Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines. Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan. This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

Where Risk Moves Next: Japan’s BCP Journey from Disaster Preparedness to Geopolitics and Supply Chain Strategy

March 19, 2026March 11, 2026 by Hiroshi

On March 11, 2026 — fifteen years after the Great East Japan Earthquake — I attended two back-to-back geopolitics lectures online: Prof. Yu Koizumi (UTokyo) on Japan’s evolving security environment, and Dr. Andrew Staples (GeoPol Asia / GLOBIS) on Geopolitics for Business. These are my notes and reflections — from nuclear deterrence and the Stability–Instability Paradox to supply chain redesign, Japan’s leapfrog dilemma, and the foresight of the 1980 Ohira Report.

Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

hiroshi.today

ZIPAIR Manila Alternatives: Best Tokyo–Manila Flights

March 19, 2026March 10, 2026 by Hiroshi

ZIPAIR used to be one of those rare airlines that connected Tokyo Narita and Manila at what felt like exactly the right time, and at a price that still felt reasonable. For many people using the route for family visits, business trips, or a life split between Japan and the Philippines, it was an easy airline to rely on. Unfortunately, that will end on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The background seems to include aircraft allocation and a stronger focus on North America, but for passengers the real question is much simpler: So what do we book next? ZIPAIR’s real strength was not just price. It was that very convenient schedule: leave in the morning and arrive around lunchtime, or leave Manila in the afternoon and get back to Japan in the evening. Once that sweet spot disappears, which flights are the least stressful replacement? This article tries to sort that out.

Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

hiroshi.today

Viture XR Pro Review – Can “smart glasses” really replace your travel monitor?

March 19, 2026June 27, 2025 by Hiroshi

Hauling spare monitors through airports is nobody’s idea of fun. After clocking nearly 200 travel days last year, I slipped on the new Viture XR Pro smart glasses to find out whether a pair of wearable displays can finally replace the bulky second screen in my carry-on—and maybe yours, too. And here is my review!

Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

hiroshi.today

Welcome Suica Mobile: How Japan’s New Mobile Ticketing Service Benefits Foreign Travelers

March 19, 2026February 19, 2025 by Hiroshi

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in later 2025, get ready for some exciting news! Starting in March 2025 for iPhones and Apple Watch, JR East will launch the Welcome Suica Mobile service, a groundbreaking move that will make traveling by train in Japan smoother and more accessible for everyone – especially for foreign visitors.

Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

hiroshi.today

How to Display Excel Dates in Spanish, French, and Other Languages: A Complete Guide

March 19, 2026January 31, 2025 by Hiroshi

Have you ever needed to display dates in multiple languages—like Spanish, French, or Japanese—in Excel? By using the “Custom” format option under Cell Formatting, you can easily switch your date displays to different languages. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to configure Excel to show dates in various languages. Whether you’re collaborating with international clients or working in a multilingual team, these tips will help your spreadsheets speak everyone’s language.

Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

hiroshi.today

Essential Guide: How to Stay Safe During a Typhoon in Japan – Travel Tips and Resources

March 19, 2026August 28, 2024 by Hiroshi

Traveling in Japan during typhoon season can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the country’s weather patterns. This guide will help you understand what a typhoon is, how to stay safe, and where to find the latest travel updates. Discover essential resources, safety tips, and what to do with your travel reservations if a … Read more

Maximizing Travel Benefits: A Comprehensive Review of Delta SkyMiles Amex Gold & China Eastern Airlines Experience (SkyPriority, Dec 2023)

March 19, 2026April 5, 2024 by Hiroshi

I sensed a series of trips to China coming up and decided to sign up for the Delta SkyMiles American Express® Gold Card, which offers SkyTeam Elite Plus status in the first year just for joining. Interestingly, my first business trip ended up being with JAL due to schedule and pricing, but now I finally got the chance to leverage this card.

This time, I want to share about the perks I experienced flying from Narita to Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines, utilizing the Delta‘s Gold Medallion = SkyTeam Elite Plus benefits.

Please note, the specifics of the perks can vary depending on the flight and operations of the day.

Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

hiroshi.today

Is Shanghai Airlines Part of SkyTeam Alliance? Flight Experience from Tokyo to Shanghai (Feb 2024)

April 9, 2024April 4, 2024 by Hiroshi

This time, I took a flight with Shanghai Airlines (FM) from Haneda, an airport located in Tokyo, to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG). There wasn’t much information available about using SkyTeam’s SkyPriority, so I thought I’d share my experience.

The flight I took was FM896, operated by Shanghai Airlines but ticketed through China Eastern Airlines (MU8634). It seems this flight also has a codeshare with JAL (JL8261).

Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a Tokyo-based project manager specialising in international operations within the global MedTech company. Originally from Hokkaido, he holds a postgraduate degree in international relations — including study periods in the United States and Sweden — and has lived and worked across Malaysia, Switzerland, China, and the Philippines.
Beyond his industry career, he served as Manager for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in 2015, where he managed liaison with delegations from over 150 countries, coordinated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and led on-site risk response. He has also contributed to disaster relief efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake and other natural disasters across Japan.
This blog covers travel, productivity, technology, and global careers — written as a way of thinking through ideas and consolidating what he learns along the way.

hiroshi.today