Drawing on her 39 years of experience living and working in Japan, Ruth spoke about the communication challenges she has faced as an international in Japan’s work environment, and the subtle but impactful adjustments that can help bridge those gaps.

“Japan’s women have a natural ability to hold and express gratitude through their thoughts and actions. There is deep value placed not only on results, but on the process itself, which ensures that every task is approached with consideration and care. To smooth Japan’s path toward globalization, it is important to help the world understand these unique characteristics.”

The post Ruth Marie Jarman featured in the Yamagata Shimbun: Empowering women to share Japan’s beauty with the world appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Ruth discusses Hawaii’s potluck culture, where every dish on the table is unique and delicious in its own way. Additionally, in the plate lunch style, people combine different types of food on the same plate, enjoying a variety of cultural flavors. Similarly, Ruth suggests that teachers encourage students to take pride in their own unique contributions to the world while also understanding the importance of adapting to maintain social harmony in Japan. She also emphasizes the value of inspiring students’ curiosity about other cultures and helping them see themselves as important contributors to an increasingly diverse global society.

Ruth hopes her article provides food for thought for teachers across Japan as they work to prepare their students for the exciting realities of a more globalized future.

Ruth’s article was published in the March edition. You can view the table of contents HERE.

The post Jarman International CEO Ruth Marie Jarman was honored to have an article published for elementary school principals across Japan in the monthly magazine, “小学校時報” (roughly translated as Elementary School News) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

This engaging book delves into the fascinating stories behind some of Japan’s most iconic inventions—many of which continue to shape the world today. From the origins of soy sauce to the cultural impact of Nintendo’s GAME BOY, “30 Items Invented in Japan” offers a nostalgic and informative journey that connects history with everyday life.

Find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.asia/d/8Cj8DlA

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, advises on new book for elementary schools across Japan appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Dating back to the early 1600s, the Takasago method involves intricate patterns overlaid with symbols of good fortune (such as cranes, turtles and pine cones) in overall images that can resemble being under a matsu pine tree and looking up to the sky through its branches. 

Due to its popularity during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868), the Grand Mistress of the Edo Imperial Household gifted Takasago-printed garments to ladies in her favor and some 100 of them to Dutch emissaries. It is possible that a few of these pieces of Japanese history may still be the prized possession of a few households in Amsterdam. 

Ruth reflects on her visit saying, “I was struck not only by the story, but also the fervent desire of the people in Takasago to protect this art. If you ever go to Himeji Castle, I urge you to get back on the train for a couple of stops and visit Takasagoya where you can learn the history of Takasago-zome, stroll through the shoutengai (local Japanese shopping street) to Takasago Shrine and rest at Ever Hotel (which both Sébastien and I found very welcoming and comfortable).”

“Even though I’ve lived in Japan for some 37 years, I constantly find myself learning something new. This, surely, is one of the reasons I stay.”

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, and JI Core 50 Consultant, Sébastien Duval, visit Takasago (Hyogo Prefecture) to learn about a centuries-old local dyeing technique appeared first on Jarman International KK.

In the August 2024 issue, Ruth shares a personal observation on one of her favorite aspects of Japan, namely, the cleanliness of cities and how that relates to the Japanese sense of beauty in which simplicity is deeply appreciated.

Read Ruth’s insightful article HERE.

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, was featured on HIGHLIGHTING Japan, the official monthly magazine run by the Government of Japan appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Through social media campaigns, media coverage, video content creation, influencer collaborations, and more, the year-long initiative aims to not only attract more international visitors and potential future residents to Kochi, but also raise awareness about this hidden gem destination. Overseen by Jarman International CEO Ruth Marie Jarman, the project will be led by Chiara Terzuolo as Project Manager, with Hana Shiraishi, Director of Online Strategy, assisting in media outreach and communications. 

The post Jarman International partners with Tosagokoro for the 5th consecutive year to showcase Kochi Prefecture’s charm globally appeared first on Jarman International KK.

In a partnership with Earth Celebration’s team, Jarman International is sending five media and travel professionals to help spread the word about the event, as well as develop tour ideas for next year. You can learn about each member below.

Ruth Marie Jarman – Jarman International CEO

The team’s trip to Sado Island will be led by Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, who will be joining Earth Celebration for the second time. 

“I feel that Japan has come into an era of true internationalization. If we think in terms of surfing, we saw the wave approaching from around 10+ years ago and now we are on that wave, trying to get enough balance to stand up and actually ride it. More companies are looking at how they can create better lines of communication between increasingly diverse teams. Regions and towns are going into much more detail about how to express their great worth to every visitor, and the concept of Kuleana (the Hawaiian word for ‘a sense of responsibility’) in tourism is gaining ground. I hope that Jarman International can support the fundamental changes going on in Japan with kindness, laughter and effective strategy. Japan is a very exciting place right now and it will surely stay that way for the foreseeable future.”

“As for Earth Celebration, I am extremely excited about visiting Sado after about five years. I still remember being in complete awe when I caught sight of Sado’s towering mountains from the ferry for the first time, and feeling speechless by Kodo’s dynamic performances. The beat of the drums and the community vibe of love that permeates the island during the festival are two of the biggest draws for me. This time, I will be taking my orange car named Mikan to help me explore this place in a way I have never done before.”

John Daub – Creator and producer of the ONLY in JAPAN YouTube series

Creator and producer of the ONLY in JAPAN YouTube series (630,000+ total subscribers across two channels), John Daub, will also participate in Earth Celebration for the second time. After his first visit, John released an episode on his main channel, capturing the inspiring story of Kodo’s drummers. You can watch it HERE. 

As a former NHK World reporter from 2008 to 2023, John has now lived in Japan for 25+ years with a YouTube career spanning over 15. He is also an inbound tourism contributor to TBS Hiruobi, having worked with a numerous companies including LIXIL, JTB, etc. 

During the pandemic, John crowdfunded 100,000 dollars with his community to help family-run firework companies hire workers in Akita, Niigata and Nagano prefectures when summer festivals were getting canceled nationwide. 

“Knowing how Earth Celebration was challenged over the pandemic without a regular audience, it will be the first event at full strength with tourism back at 2019 levels. Kodo’s music has always brought people together, collaborating with sounds from around the world. This weekend is going to be a smash hit!”

Laura Pollacco – Freelance writer and photographer

Through her experience living in Japan for over four years, freelance photojournalist, Laura Pollacco, has published articles in a variety of media including the Japan Times, Tokyo Weekender, Metropolis and more. She has offered her insightful, positive, and fun writing abilities on a variety of Jarman International projects, from posting on the Yonezawa ABC social media pages to revamping our newly-owned Deep Japan website (currently in the works). 

“My role in Japan is to share the stories of people, places and experiences that aren’t often seen. It is an immense privilege to help bring attention to these stories, and through my small contribution, I hope I can increase awareness on just how much there is waiting to be discovered here. I want to spread awareness as authentically as possible, finding true joy in the stories I cover so that if I recommend it, you know it’s because I believe in it.”

“I’m excited to head to Earth Celebration and explore an area of Japan I have never visited before. I am particularly looking forward to joining in with the festivities, listening to the music, and taking part in the workshops. For me, festivals in Japan create an atmosphere of joy and wonderment, allowing anyone to take part and learn something new. I am thrilled to be joining Earth Celebration this year!”

Sébastien Duval – Business development manager and experienced tour guide in Japan

As a business development manager and consultant for the media and travel agency, Japan Travel KK, Sébastien helps Japanese ministries, prefectures, cities and businesses in the event, tourism and hospitality industries based on 20 years in Japan and stays across 20 countries. The goal is to help revitalize local economies and fight depopulation through job creation, and promote long stays to internationals.  

“I love Japan for its fascinating culture, outdoor hot springs, diverse hiking grounds (from arctic Hokkaido to tropical Okinawa), and I’m particularly grateful to the incredible artisans and farmers who have taught me so much. I value diversity, inclusivity, sustainability, regeneration, and plant-based lifestyles.”

“Years ago, I attended Earth Celebration on my own, and those sets of concerts remain my top event memory in Japan. The music was amazing, but I was even more impressed by the traditional costumes, community vibe and overall energetic atmosphere. This year, I am looking forward to the aspect of Earth Celebration that I think makes it very special: the guest musicians. It will be very fun to experience the Ugandan group play an instrument I’ve never seen or heard before.”

“Regarding the trip to Sado Island itself, I am eager to try the water activities, including night kayaking and riding the tarai-bune (traditional wash tub boat). These new experiences will make the trip a real adventure!”

Swastika Harsh Jajoo – Manager for F-ATRAs (Futaba Area Tourism Research Association)

Swastika has been in Japan for the last six years, spending her time mostly as a student, enrolled first in a short-term exchange program in Fukuoka Women’s University and later in a Master’s and PhD at Tohoku University. She is still part of the PhD program, working towards a degree in Linguistics, while also working as a manager for F-ATRAs (Futaba Area Tourism Research Association) in inbound tourism, marketing and translation. You can read more about her story below. 

