30 Topics We’d Like to Publish in Japonica

Summary

The undefined website presents a curated list of 30 potential writing prompts for Japonica, a publication focused on Japanese life, culture, and language.

Abstract

The editorial team behind Japonica, a free publication, has assembled a collection of 30 writing prompts that cover a wide range of topics related to Japan, including life in Japan, travel, history, business, culture, food, and language. These prompts are intended to help writers overcome self-doubt and the distraction of analytics by providing a starting point for articles. The team encourages a creative approach, suggesting the combination of topics, collaboration with friends, and even conducting interviews to explore various perspectives. While Japonica welcomes submissions on any Japan-related subject, this list is specifically designed to unlock writers' creative potential, especially when they are unsure about what to write.

Opinions

The editorial team recognizes the tendency of writers to judge themselves harshly and encourages them to understand their own ideas better.
There is an acknowledgment that writers on Medium can become overly focused on statistics, potentially losing sight of their passion for writing.
The list of topics is not exhaustive or necessarily the team's favorites; it serves as a catalyst for writers who need inspiration.
Writers are encouraged to blend multiple topics, engage in collaborative writing, or use interviews to present diverse opinions on the given prompts.
The editorial team is open to suggestions from readers for additional topics they would like to see covered in the publication.
There is an emphasis on the importance of understanding over judging, quoting Ernest Hemingway to inspire writers.
The publication is keen on receiving articles that explore unique aspects of Japanese life, culture, and language, beyond the ordinary.

Consider writing an article on any of these prompts

Ernest Hemingway once said, “As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand.” Nonetheless, as writers, we tend to be quick to judge ourselves.

We often doubt our own ideas and ignore them. On Medium, it’s too easy to become obsessed with stats and lose sight of why we write.

As unpaid editors of a free publication, we’re usually not in a position to brainstorm story ideas with writers. However, we’ve put together a list of topics we’d love to publish.

If you find yourself struggling to decide what to write about, please use these topics as prompts for your next article. Feel free to select any topics that pique your interest and compose an article. Combining two or three topics into one article is an option, too. You can also discuss these topics with your friends and create a collaborative article, or interview people to highlight a spectrum of differing opinions.

This list is not meant to be an exclusive list of topics that Japonica publishes or even our favorites. We’re happy to receive any article about Japanese life, culture, or language. But if you’re not sure what to write about, this list is meant to be used as writing prompts to unlock your creative potential.

Life in Japan

What brought you to Japan and what prompted you to make it your home?

How to cultivate friendships in Japan

Aspects of Japanese culture that you find most interesting or amusing

Elements of Japanese culture to which you feel the most deeply connected

Japanese products you can’t imagine living without

The most challenging topics to discuss with your Japanese friends

Changes you want to see in Japanese society

Travel / History

What is your favorite destination and what makes it special to you? Why would you recommend it to others?

Where is the most underrated (historical) locations in Japan to live or visit?

What should every overseas tourist to Japan absolutely not miss?

A perfect itinerary for a romantic date

Where would you suggest purchasing souvenirs?

Your favorite shrines and temples

Business

Things you wanted to know before beginning to work in Japan

Tips for job hunting in Japan

Your thoughts on Japanese economy

Business culture/customs that surprised you

Japanese business practices that other countries may benefit from

The funniest moments working at Japanese companies

Businesses or companies you would consider investing in

Culture / Food

What aspects of Japanese culture should the country promote more heavily?

Your favorite Japanese books/movies/music/TV programs/anime/sports teams. Reviews and author interviews are especially appreciated.

The most underappreciated Japanese dishes

Your favorite festivals, museums, and events

Unique tips for maintaining a healthy diet

Language

Advice for Japanese language learners

Advice for English learners in Japan

Unique Japanese words that you would like to see adopted internationally (but not ikigai—we’ve covered that already)

How to overcome language barriers in Japan

Your favorite Japanese proverb or four-character idioms

Writers — has this helped you find inspiration? Readers — if there are any other topics you’d like to see covered in Japonica, please let us know in the comments!

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