Currently serving as a Cool Japan Ambassador for the Government of Japan, Benjamin is passionate about building connections between the Cabinet Office and fans of Japan worldwide. He has appeared on a variety of television programs in this role, including NHK’s Tokyo Eye 2020 and Journeys in Japan. Benjamin also serves as a Tourism Ambassador for Tokyo's Nakano Ward. Benjamin often serves as an official for events including national cultural competitions, and has even judged international tournaments of his favorite game, mahjong. He maintains strong ties with many universities which host his regular lectures, including Brown University, Osaka University, and Senshu University.
media appearances:
Journeys in Japan - Yanai: Old Town of Goldfish Lanterns
NHK WorldTokyo Eye 2020 - A Martial Arts Tour of Tokyo
NHK WorldTokyo Eye 2020 - Sento: Tokyo’s Amazing Public Baths
NHK WorldTokyo Eye 2020 - Countdown to 2020: Enhancing Tourism with Technology
NHK WorldBrand 2020 - Understanding Japan
Presented with Nancy SnowMyojyowaraku Livestream 2020 - Fukuoka
MyojyowarakuThe key to Japan's tourism recovery: 2023 and beyond
Nikkei News Plus 9
lectures:
Columbia University
Brown University
The City University of New York
Tokyo University
Osaka University
Kyoto University
Senshu University
Baruch University
Rotary Club of Tokyo West
Kamakura City Lifelong Learning Center
Chiba University and more…
Events officiated:
European Mahjong Championship 2010, Austria
TV
Lectures
Work with Benjamin
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Publications
In addition to appearing on television and participating in lectures, Benjamin works with publishers on a variety of topics.
Dumb Luck: Japanese gamblers love hunches-and throw statistics out the window - Metropolis
Beating them at their own game: first foreign mahjong professional Jenn Barr - Metropolis
Aomori: Home of the Nebuta Festival and Much, Much More - Tokyo Weekender
Programmers and Anime Fans Enjoy Moving Tiles in This Foreign Game - NewsDoc Voices
Route 8: Stone & Water - Tohoku X Tokyo
My 30 year love affair with japan - CNN English Express
Cool Japan needs to listen to its target market - The Japan Times
Roundtable on the future of Japanese Tourism - Japan Economic Foundation
Japan as seen by foreigners: There's some really interesting manga out there! - Livedoor News
Benjamin Boas: Learning Japanese through popular media - ASIJ News