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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What is Mottainai? The Japanese Meanings and Expressions
The Japanese word "Mottainai" has been used in many countries around the world as a universal language. If you look up "mottainai" in a Japanese-English dictionary, you will find words like "waste" an…
4 Popular Japanese Lucky Charms For the New Year
This page contains affiliate links. This article is contributed by 供TOMO. Since ancient times, some objects have been believed to bring luck to your family or prosperity to your business. If you are l…
How Hard Is It to Learn Japanese? A Look at Why It's So Complex
The Japanese language is considered one of the most difficult to learn by many English speakers. With three separate writing systems, an opposite sentence structure to English, and a complicated hiera…
How Long Does It Take to Learn Japanese? See How Students Progressed from Beginners to Fluent
This page contains affiliate links. This article is contributed by Japademy Japanese can feel like an intimidating language to learn, but the truth is, it is achievable! Despite being intimidating,…
Japan Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and Residence Management System
If you're moving to Japan, you definitely need to be aware of Japan residence card (zairyu card) and the residence management system. In this article, you will learn about residence card in Japan, res…
Child Allowance System (Jidō Teate) in Japan
The Japanese child allowance (Jidō Teate - 児童手当) is paid to those raising children aged 0 to 15 years. The benefits depend on the annual household income and, in addition to the child allowance provid…
Japanese New Year's Decorations: Culture, Traditions, Religion
This page contains affiliate links. As the New Year approaches, many shops, commercial buildings, and houses in Japan decorate for the occasion. It should come as no surprise that in Japan with its ri…
Learning Japanese for Free: Great Online Tools
This page contains affiliate links. There are a lot of great free online materials for learning Japanese online and they are perfect for self-study. In this article you will find a collection of learn…
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…
Japan News in English: Great Media Outlets for Expats
This page contains affiliate links. One of the many challenges to living in Japan is getting timely and relevant news information. Western media can suffer delays in reporting on Japan news and will i…
TV Streaming in Japan: Options for Watching English Programs
This page contains affiliate links. Whether you’re craving nostalgic British dramas, your favorite American talk shows, or Japanese programming in English, look no further than these ways to access En…
Great Places for 'Hatsumode' around Tokyo during the Japanese New Year
This page contains affiliate links. On the first day of the Japanese new year, you will see many people heading to shinto shrines and temples for "hatsumode," or the first prayer of the year. On this…
Unagi Kabayaki: A Taste of Tradition: Where to Enjoy Unagi
This article is contributed by Japan Culinary Arts Academy. In Japan, Doyo no Ushi no Hi (the Day of the Ox) is a traditional occasion where people eat grilled eel (unagi) to combat the summer heat an…
English-Speaking Maid and Housekeeping Services Guide in Tokyo
Follow this guide for available English-speaking maid and housekeeping services, along with a list of features outside of cleaning that each can provide.
Benefits of Hiring a Housekeeper When Moving
Discover how a housekeeping and maid service can assist with your move, from packing and cleaning before moving-out to unpacking, cleaning, and shopping after moving-in. Learn about the services and benefits of using a housekeeping service when moving.
English-Speaking Moving Companies in Japan
Thinking of moving within Japan? Even if you do not speak Japanese, there are several moving companies that offer services in English. Please refer to the list of movers below who can help you without language barriers.
Wadaiko: The Summer Rhythm and Movements of Taiko in Japan
With a multitude of purposes, strong traditions, and dynamic rhythm, wadaiko, or traditional Japanese drums also known internationally as "taiko", is a unique and interesting part of Japanese culture.…
A Guide to Taxes in Japan for Freelancers - Part 1: What is the Japanese Tax Return?
This article is contributed by LOOK UP ACCOUNTING. Navigating the complexities of tax returns as a freelancer or sole proprietor in Japan can be daunting, especially without a clear understanding of t…
A Guide to Taxes in Japan for Freelancers - Part 2: Details of the Tax Return
This article is contributed by LOOK UP ACCOUNTING. Part 1 covered "What is the Japanese Tax Return"? In Part 2 “A Guide to Taxes in Japan for Freelancers”, we’ll look at the difference between the Whi…
A Guide to Taxes in Japan for Freelancers - Part 3: How to Submit Your Tax Return
This article is contributed by LOOK UP ACCOUNTING. We covered What is the Japanese Tax Return? and Details of the Tax Return in the previous articles. In Part 3 of “A Guide to Taxes in Japan for Freel…
