Yulia Stonogina – Bridging Cultures

Born in Astrakhan, a city embraced by the gentle flow of the Volga River, I have always been fascinated by different cultures. The invisible barriers between nations intrigued me, and I felt an innate desire to understand and overcome them. This curiosity led me to the world of journalism and intercultural communication.

In 1992, I graduated from the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University and continued my studies in graduate school. It was during this time that I developed a deep fascination with Japan—its culture, business communication, and unique way of thinking. When I first set foot in Japan as a fellow of the Japan Foundation in 2010, I knew instantly: “Japan will become an essential part of my life.”

Since then, I have made Japan my home, teaching as a visiting lecturer at Meiji University, Doshisha University, and Kanagawa University while continuing my research on business culture between Japan and Russia. In 2014, I joined ROTOBO (Japan Association for Trade with Russia & NIS), where I have been actively involved in fostering economic ties between the two nations.

Over the years, I have published more than 100 articles and reports, with notable works including Japanese-Style Business Communication, which was nominated for the “Silver Archer” award in 2017. My research has been dedicated to uncovering the depth of Japanese society and the nuances of its business communication.

However, my passion is not limited to academic studies. I have also ventured into the world of fiction, writing the novel The Second Semester of Professor Yamane. Additionally, I have worked to make Russian literary classics more accessible to Japanese learners by publishing Crime and Punishment in Russian and The Brothers Karamazov in Russian in digest format.

Japan and Russia share a complex historical relationship, but I firmly believe that mutual understanding and respect can open new doors. My mission is to bridge these two cultures, fostering dialogue and cooperation. This has been, and always will be, my lifelong passion.