Life in Japan
Get the best and latest tips, resources, and hacks for life in Japan. Discover in-depth guides for how to deal with city office, pay bills, and other daily living in Japan topics.
Forgot to Pay Electricity Bill in Japan? What to Know & Do
Life in Japan August 12th, 2026

Forgot to Pay Electricity Bill in Japan? What to Know & Do

In Japan, paying utility bills can be a hassle. But it doesn’t have to be.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners (2026 Guide)
Life in Japan August 12th, 2026

Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners (2026 Guide)

Confused about Japan's health insurance system? Discover everything foreigners need to know to navigate Japan's healthcare with ease!
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Driver's License Reciprocity in Japan: How to Convert Your Foreign License
Life in Japan August 7th, 2026

Driver's License Reciprocity in Japan: How to Convert Your Foreign License

Two types of international driving permits, countries with bilateral driver's license agreements with Japan, plus how to convert your foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Nozei Shomeisho: Your Guide to Japan's Tax Certificate

Nozei Shomeisho: Your Guide to Japan's Tax Certificate

Nozei shomeisho (納税証明書) is a document that serves as proof of payment of taxes in Japan. Read on for a quick explanation of what it is and how to get one.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Pay National Health Insurance in Japan
Life in Japan August 7th, 2026

How to Pay National Health Insurance in Japan

A complete guide to paying National Health Insurance (NHI) in Japan, including payment methods, deadlines, and tips for managing health-related mail.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Japan Property Tax And More: An Easy Guide For Foreigners

Japan Property Tax And More: An Easy Guide For Foreigners

Learn everything you need to know about Japan property tax and more.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Forgot to Pay Japan NHI? Here’s What Happens
Life in Japan August 6th, 2026

Forgot to Pay Japan NHI? Here’s What Happens

Forgot to pay Japan’s National Health Insurance? Learn what happens, penalties, and how to resolve missed payments before it affects your coverage or finances.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Shipping from Japan to Philippines: Cost Table for Japan Post
Life in Japan, Japan Post August 6th, 2026

Shipping from Japan to Philippines: Cost Table for Japan Post

Bookmark this page for Japan Post’s pricing charts for any time you need to know shipping costs from Japan to Philippines in a hurry.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026
Life in Japan August 6th, 2026

A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026

Looking for the best moving companies in Japan? We cover the best services with English support, the average costs, your FAQs, and more.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
How to Open a PO Box in Japan
Life in Japan, Japan Post August 6th, 2026

How to Open a PO Box in Japan

Here’s what to know to open a PO box in Japan.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan Immigration News: What Every Foreign Resident Needs to Know (October 2026)
Life in Japan August 5th, 2026

Japan Immigration News: What Every Foreign Resident Needs to Know (October 2026)

A breakdown of every major Japan immigration change in 2026, from new visa fees to the PR income requirement announced this week — and what you need to do about each one.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Navigating Tampons in Japan & More: Japanese Menstrual Care
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Navigating Tampons in Japan & More: Japanese Menstrual Care

Get all the tips when it comes to buying pads and tampons in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Getting Married in Japan: Easy Guide + Checklist
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Getting Married in Japan: Easy Guide + Checklist

A simple-to-follow guide for tying the knot in Japan. Necessary documents to prepare and precise steps to follow.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
School Holidays in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

School Holidays in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide

Do Japanese school holidays seem confusing?
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Get a Juminhyo (Resident Record) in Japan
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

How to Get a Juminhyo (Resident Record) in Japan

A detailed guide so you can stop wondering.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Shipping from Japan to the UK: Cost Table for Japan Post
Life in Japan, Japan Post July 30th, 2026

Shipping from Japan to the UK: Cost Table for Japan Post

Bookmark this page for Japan Post’s pricing charts for any time you need to know shipping costs from Japan to the UK in a hurry.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
The Best Place To Retire In Japan For Foreigners in 2026
Life in Japan July 30th, 2026

The Best Place To Retire In Japan For Foreigners in 2026

Take a look to find the best place to retire in Japan for your retirement.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Fill Out A Yamato Form & More: An Easy Waybill Guide
Life in Japan July 30th, 2026

How To Fill Out A Yamato Form & More: An Easy Waybill Guide

A complete guide on how to fill out a Yamato and Japan Post waybill form with ease.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Free Houses in Japan: What To Know [+ Checklist]

Free Houses in Japan: What To Know [+ Checklist]

Learn what you need to know about free houses in Japan and akiyas.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Visa Renewal Japan 2026: New Fees (October 1), Documents & How to Apply
Life in Japan July 29th, 2026

Visa Renewal Japan 2026: New Fees (October 1), Documents & How to Apply

A visa renewal that costs ¥6,000 today could cost ¥75,000 after October 1. We break down exactly what's changing, what documents you'll need, and how to file before the deadline hits.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer