Mariko
@japanphilo.bsky.social
Promoting sustainable lifestyle in Japan. Writing about sustainability and feminism from Japan.
I stopped measuring my life by how much I earn each year
Now I measure it by my well-being
Life is too short to live by other people’s standards
#Wellbeing #RedefiningSuccess #MindfulLiving #SustainableLife
Now I measure it by my well-being
Life is too short to live by other people’s standards
#Wellbeing #RedefiningSuccess #MindfulLiving #SustainableLife
January 13, 2026 at 3:14 AM
I stopped measuring my life by how much I earn each year
Now I measure it by my well-being
Life is too short to live by other people’s standards
#Wellbeing #RedefiningSuccess #MindfulLiving #SustainableLife
Now I measure it by my well-being
Life is too short to live by other people’s standards
#Wellbeing #RedefiningSuccess #MindfulLiving #SustainableLife
I recently watched a video about an American choosing rural life in Japan
Salaries may be lower, but universal healthcare and a lower cost of living can offer real peace of mind
#JapanLife #HealthcareForAll #SustainableLiving #LifeChoices
Salaries may be lower, but universal healthcare and a lower cost of living can offer real peace of mind
#JapanLife #HealthcareForAll #SustainableLiving #LifeChoices
January 12, 2026 at 3:16 AM
I recently watched a video about an American choosing rural life in Japan
Salaries may be lower, but universal healthcare and a lower cost of living can offer real peace of mind
#JapanLife #HealthcareForAll #SustainableLiving #LifeChoices
Salaries may be lower, but universal healthcare and a lower cost of living can offer real peace of mind
#JapanLife #HealthcareForAll #SustainableLiving #LifeChoices
I think we unconsciously know when our labor is being exploited. That’s when we dread going to work and count down to the weekend. If work weren’t exploitative, we might not love it—but it wouldn’t feel so heavy.
Don’t you think?
#LaborRights #WorkLife #Wellbeing #SocialJustice #Sustainability
Don’t you think?
#LaborRights #WorkLife #Wellbeing #SocialJustice #Sustainability
January 10, 2026 at 3:02 AM
I think we unconsciously know when our labor is being exploited. That’s when we dread going to work and count down to the weekend. If work weren’t exploitative, we might not love it—but it wouldn’t feel so heavy.
Don’t you think?
#LaborRights #WorkLife #Wellbeing #SocialJustice #Sustainability
Don’t you think?
#LaborRights #WorkLife #Wellbeing #SocialJustice #Sustainability
Living in Tokyo, I’ve realized how few things you can do for free. Almost everything costs money. With inflation, I’ve lost the motivation to spend on things that don’t even bring joy.
#TokyoLife #CostOfLiving #SimpleLiving #MindfulLiving #SlowLife
#TokyoLife #CostOfLiving #SimpleLiving #MindfulLiving #SlowLife
January 9, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Living in Tokyo, I’ve realized how few things you can do for free. Almost everything costs money. With inflation, I’ve lost the motivation to spend on things that don’t even bring joy.
#TokyoLife #CostOfLiving #SimpleLiving #MindfulLiving #SlowLife
#TokyoLife #CostOfLiving #SimpleLiving #MindfulLiving #SlowLife
There’s a hotel in Tokushima where you can learn all about a zero-waste lifestyle.
I’m really curious to visit.
#ZeroWaste #SustainableTravel #Japan #EcoLiving
japanphilo.com/en/hotel-why...
I’m really curious to visit.
#ZeroWaste #SustainableTravel #Japan #EcoLiving
japanphilo.com/en/hotel-why...
HOTEL WHY｜A Zero-Waste Lodging Experience in Japan’s First Zero-Waste Town - Eco Philosophy Japan
Location｜ Kamikatsu Town, Tokushima Type｜Hotel Highlights: A lodging experience where you can feel zero-waste in action (6-category waste separation, composting, etc.) Warm architectural design utiliz...
japanphilo.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:28 AM
There’s a hotel in Tokushima where you can learn all about a zero-waste lifestyle.
I’m really curious to visit.
#ZeroWaste #SustainableTravel #Japan #EcoLiving
japanphilo.com/en/hotel-why...
I’m really curious to visit.
#ZeroWaste #SustainableTravel #Japan #EcoLiving
japanphilo.com/en/hotel-why...
The capitalism is fueled by infinite growth. It helps improve people’s lives to a certain point
Going past that point, it creates infinite insatisfaction and desire for more
We realize that when our basic needs are met, the capitalism can’t bring us happiness
#sustainability #degrowth
Going past that point, it creates infinite insatisfaction and desire for more
We realize that when our basic needs are met, the capitalism can’t bring us happiness
#sustainability #degrowth
January 7, 2026 at 2:41 AM
The capitalism is fueled by infinite growth. It helps improve people’s lives to a certain point
Going past that point, it creates infinite insatisfaction and desire for more
We realize that when our basic needs are met, the capitalism can’t bring us happiness
#sustainability #degrowth
Going past that point, it creates infinite insatisfaction and desire for more
We realize that when our basic needs are met, the capitalism can’t bring us happiness
#sustainability #degrowth
This year I aim to live minimally on material goods and spend more time on things that bring me joy
#minimalism #ecofriendly
japanphilo.com/en/minimalis...
