We provide insights, guidance, and practical advice to help you settle in Tokyo.
Sheila Cliffe is a longtime kimono researcher and the author of Kimono Style. In her new book, The Kimono Closet, she looks beyond kimono as fashion or art objects and instead explores their deeper place in family life, memory, and identity. She spoke with JoynTokyo to give us an exclusive look at the new book,
Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) falls on Monday, May 4, 2026 — right in the middle of Golden Week, Japan’s longest holiday stretch. Combined with the surrounding holidays and weekend, most workers get a solid block of consecutive days off. If you’re living in Japan or planning to be here during Golden Week, here’s
Meet Chris Zhang, who chose to study in Japan for one clear reason: the culture. Chris didn’t come because family was already here. The decision came from curiosity about Japan’s way of life and the desire to experience it directly, not just through travel or media. In this interview, Chris shares what it felt like
Meet Lauren H, originally from Southern California and previously working as a graphic designer. After spending a short period living in Japan years ago and falling in love with the lifestyle, Lauren returned to Japan last year after finding a great organization to work for. Lauren’s story shows one of the smoothest paths: get a
Meet Hien, originally from Vietnam, who has lived in Japan for about one year. While studying, Hien started working part-time in Japan at a coffee shop as a barista. It’s a very real “starter job” path for students and new arrivals looking up work in Japan or jobs in Japan because it’s accessible, it fits
Meet Danmarl Butad, originally from the Philippines, who began his journey to study in Japan through family. Instead of coming through a long scholarship process or a study-abroad agency, Danmarl’s path started with a family move and that support made the landing in Japan feel much more stable. Still, even with that advantage, studying in
Meet Danmarl, originally from the Philippines, who has lived in Japan for six years. Danmarl did middle school and high school in Japan, which made daily life here feel more familiar compared to someone arriving for the first time as an adult. Today, Danmarl works in Japan as a software engineer—one of the most common
Meet Danmarl Butad, originally from the Philippines. Danmarl didn’t move to Japan alone as an adult he moved here with his parents and ended up doing middle school and high school in Japan. Today, he works in Japan as a software engineer, but his moving journey story starts much earlier: with family, school life, and
As the impenetrable chill of winter begins to fade and the air welcomes a subtle warmth, Japan’s springtime seems to be just around the corner. This season is by far the most popular for travelers setting their sights on Japan, and for good reason: it offers a multitude of activities and breathtaking views. Follow this
Meet Issa, originally from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, raised in Arusha City, who came to Japan through a rare full scholarship route and later built a long academic path here—bachelor’s, master’s, and a PhD in Agricultural Science. Issa’s story is a powerful example of moving to Japan through education, and what happens after arrival: culture shock, language
Meet Issa Kachenje, originally from Tanzania, who came to Japan through a special international scholarship program and later built a full academic journey here. For Issa, choosing to study in Japan wasn’t only about rankings or research—it was also about personal growth. Japan represented a culture of humility and discipline, and Issa wanted to grow
Meet Issa Kachenje, originally from Tanzania, who first came to Japan as an international student and has since completed both a Master’s and PhD here. Today, Issa works in Japan as a research fellow and academic editor, while also teaching English part-time. This work interview is for anyone searching work in Japan or jobs in