Unveiling the Real Japan: An American Expat's Inside Look

Unfiltered Japan Delivered: Expert Insights for Your Inbox

Get the inside scoop on Japan straight from a seasoned American expat with over 30 years of experience living, studying, and working in the country.

Real Gaijin delivers expert commentary and analysis straight to your inbox, covering a wide range of topics:

Culture & History: Dive deep into Japanese customs, traditions, and the country’s fascinating past.
Language: Unlock the secrets of Japanese communication.
Business World: Navigate the intricacies of Japanese business practices.

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What awaits you?

With author Mark Kennedy as your guide, Real Gaijin will take you on a captivating exploration of Japan, one insightful story at a time.

Mark Kennedy: Unveiling Japan for Over 30 Years

After conquering Tokyo for nearly 3 decades, Mark (a permanent resident!) traded city life for the charm of Kyushu in 2019. But his Japan adventures didn't stop! He still travels extensively and shares his lifelong fascination with Japanese culture and language through Real Gaijin.

An avid hiker, Mark seeks out Japan's lesser-known trails, experiences that could inspire future travel recommendations on *Real Gaijin*. Here he is at the summit of Mt. Tengugajo (天狗ヶ城) at 1,780m (5,840 feet) above sea level (part of the Kuju Renzan mountain range).

Fast Track Your India Entry: Expert Guidance for Japanese & Korean Firms

Mark currently leads business development for Nexdigm in Japan and South Korea, a global firm based in India helping clients navigate complex challenges.

Deep Japan Experience

Mark's career reflects his long-standing immersion in Japan. For over 25 years, he held leadership roles in both the U.S. and Japan for Hollister Incorporated, a healthcare company. Notably, he spent half his career managing the Japan subsidiary, gaining a deep understanding of the business landscape and local culture.

Mark's Japan Journey Began Early

Before his corporate career, Mark spent a formative year in Japan on a Fulbright grant at Kyushu University in Fukuoka and was a foreign exchange student at Waseda University in Tokyo. This experience sparked a lifelong passion that continues today. He further honed his fluency by working as an executive assistant to the president of a Japanese construction firm.

A Japan Insider with a Passion for Sharing

A resident for nearly 30 years and fluent in Japanese, Mark has a deep understanding of Japan's business landscape and captivating culture. He loves sharing his insights, having written extensively for Japan Insider on topics like navigating Japanese business, cultural curiosities, and hidden travel gems.

Explorer at Heart

Beyond his business acumen and cultural expertise, Mark is an avid outdoorsman. Hiking, cycling, and sailing adventures fuel his passion for exploring hidden corners of Japan, experiences he shares through Real Gaijin.

There's nothing Mark enjoys more than a full immersion experience - whether it's soaking in a hidden hot spring like Suji-yu (筋湯温泉) or diving deep into the nuances of Japanese culture.

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Unveiling the Real Japan: An American Expat's Inside Look | 30+ Years in Japan | Unfiltered insights in plain English delivered weekly

People

Mark Kennedy

@realgaijin

Mark, a Chicago native, spent nearly three decades navigating the corporate world of Tokyo. But in a bold move, he ditched the suit and tie in his early fifties, seeking a simpler life in the heart of Japan's countryside on the island of Kyushu.