Hans O. Karlsson
Your Man in Japan
Your personal guide through Japan's cultural labyrinth. Ancient wisdom meets modern opportunity. The path is challenging, the rewards both rich and profound.
Since 1989
Your liason, near and far
As your personal agent in Japan, I offer four decades of professional and life experience and a finely-tuned set of cultural and communication skills. Think of me as your man on the ground, your eyes, ears, and legs. Whether for professional or personal purposes, you may choose between remote control and in-person support from an old Japan hand.
My offering
Bespoke services
On-site personal guidance, language assistance, and coordination of meetings
Individual remote consulting sessions lasting 60-90 minutes
Ongoing client support via email, messaging platforms, and follow-up calls
Specialised programs featuring comprehensive pottery workshops, Zen training, and retreat experiences—available as single or multi-day options
Interactive virtual reality sessions with a Zen monk
Field representation services, including client visits and stakeholder meetings on your behalf
We've teamed up with Abbot Sasaki Houkaku for a digital recreation of his Dragon Zen temple. Enjoy full VR, or view it on your PC or smartphone. Take a guided tour from the comfort of your home.
quality over quantity
Tiny customer portfolio
Social media campaigns target millions. I seek a handful of people. My mission is to provide superior, unique service tailored to each of your needs.
My background
This is me
My journey led me to the shores of Japan in 1989, driven by a deep passion for human connections and cultural exploration. Over the decades, I've worn many hats - from media professional to academic, and from cultural guide to language bridge-builder. In 2016, I embraced the digital frontier by founding a Virtual Reality company, dedicating our efforts to preserving and recreating cultural treasures in the digital realm. We've had the privilege of collaborating with prestigious cultural institutions and businesses, both in Japan and internationally.This unique path has allowed me to enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful life in a charming rural Japanese town while virtually traversing the globe. In these times of unprecedented technological growth, I firmly believe in striking a balance - embracing innovation while staying true to our essential human nature. I'm a caring person who uses the latest technology to research thoroughly and communicate clearly.