Working in sales and marketing at a chemical company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime for 25 years. With a background as a returnee from the United States and experience working in Singapore, actively promoting cross-cultural exchange and supporting foreign residents.
This unique perspective and extensive experience provide insightful and engaging views on the housing situations of foreigners in Japan, offering a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and solutions in this field.
Ancient, medieval, early modern… A region with a deep history
Yokohama’s modern identity is deeply tied to its port, which opened in 1859, making it one of Japan’s first gateways to the world. Before that, much of the area’s history was connected to the Tokaido Road, which linked the capital of Edo (now Tokyo) with Kyoto. Small post towns like Kanagawa and Hodogaya served travelers along this famous route, and today, you can still visit some of the temples and shrines that once hosted foreign dignitaries, including American and British consulates.
One of the more whimsical historical tales from Yokohama involves the legend of Urashima Taro, a fisherman who, according to folklore, visited an underwater palace and returned centuries later. A small temple in Kanagawa Ward, Keiunji, claims to house a statue that Taro brought back from the Dragon Palace — a fascinating blend of myth and history.
Kobe, too, has a rich history, but it extends much further back. Long before it became a bustling international port, Kobe’s Wada Misaki area was known as a natural harbor. It thrived during the Heian period, particularly through trade with China during the Song Dynasty. Kobe also played a crucial role during the Genpei War(1180-1185, a civil war where samurai clans, led by the prominent Taira and Minamoto families, fought for supremacy), as the Taira clan fought the forces of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (the younger brother of the Minamoto clan leader, who later became a tragic hero after being defeated by his own brother). The iconic battle at Suma and the Taira’s eventual retreat after losing the battle serve as powerful reminders of Kobe’s strategic importance.
