Housing tips
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…
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…
Sustainable Lifestyles in Edo and Japanese History
In Japan, there has long been a 'mottainai spirit' of taking good care of things, and in the Edo era, people in various professions recycled things to reuse them. Sustainability, which has been attrac…
Best Ways to Store Emergency Bags in Japan
This article is contributed by Kurashinity In Japan, where earthquakes and other natural disasters are a part of life, having an emergency bag is essential. But just as important as what you pack is w…
BOOKOFF: How to Sell Your Unwanted Items in Japan
BOOKOFF is the most famous second-hand shop with 800 locations in Japan. It offers not only second hand books, but also CDs, DVDs, cell phones, cameras, home appliances, musical instruments, clothes,…
How to Use a Japanese Washing Machine
This page contains affiliate links. Japan’s future-tech society has created many solutions to keep a nation looking its best, but when you’re living in a foreign country, sometimes even the simplest t…
Japanese Mosquito Repellents and Medicine to Stop Itching
This page contains affiliate links. In Japan, you may encounter mosquitoes (Ka in Japanese) from Spring to Autumn. While the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease such as Japanese encephalitis…
Storage Solutions: Simple Tips to Maximize Space in Small Japanese Apartments
This article is contributed by Kurashinity In Japan, many people live in compact apartments where space is limited. But with a few clever storage techniques, even the smallest rooms can feel spacious,…
How to Pay Utility Bills in Japan
Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. In Japan there are many convenient ways in which you can pay your utility bills. Here's some info on the rate structure and the payment methods available to those living in Japan.
By PLAZA HOMES
Why Hiring a Housekeeper in Japan Might Be the Best Decision for Your Mental Health
The following article is contributed by Celestsitter. Feeling overwhelmed with daily life in Japan? You’re not alone. For many expats, adjusting to a new culture, language, and pace of life can add la…
Disposal of Oversized Garbage in Japan
As a resident of Japan, you're probably already familiar with the city’s detailed garbage and recycling systems. However, you might be less aware of how to properly dispose of large items like furnitu…
Fighting Humidity and Mold During Japan’s Rainy Season
This page contains affiliate links. Summer in Japan can be an exciting time, full of bright summer festivals, fun beach trips, and shaved ice in myriad flavors. However, summer is also a time of high…
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches/Gokiburi in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. In Japan, you may find cockroaches in your home, especially in the summer season. Cockroaches will gather wherever there is food. They have survived for a long long…
5-Minute Daily Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Entryway Clean in Japan
This article is contributed by Kurashinity The entrance is often referred to as the "face of the house," making it an important area. When the entrance is being kept clean, it gives a positive energy…
How to Use Japanese Bathroom Control Panels – English Translations
Japanese bathrooms are known for their high-tech features, especially the control panels for baths and ventilation. But if you can't read Japanese, using these systems can feel overwhelming. This simp…
How to Translate Your Japanese Air Conditioner Remote Control
While most Japanese residences do not have central heating and air conditioning, they do typically come with at least one wall-mounted air conditioner installed in smaller apartments and multiple wall…
How to use Japanese High-Tech Toilets
This page contains affiliate links. Japan is known as a land of extremes, and even in modern-day urban Tokyo, you can find "washiki (Japanese-style, hole-in-the-ground)" toilets, and in extreme contr…
Sophisticated Living Room Ideas in Japan for a Luxurious Lifestyle
This article is contributed by Kurashinity Sophisticated hotels and model rooms have few superfluous objects and are relatively well organized. Many people may feel relaxed and comfortable because of…
10-Minute Daily Cleaning Tips for a Tidy Home in Japan
This article is contributed by Kurashinity Have you ever had the feeling of being refreshed when you visit a clean space such as a hotel or a shrine? Hotels and shrines are carefully cleaned and desi…
English-Speaking Maid and Housekeeping Services Guide in Tokyo
This page contains affiliate links. Between overtime and post-work drinks, being a professional in Tokyo can leave you with precious little time to spare for other tasks like keeping your home in the…
