The Secret is Out.
Actually Learn Japanese and
Stop Getting Lost in Translation.
Previously only available through private and direct connections, Thrive in Japan is going public.
“This program was a game changer“
★★★★★
Many More 5-star reviews!
Thrive in Japan opened my eyes!
I have been living in Japan for over seven years and studied the language seriously for about nine months. Life here has been relatively easy, and I’ve often found comfort in the so-called “Gaijin Bubble.” I don’t have many Japanese friends and have always questioned whether I would ever truly fit in or be seen as an equal in Japanese society—rather than just another foreigner. Thrive in Japan opened my eyes to some of my own blind spots and helped me better understand everyday situations I face both at home with my Japanese partner and at work. For me, this program was a game-changer. I genuinely believe it can benefit anyone living in—or planning to move to—Japan.
★★★★★
-Kel (7th year in Japan)
I definitely recommend this course!
When I first moved to Japan I felt the social pressure was too strong for me to handle but this course helped me to understand the meaning behind these rules. Ultimately I learned to embrace the unique aspects of Japanese culture and now I am really happy here!
★★★★★
-Farah (2nd year in Japan)
I now feel more confident!
There were many things I thought I understood about Japan, but this course helped me realize how much I had misinterpreted. It cleared up a lot of confusion and gave me a clearer perspective on how to navigate different situations respectfully and appropriately.
★★★★★
-Aslan (11th year in Japan)
Hard Truth: Most Foreigners living in Japan are not doing so well.
Struggling in your relationships with Japanese colleagues, friends, or romantic partners despite speaking the language?
Trying to make the most out of your time in Japan, but finding it difficult to make any real connections?
Feeling isolated, overlooked and stuck? Missing out on promotions, deep connections and fulfilling relationships?
Even if you have JLPT certifications (or not), if this describes you it’s because no one ever taught you how to understand high-context communication in Japanese.
How to Actually Learn Japanese
Most of us are looking at the wrong results to measure our progress.
An N1 can get you an interview, but it can’t get you a job.
N1 can start a conversation, but it can’t get you a friend.
JLPT certainly can be useful, but it’s not going to make you happy.
Japanese Language Goals Redefined
Japanese is the most high-context language in the world, where 60-80% of communication is contextual.
Yet, Japanese courses and textbooks focus almost entirely on vocabulary, grammar, and kanji—leaving you unprepared for the unspoken nuances that truly matter.
Even if you graduate from language school, earn a degree in Japanese, or pass N1, you might think you know Japanese. But you don’t.
Most of Japanese communication is about what isn’t said. And while everyone talks about this, has anyone actually taught you how to hear the unspoken?
This isn’t a Zen riddle—it’s a skill. And without step-by-step guidance, examples, and practice, most foreigners fail.
They waste years mastering kanji they’ll rarely use while missing basic social cues from coworkers. Many leave Japan disillusioned and disconnected because they never learned the real language of Japan: context.
If you’ve ever felt bitter, saying things like, “Japan is so dumb,” listen closely.
Japan has the power to enrich your life in ways no other country can. But if no one teaches you how to hear what isn’t being said, you’ll miss it entirely.
The problem is, you don’t know what you don’t know. Most foreigners don’t realize they’re clueless. They think they’ve figured Japan out after 20 years, an N1 certification, or a Japanese spouse.
But without understanding the core principles of high-context communication, none of that matters. They remain blind to the silent conversations happening all around them—at work, with friends, and even with loved ones.
And that’s why so many foreigners leave Japan feeling disconnected and defeated. Unfortunately they leave thinking they know Japan without ever truly experiencing it.
The Roadmap to Success to ACTUALLY learn Japanese :
(This should make it clear why most foreigners are not Thriving in Japan.)
01
The Core Principles
Learn the Unspoken Rules and Guiding Principles behind communication in Japanese. These account for 60-80% of communication in the high context society of Japan.
02
Japanese in Context
Don’t study straight JLPT which arbitrarily groups words from “easy” (N5) to “difficult” (N1). That’s not how life works. You will need to deal with “difficult” things from Day 1 in Japan.
03
Cultural Fluency
The culture, geography and history of Japan play massive roles in being able to understand anything. If you really want to understand Japanese you need fluency in all of these things.
The problem is that no one teaches like this.
no wonder you’re struggling!
If you skipped Step #1, you skipped 60-80% of every conversation. Even if you understand the literal meaning of ALL of the words being used!
If you studied straight JLPT vocabulary you won’t even start understanding basic conversations or daily happenings in Japan until you reach N3 or N2 level!
If you don’t know Japanese geography, history, cultural arts, then everywhere you go just “looks cool”. You might get a picture for your instagram, but you will never get the full picture. Japan will always feel foreign and mysterious, and you will never belong.
No wonder you’re struggling. If you skipped Step #1, you skipped 60-80% of every conversation. Even if you understand the literal meaning of ALL of the words being used!
Thrive in Japan, solves these problems with
TWO ground-breaking curriculums!
- Japan in Context – Teaches all of the Unspoken Rules and Regulations underpinning Japanese Society. This program will open your eyes to a Japan that has been invisible to you! Don’t take our word for it, go back and re-read our customer reviews! Japan veterans of 10+ years are changing their lives with this program!
- JLPT in Context – This curriculum makes sure that you meet JLPT requirements easily HOWEVER, it avoids all of the pitfalls that JLPT based programs present to learners. Instead of teaching from “simple” to “difficult” you are taught from “most necessary” in the most natural progression by following a single, continuous story based on facts, real places, real culture, real history and based on true stories from the lives of expats living in Japan.
