Gary Luscombe: Crossing Cultures to Work in the Japanese Hospitality Industry
Leveraging cross-cultural experience to overcome language and cultural barriers in Japan
The traditional inn — the ryokan — is where Japan’s rich history intersects with the unparalleled hospitality and customer service that the country is known for. Steeped in tradition, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like to work at a ryokan as a foreign resident of Japan.
Thankfully, Gary Luscombe, who works at Amami Onsen Nanten-en, has been sharing that very experience through his writing and social media content. Captivated by the images and stories he shares, I couldn’t help but reach out to him to find out more — especially after I learned about the unconventional path that led him to Japan.
In this interview, find out how Gary leveraged his diverse experience to overcome the language and cultural barriers that arise when working for a traditional Japanese institution. His story is one of overcoming life’s obstacles by coming up with creative solutions. The conversation that follows is filled with insights about working in Japan, especially within the hospitality industry.
