lovebothkeepboth

Posts connected to the book Love Both Keep Both, a memoir about identity, diplomacy, and belonging.

19
Sep
2025

Japan, Immigration, and the Future Workforce

I recently had the privilege of meeting Dr. Arai Takashi — a longtime China analyst, former CSIS Japan Fellow, and researcher affiliated with the Tokyo Institute of Technology — to discuss immigration policy and foreign community integration in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan faces a historic demographic challenge: a rapidly aging society and declining population. While automation, AI, and robotics will help mitigate labor shortages, technology alone cannot fully address workforce gaps. Immigration policy and successful integration of foreign residents will play an increasingly central role in Japan’s economic sustainability.

Dr. Arai recently participated in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama and is conducting research on Japan’s relations with the Middle East — regions that may become increasingly relevant in future migration and labor partnerships.

Our discussion reinforced a growing reality: Japan’s long-term prosperity will depend not only on innovation, but also on its openness to people.

His remarkable personal library — only a fraction visible behind us — reflects decades of research dedicated to understanding global demographic change and international cooperation.

Discussion with Japanese policy researcher on immigration and aging population workforce challenges in Japan.
Discussing immigration, demographics, and workforce challenges in Japan with Dr. Arai Takashi.
Posted by reimanko in Leadership & Identity
11
May
2021

Honoring My Parents and My Dual Heritage

Honored to be featured in a podcast interview here: Ken Reiman – Mantra Media (mantrahq.com) where I discuss leadership, Asian American Heritage Month, the role of mothers and parents, and my book. My journey is not possible without the love, kindness, and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents. For them, my sons, and the future, my book and podcast interview are dedicated. Listen to the podcast and let me know your thoughts.

 

Posted by reimanko in Leadership & Identity
07
May
2021

From John Manjiro to My Son’s First Communion: Creating My First NFT for AAPI Heritage Month

I created my first NFT today, a small but meaningful milestone, and I could not think of a better moment to do it than right before May 7. This date holds special significance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. On May 7, 1843, John Manjiro, the first Japanese immigrant to arrive in the United States, reached American shores on a whaling ship. His courage, resilience, and willingness to step into the unknown helped shape early Japanese American history. Honoring his journey feels especially meaningful as I take my own step into something new.

There is another John on my mind as well. My son is preparing for his first communion. Watching him grow in faith, compassion, and purpose reminds me that legacy is not only something we inherit. It is something we pass on. His name, his heart, and his journey inspire me every day.

As I created this NFT, I found myself reflecting on the values that guide us. Be the person God created you to be. Remember the poor. Stand with the voiceless. Advocate for peace. These are the principles I hope my son carries with him, and the ones I try to live by.

God knows your heart. And sometimes even something as modern as an NFT becomes a tribute to heritage, to history, to family, and to the quiet ways we honor those who came before us.

Young boy in a navy blue suit standing indoors, dressed formally for his first communion.
My son on the day of his first communion, dressed with confidence and grace.
Posted by reimanko in Family & Children
11
Apr
2021

Responding to Culture Tuesdays with Morrie

Happiness is not your title. It is not your salary. It is not your job. It is your family. It is your health. It is your relationships. Not the quantity of followers but the quality of lives you’ve impacted and creating your own culture where you are free to be you without fear and without apologies. 

To find out more, read Tuesdays with Morrie below: “The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it.” — Morrie Schwartz

Cover of the book “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom, featuring a beige background with blue and red text.
The book Tuesdays with Morrie, which inspired this reflection on culture, happiness, and choosing what truly matters.
Posted by reimanko in Writing & Reflections
11
Apr
2021

Keeping An Open Heart

We often speak of keeping an open mind. This too is important. But the mind alone is never enough to be fully alive, to be fully human, to be fully inspired. Do what your heart tells you and you’ll be overwhelmed with what comes back.

 

Posted by reimanko in Writing & Reflections
08
Mar
2021

On Writing and Creativity – Keep Creating!

If God has gifted you to tell a good story, write a good book, or direct a good play, there will be opportunities for you. You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Sadly, too often creativity is smothered rather than nurtured. There has to be a climate in which new ways of thinking, perceiving, questioning are encouraged.  — Maya Angelou

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by reimanko in Writing & Reflections
05
Jul
2020

Perfect Union: Striving for a More Perfect America This Fourth of July

Are there perfect human beings? No. Can a gathering of imperfect human beings create a perfect union? No. But the key word in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution is “more.” We are constantly striving toward the ideal of a more perfect Union—a nation stronger, fairer, and more united.

This Fourth of July, let us reflect on that enduring aspiration. May we work together to uphold the principles of liberty, justice, and equality, not only on national holidays but every day.

A special thanks goes to the courageous men and women who sacrifice daily to serve the United States of America, both in uniform and through acts of public service. Your dedication helps us inch closer to the ideal of a more perfect Union.

This rose symbolizes our gratitude, respect, and shared commitment to building a better future for all.

Rose flower
A rose for the men and women who serve, reminding us of our shared pursuit of a more perfect Union.
Posted by reimanko in Leadership & Identity
28
Jun
2020

5 Reasons for Dual Nationality: Reason #5

Prejudice against dual nationality is a stance against value pluralism. Yet, value pluralism is an essential need for the long-term stability of an open democratic society.

 

Posted by reimanko in Leadership & Identity
14
Jun
2020

How Writing Can Change the World

Writing inspires people to read. Reading can inspire people to feel a certain way. Those feelings can translate into thoughts. Those thoughts ultimately lead to actions. Every change begins with a vision. When you write you create a stream of living ideas that if allowed to flow can change the currents of life. The hardest rock can be pierced open when water keeps pounding at its surface, weathering the hurts of so many ages until finally it cracks! This is why I write: to chip away at that hardened rock of human indifference, prejudice, and intolerance. Writing exposes people to new worlds and perspectives and uncomfortable truths. Yet, it is only through exposing these truths that healing can begin. Write to unite. Write to challenge. Write to inspire. For one day it might be your idea that changes the world!

Posted by reimanko in Writing & Reflections
01
May
2020

Modesty in Nature and in Life – Happy Weekend

Sharing some words of wisdom to stay grounded and humble and open along with a beautiful picture of wild flowers.

Very little grows on jagged rock. Be ground. Be crumbled, so wild flowers will come up where you are. — Rumi

 

Posted by reimanko in Family & Children