Charles serves as a Research Collaborator for the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and conducts research on AI and capacity building for government agencies. He also offers courses in the Asia-Pacific region on the use of AI for disaster response, negotiations, and strategic leadership. In addition, Charles founded Japan’s first food bank, Second Harvest, which JI donates to via our JI Golf Cups at EastWood Country Club. 

JI deeply appreciates Charles sharing his time to discuss AI best practices with our team. To date, seminar topics have included how to use AI effectively and efficiently in JI’s key tasks, including translation, editing, project proposals, and preparing for client meetings. 

We believe that ensuring our team is well-versed in AI — utilizing its strengths while remaining cognizant of its limitations — is essential for providing the highest-quality work for our clients. 

“AI is not a magic bullet,” Charles commented on a Real Gaijin AMA Podcast appearance in 2025.  “But it certainly can be a multiplier for resource-strapped organizations and people who are thinking about doing things differently.”

“I would encourage people to explore using AI so that you understand what it can’t do,” he added, citing authentic relationship building as something AI cannot and should not replace. Conversely, tasks such as compiling vast amounts of information and helping users gain awareness of their own biases are among its strengths.

“The JI team boasts several incredible writers and creators who feel conflicted about adopting AI into our work strategy. Learning from Charles about the nuts and bolts of AI, i.e., that it is token-based, etc., reminded us that AI is not a person trying to take over our work but a valuable tool for making our work better. Charles has a pragmatic and very practical, not overly positive, approach to AI use and I thought this was extremely helpful for us as we try to implement new tools without having anything come even close to smothering our creative spirit and unique, human-led JI business,” says JI CEO Ruth Marie Jarman.

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JI’s team collaborated to put together a proposal before the fast-approaching deadline. Their proposal showcased the company’s achievements over the years in other tourism-promotion projects for local governments.

Utilizing its network of writers from its online media Deep Japan, JI’s proposal assembled a team of experienced writers based in Kyoto to produce 10 articles for the Kyoto Travel website over the course of the 10-month project. The articles — written in English and with an international perspective — will cover the three focus areas: travel inspiration, hidden gems of Kyoto, and sample itineraries. 

The Kyoto Travel website provides accurate and up-to-date information for international tourists.  Lately redesigned in 2025, it also aims to clearly convey important tourism-related news and guidelines, as well as help promote sustainable tourism — a key challenge for the historic city.

Jarman’s project team will also perform a monthly analysis of the Kyoto Travel website and offer suggestions on how to further improve it, as well as translate and adapt five articles from Kyoto Travel’s partner outlets.

JI is honored to be entrusted with this project, and the whole team looks forward to producing content and sharing insights that can support sustainable tourism in one of Japan’s most iconic cities.

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In her article — published on May 25, 2026, and titled “Finding Wa on the Tokyo Train: Thirty Six Years of Commuting in Japan” — Ruth reflects on her experience adjusting to life in Tokyo after moving to Japan from the US. Although she was surrounded by crowds on packed commuter trains, she still felt isolated because strangers avoided eye contact and did not exchange smiles, as people commonly do in the US.

Over time, though, Ruth came to see Tokyo’s trains as places of connection and consideration — a manifestation of the Japanese concept of wa (group harmony). She noticed quiet acts of cooperation, such as making room for others, helping people board and exit crowded trains, and assisting those who are tired or feeling unwell. 

To close her article, Ruth adds that, in recent years, she has noticed a change in Tokyites: more direct friendliness and smiles between strangers. Although it’s still possible to feel isolated and lost in Tokyo’s crowds, a close observer of daily life can find both traditional expressions of wa and new warmth.

In addition to Ruth’s own contribution, Jarman International helps coordinate freelance writers of various international backgrounds to conduct interviews and write articles for Tokyo Updates. Jarman International is honored to be able to help the Tokyo government share what makes the metropolis special.

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The Moralogy Foundation is an organization that conducts studies of morality and ethics as well as promotes social education activities. Through its magazine, it aims to help people to build spiritually rich lives and a livable society. 

The theme of the magazine’s December 2025 edition was “Reflecting on Japan’s identity.” Its feature article examined how Japan should consider and preserve its identity as the country’s population becomes increasingly international and the number of overseas tourists visiting Japan continues to grow. The article highlighted behaviors such as attention to detail, hospitality, cleanliness, and consideration of others as valuable aspects of Japanese society.

