Latest Articles
Discover guides, tips, and stories for life in Japan.
-
Electricity & Gas Bills Going Up in May 2026 — Around ¥1,000+ More a Month, and How to Save
From May 2026, electricity and gas bills in Japan are effectively rising. Government subsidies have ended and the renewable energy…
-
Pediatric Emergency Guide in Japan 2026: A Complete Manual for Parents
Sudden fever? Injury? Knowing when to call an ambulance (119) or use the #8000 pediatric hotline can save your child’s…
-
Why Are Calbee’s Chip Bags Suddenly Black-and-White? No, They’re Not Fakes: The 14 Snacks, Taste, and Prices (May 2026)
Spotted a black-and-white Calbee chip bag at your local konbini? It’s not a fake or a recall. Here’s why 14…
-
When Your Child Can’t Keep Up with Japanese at School: The Official Support System and What Parents Can Do (2026)
A practical guide for international families in Japan when a child struggles with Japanese at public school. Covers the official…
-
Japanese Elementary School Annual Event Guide: Entrance Ceremony, Sports Day, and PTA for International Parents
“Lost on dress codes,” “anxious about PTA,” “can’t read the handouts” — the 3 stumbling blocks international parents face at…
-
Which is Better: International School or Japanese Public School? Comparing Costs (¥0–¥4.5M/Year), University Admission, and JSL Support
Choosing between an international school and a Japanese public school for your child? This guide compares costs (¥0–¥4.5M/year), university admission…
-
3 Steps for Foreigners to Pass Japanese Daycare Applications: Documents, Points, and the Activity Permission
Foreigners get rejected from Japanese daycare applications for 3 reasons: missing activity permission, low shisuu points, residence card gaps. Don’t…
-
Hoikuen vs Yochien vs Nintei Kodomo-en: A Foreigner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Childcare in Japan (2026)
What are the differences between hoikuen, yochien, and nintei kodomo-en? Compare ages, jurisdictions, free education subsidy, English-language support, and visa-based…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
[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…
-
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,…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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)…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
“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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
[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…
-
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,…
