EXPAT INFO
Discover essential information for expats living in Japan. Our guide offers valuable tips on settling in, understanding local customs, navigating everyday life, handling official documents, and finding the best attractions. Whether you're new to Japan or looking to enhance your experience, we provide practical insights to help you thrive in your new home.
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Kendo Dojos in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. Kendo, or the "Way of the Sword," is a Japanese sport descended from the samurai swordsman style. A contest consists of two individuals armed with bamboo swords cal…
Taxi Apps in Japan: Your Gateway to Seamless Urban Mobility
In the heart of Tokyo and across major cities in Japan, taxis serve as a convenient and reasonably priced mode of transportation. They are particularly useful for tourists or when navigating unfamilia…
Japanese Cleanliness: Japan’s Obsession with Tidying Up
This page contains affiliate links. Japanese cleanliness is one of the country's defining characteristics that is often remarked upon by tourists and new residents. Everywhere you go, whether it be an…
What to Know about Japanese Noodles and Etiquette
This page contains affiliate links. When talking about Japanese cuisine, it is inevitable that noodles will enter the discussion at some point. As one of the staple foods of Japan, noodles have been s…
How to Read Recycling Symbols on Products in Japan
Taking care of garbage is an everyday part of life that we often do without thinking too much about it, but when living in a different country like Japan, it becomes necessary to learn a new system fo…
Car Seats and Booster Seats for Children in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. Those traveling to Japan with children and intending to drive must be aware of the laws governing child safety in automobiles. Rental Apartments & Houses in…
Catching A Taxi in Tokyo: Everything you Need to Know
Despite how convenient the train system is, there will be times when you will need to take a taxi in Tokyo. While taking a cab long distances will still cost you significantly more than other modes of…
Japanese Consumption Tax (VAT)
In Japan, the current consumption tax is 8-10%. In this article, we cover the following aspects regarding Japanese Consumption Tax. Rental Apartments & Houses in Tokyo Listings of popular and l…
What to do in Case of an Earthquake: Safety and Evacuation
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with research showing that there is a 70% probability that one might occur right below Tokyo within the next 30 years. Given that, it…
What are the Requirements for Foreigners to Work as Cab Drivers in Japan?
This article is contributed by Asahi Research Institute LLC. In Japan, there is a serious shortage of cab drivers. Therefore, many rules have been changed to allow not only Japanese but also foreigner…
From July 1, 2023, Some E-Scooters No Longer Require a Driver’s License
This page contains affiliate links. In Japan, a driver’s license used to be required to ride an electric scooter, but due to the revision of the law, some e-scooters no longer require a driver’s licen…
Navigating Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payments for Pension: A Guide for Foreigners Departing Japan
This article is contributed by LOOK UP ACCOUNTING. Individuals who have been enrolled in the Employees’ Pension or the National Pension (and meet certain eligibility requirements) can be paid back for…
Where to Buy New and Used Bicycles in Tokyo
This page contains affiliate links. Having a bicycle in Tokyo is convenient when you need to get somewhere that’s a little far to walk, to do some shopping, or to bring your child to and from school.…
Japanese Verbal & Nonverbal Communication for Business
When it comes to business, Japan has a vastly different way of communicating compared to many Western countries; and those who fail to account for that difference often find themselves lost in the dis…
Exploring the Enigmatic World of Japanese Noh Theatre: Ancient Masks to Modern Marvels
Noh is to modern Japanese theatre what Shakespeare is to English theatre, and then some. It is the oldest form of masked theatre (like Kabuki, Noh opts for the “theatre” spelling of the word) in the w…
Nengajo – New Year’s Cards
This page contains affiliate links. Every year in late December the Japanese postal system is inundated with colorful post cards crisscrossing the country. These are 年賀状 (Nengajo) or New Year’s cards.…
Tokyo Ninja Experiences: Learn the ways of the Shinobi
This page contains affiliate links. Ninjas (also known as shinobi) have gained international fame over the centuries, both within Japan and abroad. Ironically, the very traits of secrecy and stealth t…
Discovering Kabuki: A Guide to Kabuki Theatres, Tickets, and Cultural Insights
So, what is Kabuki theatre, really? To the first timer, it is oftentimes remembered as a jumble of color, fast action and archaic language few can understand. Plots are mysterious and centered largely…
Minimizing Food Loss: Finding Supermarkets in Japan that Sell Expired (Expiring) Food
Japan is one of the world's leading countries in food loss. Expressing "equivalent to every citizen throwing away one bowl of rice every day" is an effective way to convey the magnitude of the problem…
How to Reduce Food Waste in Japan: Steps to Sustainability
Like many other countries, Japan faces a severe problem with food waste. This issue occurs throughout the entire process of food production and consumption, leading to economic losses, environmental i…
