About Me

Hi, I’m David Hogan Jr., a Malaysian writer, photographer, and Japan enthusiast with a connection to Japan spanning more than three decades.

My journey with Japan began in the early 1990s when I had the opportunity to live and work there. What started as a professional experience soon developed into a lifelong appreciation for the country’s culture, people, traditions, innovation, and way of life. Since then, I have returned regularly, and in recent years, Japan has become a destination I visit almost every year.

Over the decades, I have explored Japan from busy city districts and rural communities to hidden neighbourhoods, local festivals, railway journeys, food experiences, and cultural events. Along the way, I have witnessed Japan’s continued evolution while maintaining the traditions and values that make it one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

In the last 15 years, my work has been recognised by several of Malaysia’s leading tourism organisations. These include the prestigious Sabah Tourism Award, the Tourism Malaysia Award for Best Online Tourism Article, and the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Award for Best Tourism Online Article. You can read more about my MalaysiaAsia Tourism Awards.

These recognitions reflect more than two decades of dedication to travel journalism, destination storytelling, photography, and tourism promotion across Malaysia, Asia, and beyond. While the awards are meaningful milestones, the real reward has always been helping travellers discover new places, cultures, and experiences through honest and informative content.

About Lifestyle Japan

Lifestyle Japan was created to share the many sides of Japan that inspire travellers, photographers, food lovers, collectors, and curious explorers.

Rather than focusing solely on traditional travel guides, Lifestyle Japan covers a wide range of topics, including travel, culture, food, shopping, railway journeys, events, lifestyle trends, collectibles, photography, and unique experiences from across Japan.

My goal is simple: to help readers discover a different side of Japan.

From hidden shopping districts and overnight trains to food festivals, emerging trends, and local discoveries, Lifestyle Japan explores the places, stories, and experiences shaping modern Japan.

Whether you are planning your first visit, returning for another adventure, or simply interested in Japanese culture, I aim to provide useful, engaging, and inspiring content that helps you connect with Japan in a meaningful way.

Collaborate with Lifestyle Japan

Lifestyle Japan welcomes opportunities to collaborate with organisations, destinations, and brands that share a passion for Japan.

I work with:

Tourism boards
Convention and visitors bureaus
Destination marketing organisations
Tourism district offices
Hotels and resorts
Ryokans and accommodation providers
Railway companies
Airlines and transportation providers
Theme parks and attractions
Restaurants, cafés, and food brands
Event organisers
Lifestyle and consumer brands

Why should You work with Lifestyle Japan?

Because this platform isn’t being run by someone who started writing about Japan last year. It’s being led by someone with decades of experience in tourism, media, photography, and destination marketing, combined with a long personal connection to Japan.

Partnership opportunities include destination features, sponsored content, media coverage, photography, social media campaigns, content creation, and long-term promotional collaborations.

For media partnerships, destination marketing opportunities, and feature enquiries, please get in touch to discuss how we can work together.

Welcome to Lifestyle Japan — helping you discover a different side of Japan.