Tobias has been working as an editor and a writer for over ten years.
It’s nearly the end of what has been a turbulent, to say the least, 2025. Changes in governments and policy have occured throughout the world (including here in Japan), pop culture phenomenons have come and gone, and we even had a good Fantastic Four movie. While all of these will be paramount to any year
Winter in Japan has (finally) well and truly arrived! Along with the new bite in the air and the chic-yet-cozy winter fashion, the advent of the year’s snowy season brings about a deep desire among many to get out and hit the slopes! This brings a fresh problem, however: the agony of choice. Japan has
Japan has a number of events for anime and manga enthusiasts throughout the country. From Comiket to the World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, the world is naturally your oyster in the home of these artforms. But if you’re into western comics, movies, sci-fi, or animation, what are you supposed to do? San Diego and New
Japan is a country with an efficient and friendly police force. Although most people will never have cause to encounter the police, I have seen (and spoken to) an officer going door to door looking for a child’s bike. Additionally, most missing persons are eventually found, and crimes solved (though not all). There are, however,
For anyone who wants to work in Japan, but already has a job in a business abroad, you may have to face a difficult choice: do you take the chance of seeking a job in Japan, or stick with your job and stay where you are? If you work for a global company with a
Like many countries, Japan is increasingly concerned with sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions to the major challenges facing the country, and the world as a whole. As part of its ongoing efforts to address these challenges, there have been ongoing efforts in Fukushima prefecture to develop and promote businesses that offer innovative solutions to serious
As anyone remotely familiar with Japanese demographics will be aware, the country is almost the posterchild (misnomer though that may be) for an aging society. As such, there have been many different initiatives from both the government and the private sector to accommodate the elderly and to provide opportunities to those who assist them. Now,
Permanent residence is, more or less, what is suggested by the title. A permanent resident visa entitles the holder to indefinite leave to remain in Japan. Further, there are no limitations on what sort of employment can be undertaken. Regular work visas — even the versatile and coveted Engineering/Humanities/International Studies visa — have limitations on
It has now been slightly over a month (at time of writing) since Sanae Takaichi became the first woman Prime Minister of Japan. In the intervening time, what have been her most significant decisions and actions as the head of Japan’s government? How do those changes affect those living in Japan — especially foreign residents?
Japan is wonderful all year round, but winter is noted by many for how calming and beautiful it can be. After the heat of the summer and the charm of the autumn, the longer, chillier nights often make you feel compelled to curl up with a good book and a nice hot chocolate. For those
From the countdown, to the cheering, to the singing of Auld Lang Syne, New Year’s Eve is an important night for people all over the world. In Japan, it is arguably the most important holiday of the year, rivalled only by Obon. But does that mean it’s celebrated in the same way? Well, in some
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa is one of the most commonly held visas by those from abroad working in Japan. But what does it cover? Are you eligible? What documents do you need? Here is a comprehensive guide. New to the whole process of relocating? Here’s our complete guide for relocating to Japan. What