About Eli Civil

Mount Fuji View From Lake Kawaguchiko – This photo was taken by my girlfriend while we were staying at a ryokan near Lake Kawaguchiko during one of our trips to Japan. It perfectly captures how I feel about Japan: magical. That feeling is exactly why I love being there and learning about Japanese culture. There is something deeply captivating about it, and I hope to share that sense of wonder with you as I continue exploring this mesmerizing culture.

Hi, my name is Eli, and I’m the creator of Japan Yugen.

I first visited Japan in 2014, and that initial trip changed the way I looked at at the world. What started as curiosity quickly became a long-term interest, leading me to return to Japan multiple times over the years.

Rather than focusing only on highlights and bucket list attractions, I have always been more interested in how things actually work in Japan. Daily routines, social norms, food culture, regional differences, and the small details that are easy to miss but deeply revealing once you notice them.

Japan Yugen grew out of that mindset.

Why I Write About Japan

When researching Japan online I often noticed a gap.

Some content was overly simplified and lacked nuance. Other explanations were technically accurate but detached from real experience.

My goal is to bridge that gap by explaining Japan in a way that is:

  • Accurate and well-researched
  • Grounded in firsthand experience
  • Clear and approachable for readers who may be completely new to Japan

I do not aim to present myself as an academic authority. Instead, I write as someone who has spent years observing, learning, and refining their understanding through repeated visits and ongoing research.

P.S. It also helps that I genuinely enjoy blogging about Japan. Otherwise, I probably would not be writing detailed articles about vending machines at 2 a.m.

My Experience With Japan

Over the years, my time in Japan has involved:

  • Traveling across different regions, not just major cities
  • Navigating transport systems, accommodation, and everyday logistics
  • Exploring Japanese food culture beyond well-known dishes
  • Observing cultural norms, etiquette, and unspoken rules in daily life
  • Discovering Japanese brands, design, and consumer habits

Much of what I write is based on things I have personally encountered, questions I have had myself, or topics I wish had been explained more clearly when I first started visiting Japan.

Editorial Integrity

I value honesty and clarity, especially when recommendations are involved.

Some articles on Japan Yugen contain affiliate links. When they do, this is always disclosed, and any recommendations are made selectively. I do not promote products or services solely for monetization.

If something is mentioned, it is because I genuinely believe it can be useful to readers.

Outside of Japan Yugen

Outside of Japan Yugen, I enjoy travel, learning new skills, and building online projects. When I’m not traveling around Japan, I work as a senior web developer, spend time with my two dogs, and enjoy diving into the world of cinema.