Yangon Residents | Myanmar
After wrapping up my first startup and completing major projects, I was exhausted. Small opportunities kept appearing, and I didn’t want to miss any of them. Without a clear way to assess what was truly worth pursuing, I pushed myself …
Fail Forward
Failure. It’s a word I used to shy away from. Growing up, I didn’t fail much, and I felt good about that. But when I faced my first big failure, it hit me hard. The self-doubt felt heavy. Dwelling on …
Ichiran | Japan
My recent visit to Ichiran wasn’t my first, but it was the most memorable. After placing my order, I stepped away for a few minutes. When I returned, a small card was waiting for me: “While you were away from …
Nicolai Bergmann | Japan
Opportunities often come disguised as challenges. A small request, an offhand remark, or even an obstacle. But for those who recognize them, these moments can spark something far greater than imagined. Nicolai Bergmann was one of them. A Tokyo-based Danish …
Sangboon | Korea
At 82, my grandmother got hit on. She was strolling through Kyungdong Market when an elderly gentleman noticed her. He followed, mustering the courage to ask for her number. My mom and aunt were appalled. “Strange old man,” they muttered. …
Hinok | Korea
One of the biggest mistakes brand builders make is focusing too much on the brand itself. They know every detail, believe deeply in the product’s technology, and work hard to tell consumers all about it. But that’s where brands risk …
Super Matcha | Korea
For over 1,300 years, matcha has been deeply rooted in tradition, dating back to China’s Song Dynasty and flourishing in Korea during the Goryeo period. Despite its rich history and health benefits, matcha is often seen as an old-fashioned drink—something …
Tamburins | Korea
Tamburins’ meteoric rise—from $2 million to $80 million in revenue in just three years—was no accident. It was the result of a masterfully executed brand strategy that fused artistry, storytelling, and immersive experiences into a singular, compelling vision. 1. A …
Monami | Korea
Monami started in 1960. Back then, writing was a hassle in Korea. People had to dip pen nibs into ink constantly, making writing slow and messy. One spill could ruin hours of work. That all changed in 1962 when Monami’s …
ChocoZAP | Japan
Despite 74% of Japan’s population acknowledging the need for exercise, only 3% actively engage in gym memberships, revealing a significant gap and a tremendous opportunity for the fitness industry. ChocoZap seized this moment with remarkable insight. Committed to making fitness …
Gentle Monster | Korea
How did Gentle Monster turn a $35,000 investment into a company valued at 1 billion dollars in just over a decade? The answer lies in its ability to blend storytelling, design, and immersive experiences into a singular, unforgettable brand. It doesn’t just sell eyewear—it sells …
Personal Productivity
Productivity isn’t just about managing time—it’s about mastering three key areas: time, focus, and energy. When these elements are aligned, productivity becomes more intentional and impactful. Time Management | Cutting Out Time Wasters Time wasters are activities or habits that consume …
The Power of Attitude
Talent can impress, but attitude is what truly inspires. I’ve always admired those with incredible talent, but the ones who leave a lasting impact are those with a strong, positive approach to work and life. I believe that attitude makes all …
Shoyeido | Japan
1,400 years ago, a large piece of aromatic wood washed ashore on Awaji Island in Japan. The locals noticed its incredible fragrance and offered the wood as a gift to the Imperial Family. This moment marked the beginning of Japan’s …
Mihwa | Japan
One of the most important things about traveling is the people. The ones you travel with or the people you meet along the way often completely change the vibe of your journey. In Kyoto, I had the pleasure of walking …
Dharavi Residents | India
Mumbai is India’s biggest city and its economic powerhouse. It has more billionaires than anywhere else except New York and London. It is also home to the stock exchange with the most listed companies globally. But beyond the towering skyscrapers …
Avanthika | India
One of the most memorable moments from my trip to Bengaluru was an interview with an influencer. Some people naturally light up a room—Avanthika was one of them. At 22, she’s an actress and influencer, fresh out of university. Her …
Muji | Japan
MUJI was founded in 1980. At the time, Japan was experiencing an unprecedented economic boom, and the market was overflowing with flashy and luxurious products. MUJI’s Japanese name, 無印良品 (Mujirushi Ryohin), means “good products without a brand.” This name reflects …
Tsutaya | Japan
Tsutaya isn’t just a bookstore; it’s a lifestyle destination. By reimagining the role of bookstores, it has transformed into a cultural and commercial hub that prioritizes experience over transactions. Tsutaya has pioneered a business model that seamlessly blends books, lifestyle, …
Shokunin Shoyu | Japan
Did you know that the average person in Japan consumes about 7 liters of soy sauce every year (Source: KATI)? In comparison, Americans use only 0.6 to 1 liter annually. This striking contrast underscores how integral soy sauce is to …
Vito | Argentina
I love street art. It brings creativity to everyday life, turns hidden corners into spaces for expression, and sparks new ideas. In Palermo Soho, I explored its vibrant murals with Vito, a student at Buenos Aires University of the Arts. …
Christian | Bolivia
Originally, the place where Uyuni exists was once an ocean. One day, the Nazca Plate, located to the east of the Pacific Ocean, collided with the South American Plate. This collision led to the creation of the longest mountain range …
Favela Residents | Brazil
Famous landmarks make you stare, but backstreet stories have more to share. Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Selarón Steps—Rio de Janeiro is full of breathtaking sights. But what stayed with me the most wasn’t …
Breaking Through Career Slumps
I was in a slump, so I went to Perth. Walking around, watching quokkas, and just taking it easy gave me a boost. I thought travel was the perfect remedy for my slump. After a while, I hit another slump. …
5 Questions for New Team Leaders
In Tokyo, there’s the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It’s the busiest intersection in the world, with about 3,000 people crossing at once. Amid the chaos, there’s perfect order. It’s all thanks to the traffic lights. Watching this, I saw a …
7 Tips for New Hires
Dear new hires, Welcome to the corporate world! I still remember the mix of excitement and nervousness before starting my journey—followed by the whirlwind of learning, challenges, and early missteps. It won’t always be easy. There will be moments of …