Fax machines for marketing? Carved ivory seals for bank accounts? These aren't just "WTF Japan" memes; they grew out of the context of the bureaucracy, language, society, and culture. The better you understand this context, the more effective you will be here. Drawing on over 30 years living in Japan and 20 years working in Japanese universities, I will offer a perspective on the technical and administrative challenges facing Japanese educational institutions. I will also offer context on the challenges Japan has faced in using the web. I believe that Drupal is a valuable tool for organizations like mine, and I want to help you understand Japanese organizations better so you can help them benefit from Drupal.