Communication
Stay connected with essential information about apps, internet, mobile phones, and post and mail services in Japan.
Mail Forwarding in Japan: Domestic and International Options
Whether you are moving to Japan, leaving Japan, or taking an extended vacation, you still need to make sure that you will have access to your mail. There are many considerations for expats living in J…
Buying a SIM Card in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. If you plan to move to or visit Japan, or if you are already a resident of Japan, mobile phones with local SIM cards are a must-have. They are necessary in both you…
Essential Apps for Visiting and Living in Japan
Taking a trip to or within Japan any time soon? Are you looking for an app or two to help with navigating around Japan, assisting with language barriers, identifying touristy ideas, or just making lif…
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…
Redeliveries in Japan: Japan Post, Kuroneko, Sagawa & Amazon
There are many Japanese delivery services available, ranging from the well-known “black cat” Kuroneko service to specialized refrigerated delivery for perishable items. When a driver delivers a packag…
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…
Japan Courier Services Combine Convenience, Efficiency and Innovation
Courier services in Japan are second to none, both for efficiency and innovation—ever thought of easily and quickly getting your luggage delivered from the airport or your skis to your resort? In Japa…
Turn Your iPhone or Android into a Mobile Suica/PASMO IC Card
This page contains affiliate links. IC cards like Suica and PASMO have made traveling in Japan seamless. With smartphones and smartwatches, you can now store these cards digitally for even more conven…
Best Japanese Learning Apps - from beginners to advanced levels
Whether you are studying at home or newly arrived in the country, the Japanese language can seem impossible to those just starting to learn it. That said, there's one simple way to survive no matter h…
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…
Japan Post Office Services
Have you ever needed to mail something or pick up a package while living in Japan? Like in most of the rest of the world, Japan has an efficient postal system with around 24,000 post offices scattered…
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…
The Types of Japanese Mail Explained
This article is contributed by MailMate, a bilingual virtual mail service for expats in Japan If you’re new to Japan and you’re wondering what type of physical mail you can expect to receive at your p…
Earthquake App Options: 6 Smart Choices for your Smartphone
As even Japan’s reliable mobile phone networks will inevitably get jammed during natural disasters, the internet is your best bet for getting information and disseminating information about yourself.…
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…
Japanese Voice Translator / Interpreter Apps
Recently, a variety of translation and interpretation apps have been developed. There are various types of recognition, including text, voice, multiple conversations, and images. We have gathered a se…
International Parcel Services In Japan: The Expat’s Guide
If you're looking to ship items internationally from Japan, it's important that you know some of the basics. There are a few companies that offer international shipping to Japan, and each has its own…
