Japan Uncovered Is Changing in August 2025

Here is what you should know

Author wearing a Kurume Kasuri kimono and Hakata Obi sash

Thank you for supporting Japan Uncovered. In the nine months since its launch, the newsletter has gained over 1,600 subscribers and 2,300 followers. Wow, what an encouraging outcome!

For those of you who are short on time, here is the most important info: Starting in August 2025, most of my long-form articles will be available exclusively to paid subscribers.

You can upgrade at a 15% discount until the end of July, so please hit the button below.

Please read on if you are curious about this change.

‘Why this change now?’

Since becoming a full-time writer at the age of 25, I had never written for free. This is a policy inspired by writer Haruki Murakami's belief that ‘professionals should be paid, even if the amount is small.’

So, these past nine months have been an exception, and at times I felt uneasy. It was a compromise to make myself known as a writer who is still unknown in the English-language media. And I hope you now know me and what I can do!

Hence, this change is simply a return to my normal state.

‘Are you still publishing some free articles?’

Yes, I am. I will occasionally publish articles for free for various reasons. Also, collaborative articles and cross-posts are likely to be available for free.

So, if you have enjoyed this newsletter, please stay.

‘Unfortunately, $50 a year is too expensive for me’

Screenshot by author

In countries such as the US, the UK, and Japan, paying $4 a month to receive a well-researched article each week (i.e., paying $1 per article) may not be terribly hard.

But my readers are located in 80 countries around the world, and each has their own life.

So, if you are a student or have health issues or other problems that result in low income, or if you live in a country with significantly low prices, don’t hesitate to contact me via comment or chat. I am happy to send you a personalised discount link. For example, students will receive a 50% discount. If you are from a low-income country, you may be eligible for further discounts.

Please note that I will not offer a free subscription to anyone.

‘Can I read your articles elsewhere?’

Actually, you can! I have been writing on Medium for two and a half years, where I also work as a Nominator. Nominators are a select group of 100+ top editors chosen by Medium, and I am proud to be the only Nominator from East Asia.

Medium's annual subscription fee is also $50, but you can read articles by other writers as well. If you have a few other favourite writers there, this will be a good option for you.

However, with Substack, 90% of your payment goes directly to me. With Medium, I only receive 20 to 50 cents per article from you. That’s why I hope you will choose Substack and also why my paid subscribers here are always prioritised. In addition, you'll get access to articles available exclusively on this platform.

There is no place where you can read my articles for free.

‘May I ask why you need money?’

I work as a Japanese professional writer and translator, and I also earn some money on Medium. So why do I want money here too?

One reason is my policy mentioned above.

Another key reason is that I hope to improve the quality and variety of my articles. I am already investing money in activities, travels, and books to write them. If I can secure additional funding, I plan to do the following:

・Hire a proofreader (English is not my first language!)

・Pay collaborators (Would you like to see my collaborations with experts in various fields of Japanese culture?)

・Purchase equipment for videos or podcasts (I don't even have a decent microphone)

Of course, I can't rule out the possibility that I might happily buy higher-grade matcha, but more than half of my Substack income goes towards writing. In other words, half of the $50/year you kindly pay will be used to create upcoming stories.

Thank you for your kind support🥰

For existing paid subscribers and those considering upgrading: Thank you so much! Your generous support keeps this newsletter going. Please feel free to say hi to me in my daily Notes or chat when you have time.

For those who choose to remain free subscribers: No problem! If you find any articles that interest you, please like and restack them, as this also helps Japan Uncovered keep growing. Please enjoy my daily Notes and the occasional free content.