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4 Things I Wish I'd Brought to Japan

Don't know what to bring to Japan before you move here? Here's some handy advice from a self-described cheapo on how to make the best of your precious luggage space.

7 Oddly Useful Items from the ¥100 Shop

These hot items, remarkably only ¥100, are sure to improve the quality of your life—or at least make it a little more interesting!

¥100 Shops: What to Buy & What to Avoid

Don't be blinded by that ¥100 tag, some things just aren't worth it!

A Japanese Home is a (Small) Sanctuary

A home in Japan is a comfortable place that will likely only be seen by a small, select group of people—and probably too cramped to host more than a handful of guests at a time! But this lies at the heart of the 'uchi' vs. 'soto' concept in Japan.

8 Ways to Do Personal Hygiene at the ¥100 Shop

You can do plenty of personal hygiene at the ¥100 shop. But while most cheapo products in Japan hold up pretty well, ¥100 hygiene tends to come with a few trade-offs.

Life in Japan for a Trans Woman

As part of our 'Life in Japan' feature, we endeavor to feature people in Japan from all different walks of life. And we were very lucky to learn about the daily life and challenges of a transgender woman living and working in Tokyo.

6 Sublime Views in Tohoku

The northeast region of Honshu, Tohoku, is a destination for all seasons. If you're looking to see nature at its finest, head north!

10 Easy Phrases for Shopping in Japan!

Reviewing these 10 phrases can make your Japan shopping excursion that much easier!

33 Survival Kanji for Japan First-Timers

Coming to Japan, but don't know any kanji—or what kanji even means? Take a deep breath, relax and we'll get you started along the way!

Why You Should Get a Line Pay Card Now

Are you really tired of paying those cash-on-delivery fees every time you order something online because no credit card company will accept you? If you have a Japanese phone number, the solution is right at your fingertips!

6 Geothermal Days in the 'Land of Fire'

Spend a day hugging the edge of one of the world's largest calderas, meander through eight boiling 'hells,' let yourself get buried in steaming hot sand, and even visit Hello Kitty—there's an incredible array of things to be done in Kyushu!

My Life in Japan as an Openly Gay Foreigner

Homosexuality has a long and documented history in Japan, but somehow most people who identify as LGBT would still rather keep their sexuality under wraps. Allow us to share with you one person's perspective on the coming out experience here.

Explore Kyushu on a Sightseeing Train

There are many sightseeing trains in Kyushu, with a wide variety of entertaining events going on in the trains and around the stations. We'll show you how to have much more fun than just looking out the window!

When Do You Wear a Yukata at a Japanese Inn?

Before bathing? After bathing? As soon as you arrive? Or not at all? Find out when most people usually change into 'yukata' when staying at a ryokan.

Finding an Apartment in Japan

If you're considering moving to Japan, or even just looking to get out of that share house, read on to learn about your options!

A 'Heart to Heart' Primer on Japanese Manners

Manners are a big part Japanese culture and society, but a first-time visitor or new resident will likely be surprised to learn many of these rules are unspoken, but understood. Therefore, we'd like to introduce a few to help you fit in while in Japan.

Getting Permanent Residency in Just One Year

The Ministry of Justice in Japan is cutting the wait time for permanent residency and that, depending on several factors, could potentially narrow the wait time down to one year.

Memoirs of Being a Black Sheep in Japan

One of our writers recounts his experiences living in Japan as an African-American, how he is perceived in society, and how life here compares to life back home.

Don't Be Surprised by Japan, Be Prepared!

Japan is full of many surprises and challenges that might catch you off guard during your first time here. But, we're here to give you a quick overview of how to prepare for your new life here.

How to Become a Japanese Citizen

Like Japan? Love Japan? Love Japan so much that you want to become a citizen? You may have heard it's impossible for the average person, but that's not true—I know, because I am a naturalized citizen of Japan!

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