“In 2021, I had the opportunity to visit Futaba in the coastal region of Fukushima, a town I only knew of as a ‘disaster-impacted area’. The event that I took part in was called the ‘Town Story Walking Tour’, a specially-curated tour based on the interviews of hundreds of townspeople. It helped to humanize the area for me, and as a poet and storyteller myself, telling stories of people that occupied these towns before the evacuation orders were passed was as important as talking about the disaster itself. My attention was drawn to how we frame narratives when we talk about disaster resilience, and I was fortunate to be offered an internship with F-ATRAs.”

“After interning here for 3 years, I started working full-time for the organization from October 2023, which is also when I decided to take a temporary break from my PhD program. It is my sincere hope to be able to engage in community-building here by being honest to my story and the stories of people I meet.”

“My biggest motivation to move to Japan was Japanese–I started studying the language for the first time as part of the short-term exchange program in Fukuoka, and noticed how learning a new language that was so different from my own helped me rediscover my own self. I’ve moved cities and schools so many times in India that I think I was able to build a real sense of stability for myself only after moving to Japan.”

“Currently, my goals are to work on inbound tourism in Fukushima and also try to complete my PhD degree. Alongside, I want to keep experimenting with poetry and food, the two defining elements of my life. I also had the opportunity to teach Japanese to international children, and want to stay engaged with language education. I think all of my efforts, whether it be regarding tourism or language, are centered on sharing what I love with the world.”

“I think it’s really cool that Earth Celebration is organized by the taiko drumming group Kodo. In Futaba, we have a taiko group called Shineha Sendan Daiko that managed to stay together despite being forced into evacuation, so I’m generally in awe of the sense of unity that taiko groups display. I also find it very inspiring how the festival focuses on environmental awareness and sustainability, and also seeks to combine local, traditional art with international forms. I’m very excited about the drumming workshops and ‘Shukusai: Sunset Finale Harbour Concert’! This is going to be my first time on Sado Island so I’m ready to just take it all in.”

Photo credits of Kodo photos by Maiko Miyagawa and Takashi Okamoto.

The post Jarman International sends five media and travel professionals to Sado Island (Niigata Prefecture) to promote and develop future tours related to the annual Earth Celebration music festival hosted by world-class taiko ensemble, Kodo appeared first on Jarman International KK.

For the second time, Jarman International CEO,

The Hamadori Coastal Area represents several locations along the coast of Tohoku (northeastern Japan). This area is particularly famous for its Soma Nomaoi Festival, which was covered by Jarman International’s Youtuber partner John Daub.

Although recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 has taken time, the Hamadori Coastal Area is developing back into the vibrant location it has always been. Ruth was honored to present various ways for local companies and businesses to effectively deliver their content to international visitors as well as tips on welcoming them into a deep and meaningful Hamadori Coastal Area experience.

With educational tours for high schoolers from the UK, company trips by executives from Tokyo to explore business opportunities in the area, picturesque cycling routes along the coast, excellent beaches (for surfers and beach volleyball enthusiasts), and more, this area has much to offer. 

Ruth shares her reflection on the presentation as follows.  

“I really enjoy when we can share knowledge about how to engage with the international audience directly with businesses and organizations that are working on site. I noticed many nods from the audience and people taking notes, so I hope our information was helpful to the group. It was clear that everyone is giving their full effort to welcome visitors from around the world.”

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, gave a presentation about engaging with the international visitor market to 30+ local business and organization representatives as part of the Hope Tourism Inbound Promotion Project in the Hamadori Coastal Area of Fukushima, Japan appeared first on Jarman International KK.

Jarman International CEO,

During the online Zoom meeting with the Japan Management Association (JMA) on August 2, Ruth also shared strategies on how to create a workspace where all parties are happy, satisfied and able to thrive. 

You can learn more about the online speech HERE. 

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, gave a speech about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) to 200 managers, executives and other corporate members of the Japan Management Association (JMA) on August 2, 2024 appeared first on Jarman International KK.

The discussion covered a wide range of important topics including why Japan has globally become such a popular travel destination in recent years, and how locals as well as international visitors can work together to help minimize the negative impacts of overtourism (littering, congestion, damage to historical sites, etc). 

The episode is now available HERE in Japanese on the PIVOT YouTube channel with over 1.95 million subscribers.

The post Jarman International CEO, Ruth Marie Jarman, joined a panel discussion highlighting the challenges and opportunities of Japan’s growing inbound tourism (now available on the PIVOT YouTube channel with over 1.95 million subscribers) appeared first on Jarman International KK.