These Are The Savvy Tokyo Articles You Loved The Most This Year

These were the 10 most-read stories on Savvy Tokyo in 2018.

It has been another amazing year for all of us here at the Savvy team and we hope it has been an even better one for all of you, our readers from all over the world! Before we embrace 2019 (and with it, another new era in the history of Japan), all fresh and new, let’s take a look back at what was popular on Savvy over the past 12 months.

In 2018, we covered a range of seasonal and cultural topics and introduced several new series. Among them are Ladies & The Law in which we dig back in time tracing the catalysts for change in Japanese laws that today directly or indirectly affect us as women and our families, and Letters from Japan where our resident “Love in Japan” columnist, Hilary Keyes, answers anonymous questions from readers on everything from dating in Japan to women’s health issues. We also traveled quite frequently, expanding our typical Tokyo reach to other areas in Japan and capturing some stunning snaps along the way — from Tottori to Hayama and Koyasan in southern Japan.

We also had the enormous privilege to meet and interview some amazing women who inspired us with their dedication, creativity and hard work toward establishing their own businesses in Japan. From TELL Lifeline Director Vickie Skorji to Ikea Japan CEO Helene Von Reis to former Caroline Kennedy chef Marybeth Boller to the extremely talented photographer Tia Haygood and Hazuki Tanaka who established her own school when she couldn’t find a good one for her children, the list of inspiring stories goes on and on. We are humbled and honored to have been part of these women’s journeys in Japan.

So as we look ahead toward a brand new beginning in 2019, we also took a moment to digest the analytics of this year, leading us to discover several interesting things our readers share with us: we all obviously love Netflix just as much as we’re interested in knowing what’s the secret of having an impeccable skin and look forever young. You also showed interest in some of our more serious stories, such as real-life stories of dealing with chikan (train gropers) and the power of finding your ikigai, or purpose in life. 

So without further ado, here are the 10 most-read Savvy stories for 2018 in reverse order. Enjoy the recap and see you all again in 2019! Cheers to a new beginning and a very happy and prosperous new year!

10. What You Need To Know Before You Go To The Doctor In Japan

Getting sick in Japan can be frightening and frustrating even if we’re talking about a simple cold or hayfever. Our own Julia Mascetti, however, is here to help with some useful information, including an overview of the Japanese medical system, costs and language help for the next time you go to your local hospital.

9. Groped, Scared, Disgusted: Stories Of Dealing With Chikan In Japan

Lucy Dayman takes us to the dark sides of crime in Japan by exploring the unfortunately never-disappearing problem of men groping women on crowded trains in Japan. She spoke to seven women who shared their first-hand accounts of dealing with assaults and harassment on Japan’s rail system hoping that it will help destigmatize the issue and bring it to the forefront of public discourse.

8. 5 Of Tokyo’s Best Vintage And Used Clothing Stores

In an expensive city like Tokyo, you need to know what smart shopping is. Whether you’re looking for American vintage, a deal on a used kimono or discounted Chanel, these are the top five shops you’ll need to check out first.

7. 6 Of The Best Foundations From Japanese Cosmetic Stores

Japan is a wonderland when it comes to cosmetics — there’s too much of everything and everything is good. At least that’s what we’re led to believe. But finding a foundation that is good for different skin tones is, believe it or not, rather challenging. Our beauty writer Mariela Nikolic introduces six of our favorite foundations on the J-market that guarantee a perfect complexion for every skin type.

6. 7 Netflix Shows That Will Help You Understand Japan

Part 2 of our Netflix series, this one deals with shows and TV dramas with English subtitles that help us understand Japan and its multiple facades. From Japanese idol culture to historic propaganda to informative trivia, this list has something for every binge-watching Netflix viewer looking to open their eyes to another side of Japan.

5. Ikigai: The Japanese Concept Of Finding Purpose In Life

Though the “new year, new me” mantra is always inspiring, the truth is, if all that’s really inspiring us to do better is a different number on the calendar, maybe there’s a better way to fully embrace everything life has in store for us. Lucy Dayman introduces us to ikigai, the age-old Japanese ideology that’s long been associated with the nation’s long life expectancy and the antitheses of short-sighted resolutions.

4. 9 Tokyo-Based Organizations You Can Volunteer For

We all want to help and give back to the communities that are welcoming us here in Japan, but sometimes we just don’t know where to start. Well, here’s your own list of English-speaking organizations which need your help at all times.

3. Japan’s Love Hotels: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Ah! With places like this, you always want to know things in advance before you actually give them a try. So here it is — your ultimate guide to everything a girl needs to know about these pay-by-the-hour ubiquitous rendezvous spots.

2. Anti-Aging Skincare In Japan: Tips From A Leading Japanese Dermatologist 

For this one, we partnered with Dr. Toshie Matsumiya, a leading Japanese dermatologist and skin care-health expert who runs Tengenji Solaria Clinic in Hiroo, to answer all your (and ours too) questions on anti-aging, proper skincare routines and secrets of how to stay forever young. From cleansing do’s and don’ts to seeking professional treatment, here’s all you need to know about taking care of your skin in Japan.

1. 10 Japanese Dramas To Binge On Netflix

You all just loved this one!!! We hadn’t published much about movies and dramas in the past few years, but this “test article” proved to be so popular that we’re now considering changing our contents to movie-exclusive themes. Ok, don’t take us seriously on this one, but you get our point. Here’s your top 10 list of Japanese dramas with English subtitles that have been really popular on Netflix and are definitely worth your time.

Stay tuned for more exciting content next year and thank you all for your continuous support and readership!

What were your favorite Savvy Tokyo stories for the year? What stories would you like to see more on the site in 2019? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!