system as a whole. The idea behind the transfers is to help teachers develop professionally and keep things fair across schools. By changing schools and grade levels, teachers gain new experiences, stay motivated and bring fresh ideas to different classrooms. For students, it means being exposed to a variety of teaching styles. Although there's some debate about how effective the system always is in practice, it's a normal part of school life in Japan. How Teacher Transfers Happen Image: iStock: Fast&Slow One of the most difficult parts of teacher transfers in Japan, especially for parents, is the timing. Unlike in many other countries where staffing updates are shared well in advance, Japanese schools tend to announce teacher changes just days before the school year ends in March. Even the teachers themselves often don't find out about their new assignments until late in the school year. Once the transfers are confirmed, a short notice or letter is usually sent home with students. On the last day of school, during the shuryo-shiki (closing ceremony), there's often a farewell segment where teachers who are leaving give short speeches and are presented with flowers. Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
Japan Today
18-07-2025
- Japan Today
5 famous foods you'll find in Nagasaki
By Kerri King As a port city with centuries of overseas influence, Nagasaki offers one of Japan's most diverse regional cuisines. From the hearty noodle bowls brought by Chinese immigrants to European-inspired cakes and American-style burgers, every dish reflects the city's cultural influences. Here are five famous foods in Nagasaki. 1. Champon Image: PIXTA/sasazawa This hearty noodle soup is packed with pork, seafood and vegetables. Champon originated in Nagasaki's Chinese quarter in the late 19th century as an affordable, nutritious meal for Chinese students studying and working in Japan. The noodles are cooked directly in a rich pork-and-chicken broth, giving the dish a comforting, savory depth. It's warm, filling and affordable. This local favorite is a staple at casual eateries and long-established Chinese restaurants. Every shop has its own take, but the deliciousness of Champon lies in its rich broth and generous toppings. For an authentic experience, try it at Shikairo, the restaurant where it was first invented. 2. Sara Udon Image: PIXTA/Ayleeds Despite the name, sara udon (plate udon) doesn't use udon noodles. Instead, it typically features either thin, crispy-fried noodles that shatter with each bite or thicker, softer ones similar to champon noodles. These are topped with a colorful stir-fry of pork, shrimp, squid, cabbage, bean sprouts and other seasonal vegetables, all coated in a glossy, umami-rich sauce made with soy and chicken stock. Originating from Nagasaki's Chinese culinary heritage, it's a variation of champon, offering the same savory goodness but with more texture. It's a favorite among locals and a must-try for anyone who enjoys the contrast between crunchy noodles and silky toppings. Many restaurants in Nagasaki let you choose your noodle style, so come hungry and curious. 3. Castella Introduced by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, castella is a moist, honey-flavored sponge cake that's become a signature sweet of Nagasaki. Made with just sugar, flour, eggs and starch syrup, it's deceptively simple but incredibly satisfying. You'll find many varieties of Castella sold in souvenir shops throughout the city. Occasionally, you might find Nagasaki Castella sold at popular supermarkets, like Aeon, around Japan. 4. Sasebo Burger Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
04-07-2025
- Japan Today
5 famous foods you'll find in Kagawa
By Kerri King Kagawa Prefecture might be Japan's smallest by area, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food. Nicknamed 'Udon Prefecture' (yes, officially), Kagawa has carved out a reputation for chewy noodles, island-grown olives and one very unexpected mochi-based soup. From slurpable staples to savory snacks and sweet-salty curveballs, here are five famous foods you need to try when visiting Shikoku's Kagawa. 1. Sanuki Udon Image: PIXTA/ shige hattori Welcome to the Udon Kingdom. This one's a no-brainer. Kagawa's Sanuki udon is legendary. Thick, bouncy noodles served hot or cold, usually in a light dashi broth or with dipping sauce. It's so central to the region's identity that there's an official udon taxi service that'll take you udon-hopping across the prefecture and a Udon Prefecture Passport for collecting stamps. What sets Sanuki udon apart is the firmness of the noodle. It's got that koshi (chewy bite) that noodle-lovers crave. Popular toppings include raw egg, grated daikon and crispy tempura, but purists may tell you to keep it simple with just a splash of soy and scallions. 2. Honetsukidori (Bone-in Chicken) Image: PIXTA/ od If Udon is Kagawa's king, honetsukidori is the prince. Originating in Marugame City, this dish features a whole chicken leg roasted to juicy, peppery perfection, served bone-in and ready to tear into caveman-style. There are two styles: Wakadori (young chicken, tender and juicy) and Oyadori (older and chewier meat but flavor-packed). Both are roasted with garlic, black pepper and a crispy skin finish that makes them irresistible. Many eateries around Kagawa serve honetsukidori, you can't miss it! 3. Shoyu Mame (Soy Sauce Beans) Image: PIXTA/ wifineko Shoyu mame might not look flashy, but don't underestimate these soy-simmered broad beans. They're roasted and soaked in a sweet soy sauce marinade until they hit that perfect sweet-salty balance. They are likened to the Japanese version of candied nuts. Click here to sign more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
26-06-2025
- Japan Today
5 famous foods you'll find in Fukuoka
