Tag: The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Lily Greenwood
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Lily Greenwood

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Feeling a connection to a certain place can be magical. It helps to broaden our horizons and see things from another perspective. Many people forge a connection with Japan. But that doesn’t mean you have to visit a country to feel an emotional response. Lily Greenwood hasn’t travelled to Japan, but the culture has massively influenced her work as an artist.

In this edition of The Kokoro Files, I talk to Lily about how she got her start in the art world, how she’s been influenced by Japan and what it’s like to be an artist while looking after young children! Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Lily Greenwood” →

Mori 1984 beer The Kokoro Files: David De La Torre
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: David De La Torre

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The Kokoro Files highlights the connections between everyday people and Japan. The Japanese alcohol industry has inspired people all over the world, and David De La Torre was determined to find his way into the industry at all costs.

David is the founder of Japanese craft beer, Mori 1984. With a range of unique flavours and an emphasis on soft water, Mori 1984 certainly stands out in the craft beer market. Yamato Magazine caught up with David about the story behind the beer and how a trip to Hiroshima gave him the inspiration to shape the brand. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: David De La Torre” →

Erin Niimi Longhurst interview The Kokoro Files: Erin Niimi Longhurst
The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Erin Niimi Longhurst

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The Kokoro Files tells the story of everyday people and their connection to Japan. No matter how far away some travel, they will always feel a sense of identity within the Land of the Rising Sun. For Erin Niimi Longhurst, this connection is something she’s felt throughout her entire life.

An author, blogger and cook, Erin has built up a reputation for her Japan-centric content. I had the pleasure of chatting to her about the inspiration behind her lifestyle book, Japonisme. Read on to learn about how Erin’s relationship with her grandfather helped her create the book and why Japanese philosophy can be good for mental health. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Erin Niimi Longhurst” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Danielle Geva

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Feeling connected to a different culture can be an eye-opening experience. It enables us to broaden our horizons and gain an alternative perspective on the world. The Kokoro Files shares stories about people who feel connected to Japan, and in Danielle Geva’s case, she developed a passion for Japanese tea.

An entrepreneur, author and owner of a successful Japanese tea brand, Danielle was kind enough to share her thoughts about how travelling to Japan influenced her life. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Danielle Geva” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Mike Garley

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The Kokoro Files is a segment that tells the everyday stories of people who are connected to Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun has served as an inspiration for many writers, and EMMY-nominated author Mike Garley counts himself among that list.

The creator of horror comic Samurai Slasher, Garley took the time to chat with Yamato Magazine about why he chose to tell a story of an unkillable zombie samurai and what it means to mix horror and comedy together during the writing process. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Mike Garley” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Yamato Magazine Reaches 100 Followers (Thank You!)

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When it comes to writing, I find it’s one of the best ways to express myself and to improve my knowledge of the world. I founded Yamato Magazine as a way of increasing my awareness of Japanese culture, and since embarking on this journey, I’ve started to learn about aspects of Japan that I might not have thought about previously, such as sake.

Having a steady readership is another great motivator, which is why I’m happy to say that Yamato Magazine recently hit 100 followers! Thank you to all the people who’ve read, liked or commented on the articles so far. It’s inspired me to think about creating more Japan-centric content and continue to build the publication. Continue reading “Yamato Magazine Reaches 100 Followers (Thank You!)” →

The Kokoro Files

Calling All Japan Enthusiasts For The Kokoro Files

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Japan attracts visitors from all over the world because of its unique culture and outlook. The Land of the Rising Sun features various philosophies, and one of the most interesting is the concept of kokoro. Translating to ‘heart’ in Japanese, it should not be confused with shinzou, which represents the physical organ. Continue reading “Calling All Japan Enthusiasts For The Kokoro Files” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: John Callow

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The Kokoro Files is a series that celebrates Japan through the stories of everyday people. Sake is a well-known aspect of Japanese dining, but some people may be unware of how it’s brewed or what kind of temperature the drink can be enjoyed at. That’s why it’s worth asking an expert like certified sake sommelier John Callow.

I enjoyed interviewing John about his experiences as a sake sommelier and the differences between specific blends of sake. Read on to find out what kind of sake John would recommend and the types of food that work best with this classic Japanese concoction. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: John Callow” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Michael Graham

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The Kokoro Files is a series that tells stories of everyday people and their connection to Japan. Some are drawn to the Land of the Rising Sun for the food, while others feel connected to the music. Michael Graham was inspired by Japanese music, to the point that he was compelled to learn how to play traditional instruments like the koto.

Michael was kind enough to share his musical experiences with Yamato Magazine and explain how he became part of a Taiko drum band. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Michael Graham” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Matt Schley

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The Kokoro Files is a series that tells the everyday stories of people who love Japan, and I’m excited to present a conversation with the Japan editor of Otaku USA, Matt Schley, a writer who made his bones in the world of anime. In this interview, Matt shares his thoughts on why anime has become so popular to a modern day audience and reveals his tips on how to break into the industry of Japan-related journalism. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Matt Schley” →