#Japan #Tokyo #Nippori Seminar #Kim Soyon #andoor

Rediscovering Japanese Culture and Education through Radio

The radio program "Nippori Seminar" continues to challenge perspectives on Japanese culture and education, inviting guests from diverse backgrounds to share their career journeys and cultural insights. The latest episode, set to air on March 13, 2026, features an insightful conversation with Kim Soyon, editor-in-chief of the lifestyle magazine "andoor."

Who is Kim Soyon?

Kim Soyon was born in 1991 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, as a third-generation Korean resident in Japan. Her early education took place in a national school until she graduated high school, which laid the foundation for her cultural identity. After high school, she attended Japan Women’s Exercise University, where she had the opportunity to step outside her familiar community of Korean residents, providing her with new perspectives on her identity.

During her university years, she grappled with profound questions surrounding her identity, such as, "Why was I born as a Korean resident in Japan?" and "What unique contributions can I make as someone with this background?" These reflections shaped her personal and professional journey as she navigated her identity and ambitions.

The Birth of andoor

After graduating, Kim transitioned into the role of a PR planner, leveraging her communication skills to support corporate public relations initiatives. However, she soon felt the urge to create a platform that represented her voice, and thus, the idea for "andoor" was born, launching in May 2024. She envisions this magazine as a metaphorical "door" connecting Japan and Korea, offering unique insights into both cultures.

Currently, Kim utilizes various social media platforms to share curated content. With approximately 27,000 followers on Instagram, she emphasizes storytelling that highlights both the lifestyle brands of Korea and the underlying cultural narratives that often go unrecognized. Her commitment to authenticity shines through, as she only promotes products and stories that resonate with her personal values.

The Focus of Nippori Seminar

In this episode, the discussion is divided into two parts. The first segment delves into Kim's upbringing, her experiences in university, and the significance of finding her true self. Kim reveals how friendships with those who accepted her for who she was inspired her to embrace her identity.

In the latter part, the conversation shifts to her magazine "andoor" and its unique position in the media landscape, focusing on cultural nuances between Japan and Korea. Kim shares her aspirations for the magazine’s future, including plans for expansion and the potential growth of their e-commerce site.

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to both parts of the episode on March 13 and March 27, 2026, to explore Kim's journey and the connection between Japanese and Korean cultures.

What is Nippori Seminar?

"Nippori Seminar" aims to foster learning and growth through shared experiences by bringing together individuals from varied backgrounds. The series is structured to not only feature guest discussions but also explore cultural topics led by the host, Kōta Nimura, along with other members of the LAMM collective. The hashtag #日暮里ゼミナール is used on social media to engage listeners and gather their feedback on episodes, emphasizing the communal learning ethos of the program.

For more information on the program and to listen to episodes, visit the official site at Nippori Seminar and stream on various podcast platforms.

Conclusion

Kim Soyon’s story inspires us to reflect on our identities and the bridges we can build between cultures. The upcoming episodes promise rich insights and engaging conversations that will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of Japanese culture and the ever-evolving narratives of identity. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience!