Author Archives: Adam Brownstein

Fat Chance: My losing battle with the Japanese BMI Index (by Adam Brownstein)

Each February the chilly weather systems ushered into Tokyo from the Sea of Japan inspire me to search for a future summer holiday.  As I sit in my darkened office drenched in woolens, a muffler and even a hat I dream of stroking the warm sand with my bare toes, Graham Greene spy novel inContinue reading “Fat Chance: My losing battle with the Japanese BMI Index (by Adam Brownstein)”

Hostage Situation by Adam Brownstein

According to my childhood friend Will, an accomplished publisher, 2020 was a banner year for book sales.  He is not alone in his view, given both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal ran long form articles noting that the 8.2% CAGR was the “. . . best year in a very long time.”Continue reading “Hostage Situation by Adam Brownstein”

Is it safe? My trip to the dentist

The list of Nazi villains in motion pictures is long and dubiously distinguished. In the Honorable Mention category there is Henry Gibson (of Laugh-in fame) and his cheeky turn as the leader of the Illinois Branch of the Nazi party in The Blues Brothers.  You have, also, the Ronald Lacey who’s scorched hand will foreverContinue reading “Is it safe? My trip to the dentist”

One for the Money: Why cash is (still) king in Japan

The sages teach us that bearing the wrath of your father is easy but seeing him afraid is pain defined.  These days my dad is resigned to the role of amazing cheerful (and generous) grandfather.  He harbours neither spite nor anxiety about nothing in particular, so I need to reach deep into my memory toContinue reading “One for the Money: Why cash is (still) king in Japan”

Porsche’s Wrong Turn

“Ew! EEEEEWWWWWWWW!!!!” My wife’s exclamation on our afternoon walk declared imminent danger ahead. As I glanced down the leaf-lined road in our sleepy West Tokyo neighborhood I spied the subject of her concern.  It was a middle-aged man, slight, scruffy and harboring the look that only an aloof Westerner admonishes in these parts.  It madeContinue reading “Porsche’s Wrong Turn”

The Yakumo Avocado: How supply side economics and aspirational whims shape consumer behavior in Japan

One Saturday afternoon in October 2001 I found myself in a state of dire panic.   My shpilkes were out of balance with the otherwise whimsical background of Meguro Station.  It was filled with carefree couples and young families stocking up on piping hot oden, bitter and bony sanma and other soothing dishes to usher inContinue reading “The Yakumo Avocado: How supply side economics and aspirational whims shape consumer behavior in Japan”