#minimalism #ecofriendly
japanphilo.com/en/minimalis...
The Truth About Minimalism: Real Benefits and Hidden Drawbacks of Simple Living - Eco Philosophy Japan
Discover the honest pros and cons of minimalist living. Learn how reducing possessions changes your life, avoid common pitfalls, and find your perfect balance between simplicity and comfort.
japanphilo.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:49 AM
This year I aim to live minimally on material goods and spend more time on things that bring me joy
#minimalism #ecofriendly
japanphilo.com/en/minimalis...
#minimalism #ecofriendly
japanphilo.com/en/minimalis...
I wish you a happy new year!
According to Japanese tradition, the deity of new year arrives home and we have a series of rituals to welcome it
Today, this tradition is fading away slowly, but I keep hoping for good health, happiness and abundance of nature
japanphilo.com/en/sustainab...
According to Japanese tradition, the deity of new year arrives home and we have a series of rituals to welcome it
Today, this tradition is fading away slowly, but I keep hoping for good health, happiness and abundance of nature
japanphilo.com/en/sustainab...
How to Celebrate a Truly Sustainable New Year: The Art of Doing Less - Eco Philosophy Japan
Discover how to celebrate a truly sustainable New Year by embracing minimalism and ancient Japanese wisdom. Learn why doing nothing might be the most restorative way to start your year.
japanphilo.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:28 AM
I wish you a happy new year!
According to Japanese tradition, the deity of new year arrives home and we have a series of rituals to welcome it
Today, this tradition is fading away slowly, but I keep hoping for good health, happiness and abundance of nature
japanphilo.com/en/sustainab...
According to Japanese tradition, the deity of new year arrives home and we have a series of rituals to welcome it
Today, this tradition is fading away slowly, but I keep hoping for good health, happiness and abundance of nature
japanphilo.com/en/sustainab...
This article shows my current activities in “Ecofeminism in Japan”
I want to make it a place where we support both women and nature🌱
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
I want to make it a place where we support both women and nature🌱
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
Reclaiming Earth and Voice: The Birth of Ecofeminism Japan
Japan underestimated two problems: environmental damage and women’s social and professional advancement.
open.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:18 AM
This article shows my current activities in “Ecofeminism in Japan”
I want to make it a place where we support both women and nature🌱
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
I want to make it a place where we support both women and nature🌱
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
There’s power in the woman who chooses not to explain herself.
No more being apologetic.
#QuietStrength #UnlearningObedience #FeminismInJapan
No more being apologetic.
#QuietStrength #UnlearningObedience #FeminismInJapan
October 20, 2025 at 2:41 AM
There’s power in the woman who chooses not to explain herself.
No more being apologetic.
#QuietStrength #UnlearningObedience #FeminismInJapan
No more being apologetic.
#QuietStrength #UnlearningObedience #FeminismInJapan
I hate how men silently expect us to smile and to please them.
I am exhausted by this double standard, so I just keep my distance from men now.
#SocialExpectations #WomenAndFreedom #GentleRebellion
I am exhausted by this double standard, so I just keep my distance from men now.
#SocialExpectations #WomenAndFreedom #GentleRebellion
October 16, 2025 at 1:20 AM
I hate how men silently expect us to smile and to please them.
I am exhausted by this double standard, so I just keep my distance from men now.
#SocialExpectations #WomenAndFreedom #GentleRebellion
I am exhausted by this double standard, so I just keep my distance from men now.
#SocialExpectations #WomenAndFreedom #GentleRebellion
I just want the country to be more inclusive. Is that too much to ask?
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
The Feminist Paradox of Japan's First Woman Leader
I have been waiting my entire adult life for Japan to have a female prime minister.
open.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:30 AM
I just want the country to be more inclusive. Is that too much to ask?
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
As a woman, we try to be tougher and stronger to survive in the patriarchal society.
But I don’t want to lose my softness and gentleness. That’s what unite women.
#QuietPower #FeministReflection #JapaneseFeminism
But I don’t want to lose my softness and gentleness. That’s what unite women.
#QuietPower #FeministReflection #JapaneseFeminism
October 14, 2025 at 5:35 AM
As a woman, we try to be tougher and stronger to survive in the patriarchal society.
But I don’t want to lose my softness and gentleness. That’s what unite women.
#QuietPower #FeministReflection #JapaneseFeminism
But I don’t want to lose my softness and gentleness. That’s what unite women.
#QuietPower #FeministReflection #JapaneseFeminism
I realize that when I am speaking in Japanese, I have a weird smile on my face.
It’s like I am conditioned to keep smiling when talking to people, without noticing it.
Strangely it doesn’t happen when I speak in English
It’s like I am conditioned to keep smiling when talking to people, without noticing it.
