Uchikura & Co Blog
Never Let Your Guard Down — 油断...
2026-09-11
Never Let Your Guard Down — 油断大敵   The Japanese expression “油断大敵” (yudan taiteki) means that carelessness is a powerful enemy.   Problems often happen not when we are struggling, but when everything ...
The World’s Slo...
2026-09-11
The World’s Slowest Olympic Marathon Took More Than 54 Years At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, Japanese runner 金栗四三 (Shizō Kanakuri) entered the men’s marathon as one of Japan’s first Olympic athletes....
“Muri” and “Fukanō”: Are They ...
2026-09-11
“Muri” and “Fukanō”: Are They the Same?The Japanese words 無理 (muri) and 不可能 (fukanō) are similar, but they are not exactly the same.   Fukanō means “impossible.” It describes something that simply ca...
What Does “One Minute from the...
2026-09-11
What Does “One Minute from the Station” Mean in Japan?   Japanese real estate advertisements often describe a property as “five minutes from the station” or “ten minutes on foot.” But did you know th...
Miren — When Good Memories Hol...
2026-09-10
Miren — When Good Memories Hold Us Back The Japanese word “未練” (miren) describes an emotional attachment to something that has already ended. It may be a relationship, a job, a business, or a period ...
Komorebi — Sunlight Through th...
2026-09-10
Komorebi — Sunlight Through the Leaves The Japanese word komorebi (木漏れ日) describes sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow on the ground.   It i...
Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 4...
2026-09-09
I Published a Book on Amazon Over the years, I’ve shared various Japanese words and philosophy that I hold close to my heart. However, newer posts quickly push blog posts and social media content down...
My Book Has Its First Review
2026-09-09
My Book Has Its First ReviewMy book, 88 Japanese Wisdom for Business, Leadership, and Life, now has its first review on Amazon.   It may be only one review, but to me, it means a great deal.   https...
Sontaku: Understanding What Is...
2026-09-09
Sontaku: Understanding What Is Not Said   The Japanese word “sontaku” (忖度) means trying to understand another person’s feelings or intentions without being directly told.   There is no perfect Englis...
My Book Sold on Amazon
2026-09-08
My Book Sold on Amazon   My first book was published on Amazon yesterday.   Two copies sold yesterday, and three more sold today.   That is only five copies in total, but I am incredibly happy.   Som...