Workation in Hokkaido: Balancing Work and Nature #237

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単語 (Vocabulary)

自然・環境 / Nature & Environment

湿気 (しっけ) - Humidity
ジメジメ - Damp, Humid, Muggy (onomatopoeic expression)
ベトベト - Sticky, Clammy (onomatopoeic expression)
眩しい (まぶしい) - Too bright, Blinding
満天 (まんてん) - Full of stars, Starry sky
申し分ない (もうしぶんない) - Perfect, Nothing to complain about

生活・住居 / Living & Housing

ベッドルーム - Bedroom
リビング - Living room
ダイニング - Dining room
キッチン - Kitchen
宿 (やど) - Accommodation, Lodging
1泊 (いっぱく) - One night (stay)
自炊する (じすいする) - To cook for oneself

行政・社会 / Government & Society

補助金 (ほじょきん) - Subsidy, Grant
自治体 (じちたい) - Municipality, Local government
申請する (しんせいする) - To apply
人口 (じんこう) - Population
過疎地 (かそち) - Depopulated area
推進する (すいしんする) - To promote

仕事・活動 / Work & Activity

はかどる - To make good progress
反射する (はんしゃする) - To reflect
通称 (つうしょう) - Commonly known as
カチャカチャ - Click-clack, Clickety-clack (onomatopoeic expression)

職業・産業 / Occupation & Industry

農業 (のうぎょう) - Agriculture, Farming
漁業 (ぎょぎょう) - Fishing industry
さばく - To fillet (a fish), To clean (a fish)
切り身 (きりみ) - Fillet
盛ん (さかん) - Thriving, Active, Flourishing, Prosperous

会話の話題 (Conversation Topics)

コロナ禍か以降(いこう)のリモートワークの普及(ふきゅう)についてどう思(おも)いますか？自分(じぶん)の生活(せいかつ)や仕事(しごと)にどんな影響(えいきょう)がありましたか？
What are your thoughts on the widespread adoption of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic? How has it impacted your life or work?

ワーケーションをしたことがありますか？どんな場所(ばしょ)でしてみたいですか？
Have you ever experienced a "workation"? If not, where would you like to try one?

ワーケーションの理想(りそう)と現実(げんじつ)のギャップについてどんなイメージがありますか？
What are your thoughts on the gap between the ideal and the reality of workations?

ワーケーションをするとしたら、どんな場所(ばしょ)がいいですか？そこでどのように過(す)ごしたいですか？
If you were to go on a workation, what kind of place would be ideal? How would you like to spend your time there?

もし二週間(しゅうかん)ぐらいワーケーションするなら自炊(じすい)しますか？それとも全部(ぜんぶ)外食(がいしょく)がいいですか？
If you were to go on a two-week workation, would you prefer to cook your own meals or eat out for every meal?

日本テレワーク協会

ワーケーション博士

View the English summary of this episode

In this episode, I share my experience of a workation on Rishiri Island, located in the far north of Hokkaido, Japan. You’ll learn why I chose this remote island for my workation, how I balanced working remotely with exploring the beautiful surroundings, and why workations are becoming popular in Japan.

I also discuss how local government subsidies helped make my stay more affordable, turning what would normally be a costly accommodation into a budget-friendly option. For those considering a workation in Japan, I provide tips on how to access these benefits, even as a foreigner.

In addition to the practical aspects of working remotely, I share insights into what makes a successful workation, including the importance of fast internet, staying in a comfortable environment, and how to manage your time between work and relaxation.

I also reflect on the idealized vs. realistic side of workations, debunking the common image of working on a sunny beach. For me, having a quiet, indoor workspace made all the difference in keeping my productivity high.

Whether you're interested in workations, exploring rural Japan, or just curious about how to maintain a balance between work and life, this episode offers valuable insights into making the most of a remote work experience.