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…
If you've been searching for a clear, honest breakdown of how remote work actually functions in Japan as a foreigner,…
Why Japanese Work Culture Is So Distinct If you ever had the experience of walking into a Japanese office at…
If you've ever tried to build a professional network in Japan the same way you would back home, handing out…
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…
Most people go to Tokyo. Kyoto. Osaka. That's fine. Those cities are great. But if you've already done that route,…
What if I told you that you could play Pokémon GO completely offline? Sounds a bit ridiculous, right? These imaginary…
Showa Day (Shōwa no Hi) is a Japanese national holiday observed every April 29. It marks the birthday of Emperor…
In Japan, a growing industry of resignation (taishoku daikou) services helps employees quit their jobs without directly confronting their employers.…
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…
Real experiences, told by expats living them.
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 Lin, born in Singapore and raised by Malaysian parents. She later switched nationality to Singaporean at 21. Lin didn’t…
Keith is originally from China and came to study in Japan through a university exchange program. What started as a…
Renting an apartment in Tokyo can be an exciting adventure, but it also presents unique challenges for foreigners. From finding…
Meet Vincent, originally from Malaysia, who came to Japan to study after getting curious about the culture through anime and,…
Meet Winnie, originally from China and now in Japan for her fourth year. After graduating from a university in Japan,…
Although Japan is well known abroad for its samurai history, and kendo (swordplay sometimes know as “Japanese fencing”) is a…
When I first received a job offer in Japan, I felt both excitement and anxiety. I quickly realized that a…
Meet Ang, a student who came to Japan to study at a Japanese language school in Tokyo. For Ang, Japan…
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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.
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