Living with pets can bring much joy to our lives. As foreigners in a foreign land, having a pet can be even more rewarding. After finding a pet-friendly apartment, the companionship can brighten our ...

From the mischievous kitsune (fox spirit) to the ferocious oni (ogre), the rich mythology of legendary creatures and spirits has influenced everything from its language to its shrine/temple art. The ...

Scary stories are a Japanese summer tradition. So what better way to cool off from the brutal summer heat than with a spine-chilling Japanese urban legend about a haunted tunnel in Kyushu or a ...

Everyone is talking about getting a My Number Card. But, what is it and what can I do with it? The Japanese government is urging people to get their My Number Card, also known as Individual Number ...

Your taxes in Japan are collected in a number of ways. Some are deducted from your pay, others you have to pay yourself. The taxes you are obliged to pay vary for each individual depending on: your ...

Air conditioners or エアコン (eakon) in Japan can help you through sweltering heat waves and blistering snow storms because each unit operates with both air conditioning and heating settings. As the text ...

If you’re already in Japan, securing tickets becomes much easier. Many tickets for concerts, festivals and other events in Japan can be bought at popular convenience store chains like Lawson, ...

Discover the best prepaid cards in Japan for expats and travelers. Compare IC cards, virtual prepaid options and learn how to get one. In Japan, digital payments are slowly on the rise. Now, there are ...

Get nice and cozy in Aomori. Are you longing for a magical, off-the-grid getaway? Aoni Onsen, also known as Lamp no Yado, is the place for you. This ryokan (Japanese Inn) uses oil lamps to light up ...

When you move to Japan, it doesn’t take long to realize that what’s considered “normal” here can be pretty mind-blowing. From small cultural quirks to habits that would turn heads back home, Japan has ...

Satsumaimo, or Japanese sweet potato, are everywhere in the fall, from trucks offering freshly roasted yakiimo (baked sweet potatoes) to convenience store treats and your local cake shop. But did you ...

Back in mid-January, I was somewhat surprised to read that the Japanese Immigration Bureau had announced a relaxation of some of its immigration rules for skilled foreign workers. Until recently, ...