Public Speaker on Japan
Are you looking for a speaker for insightful talks on Japan? Are you exploring collaboration opportunities with Japan? Are you curious about Japan’s fascinating culture, history, and innovations? Are you looking for an engaging educational talk for a school inspired by Japanese anime and manga culture?
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Japanese society or explore what it’s like to work in Japan, Yuko is here to share insights that will captivate and inspire!
Yuko is a Japanese journalist, producer and presenter based in London UK. She has worked with clients such as BBC, Google, Channel4, Microsoft, NHK, Honda, and Toyota. As an experienced presenter and event host, Yuko can help people understand this complex but fascinating nation of Japan with a friendly, fun, and sometimes slightly sarcastic voices!
Please get in touch to discuss further if you are interested in booking an expert speaker for talks on Japan. Yuko can provide valuable perspectives to help you deepen your understanding of Japanese culture useful for cross-cultural communication and international collaboration!
Talks and Seminars on Japan – Topics
Business and Manners
Japan is known for many things: exquisite sushi, cherry blossoms, and some of the most polite people you’ll ever meet. But when it comes to business, Japan is also a land of precision, innovation, and, let’s face it, some very interesting etiquette!
In this talk, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of Japanese business culture. You’ll learn how, in Japan, a handshake is polite, but a bow is really polite, and there’s a subtle art to knowing just how deep that bow should be! But beyond the bows, there’s a lot more to Japan’s business world than meets the eye.
Japanese companies are known for their collaborative spirit. Unlike some cultures that focus purely on competition, Japan places a high value on long-term partnerships and harmony between businesses. If you’re lucky enough to strike up a deal, you can expect a deep commitment to mutual success. It’s all about building trust, one respectful bow at a time.
Whether you’re thinking about working with Japanese firms or just interested in how Japan has become an economic superpower, this talk will give you all the tools you need to understand Japan’s business environment. From high-tech innovations to business philosophies that promote sustainability and respect, Japan’s influence on the world economy is impossible to ignore.
Cultural Insights
Explore Japan’s deep cultural traditions, from tea ceremonies to festivals, and understand how these practices continue to influence daily life of people in Japan.
As an example, let me introduce you to a Japanese saying that’s often overlooked but carries a profound lesson for modern life: Hara Hachi Bun Me (腹八分目). This saying, originating from Confucianism, encourages people to eat until they’re only 80% full, rather than stuffing themselves to the brim. Now, while this may sound like a perfect philosophy if you’re trying to stick to a diet (and yes, it’s been linked to longevity), its meaning goes much deeper than just food.
Hara Hachi Bun Me is about moderation. It’s a reminder to not overindulge—not just with food, but in life itself. In our modern world, where excess seems to be the norm, this concept encourages a more balanced, thoughtful approach to how we live, work, and relate to others. In Japan, it’s not just about eating less—it’s about finding harmony in all aspects of life, from work to play to rest.
In a world where we’re constantly encouraged to consume more, Hara Hachi Bun Me invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the present moment. Perhaps the next time you’re tempted to overdo it, whether at a buffet or in your own busy life, you might find a little peace in the idea of just… stopping at 80%.
Technology & Innovation
When you think of Japan, you might picture neon lights, high-speed bullet trains, and robots doing everything from serving coffee to cleaning your floors. And yes, you’d be absolutely right! But Japan’s relationship with technology goes way beyond just flashy gadgets and futuristic concepts. It’s a cultural mindset—one that combines meticulous attention to detail, a desire for perfection, and a relentless pursuit of innovation.
Japan is known for its cutting-edge robotics, and for good reason. The country is a global leader in creating robots that not only do our dirty work (thanks, Roomba!) but also take on roles in fields like healthcare, education, and even entertainment. If you’ve ever visited Japan, you’ve probably encountered a friendly robot guiding you through a shopping mall or even serving you at a restaurant.
When it comes to transportation, Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet trains) are a prime example of both innovation and efficiency. Launched in the 1960s, the Shinkansen revolutionised travel in Japan, making it possible to zip from Tokyo to Osaka in just a couple of hours. It wasn’t just the speed that was impressive; it was also the punctuality. Japan’s trains are notorious for being on time—so much so that you might find yourself applauding when your train arrives at the exact second it’s scheduled to. No delays, no excuses. It’s a system so precise, even Swiss watches are jealous.
Travel & Tourism
Japan is a destination like no other. It’s a country where ancient temples sit beside neon-lit skyscrapers, where tranquil gardens coexist with bustling streets, and where you can experience both the serenity of a tea ceremony and the excitement of an all-night karaoke session. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in tradition, indulge in culinary delights, or venture into futuristic cities, Japan offers something for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re after cultural enrichment, food indulgence, or natural beauty, Japan is a country that promises a journey of discovery at every turn. It’s a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet futuristic technology, and where every meal is an adventure of its own. So pack your bags, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime—Japan is waiting to show you a world unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
Japanese Language & Communication
If you’ve ever tried learning Japanese, you know that it’s not just a language—it’s a whole new way of thinking. From intricate honorifics to the importance of silence, understanding Japanese communication can open doors to deeper connections and a richer appreciation of the culture. In this talk, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of the Japanese language and explore how communication in Japan is as much about what’s unsaid as what is said.
Japanese communication is a delicate art, shaped by centuries of cultural evolution. It’s not just about learning words—it’s about understanding context, appreciating silence, and being aware of the subtle layers beneath every interaction. Whether you’re planning to visit Japan, work with Japanese colleagues, or simply want to appreciate the depth of this unique culture, embracing the nuances of the Japanese language and communication style will enrich your experience in ways you never imagined. After all, in Japan, the most profound conversations might happen when there’s absolutely no sound at all.