It is these habits and attitudes, no less than famous sight-seeing spots, that are so attractive to international visitors and residents alike, Ruth commented in the article. She emphasized that values such as sincerity, kindness, and safety should continue being handed down to future generations, no matter how Japan or the world may evolve. 

As for the increasing number of international visitors to Japan, Ruth noted that the country should not only focus on economic growth through inbound tourism — a major goal of the government and related stakeholders — but that said tourism should also be utilized to preserve communities and cultural heritage.

Jarman International appreciates the opportunity to discuss these important topics with the Morality Foundation and hopes that the article helped readers reflect on them as well.

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Jarman International’s team consisted of CEO Ruth Marie Jarman, as well as JI Core 50 consultants Lila Klopfenstein, Chiara Terzuolo, and Paul Walsh.

The name “Sagiryu Kyogen” denotes the Sagiryu school of Kyogen comic theater, which today can only be seen in Yamaguchi Prefecture and a few other places. Often paired with longer, more serious Noh dramas, the short Kyogen plays aim to make audiences laugh. Although Sagiryu Kyogen flourished in Yamaguchi during the Meiji period (1868–1912), it later began to decline, and a local preservation association was formed in the 1950s. 

Jarman International submitted a photo taken during the consulting trip — depicting the team trying on Sagiryu Kyogen costumes — to the Times Gallery, a photo feature published by The Japan Times. The photo was included in the Gallery’s March 2026 edition.

“All of us were laughing so hard we were literally crying! The two sensei, Taro-san and his father, did such a great job depicting a daimyo lord on a visit to a large town who is missing his wife but at the same time quite afraid of her. It was a joy to experience Kyogen for the very first time,” Jarman says.

Jarman International is honored to be able to learn about this rare traditional art form and contribute to its preservation.

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Led by the Kanto District Transport Bureau, Edo Shogun Roads is an English-language version of the Bureau’s Edo Kaido project and an extension of its Greater Tokyo initiative. The historical routes to Tokyo that the project is named for contain numerous points of interest, “including Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, historical attractions, lush greenery, relaxing hot springs (onsen), and local food and sake,” according to the project’s website, which introduces over 250 attractions and activities. Many modern transportation routes follow these Edo-period roads, making them easily accessible for tourists.

The Japanese government aims to make international tourism a key revenue stream and targets 60 million annual visitors by 2030. Tokyo, with its two international airports and worldwide recognition, is a natural first destination for the inbound. The Edo Shogun Roads project aims to draw visitors into the surrounding prefectures as well, to boost local economies while easing pressures related to over-tourism in the metropolis — and, of course, to share the historical, natural, and traditional charms these locations have to offer. Excitement for welcoming international visitors was certainly palpable at the kick-off ceremony highlighted in the Times Gallery.

Jarman International CEO Ruth Marie Jarman is an architect of and Advisory Council Member for Edo Shogun Roads, and Jarman International has consistently helped promote the project through various media.

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In his article, Sébastien introduced the history of the five Edo-period (1603–1868) highways which give the tourism initiative its name, touching on their role in maintaining social order as well as how they helped facilitate developments in domestic travel, art, and hospitality traditions. 

He also explained the background behind the current “Edo Shogun Roads” tourism promotion initiative, led by the Kanto Transport Bureau and which mobilizes local governments, destination management organizations (DMOs), and tourism-related businesses. Edo Shogun Roads’ suggested activities and itineraries focus on experiential tourism, and Sébastien notes how this can help visitors form a deeper connection to the rich history and traditions found along the old Edo highways.

“The project offers a coherent interpretation of the territory, structured by thematic itineraries and site-specific experiences,” he writes (automatic translation by Google Chrome).

Sébastien, who is originally from Marseille, has also written for the Jarman-owned online media Deep Japan, where he has explored topics including film, ukiyo-e art, and navigating the professional world in Japan.

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The Extreme Onsen tour involves hiking roughly 40–60 minutes through natural scenery to Numajiri Motoyu, a spring of natural, mineral-rich hot water. The hot spring was discovered during the Edo period (1603–1868), and the quality of its water is said to be among the highest in Japan. Tour participants can enjoy a soak among the dozens of natural hot spring pools, called yatenburo in Japanese, halfway up Mt Adatara.

