October 2024 (VOL.204)
Jason Garcia
- Home country/state/city：USA, California, San Diego
- Occupation：Photographer, Art Director
- Duration of living in Japan：Seven years
- Why do you live in Japan?：Gakugeidaigaku, Meguro-ku
- Instagram & Threads: @jgarcia.tokyo
Why have you decided to live in Japan?
In 2017, my wife had an opportunity to work in Tokyo, and we both thought it would be a great idea to build a new life here. She visited many times before our move and knew the city well, so it made it an easy decision for us.
What do you appreciate most about Japanese culture?
Learning about customs, literature, traditional rituals, and food is incredibly important to me, and being surrounded by these things enriches my life in a variety of ways. I enjoy discovering why things work the way they do, what has shaped contemporary society, and how different traditions like tea ceremony were first created. I’m still discovering styles of food that I’ve never eaten before. Everything is very interesting to me.
What do you do in Japan?
Can you talk about your job in Japan?
I’m an art director for an American publishing company and I have freelance clients (graphic design), so I telework on a part-time basis. Most of my days and nights are spent capturing images of Tokyo with my film and digital cameras.
I have two or three exhibitions/showcases a year, which I find very enriching. Also, being part of the photography community here has allowed me to make good friends.
People can follow me on Instagram & Threads: @jgarcia.tokyo and Bluesky: @jgarcia.bsky.social – Also, please visit my website www.TokyoGritandGrain.com to see highlights of my work and to download digital books and more. I have some special features coming soon, so visit the website often! And don’t forget YouTube www.youtube.com/@TokyoGritandGrain
How do you think about working in Japan?
I would like to work for a company in Japan that is creative, willing to take risks, and has an entrepreneurial spirit. My experience as a creative has different facets, so being able to provide insightful work would definitely be an asset.
Which places in Japan do you recommend that foreigners see?
I encourage travelers to visit The Kiso Valley and the Nakasendo in Nagano Prefecture. It’s very special and the little towns along the trail have huge significance in Japan’s history. Visiting in autumn makes it even more beautiful as the colors of the trees are spectacular.
Kanazawa has incredible food and beautiful gardens (Kenroku-en in particular) and parks. It’s a to delight to walk to little boutiques scattered around the city.
Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is also very unique and the Bikan Historical Quarter has museums and boutiques that shouldn’t be missed.
What parts of Japanese culture do you recommend that foreign people try to experience?
I encourage foreigners to experience an authentic tea ceremony, and I hope they’ll be able to understand its origins, why it is culturally significant, and carry that knowledge back to their home country and spread its teachings in whatever way they can.
What are your favorite Japanese foods?
I particularly like Obanzai dishes from restaurants. This allows me to try various little selections which might be regional or seasonal specialties. Also, I enjoy pairing all Japanese food with Nihonshu (sake). Discovering different tastes and styles that are a nice match with food is fun, and sometimes learning about the prefecture or town where the nihonshu was created could also be a cultural learning experience.
for a quick bite at a festival street vendor. Delightful and delicious!
After moving to Japan did you have any funny experiences?
I did! Something that’s funny to me is how visitors ask where they should eat ramen. I’ve seen information indicating that there are over 10,000 ramen shops in Tokyo, so I just say, “that one” as I point across the street. I get a good chuckle out of this.
Would you like to continue to live in Japan for the rest of your life, or you think you will return to your home country? If so why?
I’m very happy living in Gakugeidaigaku as well as spending time in Jogasaki-Kaigan where my wife and I have a house. Our neighbors here and there are delightful and it has been such a great experience getting to know business owners and neighborhood folks, and contributing to the community. We don’t have plans to move back to the USA, but enjoy spending time there a few times a year.
What is your dream?
It’s safe to say that I’m living my dream as a photographer in Tokyo.
Writer: Minobu Kondo
Photojournalist in Tokyo, writing for Japanese and American magazines. Publishing an essay “101 of green stories” with the other Japanese artists such as Kosetsu Minami. Languages: Japanese, English and French.
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