Latest Articles
Discover guides, tips, and stories for life in Japan.
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Giving Birth in Japan: A Complete Guide on Procedures, Costs, and the 500,000 Yen Subsidy (2026)
Complete guide for international residents giving birth in Japan. Covers cost estimates, claiming the Lump-Sum Birth Grant (¥500,000), finding English-speaking…
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Child-Care Support Fund: Understanding the Costs and Its Impact on PR for International Residents (2026 Latest)
Confused by the new ‘Child-Care Support Fund’ deduction on your 2026 paystub? This guide explains exact costs by salary, the…
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Child Benefit (Jido Teate) in Japan: No Income Limit & Expanded Coverage! How to Avoid the “15-Day Rule” Trap (2026 Guide)
【2026 Update】Income limits gone, coverage now to high school age, ¥30,000 for the 3rd child. Master Japan’s strict 15-Day Rule,…
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Japan Business Manager Visa Renewal 2026: 5 Screening Criteria, Deficit Cases, and How to Get a 1/3/5-Year Status
Japan’s Business Manager visa renewal in 2026: the 5 screening criteria immigration looks at, the rules for 1/3/5-year status, the…
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Japan Startup Visa Guide (2026): How to Switch Status of Residence and Transition to a Business Manager Visa
Japan’s Startup Visa for international entrepreneurs: 2025 unified system, new Business Manager Visa rules, status change routes, and a 24-month…
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10 Best Parks for Families in Tokyo: Resident’s 2026 Guide
A practical guide to 10 family-friendly parks in Tokyo for international residents. Covers stroller-accessible routes, BBQ reservation rules, inclusive playgrounds,…
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[2026 Update] Major Changes to Japan’s Business Manager Visa: A Plain-English Guide to the New ¥30M Capital, JLPT N2, and Full-Time Staff Requirements, Plus the 2028 Grace Period
Japan’s Business Manager visa changed dramatically in October 2025. We break down the new ¥30M capital, JLPT N2, and full-time…
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What is Gogatsubyo (Japan’s May Sickness)? A Foreigner’s Complete Guide to Causes, Symptoms & Solutions (2026)
Feeling drained, sleepless, or unmotivated after Golden Week? Gogatsubyo (May Sickness) hits foreign residents in Japan especially hard. Symptom checklist,…
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Power Banks Banned for In-Flight Use from April 24, 2026: Japan’s Complete Guide to the New Carry-On Rules
Japan’s new power bank rules take effect April 24, 2026: max 2 units under 160Wh, no in-flight charging or use,…
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Japan’s Specified Residence Card Launches June 2026: Benefits, How to Apply, and What to Know About the Combined Card
A plain-English guide to Japan’s Specified Residence Card, launching June 14, 2026. What changes when your Residence Card and My…
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Specified Residence Card: Benefits vs. Drawbacks Compared in Detail — Should You Get One? Or Is It Too Early? (2026)
Wondering whether to get a Specified Residence Card? We compare 4 benefits and 4 drawbacks in a clear table, then…
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Transit Update After the M7.5 Sanriku Earthquake (April 20, 2026, 6 PM update): Shinkansen, Local Lines, Airports, Highways
A live 6 PM summary of how the April 20, 2026 M7.5 off-Sanriku earthquake is affecting the Tohoku / Akita…
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Breaking: M7.4 Earthquake off Iwate, Tsunami Warning Issued (April 20, 2026) — Latest Info and What to Do, for International Residents in Japan
An M7.4 earthquake struck off Sanriku around 16:52 JST on April 20, 2026, and a tsunami warning (up to 3m)…
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Specified Skilled Worker ‘Food Service’ Visa Suspended | What Happens to Your Visa? A Status-Based Guide (2026)
SSW food service visa suspended from April 13, 2026. What it means for current holders, exam candidates, and pending applicants,…
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How to Write a Japanese Resume (Rirekisho): Gakuchika, Motivation & Self-PR Guide (2026)
Learn how to write a Japanese resume (rirekisho) step by step. From basic info and education to motivation, self-PR, and…
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Top 10 Job Interview Questions for International Students in Japan — With Sample Answers & Mistakes to Avoid (2027 Graduates)
Preparing for a job interview in Japan as an international student? Here are the 10 most common questions you’ll face,…
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“Why Do You Want to Work in Japan?” — How to Answer This Interview Question With Confidence (With Examples)
The question ‘Why do you want to work in Japan?’ comes up in almost every interview for international students. Learn…
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Once in a Lifetime! The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying ‘Grand Sumo’ Without Fail
Interested in watching Japan’s national sport, Grand Sumo? From easy ways to buy tickets to recommended seats (Masu-seki), simple match…
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Shrine vs. Temple in Japan: Never Get Confused Again! (2026)
Confused about the difference between a Shinto Shrine and a Buddhist Temple? This guide explains everything from how to tell…
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Designated Activities Visa for Job Hunting: How to Stay in Japan Up to 1 Year After Graduation (2026)
Worried about graduating without a job offer? With the Designated Activities visa for continued job hunting, you can stay in…
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[2027/2028 Graduates] When Should International Students Start Job Hunting? Complete Early Selection Schedule
A complete guide to the latest Japanese job-hunting schedule for international students graduating in 2027 and 2028. Covering early selection…
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SPI & Web Tests in Japan’s Job Hunt: The Complete Preparation Guide for International Students
What are SPI and web-based aptitude tests in Japanese job hunting? This guide breaks down the test types, scoring strategies,…
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Experience Japan’s Four Seasons: A Guide to Annual Traditions & Seasonal Events
Introduction One of the most beautiful things about living in Japan is how the changing seasons aren’t just marked by…
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A Must-See for Anime Fans! Deep Japanese Otaku Culture Experience (Akihabara & Pilgrimage)
Want to dive deep into Japanese anime, manga, and otaku culture? From navigating Akihabara to ‘Sacred Pilgrimage’ (Seichi Junrei) for…
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Are Visa Renewal & PR Fees Really Jumping to Hundreds of Thousands of Yen? The Truth About the 2026 Hike and What We Should Prepare (2026)
Confused about the rumors of Japan’s visa renewal and Permanent Residency fees jumping to 100,000 or 300,000 yen? We break…
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Safe for Tattoos? Onsen Etiquette and Bathing Rules for Foreigners to Enjoy with Peace of Mind
Want to try a Japanese Onsen but feel shy about being naked or worried about tattoos? From the correct way…
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Japan Festival Calendar: The Ultimate Guide to 25 Famous & Hidden Matsuri (2026-2027)
Your comprehensive guide to Japan’s 2026-2027 festival dates, delicious street foods, and how to enjoy ‘matsuri’ like a local. Experience…
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Be Respected at Work! The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Gift-Giving & Omiyage Etiquette (2026)
From choosing the perfect omiyage to mastering Ochugen and Oseibo seasonal gifts. Discover the rules, taboos, and secrets of Japanese…
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Best Baby Products in Japan: A Complete Guide to ‘Must-Have’ Items and Where to Buy Them (2026)
First time facing pregnancy or parenting in Japan and struggling to choose the right baby products? We thoroughly explain how…
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Geisha vs Maiko Explained! Common Mistakes Tourists Make Could Lead to Fines (2026)
What’s the real difference between Geisha and Maiko? From their daily schedules and seasonal kimonos to traditional banquet games and…
