Latest Articles
Discover guides, tips, and stories for life in Japan.
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Japanese Business Email & Phone Guide 2026: Work Templates
Copy-paste Japanese business email templates and phone scripts for working in Japan: addressing, set phrases, requests, replies, apologies, and taking…
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Japan License Conversion Guide 2026 (Gaimen Kirikae)
Convert your foreign driver’s license in Japan under the October 2025 rules: who can apply, the 50-question test, exempt countries,…
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International Student Monthly Living Costs in Japan (2026)
How much do international students spend monthly in Japan? JASSO data breaks down rent, food, tuition, regional gaps, and how…
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Kimono Colors Meaning: A 6-Color Guide to Japanese Culture
Every kimono color has meaning. Learn why red suits celebrations, purple’s noble history, and how to choose colors by season…
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Japan Childhood Vaccination Schedule 2026: A Parent’s Guide
Japan’s 2026 childhood vaccination schedule from birth to high school, recent changes like the 5-in-1 and PCV20, catch-up after moving,…
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From September 1, Japan’s Local Streets Are 30 km/h: Roughly 70% of Ordinary Roads, No Sign Required
On September 1, 2026, the default speed limit on Japan’s local streets dropped from 60 km/h to 30 km/h. It…
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Can You Work Part-Time on a Dependent Visa? Hired With Almost No Japanese
A 29-year-old from Indonesia on a Dependent Visa, with only greeting-level Japanese, was hired at a Kyoto craft shop. What…
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Can You Get Hired on a Student Visa? A 23-Year-Old Chosen From a ‘Japanese Beginners OK’ Listing
A 23-year-old American on a Student Visa, with conversational (N3) Japanese, was hired at an Osaka cafe. Why a ‘Japanese…
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Can You Work Part-Time on a Job-Hunting Visa? A 36-Year-Old’s Real Hiring Story in 12 Days
Can you work part-time on Japan’s job-hunting visa? A 36-year-old from Myanmar got hired in Tokyo in 12 days. See…
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Silver Week 2026 Japan Flight Booking Timing and Crowds
Flying home for a Japanese holiday break, or exploring Japan instead? When you book changes the price and the trip.…
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Specified Skilled Worker Visa (Tokutei Ginou): SSW 1 vs 2
Thinking about the Specified Skilled Worker visa? How SSW 1 and SSW 2 differ, the 19 fields, the exams you…
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How to Get a My Number Card in Japan: Apply, Pick Up, Renew
Applying for a My Number Card in Japan? See the four ways to apply, photo rules, PIN setup, pickup steps,…
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How to Get a Juminhyo in Japan: Certificate of Residence
Need a juminhyo in Japan? Compare the four ways to get one, what each costs, whether your residence status appears,…
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Full-Time Job Documents in Japan: A Guide for New Graduates, Job Changers, and Overseas Hires
A practical breakdown of the documents you need before starting a full-time job in Japan, organized by three paths: new…
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JLPT December 2026: Applications Open Aug 24. Act Fast Before They Close
Applications for the December 6, 2026 JLPT open August 24. N4 and N3 closed early last sitting, so apply early.…
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Part-Time Job Documents in Japan: What to Prepare
A practical guide to the paperwork for a part-time job in Japan: the five documents almost everyone needs, handling My…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