Four Seasons in Japan
Japan’s seasons aren’t just weather patterns—they’re stories. They weave through the year like the chapters of a beloved tale, each with its own rhythm, colours, and mood. Here, the seasons don’t simply change; they breathe life into the land, inspire the heart, and occasionally make you wonder why you forgot your umbrella again.
Journey with me through Japan’s seasons, where nature whispers secrets, festivals spark joy, and even the air seems to hum with meaning. Each one brings its own flavours, feelings, and festivities, inviting you to slow down and notice the little things. A falling petal. A buzzing cicada. The crunch of leaves underfoot. The steam rising from a bowl of soup.
Whether you’re a traveler, a dreamer, or just someone who needs a little seasonal inspiration, Japan’s four seasons remind us that there’s beauty in every moment—even the sweaty ones. And if all else fails, at least there’s always shaved ice in summer and hot pot in winter.
Rinne: The Eternal Cycle of Life
In Japan, the concept of rinne tensho—the cycle of life and death—has long been woven into its spiritual fabric. It’s a comforting to think life doesn’t end, it transforms and continues. Like the cherry blossoms that bloom, fall, and return with spring, it reminds us that endings are simply beginnings in disguise.
This philosophy whispers through Japanese culture, from the quiet Zen gardens where fallen leaves mingle with new growth, to the enduring tales of wandering spirits finding peace. It’s a perspective that nudges you to see change not as loss, but as renewal—whether it’s a career pivot, a broken teacup lovingly repaired with kintsugi, or the idea that maybe, just maybe, you were a samurai in a past life. (Or at least you hope so!) In a world that often fears endings, rinne tensho offers a gentle reassurance: the story isn’t over. It’s just turning the page.
Why Japan Now?
Japan is a nation that celebrates its history without getting stuck in it. The balance between old and new is one of the country’s most unique aspects. You can step out of a high-tech shopping mall in Tokyo and find yourself walking down a narrow street lined with centuries-old shrines. Or hop on a high-speed Shinkansen and travel from the ultra-modern city of Osaka to the tranquil, traditional city of Kyoto in just a few hours.
This mix of the modern and the traditional means that Japan offers something for everyone. It’s a place where you can experience cutting-edge technology one moment, and the next, pause to reflect in the serenity of a tea garden or an ancient temple. It’s a dynamic energy that draws millions of visitors each year and is part of what makes Japan so endlessly fascinating to explore.
The country has been leading the way in developing green technologies, from hydrogen fuel cells to cutting-edge recycling methods. Japan is also at the forefront of responding to the global ageing crisis, with technological solutions such as robotic caregiving systems and healthcare innovations that allow people to live longer, healthier lives.
Japan’s focus on sustainability and technological progress makes it an exciting place for anyone interested in how we can tackle environmental and social challenges. The country is constantly innovating to ensure that its solutions are both technologically advanced and culturally appropriate—something that sets Japan apart in a world that increasingly demands smarter, more sustainable living.
Session formats
Whether you’re hosting a corporate event, educational seminar, or cultural exchange, Yuko can tailor my talks to meet the needs of your audience. Yuko offers talks in various formats, including:
- Keynotes
- Online seminars
- Workshops
- Panel discussions
- Customised presentations for specific industries or topics
Feel free to contact me today to discuss how we can bring the wonders of Japan to your next event.
Experiences
▶︎Cunard Queen Elizabeth guest speaker
▶︎BBC Chelsea Flower Show reporter
▶︎NHK Best Sports reporter
▶︎NHK World Sports reporter
▶︎NHK FIFA World Cup Japan vs. Holland reporter
▶︎NHK Premier League Match Interviewer
▶︎Nippon TV Street Food Club reporter
▶︎BayFM guest commentator
▶︎BBC 5Live Breakfast guest commentator
▶︎BBC Sports World guest commentator
▶︎ITV Good Morning Britain guest commentator
▶︎Google Cloud Generate Tomorrow MC @ Excel London
▶︎Longines World Racing Awards MC @ Savoy London
▶︎Airbus Aircraft Delivery Ceremony for Japan Airlines MC @ Aircraft Delivery Centre in Toulouse
▶︎Tokyo Metropolitan Government Promotion MC
▶︎Hankyu Travel Unforgettable Spring MC
▶︎WTM Japan Seminar @ Japan House
▶︎Hokkaido Promotion MC
▶︎Kyushu Promotion MC
▶︎Oita Promotion MC
▶︎Fukuoka Promotion MC
▶︎Comic Con DOMO! World MC ＠ ExCel London
▶︎ATP Tour Final Nitto Reception MC
▶︎Yokohama Rubber Award Ceremony ＠ Chelsea FC
▶︎Ishikawa Promotion Seminar and Party MC
▶︎Nara X The British Museum Dinner Party MC ＠ Japan House
▶︎MIPCOM 8K NHK Super Hi-Vision Theatre MC @ Cannes Festival des Palais
▶︎NHK Ninja Truth Stage MC @ Trafalgar Square
▶︎MACH OSG Booth MC @ Birmingham NEC
▶︎IBC 8K NHK Super-Hi-Vision Theatre MC @ Amsterdam RAI
Get in touch!
If you are interested in Japan, please get in touch with us. Yuko will be able to deliver a speech perfect for the occasion :)