Thrive in Japan is a Learning Platform that offers you access to both curriculums and a REAL community that can connect you to Japan deeper than you have connected through
any program ever before.
Many come to Japan, but very few ever figure out how to actually LIVE here.
-Shige (Thrive Creator)
Not for you?
If you’ve seamlessly integrated into Japan, mastering both language and culture, and have built strong bonds with locals, then this program isn’t for you.
If your career is thriving, and you effortlessly navigate workplace dynamics with the respect and admiration of your Japanese colleagues and superiors, then this isn’t for you.
If your relationships with your Japanese partner, family, children and friends are filled with love and depth, leaving you feeling fulfilled, then this program isn’t for you.
(Are you sure?)
“Seamlessly integrated”? The honeymoon phase ends. Fail to learn Japan’s rules and the Japanese Language, and it’s just a matter of time before those polite smiles vanish.
Your career “success” might be a mirage. Those compliments? Often just politeness masking frustration with your cultural blind spots.
Your “peaceful” relationship? It might just be your partner settling for convenience after giving up on real connection and romance.
Now that I know, it can be painful to watch. Honestly, most of us foreigners are clueless. Most foreigners think everyone loves them when in reality they are the only ones in the room enjoying themselves.
-Thrive in Japan Graduate 2025
What is the Thrive in Japan program?
The Thrive in Japan program is made up of TWO curriculums designed to enhance students’ high-context communication skills, crucial for navigating Japan’s unique cultural landscape. It prepares participants for both personal and professional success in Japan. While addressing all requirements for JLPT certification it doesn’t get caught up in them.
What if I already have JLPT but I still want to learn to Thrive?
“Japan in Context” can be studied as part of the monthly subscription, and it will include pre-recorded videos, reflections, and some of the group work will be integrated into the Speaking Sessions, however if you are really struggling and desperate to change your life the only way to get our full guarantee is by taking the “Japan in Context” program with our Professional ICF Certified Coaching. If you are serious about finding your purpose and living true to yourself while living in Japan (at this point you might feel stuck here), then this is the magic bullet you’ve been looking for.
Who can benefit from the Thrive in Japan program?
The program is ideal for anyone who is pursuing higher education or a career in Japan, or are planning on spending time in Japan in the near future and need to get the most out of their time. Not all experiences are created equal, and the only way to max out your experience in Japan is to understand the context. Students that have experienced Japan before and felt the language and cultural barriers for themselves first hand will benefit all the more from the program but even if you haven’t been to Japan yet, this program will shave years off of your learning curve.
What if I speak advanced Japanese? What if I’m a beginner?
High-Context Communication in Japanese is mostly unspoken. Whether you decide to take our “JLPT in Context” Course to learn Japan is up to you. The high-context communication skills that we teach in our “Japan in Context” program applies to everyone, and it doesn’t matter the level of your Japanese skills to benefit from these lessons.
Do you actually teach Japanese Language?
Yes, we do, “JLPT in Context” is a ground-breaking curriculum that (in our opinion) leaves other programs in the dust. BUT before we start teaching you the language (no matter how fluent you already are) we encourage that ALL of our students go through the “Japan in Context” course. Learning Japanese with us is a decision to redefine your terms. What is the Japanese Language? Is it only vocabulary words and grammar? As far as we are concerned, “no” Japanese is at least 60% unspoken communication skills, tools and strategies. The remaining 40% is made up of words and grammar structures. Our students learn Japanese as a holistic communication SYSTEM. This system cannot be ignored, and Japanese cannot be treated and taught in the same way that other languages are traditionally taught in academic settings. To Thrive in Japan you will need to take a more balanced approach to learning than a simple JLPT course can provide.
The A-team
Meet the Creators of Thrive in Japan
The Insiders Who Cracked Japan’s Code
Shige: Professional Thriver in Japan. A US expat; came to Japan in 2006. After a 25+year journey to become a world-class traditional Japanese artist and musician he cracked the code to be accepted, respected and connected in even the most traditional circles in Japan.
Hiro: A global business leader who started with a prestigious position at Sumitomo Corporation before going independent. As “kikokushijyo” he spent his childhood in New Jersey, US and is solidly bi-lingual and bi-cultural. He has vast experience leading elite international teams all the way from Japan to Saudi Arabia and brings those communications skills to the table.
Naoka: A self-made entrepreneur. A certified and award winning Japanese Hospitality Expert consulted by Michelin restaurants throughout Japan and as far as the heart of Paris. All contents of the program meet her rigorous standard and guarantees that this isn’t just opinion. This is how Japan works. If you take these lessons to heart, you could become an award winning Japanese Hospitality expert as well!
Together, they built the ultimate guide to mastering Japan’s silent language—With Thrive in Japan Learn Japanese, Truly belong, Live your purpose.
Shige
Japanese Cultural Expert
Instructor
Hiro
Japanese/International Business Expert
Co-Instructor
Naoka
Japanese Service Professional
Co-Instructor
Connect with Us
If your business or organization is struggling with managing an international team we can help! Custom and tailored training and courses are available as well as special Corporate Accounts that allow your full-team access to the platform. Contact us for more details!
-Or-
If it’s just you, we are waiting to help you start succeeding in Japan NOW. Life is short, don’t waste another day merely existing in the geographical location of Japan. Take control of your life and start to actually LIVE here today.