Latest Articles
Discover guides, tips, and stories for life in Japan.
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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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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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PR Fee Up 10× to ¥300,000? Japan’s New Immigration Law and What It Means for Your Visa Costs (2026)
Japan’s amended Immigration Control Act passed on May 29, 2026. The legal cap for visa renewal fees rises to ¥100,000…
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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…
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A Brief History of Japan for Expats: Understanding Modern Japanese Culture Through History (2026)
Understanding Japan’s history helps you understand Japan today. This foreigner-friendly guide covers the Edo Period, Meiji Restoration, World War II,…
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Why Japanese People Never Say “No”: Mastering Tatemae and Honne
Confused why ‘that’s a bit difficult’ actually means ‘no’? This guide explains the cultural logic of Tatemae (social harmony) vs.…
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Best Japanese Learning Apps 2026: Duolingo, WaniKani, Anki & More — Honest Comparison
A practical comparison of the best Japanese learning apps in 2026. Duolingo, HelloTalk, WaniKani, Anki, Bunpro, LingQ and more —…
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Experience Japan’s Four Seasons: A Guide to Annual Traditions & Seasonal Events
Want to enjoy Japan’s seasonal traditions to the fullest? From spring Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) to summer Obon, autumn moon…
