Latest Articles
Discover guides, tips, and stories for life in Japan.
-
Tokyo Disney’s First Hike in 3 Years: Up to ¥12,400 from October 2026
Tokyo Disney’s 1-Day Passport rises to a peak of ¥12,400 for adults from October 2026, the first hike in 3…
-
Ordering Ramen Without the Guesswork: Ticket Machines, Broths, and What to Say (2026)
Confused by the ramen ticket machine? Learn Japan’s four broth types, how to customize your order, try kaedama, and find…
-
What Is a Machi-con? A First-Timer’s Guide to the Flow & Dress Code
Curious about machi-con? This guide covers the flow from check-in to contacts, what to wear, and tips for solo attendees…
-
Breaking: M7.1 Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Japan, Maximum Intensity 7 — Tsunami Advisory Issued (July 28, 2026)
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of Japan around 4:27 PM on July 28, 2026, with a maximum…
-
Dating in Japan: 5 Ways to Meet People & the Confession Culture Gap
Want to date in Japan but not sure where to start? Compare five ways to meet people, from dating apps…
-
A 3-Second Salt Jingle Hit Japan’s #1 Karaoke Spot The Story Behind Japan’s Most-Sung Song Right Now
A roughly 3-second commercial jingle for ‘Hakata no Shio’ salt hit #1 on JOYSOUND’s weekly karaoke ranking — a first…
-
Japanese Table Manners & Chopstick Etiquette: Rules and Taboos You Might Not Know
Japanese table manners have specific rules that may surprise international residents. This guide covers everything: proper chopstick use and the…
-
Your First Stop in Japan: The Complete Japanese Convenience Store (Konbini) Guide for Food, Shopping & Everyday Life
Japan’s konbini are world-class — this guide covers the Big Three chains’ best foods, register phrases, daily necessities, paperwork, and…
-
How to Choose a Japanese Language School for a Student Visa (2026): Costs & Application Process
A complete guide for anyone who wants a student visa through a Japanese language school. We cover the visa application…
-
How to Enjoy Depachika: Best Stores in Tokyo & Osaka, Tasting Etiquette & Gift Tips
Not sure where to go or what to buy at depachika? From Isetan and Hankyu Umeda to tasting etiquette, bento,…
-
Your First Izakaya Experience Otoshi, Kanpai & Ordering: What You Need to Know
The complete guide to read before your first izakaya visit. Covers the confusing otoshi charge, when to join the kanpai…
-
Double Typhoon Incoming (June 2026): Typhoon No. 7’s Latest Track, No. 8’s Movement, and What to Prepare Right Now
Typhoon No. 7 and No. 8 are both approaching Japan simultaneously. No. 7 is expected to hit Okinawa’s main island…
-
Venus, the Evening Star, Is Shining in the Western Sky: How to Spot It After Sunset [June 2026]
After sunset in late June 2026, Venus shines as the brightest evening star in the west, with Jupiter low nearby.…
-
Father’s Day Gift Budget in Japan: The Right Gift for Your Partner’s Dad [2026]
Father’s Day in Japan falls on June 21 this year. From how much to spend on your partner’s dad (¥3,000–5,000…
-
JLPT Study Guide 2026: Pass Rates, Levels, Materials & Registration (N5 to N1)
A complete guide to the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT): all five levels and their pass rates explained, with study…
-
Does Your Company File? What International Residents Need to Know About Japan’s Employer Notification Rule (2026)
If your employer hasn’t filed the required Hello Work notification, your visa renewal could be affected. Japan clarified the rules…
-
FIFA World Cup 2026 Is Underway. How to Watch All 104 Matches from Japan, Your Home Team Included
The World Cup arrived while you’re living in Japan — which means you can follow both your home country’s team…
-
Using Crypto to Send Money Home from Japan? What the 55%→20% Tax Reform Means for You [2026]
If you use Bitcoin or USDT to send money home, Japan’s crypto tax rules are about to change. The rate…
-
Charged a Full Year of Health Insurance the Moment You Arrive?! What Foreign Residents in Japan Can’t Afford to Miss: NHI Prepayment (2026)
Enrolling in Japan’s NHI as a new arrival? You may be asked to pay up to a full year of…
-
Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 Remake Announced! Nintendo Direct June 2026 Full Summary & Release Dates
Nintendo Direct June 9 recap: Zelda Ocarina of Time confirmed for Switch 2 remake, plus Star Fox, Rhythm Heaven, Kingdom…
-
Japan’s Specified Residence Card Applications Open June 15 — Residence Card & My Number Integration: What to Bring [June 2026]
Japan’s Specified Residence Card launches June 14, 2026 (apply from June 15). Enrollment is voluntary. Check what to bring and…
-
Typhoon No. 6 Hits Transport by Region: Local Lines Suspended in Kanto, Kansai & Tokai, 520+ Flights Cancelled (Updated June 3, 2026)
Typhoon No. 6 makes its closest approach to Kansai early on June 3 and to Kanto around midday. JR West,…
-
Japan’s Disaster Warnings Changed on May 28, 2026. What Is a ‘Danger Warning’? How to Read Alert Levels and When to Evacuate
Japan’s disaster prevention weather information was overhauled on May 28, 2026. A new ‘Danger Warning’ (Level 4), the end of…
-
Hospital Appointment Cancellation Fees Now Allowed in Japan from June 2026, But Only at a Small Number of Facilities
Starting June 2026, some hospitals in Japan can charge cancellation fees for missed appointments. This only applies to around 928…
-
Why May 30°C Is More Dangerous Than August: Japan’s 2026 Heatstroke Alert Is Live
Japan’s Ministry of the Environment heatstroke alert system is running for 2026. Tokyo hit 30.2°C on May 17 and 30.0°C…
-
Japan’s ‘103-Man Resident Tax Wall’ Becomes 123-Man in June 2026: How Part-Time Spouses and Student Workers Take Home More
From June 2026, Japan’s resident tax reform expands the 103-man-en wall to 123-man-en. The minimum employment income deduction rises to…
-
Japan 2026 Summer Bonus: 5th Year of Growth, Middle East Risk
Japan Research Institute projects 2026 summer bonuses up +2.4% aggregate and +2.2% per worker, the fifth consecutive year of growth.…
-
What Is the Gijinkoku Visa? Requirements, Eligible Jobs, and 2026 Rule Changes Explained
A complete guide to Japan’s gijinkoku (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) visa: eligible jobs, the education, work-experience, and salary requirements, company…
-
Changing Jobs on a Gijinkoku Visa: Notifications, the 90-Day Rule, and the N2 Requirement
A complete guide to changing jobs on Japan’s gijinkoku (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) visa: the 14-day notification, the Certificate of…
-
Your Old Insurance Card Stops Working July 31, 2026. Here’s How to Switch to the My Number Insurance Card
Japan’s grace period for expired health insurance cards ends July 31, 2026. After August 1, you’ll need the My Number…
