Japan remains one of the most sought-after destinations for expatriates, drawing millions of visitors annually with its rich history, safety,…
Work visas and legal basics Your visa is the framework everything else rests on. It defines what work you can…
Thinking about studying in Japan can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There are language schools, full degree…
Navigating personal finance in Japan can feel overwhelming for new residents, especially when it comes to credit cards. To make…
Understanding the ins and outs of Japan’s trash and recycling system can feel daunting for newcomers. Japan’s emphasis on sustainability,…
Japan is home to hundreds of cities, some enormous, some small, but each with unique qualities that will appeal to…
Japan's gaming industry stands as one of the most influential in the world, home to iconic companies like Nintendo, Sony…
To become a chef in Japan, you need culinary training (either at a Japanese culinary school or through apprenticeship), work…
To become an English teacher in Japan, you need a bachelor's degree in any field and native or near-native English…
Becoming a voice actor (seiyuu) in Japan requires attending a specialized voice acting school, building skills through training and auditions,…
Japanese business card exchange, known as meishi koukan (名刺交換), is a formal ritual in Japanese business culture where professionals exchange…
Your JLPT certification directly determines which careers you can pursue in Japan. N5 holders can access hospitality and manual labor roles,…
A salaryman (サラリーマン, sararīman) is a white-collar office worker in Japan who works full-time for a corporation, typically in a…
Opening a bank account in Japan is usually straightforward once you know what documents to bring and what type of…
You secured a work visa, landed a job, and learned how to function inside a Japanese workplace. That alone puts…
Working in Japan often sounds simple on the surface, find a job, get a visa, move to Japan. In reality,…
Tokyo is home to some of the most diverse and fascinating museums in the world. From centuries-old Japanese art to…
In Japan, specialized apology agencies offer a unique service: delivering apologies on behalf of clients who cannot or prefer not…
In Japan, you can hire actors to play your spouse, children, parents, or friends for a few hours or an…
National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi / 建国記念の日) is a Japanese national holiday celebrated annually on February 11th. This…
White Day is a Japanese holiday celebrated on March 14th where men give gifts to women who gave them chocolates…
Shunbun no Hi (春分の日), or Vernal Equinox Day, is a Japanese national holiday that falls on March 20 or 21…
If you're planning to visit Japan during Lunar New Year or wondering whether Japanese people celebrate this festival, the short…
Valentine's Day in Japan offers a fascinating twist on the Western celebration of love. Unlike the mutual gift-giving tradition familiar…
The Japanese school year is structured differently than in many Western countries, often sparking confusion for new expats or families…
Located in the center of Kyushu, Kumamoto is a prefecture defined by dramatic contrasts. It is known as the "Land…
Real experiences, told by expats living them.
Keith is originally from China and came to study in Japan through a university exchange program. What started as a…
Meet Kieth, a Chinese professional who has lived in Japan for over 10 years and now works as an IT…
Meet Keith, originally from China, who moved to Japan around 2015–2016 and has now lived here for over 10 years.…
Meet Long, a Vietnamese who has lived in Japan for around three years. After coming to Japan as a student…
Meet Vanessa, originally from India, with a life shaped by moving between countries and cultures. Before moving to Japan, Vanessa…
Meet Ang, originally from Canada, who has been living in Japan for about a year and a half. Ang works…
Meet Winnie, originally from China and now in Japan for her fourth year. After graduating from a university in Japan,…
Meet Will Bennett, originally from Sydney, Australia, who has been living in Japan since August 2024. Will works in Tokyo…
Meet Vincent, originally from Malaysia, who came to Japan to study after getting curious about the culture through anime and,…
Meet Tobias, originally from the United Kingdom, who has been living in Japan since February 2019. Tobias works in media…
GET FEATURED
We’re collecting real stories from foreigners living in Japan whether you moved here for a fresh start, came to study, or found work and stayed. Tell us about your journey, from your first days to what you know now. Your story could be the reassurance someone needs before they land in Japan.
What type of story would you like to share with us:
Sign in to your account