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.
The charm of a port town that opened up to the world in modern times.
Both Yokohama and Kobe are renowned for their foreign settlements, areas where international traders and diplomats lived following the opening of Japan to the world. In Yokohama, this area is now called Kannai, while in Kobe, it stretches between Sannomiya and Motomachi. Both cities also boast vibrant Chinatowns. Yokohama’s Chinatown is the larger of the two, filled with hundreds of Chinese restaurants, colorful gates, and lively festivals. It was once called Nankinmachi, but today it’s a bustling food haven.
Kobe’s smaller but equally charming Chinatown, still known as Nankinmachi, has a more quaint atmosphere but offers a similar culinary experience. It is also steeped in history, as many of its early residents were merchants who settled near the former foreign settlement. The area now thrives as a tourist destination, but it retains an authentic connection to its roots.
Iconic Landmarks: Meriken Wharf and Foreign Cemeteries
Both cities have iconic waterfronts that serve as reminders of their international past. Yokohama’s Osanbashi Pier, formerly known as Meriken Wharf, is now a modern cruise terminal, where you can witness the grandeur of massive ocean liners docking. In Kobe, Meriken Wharf evokes a sense of nostalgia, though it is no longer in use. A monument marks its place, and the surrounding Meriken Park offers stunning views of Kobe’s waterfront.
Foreign cemeteries also play a role in both cities’ identities. Yokohama’s Foreign Cemetery, located on a hill overlooking the city, is a popular tourist site, paying homage to the many foreign residents who helped shape the city’s modern era. Kobe’s Foreign Cemetery, on the other hand, is more secluded, hidden away in the mountains, and is a lesser-known spot, even among locals. It remains a quiet place of reflection for those who seek out its history.
