Donggui Xishi

Articles

Articles

From images to video, people seem to spend less and less time with written words. I still prefer writing as a way to organize my thoughts, and I hope some readers are willing to slow down and read through them. When I have ideas and time, I will keep updating existing topics and adding new ones. You are welcome to come back anytime.

Japan Visas5 postsLearning Japanese11 postsSide Hustle Insights11 postsWorking and Living in Japan23 posts
Working and Living in JapanTranslation

Japan's IT Industry at a Crossroads: Mega Mergers and the Evolution of the Outsourcing Model

In this article, I share my perspective on the recent wave of consolidation in Japan's IT industry and what it means for the future of SIers. In my view, IT outsourcing in Japan is not shrinking—it is evolving into AI-driven, full-stack, end-to-end services. Whether you're planning to build your career in Japan or operate an IT staffing or development business, understanding this transformation is becoming increasingly important.

Learning JapaneseTranslation

Situation-Based Japanese 01: Start with Simple, Practical Expressions

Drawing from real-life experiences in Japan, this series introduces practical Japanese expressions that are simple, natural, and immediately useful. This article focuses on everyday situations in fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and public spaces, making it easier for beginners to start communicating without worrying about complex grammar.

Working and Living in JapanTranslation

Five Essential Cards for Living in Japan

A guide to the residence card, SIM card, bank card, health insurance card, and My Number card after arriving in Japan.

Working and Living in JapanTranslation

Remembering How I Learned to Swim While Thinking About Swimming Classes in Japanese Schools

Many elementary and junior high schools in Japan have swimming pools and swimming classes. Watching my child learn to swim brought back memories of how we learned in the rivers as children.

Side Hustle InsightsTranslation

From Bertelsmann to Joyo and Amazon China: Product Lessons I Still Think About

Looking back on my early experience buying books, I trace the rise and fall of Bertelsmann, Joyo, and Amazon China, and share what they taught me about products, timing, channels, and market opportunities.

Japan VisasTranslation

What Should You Pack for Your First Time Studying or Working in Japan?

Based on my years of living in Japan, I put together a practical packing guide for people coming to Japan for study or work for the first time, focusing on what is truly useful to bring and what can save both money and trouble later.

Working and Living in JapanTranslation

From the Han Dynasty’s Governor-Inspector System to How We Evaluate a Good Company Today

By reflecting on the Han Dynasty’s governor-inspector system, I believe strong organizations need both capable management and effective internal oversight. When evaluating a company today, I mainly look for three types of people: visionary leaders, socially skilled managers, and passionate employees.

Working and Living in JapanTranslation

A Practical Yen Exchange Guide for Studying in Japan

Practical notes on exchanging RMB for yen, withdrawing cash in Japan, UnionPay rates, overseas ATM fees, and remittances.

Working and Living in JapanTranslation

How to Convert a Chinese Driver's License to a Japanese License

A detailed guide to converting a Chinese driver's license in Japan, including required documents, screening, written test, road test, and exam mindset.

Side Hustle InsightsTranslation

Beginner-Friendly IT: How Non-Technical People Can Understand and Build a Software Product in the AI Era

This series is not about turning everyone into a programmer. It is about helping non-technical people understand software products, website deployment, frontend, backend, databases, mature systems, and AI Agents so they can work with AI more safely and actually ship something.