Strangely it doesn’t happen when I speak in English
October 13, 2025 at 2:38 AM
I realize that when I am speaking in Japanese, I have a weird smile on my face.
It’s like I am conditioned to keep smiling when talking to people, without noticing it.
Strangely it doesn’t happen when I speak in English
It’s like I am conditioned to keep smiling when talking to people, without noticing it.
Strangely it doesn’t happen when I speak in English
Hearing a heated debate over whether politicians should overwork.
There are still people in Japan who believe that working long hours can lead to the economic growth.
Meanwhile I, among with other slightly lazy people, am looking for ways to eliminate working all together.
There are still people in Japan who believe that working long hours can lead to the economic growth.
Meanwhile I, among with other slightly lazy people, am looking for ways to eliminate working all together.
October 9, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Hearing a heated debate over whether politicians should overwork.
There are still people in Japan who believe that working long hours can lead to the economic growth.
Meanwhile I, among with other slightly lazy people, am looking for ways to eliminate working all together.
There are still people in Japan who believe that working long hours can lead to the economic growth.
Meanwhile I, among with other slightly lazy people, am looking for ways to eliminate working all together.
Open marriage is possible when there is true gender equality in the society
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
When a Famous YouTuber Announced His Open Marriage: What It Reveals About Japan
A few weeks ago, a well-known Japanese YouTuber couple made an announcement that sent ripples through the online community: they were in an open marriage.
open.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Open marriage is possible when there is true gender equality in the society
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
Our new prime minister says, “I will work and work and work.”
It tells the story that women need to work extra to be a good leader.
It also shows that people identify good work with the number of hours they sacrifice to their work.
I don’t want to be part of this work culture.
It tells the story that women need to work extra to be a good leader.
It also shows that people identify good work with the number of hours they sacrifice to their work.
I don’t want to be part of this work culture.
October 7, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Our new prime minister says, “I will work and work and work.”
It tells the story that women need to work extra to be a good leader.
It also shows that people identify good work with the number of hours they sacrifice to their work.
I don’t want to be part of this work culture.
It tells the story that women need to work extra to be a good leader.
It also shows that people identify good work with the number of hours they sacrifice to their work.
I don’t want to be part of this work culture.
I have been waiting for a first female political leader in Japan for a long time.
This is not what I was hoping for.
This is not what I was hoping for.
October 6, 2025 at 2:09 AM
I have been waiting for a first female political leader in Japan for a long time.
This is not what I was hoping for.
This is not what I was hoping for.
Women have mixed feelings about not wanting to be harassed and wanting to be desirable enough that men want to grope them on trains
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
The Compliment No One Wants: When My Friends Defended Gropers Over Lunch
When Survival Looks Like Complicity
open.substack.com
October 4, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Women have mixed feelings about not wanting to be harassed and wanting to be desirable enough that men want to grope them on trains
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
I recognize the power of women-only spaces now that I am older
There is a special bond between women
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
There is a special bond between women
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
The Sacred Circle: Why Women-Only Spaces Still Matter in 2025
There’s a particular energy that fills the air when women gather alone together—a collective exhale that seems to ripple through the room.
open.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM
I recognize the power of women-only spaces now that I am older
There is a special bond between women
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
There is a special bond between women
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
Japanese women who speak out about harassment often face online abuse.
I wonder why the solidarity between women is so hard to find in Japan
I wonder why the solidarity between women is so hard to find in Japan
September 23, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Japanese women who speak out about harassment often face online abuse.
I wonder why the solidarity between women is so hard to find in Japan
I wonder why the solidarity between women is so hard to find in Japan
Many Japanese women quit jobs after childbirth. Why is work-life balance still so hard?
In some schools, kids need to bring their own lunch, which is an extra job for mothers to prepare well-balanced healthy bento
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
In some schools, kids need to bring their own lunch, which is an extra job for mothers to prepare well-balanced healthy bento
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
Why Japanese wives wake up at 5AM (it's not inspiring)
Picture this: It's 5:30 AM in Tokyo.
open.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Many Japanese women quit jobs after childbirth. Why is work-life balance still so hard?
In some schools, kids need to bring their own lunch, which is an extra job for mothers to prepare well-balanced healthy bento
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
In some schools, kids need to bring their own lunch, which is an extra job for mothers to prepare well-balanced healthy bento
open.substack.com/pub/japanese...
Marriage in Japan is still seen as a woman’s “duty.”
I reject the idea that marriage provides safety and security for women. It isn’t always the case
substack.com/@marikophilo...
I reject the idea that marriage provides safety and security for women. It isn’t always the case
substack.com/@marikophilo...
Mariko (@marikophilo)
Marriage in Japan is still seen as a woman’s “duty.”
I reject the idea that marriage provides safety and security for women. It isn’t always the case
substack.com
September 16, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Marriage in Japan is still seen as a woman’s “duty.”
I reject the idea that marriage provides safety and security for women. It isn’t always the case
substack.com/@marikophilo...
I reject the idea that marriage provides safety and security for women. It isn’t always the case
substack.com/@marikophilo...