Exploring the Heart of Japan through People, Places, and Experiences

Kokoro Media represents a network of authors exploring the heart of Japan through travel, people, language, and culture.

The core team around the brand first came together in 2018 under the Tadaima Japan banner, a travel-focused website produced by combrains, a company dedicated to the revitalization of rural Japan.

Then came the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which decimated Japan’s inbound travel industry. Instead of disbanding the Tadaima Japan team, combrains pressed forward with a new vision, and Kokoro Media was born. True to its namesake, this new website explored the heart of Japan through interviews, cultural essays, and language learning advice.

As post-pandemic Japan continues to evolve, so too does Kokoro Media. Now a Saga Consulting brand, we have a new vision: to create a network that shines light on talented yet under-exposed Japan-focused writers.

I’ve been living, working, and creating content in Japan since 2009. Since then, I’ve met many talented authors whose work deserves to be amplified. Migrating the Kokoro Media brand to Medium is a chance to expose their work to larger audiences than ever before.

That being said, Kokoro Media would never have come this far without our loyal readers and financial backers. It is imperative to preserve the existing content that you fueled with all of your support. Therefore, over time, you’ll find most of your favorite previously published articles here on Medium as well, thanks to generous support from combrains.

I realize that the move to Medium won’t please everyone. However, after much research and soul searching, I believe this is the best way to take Kokoro Media to new heights while giving individual authors a chance to be fairly compensated for their work.

I recognize how many of you have dedicated your time and financial support to the previous iteration of Kokoro Media. Your contributions are eternally appreciated and have not been forgotten. Without them, we wouldn’t have made it this far. Looking forward, I’m proud to be able to continue working with former Kokoro Media Editor-in-Chief Amélie Geeraert, with the blessing of combrains, to preserve past accomplishments and forge new opportunities.

I truly hope that you’ll join us for the latest chapter of our journey.

Sincerely,

Anthony Griffin

Founder and Principal Consultant, Saga Consulting