“The mountain path isn’t heavily maintained, so you can still see the untouched natural landscape,” Sophie said of the tour. “As we hiked, the guide explained the local history and the background of the hot spring. Nomajiri Onsen flows down like a waterfall from the mountain, forming small natural pools where visitors can bathe in swimwear. This type of experience is extremely rare even within Japan. However, because some areas have relatively high sulfur levels, it’s safer to go with a local guide. After completing the entire route, Paul and I also shared some feedback and suggestions with the guide and the organizers regarding the overall experience.”

The Extreme Onsen tour is also promoted by the government’s Greater Tokyo and Edo Shogun Roads tourism initiatives, which aim to entice visitors into the prefectures surrounding the metropolis. 

Based in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture, the outdoor activity organization Café & Activity Nowhere runs a campground and other activities, such as mountain biking, in addition to the Extreme Onsen tour.

Consulting for tourism activities is one of Jarman International’s core services, and we are honored to be able to contribute to amazing experiences in special locations such as this.

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As an online media platform owned by Jarman International, Deep Japan shares articles by international residents who have lived in Japan for at least three years. In her discussion with JJ, Hana said she hopes to empower each writer to let their personality shine through their articles. These articles — which cover a range of topics, from explaining implicit rules to sharing experiences of finding community — aim to be informative and thought-provoking for readers both living in or visiting Japan. 

JJ commented that international residents’ perspectives can also be valuable in identifying tourism resources and explaining them to inbound visitors. Not everything is famous, but everything can be interesting, she noted. 

The two also discussed the role of inbound tourism, including a shift toward experiential tourism, for regional revitalization in Japan. At the same time, they stressed the importance of preserving quality of life for locals as well as the tangible and intangible traditions that make Japan special. 

“It was a true honor to be invited on JJ’s talkshow to discuss the opportunities, and, of course, the challenges of navigating Japan’s ongoing and transformative globalization. What aspects of Japan must stay the same? What aspects can or should change with the times? These are complex questions with no simple answers, but I believe it is so important that we continue having these conversations — as JJ and I did to the best of our ability!” Hana says.

“Personally, I have been thinking a lot about how to define the ‘essence’ or ‘heart’ of Japan that should remain unchanged, which, in my humble view, has a lot to do with concepts like Japanese kodawari (attention to detail), omotenashi (hospitality), and omoiyari (consideration for others). During our talk, I shared one of my favorite personal examples of seeing the Japanese spirit of kodawari in action when I worked part-time at a convenience store one summer. I hope you will check out my talk with JJ to hear the story! All in all, I hope our conversation inspires a new thought or idea for listeners and encourages them to carry the conversation to new depths.”

If you have lived in Japan for three or more years and are interested in writing for Deep Japan, click here to learn how to get involved!

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Project members, including Ruth, pose for a photo.

The Edo Shogun Roads project launched with a kick-off ceremony in central Tokyo on March 20, 2026. Ruth Marie Jarman, CEO of Jarman International (one of the architects of this initiative and an Advisory Council Member for the project), and several members of Deep Japan’s network of freelance writers were in attendance to cover the event.

Edo Shogun Roads takes as its motif the five major highways that, during the Edo period (1603 to 1868), connected the shogun’s seat of power, Edo (now Tokyo), with the rest of Japan. The project encourages travelers to visit various sites in the greater Kanto area and neighboring prefectures. Although a Japanese version (called Edo Kaido) was first launched in 2022, the new English-language website and promotional videos tailor the project to international audiences. 

The new website includes a searchable database of recommended sites and experiences, over 20 suggested itineraries, feature articles, and transportation information.

Banners for each of the Edo-period roads

Edo Shogun Roads is also collaborating with Green x Expo 2027 — an international horticulture event to be held in Yokohama — to introduce gardens, flowers, and other nature-related tourism activities to travelers. Model itineraries specifically focused on “green” are included on the new website. A focal point sure to inspire many international visitors will be presentations of traditional Japanese Teien gardening. We hope there will be many artisans at Green x Expo to share their knowledge with the world.

Excitement about Edo Shogun Roads was palpable at the kick off ceremony. Representatives from both the Tourism Agency and prefectural governments involved in the project gave enthusiastic remarks, extolling the wonderful locations, experiences, and products that the region has to offer. 

JI is grateful for the opportunity to provide ideas and feedback as the Edo Shogun Roads project develops, and we look forward to utilizing our wide network of writers and influencers to continue promoting this great initiative.

A “samurai experience” is among the Edo Shogun Roads’ recommended activities.

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