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 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…
How to Donate and Sell Used Clothing and Furniture in Japan
Whether learning a new language, doing your best to follow the local culture, or just trying to get from point A to point B, living in Japan never ceases to keep expats on their toes. But what to do w…
How to Sell on Mercari Japan
While in the West there are secondhand online marketplaces like eBay, in Japan there is Mercari, where you can both save money on buying used, yet still high-quality goods and easily make some extra m…
Japanese Kotatsu: Staying Warm in Winter
This page contains affiliate links. Kotatsu, while largely unknown outside of Japan, has long been part of Japanese culture, keeping people warm during cold winters. With the exception of Hokkaido, ho…
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.…
The Story Behind “Washi”, Japan’s Traditional Handmade Paper
This article is contributed by MADALAND. Located about 15 minutes by car southeast of Takefu Station on the JR Hokuriku Line, the village of Goka in Fukui Prefecture (which comprises the Imadate-cho n…
The Japanese Lucky Cat: Unlocking the Secret to Good Fortune
This page contains affiliate links. The maneki neko statue, also known as the lucky cat, is a symbol that is instantly recognizable all around the world. You can find these lucky cats in businesses, h…
The Japanese Zodiac: Unleash the Fun of This New Year Tradition
This page contains affiliate links. The Japanese zodiac has a rich history and unique features that include a fascinating blend of Chinese and Japanese influences. While some aspects are based on the…
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…
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…
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 : 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…
Hanko/Inkan: A Guide to the World of Japanese Signature Seals
This page contains affiliate links. If you're a foreigner planning to live in Japan, you'll likely need to set up a bank account, apply for a phone, and sign up for public utilities. During these proc…
A Guide to Getting Married in Japan
While holding a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony at a Shinto shrine or exchanging marriage vows in a chapel in a western style may be popular, no religious ceremony can be a substitute for offici…
Disability Symbols and their Meanings in Japan
There are many symbols for people with disabilities in Japan. Some of the symbols are universal and you may have seen them abroad. Various symbols and signs relating to people with disabilities indica…
Osaka vs Tokyo - What are the differences?
Tokyo and Osaka are two cities in Japan that are often compared. Tokyo is the capital of Japan and part of Kanto region, while Osaka is the largest city of Kansai region. However, the differences are…
Useful Free Apps and Websites to Protect You from Natural Disasters in Japan
When natural disasters happen (such an earthquakes or typhoons), it's important to obtain accurate information that is easy to understand. There are several Apps and Websites which are provide this in…
Internet in Japan: Finding English-Speaking Providers in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. After arriving in Japan, it is unlikely that you will be able to settle down without internet. There are several options for connecting to the internet in Japan. Wh…
Where to Buy SIM Free Phones in Japan and SIM Unlocking Procedures
This page contains affiliate links. Purchasing a SIM Free Smartphone in Japan is not as difficult as you might think, as long as you know exactly where to find them. If you purchase a smartphone from…
Japanese Mobile Phones: Plans, Coverage, and Services
This page contains affiliate links. From the iPhone to the latest Android devices, Japanese mobile phones are outfitted with the latest technology with designs to suit every taste; whether you want to…
