News
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When the World Rushes Forward, Japan Chooses to Wait
By Ali Syarief Modern civilization celebrates speed. Meals are expected in minutes. Packages arrive the same day. Information travels across…
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Why Japanese People Rarely Leave Food on Their Plates
A Lesson in Gratitude from a Single Grain of Rice By Ali Syarief During my many homestays with Japanese families…
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Beyond Nutrition: How the Japanese View Food Through a Cross-Cultural Lens
By Ali Syarief Throughout my many visits to Japan, one aspect of Japanese society has consistently fascinated me. Surprisingly, it…
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Wa o Motte Tōtoshi to Nasu – Why Japan Teaches That Harmony Is Greater Than Ego
By Ali Syarief Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of participating in countless cultural exchange programs…
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Sashimi: When the Mind Changes the World
“The true flavor of sashimi lies not in the fish itself, but in the mind that has learned to see…
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Who Are the Humans Orangutans Hate?
By Ali Syarief One day, I accompanied Ayako Emoto, a Japanese comedian known for her extraordinary adventures—from racing with Komodo…
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Siapa Manusia yang Dibenci Orangutan?
By Ali Syarief Suatu hari saya bersama Ayako Emoto, seorang komedian Jepang yang dikenal karena berbagai petualangan uniknya—mulai dari berlari…
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Beyond Orangutans: A Cross-Cultural Journey into Humanity, Nature, and Community
By Ali Syarief When members travel to Tanjung Harapan in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, they are not merely embarking on a…
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When a Japanese Man Planted Mangroves in Jakarta
By Ali Syarief This morning, I visited a friend, Shigen Ogasawara, at his home in Hakarigaoka, Tokyo. As often happens…
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Svara Mandiri Angklung Group Departs for Japan, Tokyo Performance Sold Out
Jakarta, June 3, 2026 – The Svara Mandiri Angklung Group officially departed for Japan today to participate in a cultural…
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