By Kerri King When it comes to regional food destinations in Japan, Fukuoka stands tall with a bowl of ramen in hand. As the gateway to Kyushu, this lively prefecture is a magnet for hungry travelers seeking comfort dishes that warm you from the inside out. From sizzling skewers to creamy pork bone broth, here are five famous foods you'll want to try the minute you land in Fukuoka. 1. Hakata Ramen You can choose your noodle firmness and toppings. Image: PIXTA/Nishihama Hakata ramen is Fukuoka's most iconic dish and one of the most influential ramen styles in Japan. Its signature pork bone (tonkotsu) broth is simmered for hours to produce a creamy, deeply savory base. Paired with ultra-thin, straight noodles and toppings like chashu (braised pork belly), kikurage mushrooms, green onions and pickled ginger, it's the ultimate comfort food. Most shops in Fukuoka will let you customize your ramen. You can choose your noodle firmness and toppings and many offer kaedama (noodle refills) for when you're not quite done yet. 2. Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe) A Fukuoka staple in the postwar era Image: PIXTA/ sky&sun Inspired by Korean pickled roe, mentaiko became a Fukuoka staple in the postwar era and has since gone national. Made by marinating pollock or cod roe in chili, sake and other spices, it's served as a side dish, stuffed into onigiri, or mixed into creamy pastas. It may not be everyone's taste, but it is surely something to try when in Fukuoka. For a true taste of the city's obsession, head to Ganso Hakata Mentaiju, a restaurant that builds its entire menu around spicy cod roe. It's so famous that you can even buy mentaiko-themed souvenirs in Fukuoka. 3. Motsunabe (Offal Hotpot) It's warming, rich and collagen-packed. Image: PIXTA/ チリーズ Motsunabe is a local hotpot made with beef or pork intestines (motsu), simmered in a garlicky broth with cabbage, leeks, chili and tofu. It's warming, rich and collagen-packed, making it a go-to dish during the colder months (though you'll see locals slurping it year-round). The broth varies by restaurant as some use soy sauce and others miso, but all variations of Motsunabe offer that same deep, savory satisfaction. Finish your meal the Fukuoka way: by adding champon noodles or rice to soak up the last of that umami-rich soup. 4. Goboten Udon Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
29-05-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
How to talk about mental health at work in Japan
By Kerri King Japan has long held a cultural ideal of 'enduring hardship' (我慢, gaman), especially in the workplace. This often means pushing through stress, exhaustion or emotional pain rather than speaking up. While mental health is still widely considered a private matter in Japan, that doesn't mean you have to struggle alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, support is available. And while Japan's workplace culture is still catching up, awareness around mental health is growing. Here's how to speak up, stay culturally aware, and protect your well-being in the process. Cultural Barriers (But Change Is Starting) Know the Signs Before It's Too Late How to Talk About It (Japanese Work Culture Version) Know Your Rights (Even if They're Hard to Use) You Can Speak With the Company Doctor A Disability Certificate May Help If Work Isn't Safe, Get Outside Help Therapy & Counseling (English-Speaking) Legal & Employment Advice You're Not Overreacting—You're Protecting Yourself Cultural Barriers (But Change Is Starting) Opening up about depression, anxiety or burnout in Japan can feel like admitting failure — a taboo in a collectivist culture where group harmony often outweighs individual needs. Though attitudes are shifting, mental illness has long been viewed through a lens of spiritual imbalance or personal weakness. A 2022 survey by the Japan Productivity Center found only 15.3% of workers had received mental health support at work, despite nearly 60% reporting high levels of stress. Government reforms are encouraging better work-life balance, and some companies now offer occupational health services or counseling. Still, access remains uneven, and many employees hesitate to seek help. By 2024, nearly half of full-time workers in Japan reported 'quiet quitting' — doing only the minimum required —underscoring just how widespread burnout has become. Know the Signs Before It's Too Late Don't let work take priority over your mental health. Common Signs of Burnout Crying quietly between meetings or after work Chronic headaches, nausea, or other unexplained physical symptoms Difficulty falling asleep, or waking up already tired Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or missing deadlines A sense of emotional numbness or disconnection from your work Social isolation can make this worse. Some people experience panic attacks on crowded morning trains—a symptom so common it's often overlooked. Speaking up early, taking a break or seeking outside help is not a weakness. It's a form of self-leadership—and it might be the smartest move you make in your career. How to Talk About It (Japanese Work Culture Version) Talking about mental health at work is never easy, and in Japan, it often requires a careful balance of honesty, discretion and cultural sensitivity. The workplace tends to prize harmony, hierarchy and emotional restraint. Start with Physical Language First In many Japanese workplaces, it's more acceptable to frame emotional or mental distress as a physical issue. This isn't dishonest — it's a culturally appropriate way to open the door to support. Phrases that work well include: I'm not feeling well (体調が悪いです, taicho ga warui desu) I'm going to the clinic regularly (通院しています, tsuin shiteimasu) I need a short period of rest (少し休養が必要です, sukoshi kyuyo ga hitsuyō desu) If You Mention Mental Health, Keep It Neutral Should you choose to be more specific, avoid emotionally charged language unless you're speaking to someone trained in mental health or someone you trust deeply. Try: I'm receiving treatment for mental health reasons (メンタルヘルスのことで通院しています, mentaru herusu no koto de tsuin shiteimasu) I'm receiving support from a professional (専門家のサポートを受けています, senmonka no sapoto o uketeimasu) I'm experiencing some stress (少しストレスが溜まっています, sukoshi sutoresu ga tamatteimasu) Know Your Rights (Even if They're Hard to Use) Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
