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Essential Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Japan: Visas, Jobs, and Education
Japan remains one of the most sought-after destinations for expatriates, drawing millions of visitors annually with its rich history, safety,…
Work in Japan: The Complete Guide for Foreigners in 2026
If you want to work in Japan, you are not short on motivation, but you might be short on a…
How to Study in Japan – A Complete Guide to Schools, Universities and Visas
Thinking about studying in Japan can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There are language schools, full degree…
Credit Cards in Japan: Best Foreigner-Friendly Credit Cards
Navigating personal finance in Japan can feel overwhelming for new residents, especially when it comes to credit cards. To make…
Japan’s Trash System: A Complete Guide for Newcomers
Understanding the ins and outs of Japan’s trash and recycling system can feel daunting for newcomers. Japan’s emphasis on sustainability,…
Best Cities to Live in Japan: Most Livable Cities for Foreign Residents
Japan is home to hundreds of cities, some enormous, some small, but each with unique qualities that will appeal to…
Latest Guides
Driving in Japan: Get Your License and Get on the Road
Driving in Japan may not be the first thing you think of when considering moving here. Even if you already…
Freelancing in Japan: Is it worth it? What You Need to Know
If you've been in Japan long enough, you've probably wondered whether going freelance is worth it. More money, more freedom,…
Quitting Your Job in Japan: Everything You Need to Know Before You Resign
In early 2025, Tokyo police sent a hundred officers to raid the offices of Moody, Japan's biggest job-quitting agency. Its…
TOEFL vs IELTS: Which English Test Do You Actually Need for Japan?
You need to prove your English for Japan, but which test do you actually take? Both TOEFL and IELTS are…
Remote Work in Japan: The Ultimate Guide for Foreigners
If you've been searching for a clear, honest breakdown of how remote work actually functions in Japan as a foreigner,…
Japanese Work Culture: Everything You Need to Know
Why Japanese Work Culture Is So Distinct If you ever had the experience of walking into a Japanese office at…
Why Is Networking in Japan Different from Networking Elsewhere?
If you've ever tried to build a professional network in Japan the same way you would back home, handing out…
Game Developer in Japan: Career Guide, Opportunities, and Industry Insights
Japan's gaming industry stands as one of the most influential in the world, home to iconic companies like Nintendo, Sony…
Paths to Becoming a Chef in Japan
To become a chef in Japan, you need culinary training (either at a Japanese culinary school or through apprenticeship), work…
How to Become an English Teacher in Japan
To become an English teacher in Japan, you need a bachelor's degree in any field and native or near-native English…
Sheila Cliffe on The Kimono Closet and the Stories Kimono Hold
Sheila Cliffe is a longtime kimono researcher and the author of Kimono Style. In her new book, The Kimono Closet,…
Japanese Cultural Concepts: A Complete Guide to Japan’s Most Powerful Philosophies
Japan exports two things that the rest of the world cannot seem to get enough of: technology and philosophy. The…
Greenery Day 2026: What to Know About Japan’s Nature Holiday (May 4)
Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) falls on Monday, May 4, 2026 — right in the middle of Golden Week,…
Japanese Idioms: Meaning, Examples, and How to Use Them Naturally
You have been studying Japanese for months. Your grammar is solid. Your vocabulary is growing. And then a Japanese colleague…
Cycling in Japan: Etiquette, Laws, and What Foreigners Need to Know 2026
A New Zealander moves to Tokyo, hops on a bike, and immediately realises that everything they knowknew about cycling is…
Mushin Meaning: Losing Yourself to Find Yourself
What is Mushin? Mushin (Pronunciation: moo-sheen・Japanese: (無心) is a concept that you can find in many areas of life, as…
Constitution Memorial Day in Japan: Meaning, History, and What to Expect on May 3
May 3 is one of those days in Japan where the trains are packed, the tourist spots are swarming, and…
Omotenashi Meaning: The Practice Behind Japan’s Convenience and Comfort
If you’ve studied Japanese, you might’ve heard the word omotenashi (Pronunciation: oh-moh-teh-nah-shee・Japanese: おもてなし) before. If you look it up in…
Golden Week 2026: The Best Spots to Explore Near Tokyo
One of the nicest things about working or studying in Japan is the country’s wealth of national holidays. They give…
Spring in Japan: Your 2026 Guide
As the impenetrable chill of winter begins to fade and the air welcomes a subtle warmth, Japan’s springtime seems to…
Real experiences, told by expats living them.
Why is my Gas Company Sending Me Letters? Dealing with Bills in Japan
When you get a new apartment, one of the most important things to do is set up your gas, water,…
Chinese Student Finding Apartment in Tokyo: Real Story
Meet Winnie, an international student from China who moved to Japan three years ago to study art history at International…
A Week in a Japanese Hospital: Is This Really Hospital Food?
It’s not something anyone relishes, but sadly, it’s a fact of life that most of us, as some time or…
Real Mid-Career Move to Japan: How I Found a Home and Built Life in Tokyo
Allow us to introduce you to Tobias! He has been working as a writer and editor for over a decade,…
Going to a Sumo Tournament: What to Expect
Although Japan is well known abroad for its samurai history, and kendo (swordplay sometimes know as “Japanese fencing”) is a…
Tokyo International University (TIU): A Graduate’s Perspective
Tokyo International University (TIU) is known for its commitment to global education and for offering a supportive environment for students…
Studying for a Master’s in Journalism in Japan as a Chinese Student: Keith’s Journey
Keith is originally from China and came to study in Japan through a university exchange program. What started as a…
Do I Really Have to Take It All Off? My Experiences in Japanese Onsen
For many foreigners, one of the most intriguing aspects of life in Japan is the public bath, commonly known as…
My Story: Getting My Japan Work Visa
When I first received a job offer in Japan, I felt both excitement and anxiety. I quickly realized that a…
Working in Japan as a Foreigner From Student to Web Designer in Marketing Company
Meet Long, a Vietnamese who has lived in Japan for around three years. After coming to Japan as a student…