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 Edo Shogun Roads project 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 initiative aims to promote tourism in the wider Kanto region and neighboring prefectures to both domestic and international travelers, who tend to congregate in the capital. Given the Edo highways’ rich history, the sites along them are steeped in historical, cultural, and culinary significance. 

Ruth was interviewed by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) about the Edo Shogun Roads, and her comments were featured in a Euronews article about the project, published in English and French.

“The original Edo period has that feeling of history, of tradition, of community, of craft, and a deep appreciation for nature,” Ruth says in the article. 

“The Edo Shogun Roads represent more than just old roads; they are pathways of resilience that fostered the very identity of the Kanto region. … The communities along them learned to sustain high-quality craftsmanship and a unique culture of hospitality that still welcomes travelers today.”

Jarman International will continue to support the Edo Shogun Roads project, which recently launched an English-language website and promotional materials.

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Jarman International’s booth introduced the company’s key business areas — including consulting, media services, translation, and human resource development — through posters and pamphlets. Alongside explaining Jarman’s work in more detail, team members at the booth were eager to hear about the attendees’ needs related to inbound business and connecting with more international clients who live in Japan.

On the expo’s first day, Jarman International Director of Online Strategy Hana Shiraishi gave a workshop introducing Deep Japan, an online media of which she also serves as editor-in-chief. 

“During the workshop, I had the opportunity to share the purpose I feel behind Deep Japan. At its core, our mission is to connect the heart of Japan (what makes this country so special) with the world through stories told by international writers who call this place home,” Hana says. “I really see our Deep Japan writers as valuable ‘bridges’ in supporting Japan in this pivotal time when inbound tourism is booming — an exciting transformation, but one that also brings new challenges.”

She continues, “Preparing for the workshop was already meaningful to me because it reminded me of the ‘why’ behind Deep Japan and my role as editor-in-chief. Of course, being able to share that message with an audience made it that much more special. If even one person left the workshop with something positive, whether learning something new about Japan’s incredible but high-context omotenashi (hospitality) culture, understanding the power of community in a time of change, or simply feeling inspired about where the country is headed, I feel my duty is complete!”

The Inbound Business Expo marked the first time Jarman International has participated as an exhibitor at such an event. Although a new initiative always comes with unknowns, by the end of the expo the team knew this had been a valuable experience sure to lead to new opportunities.

“I was very surprised with the team-building aspect of putting together a booth like this. Since all of us work remotely and have little opportunity to work physically near each other, it was so nice to see our team coming together and having so much fun telling visitors about what JI does and how our services might be able to help them. I was overjoyed when I heard that one of the visitors thought we were a family-run company since we looked so close and got along so well. That gives me a huge sense of satisfaction!” says Ruth Marie Jarman, CEO of Jarman International.

Building on the success of the Inbound Business Expo, Jarman International is eager for opportunities to participate in similar events going forward.

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The Expo showcases various business fields related to inbound tourism in Japan. Topics range from support for customer service, multilingual guidance, payment solutions, high-quality tourism experiences, inbound-targeted products, and more.

“Our theme word for this year is Hiyaku, which means ‘Leap Forward,’ so when I came across the opportunity to have a booth at this expo, I leapt for it!,” says Ruth Marie Jarman, CEO of Jarman International. “Jarman usually has work come to us via our network and previous clients’ introductions, but this will be a wonderful opportunity to reach out to new places and meet a whole bunch of new potential clients as a Jarman Team. I am proud of what we have achieved over the last 14 years and I look forward to how we can grow and evolve as we uncover new opportunities  at this event. I am especially excited about the Deep Japan workshop that Editor-in-Chief Hana Shiraishi will be leading. We have a wonderful platform and hope that people who hear about it, will see its worth like we do.” 

Tokyo Big Sight can be accessed via Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on the Rinkai Line and Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Yurikamome line; please refer to the venue’s webpage for other transportation options. 

Advance registration via the Expo’s website (free) is required for each person planning to attend the Expo. Please print out your registration info and have it available when you arrive at the venue. Although all registration information is available online, if you would like a paper invitation with detailed entry instructions and a QR code to the online registration for the event, please contact Jarman at contact@jarman-international.com with your name and forwarding address. 

The Jarman team looks forward to seeing you there!

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In addition to Ruth’s speech on ways to attract inbound tourists to areas along the Edo Kaido (five historical roads of Edo (the former name of the city of Tokyo)), the symposium will feature a talk about Edo culture and hot springs, an introduction to successful tourism projects conducted in the region thus far, and a panel discussion on regional revitalization through the promotion of Edo Kaido-centered touristic activities.

Symposium Details:
Date & Time:          2pm to 5pm on Monday, July 4, 2022
Venue:                      Muromachi Mitsui Hall & Conference
Fee:                            Free
Format:                   In-person (limited to 80 persons) or online via ZOOM

Register HERE by Thursday, June 30, 2022 if you would like to attend.

Check out the event flyer for full details!

Learn more about the Edo Kaido HERE.

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Not to mention, of course, Swagat serves some of the most authentic Indian flavors you can find. From perfectly-spiced samosas and creamy butter chicken curry, to juicy kebab that pairs gorgeously with their homemade mint coriander chutney…but wait, it doesn’t stop there! Rich desserts like Ras Malai (spongy cottage cheese balls soaked in thick, sweet condensed milk) will complete your memorable meal that will keep you coming back!

We are very proud to announce that Swagat Indian Restaurant is in fact our headline sponsor for June’s Special Beauty Japan/Jarman International Charity Golf Cup. 

We are grateful to Swagat for helping us support Mirai no Mori and Special Beauty Japan, which empower marginalized and special needs youth nationwide.

Learn about our Charity Golf Cup HERE.

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Jarman International CEO Ruth Marie Jarman has been selected to join this “Edo Kaido” tourism project to help create innovative ways to share the Kanto Region’s priceless beauty to the world.

Check out the Press Release below (Japanese)! Learn more about Edo Kaido HERE.

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JI Core 50 member and popular YouTuber of the ONLY in JAPAN channel, John Daub, gives the world an exclusive inside look at how the JR EAST Environment Access (JEA) cleaning staff keeps JR Ueno Station absolutely spotless every single day. From the JEA team’s morning meeting, to train track work, and cleaning the trains, vending machines, as well as toilets, witness the day-in-the-life of the heroes who keep the people of Japan’s everyday commute safe, reliable and comfortable. 

Check out the video below, and subscribe to the ONLY in JAPAN channel for more!

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Simply register a spot online at the Expat Expo Tokyo 2021 website, and you’re all set! Learn more about the event HERE.

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From wanko soba and cold reimen noodles to miso milk curry ramen, check out the video below and step into the vast, flavorful world of Japanese noodles!

Stay tuned until the end of the video and learn all about the Michinoku trail from JI team member Chiara Terzuolo, which is an incredible hike that hugs the Pacific coast of Tohoku.

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