How Many 'Kanji' Should You Learn?
Learning Japanese , Life in Japan
Studying 'kanji,' Chinese characters used in Japanese, can be time-consuming and difficult for many learners. The sheer amount of characters is intimidating—combine that with multiple readings, and it's hard to know where to start! We're here to help.
Essential Japanese Words for Weather Warnings
Understanding what is happening in an emergency is very important, but the Japanese terms for natural disasters and dangerous weather can be confusing! This easy guide is a handy cheat sheet to help you stay safe and be able to make smart decisions.
How to Get a Working Holiday Visa for Japan
Life in Japan , Working in Japan
A working holiday visa enables residents form certain countries to spend a whole year living, working and traveling in Japan. So what are you waiting for? Learn how to get that application started now!
Life in Japan on a Student's Budget
Studying abroad in Japan? Just because you're living on a student's budget doesn't mean you won't be able to make the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Shinjuku Station Turned Typhoon Ghost Town
Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest in the world. Taken by the Japanese photographer Umeda, these photos capture the station eerily empty as Tokyo residents prepared for Typhoon Trami.
Life in Japan: Where to Begin when Moving In
Accommodation , First Time in Japan
On the hunt for a new apartment? Even without the language barrier, moving in Japan can be pretty tricky. Fortunately, we're here to help!
Living in Japan with Little to No Japanese
Life in Japan , Japan Tips From Locals
Moving to Japan without knowing Japanese may seem like a fool's errand, but we assure you that you're not alone! We're here to show you how easy it is to survive in Japan, even with little to no Japanese language ability.
From France to Tokyo: Working in Japan
Life in Japan , Working in Japan
Frenchwoman Samantha Lassaux is a sales manager for Meiji Shrine’s event hall, known as the 'Meiji Kinenkan.' Lassaux talks about her work at the historic venue, which was built in the Meiji Period and originally served as a state guesthouse.
Big in Japan: A Look at the Price of Fame
Australian and self-professed human guinea pig Dave Elliot-Jones packed his bag for Japan to interview foreign celebrities that have made it big in the Land of the Rising Sun, and try to find his own way into the limelight.
5 Popular Japanese Foods (Besides Sushi)
Although sushi might be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Japanese food, it's actually an irregular part of the Japanese diet. The following five foods are consumed far more frequently. Have you tried them all?
The Midnight Migration from Tsukiji to Toyosu
As of October 6, 2018, the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo held its final tuna auction and was shuttered. After, workers began the process of moving machinery and equipment to the new location in Toyosu, just a couple kilometers away.
How to Get a Permanent Resident Visa in Japan
The Permanent Resident visa, or 'eijuken,' is the Holy Grail for many foreign workers in Japan. So how do you get one? Once you've met the time requirement, it's actually pretty easy!
Working in Japan: 6 Expats Spill the Beans
Life in Japan , Working in Japan
What is working in Japan REALLY like? We asked six foreign residents about their experiences and tips for making a living in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Questions to Ask Before Moving to Japan
Life in Japan , Working in Japan
Japan is a dream destination for many. But before immigrating, be sure to ask yourself these important questions.
Japanese Beach Basics: Rules, Tips & Etiquette
Looking to soak up a little sun on one of Japan's gorgeous beaches? Check out our helpful tips to make the most of your time by the seaside! Plus, get recommendations for beaches near Tokyo and Osaka.
Everyday Costumes from 'Mundane' Halloween
The next-level costumes spotted in Shibuya have been gaining increasing buzz throughout the years, but elsewhere in Japan there's a contest that celebrates people dressed up in common, everyday clothes found around the country.
7 Tricky English to Japanese Translation Fails
Learning Japanese , Life in Japan
Communicating in a foreign language isn't just a matter of translating what you want to say word for word. If you do, you might end up conveying a completely different meaning than your intended one!
How Inheritance Tax Hits Foreigners in Japan
If you’ve lived here for more than 10 years—even without a permanent visa—you may be on the hook for taxes on inheritance anywhere in the world.
Battling Child Poverty One Offering at a Time
Temples & Shrines , Life in Japan
Nearly 1,000 temples throughout Japan are banding together to help combat child poverty thanks to devotional offerings and the charitable organization, the 'Otera Oyatsu Club.'
How to Bring Medicine into Japan
Traveling to Japan with prescription medication? Find out how to enter the country properly and hassle-free!
