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.
The Japanese Salaryman: What It Is, How the Culture Works & What's Changing in 2026
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

The Japanese Salaryman: What It Is, How the Culture Works & What's Changing in 2026

What does it actually mean to be a Japanese salaryman in 2026? We break down the pay, the hours, the culture, and what's genuinely changing.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Burnable Garbage In Japan and More: How To Sort Your Trash
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

Burnable Garbage In Japan and More: How To Sort Your Trash

All your trash sorting needs for burnable garbage in Japan and more here!
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Traditional Japanese House Floor Plan: An Easy Guide

Traditional Japanese House Floor Plan: An Easy Guide

Dive into the 6 features of a traditional Japanese house floor plan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Tenshutsu Todoke: How to Submit a Moving-out Form in Japan
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

Tenshutsu Todoke: How to Submit a Moving-out Form in Japan

What is tenshutsu todoke? When should I submit it? Can I use a proxy? We cover 3 methods, give you a step-by-step guide, and answer all your pressing questions.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Half-Width vs. Full-Width: A Tale of Two Characters
Business in Japan, Life in Japan July 23rd, 2026

Half-Width vs. Full-Width: A Tale of Two Characters

The origin story of Japan’s half-width 半角 and full-width 全角 characters, the current state of affairs, and where to go from here. Hold on for a wild ride. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Tenkyo Todoke: Japan Post's Mail Forwarding Made Easy
Life in Japan July 23rd, 2026

Tenkyo Todoke: Japan Post's Mail Forwarding Made Easy

Learn how fill out tenkyo todoke form here.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Solar Panel Installation Japan: Costs and Subsidies 2026

Solar Panel Installation Japan: Costs and Subsidies 2026

Ready to invest in solar panels in Japan?
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Top 7 Akiya Banks For Foreigners To Use In 2026

Top 7 Akiya Banks For Foreigners To Use In 2026

Use these 7 akiya banks for foreigners, expats, and even when you are abroad.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change
Life in Japan, Out and About July 23rd, 2026

5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change

Discover 5 methods that Japanese use for handling loose change.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Does It Snow in Japan? Regional Snowfall Guide for Visitors and Property Owners
Life in Japan July 22nd, 2026

Does It Snow in Japan? Regional Snowfall Guide for Visitors and Property Owners

From Sapporo's 6 meters a year to Tokyo's 1-2 snow days, snowfall in Japan swings between extremes depending on where you stand. This guide breaks it down region by region, plus what winter actually means if you're managing a property, driving, or planning a trip through snow country.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Master Japanese Honorifics: A Business Operator's Guide to Japanese Honorific Suffixes (2026)
Rent in Tokyo: Prices by Area, Apartment Type, and What Foreigners Need to Know (2026)
Life in Japan July 10th, 2026

Rent in Tokyo: Prices by Area, Apartment Type, and What Foreigners Need to Know (2026)

Rent in Tokyo can run ¥60,000 to ¥300,000+ a month depending on where you look. Here's how to figure out what's realistic for you.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Car Loan for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide

Car Loan for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide

Learn how to get a car loan in Japan as a foreigner. Understand the requirements, process, best loan options, and how to improve your chances of approval.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Internet in Japan: A Guide for Tourists and Expats
Life in Japan July 9th, 2026

Internet in Japan: A Guide for Tourists and Expats

Need internet in Japan? Whether you're a tourist or expat, explore the best options, from eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi to fiber-optic home internet.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families
Out and About, Life in Japan July 9th, 2026

Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families

Whether you're shipping a Tesla or a BMW, this guide will illuminate the process and help you plan your next steps.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
Can an American Buy a House in Japan? A Complete Guide for US Buyers (2026)
Life in Japan July 3rd, 2026

Can an American Buy a House in Japan? A Complete Guide for US Buyers (2026)

Can an American Buy a House in Japan? Yes, and there's no visa or residency required. But the real challenges aren't legal. Here's what it actually takes to finance, buy, and own property in Japan as an American, from bank accounts to US tax rules.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Is There a Zillow in Japan? The Best Sites to Find Property as an American (2026)
Life in Japan July 3rd, 2026

Is There a Zillow in Japan? The Best Sites to Find Property as an American (2026)

Zillow doesn't list Japanese properties — and it never will. Here's why, plus the Japanese portals locals actually use and the English-language sites that work for American buyers in 2026.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered
Out and About, Life in Japan July 2nd, 2026

Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered

What to do with your bills, mail, plants, housekeeping, and other frequently asked questions related to leaving Japan for a couple of months.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How To Get A Japanese Phone Number: A Guide For Foreigners
Life in Japan July 2nd, 2026

How To Get A Japanese Phone Number: A Guide For Foreigners

Need a Japanese phone number? You’ve come to the right place. Here is your guide on how to get a Japanese phone number guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

Need help with air conditioning installation and replacement? Learn what you need to know about installing a new AC unit in Japan, including what features to consider, price points, and more.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer