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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How to Use the Bus in Japan Like a Pro
When you touch down in Japan, one of your first mini-adventures will likely involve deciphering the transport system. While Japan's trains often steal the limelight, the bus system, in all its varied…
Why is the Practical Driver's License Test in Japan So Challenging?
This page contains affiliate links. In the land of advanced technology, intricate traditions, and a unique way of life, obtaining a driver's license can prove to be an unexpectedly challenging journey…
Zen Experiences: A Guide to Temple Stays in Japan
If you're planning a trip to Japan, you'll likely come across numerous recommendations to visit popular tourist attractions. However, consider trying a Zen meditation for a more meaningful and distinc…
Is it Safe to Eat Expired Food? - The difference between "Best Before" and "Use By"
In Japanese food labeling, there are two types of dates: "消費期限" (Use By) and "賞味期限" (Best Before). These two are significantly different and determine whether food can or cannot be consumed after the…
Food Banks in Japan
Here is a list of organizations in Japan that engage in volunteer activities to collect food items and ingredients that are nearing their expiration dates or are difficult to sell through regular chan…
Counting in Japanese: Learn with Ease & Efficiency
Counting can become a stumbling block for many people learning Japanese, especially when they discover that counting is much more complex than just ichi, ni, and san. This complexity is because Japane…
The Need for Postpartum Care
This article is contributed by Vitalité House. Childbirth is an event that places a great burden on a woman's body. In order to nurture the baby, the uterus enlarges, putting pressure on the internal…
Ninja : The Secrets of Unwavering Mental Strength (Part 3/3)
This article is contributed by COMMU忍(NIN)CATION. In our previous columns, we explained that ninja were more like secret agents than combatants, that they used disguises to gather information, and tha…
Tokyo Mosque and Information for Muslims
If you follow the faith of Islam, Tokyo might not be the first place that comes to mind as having a lot of options for Muslims. Nevertheless, even though the population of Muslims in Tokyo may be smal…
Business Card Etiquette in Japan – How to Exchange Business Cards
The ritual of exchanging meishi, which is Japanese for ‘business card,’ is a much higher valued practice in Japan than in the West. This guide will serve to help foreigners who are new to doing busine…
What Kinds of Part-Time Jobs can Students Get in Japan?
This article is contributed by Nihon Arubaito. There are many jobs available as on a person’s proficiency in the Japanese language and available working hours. First figure out the available working h…
Seating Protocol in Japan - Seating Arrangements
In Japan there is an unspoken rule about where to sit when you are in the company of your elders, co-workers, and customers etc. There are seats known as “Kamiza” and a ranking of seats for “Shimoza”. This is a unique part of Japanese and its purpose is to show respect and hospitality to superiors and customers by being considerate about where you sit.
NINJA: How they collected useful information (Part 2/3)
This article is contributed by COMMU忍(NIN)CATION. In our previous column, we explained the image of ninja held by the public and what recent research has revealed about ninja. In this article, we will…
NINJA: Their True Mission & Ultimate Purpose (Part 1/3)
This article is contributed by COMMU忍(NIN)CATION. What do you imagine when you hear the word "ninja"? What comes to mind may differ from generation to generation. Perhaps you think of movies. Or anima…
Japanese Personalities & Culture: Getting Along in Japan
Living in Japan, or even visiting, can be a significant shift from living in one’s home country and culture. Understanding new cultural norms, practices, and traditions can be difficult, and understan…
Lost Your Phone in Japan? Here’s How to Get it Back
Losing your phone is a stressful experience at any time, but if it happens in a foreign country, this stress is compounded by language barriers, different or complicated procedures for lost items, and…
The Enduring Allure of Rakugo: Japanese Storytelling Evolved
Japan boasts a rich variety of traditional performance arts, from the dramatic flair of Kabuki to the simplicity of Noh. Another form of storytelling, Rakugo, adds a comedic twist to this mix. Rakugo…
Is ANATA (You) Rude in Japanese? What Words Can You Use Instead?
This article is contributed by ICI (International Communication Institute) Step Up Nihongo team. “How are you?” How simple to ask! The translation “Ogenki desu ka” is also easy, but where is the “you”…
Japanese Wedding Etiquette: 7 Steps from RSVP to Afterparty
When you've been in Japan long enough and have a local circle of young working adult friends or others who are older with grown children, then the chances are that one fine day you may find yourself i…
Expat Communities in Japan: Popular Social Fitness Groups, Meetups, & More
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure but can also be isolating and challenging. To make the transition easier, it's essential to surround yourself with supportive communities. One of the b…
