You don’t need to be ultra-rich to live a rich life in Japan. Compared to the U.S., wealth here often feels more attainable, more grounded. In the U.S., “wealth” can feel elusive, tied to constant striving. But in Japan, it may be easier to find your own version of wealth.

If you drive, have a pet, or want financial security during unexpected job changes, this guide is for you.

If you’re living in Japan, this is the insurance blog you don’t want to skip.

In this blog, we’re diving into three more types: life insurance, income insurance, and mandatory long-term care insurance.

Japan’s healthcare system is world-class, but if you’re new here, navigating it can feel like a maze. You’re legally required to join the national insurance system—but is that enough? Or should you also get a private plan?

Tax return season’s over, but Japan’s next financial curveball is just around the corner: resident tax (住民税 / juminzei). Bills drop in June, and if you're not ready, they can sting. I’ve been there—my German friend once wrestled with last year’s income, puzzled by a huge tax bill. Spoiler: it’s all based on the previous year’s earnings.

Whether you’re an expat, new grad, freelancer, or planning retirement, this HR insider guide breaks down what resident tax is, how it works, and how to prep now so June doesn’t catch you off guard.

If you’re living in Japan and thinking about saving or investing for your future, you’ve probably come across two major options: iDeCo and NISA. Both offer powerful tax advantages, but they serve different purposes. Let’s break them down!

✨ I’ve also posted a 2025 iDeCo & NISA Comparison Sheet—grab it from the Freebies Shelf on this site!

Relocating to Japan from the U.S. has been an incredible journey—but it hasn’t come without challenges. One of the biggest headaches we faced was opening a bank account and figuring out how the financial and tax systems work. In today’s post, I’ll walk you through the common issues many foreigners encounter when it comes to banking and taxes in Japan, and how you can avoid the stress.

Whether you’re flying solo, relocating with a partner, or bringing the whole family, understanding the cost of living is your first step to thriving in Japan. Expenses vary depending on location (Tokyo vs. rural), lifestyle, and household size. This guide zooms in on Tokyo—a hub for expats—and breaks down average monthly costs for a single person, a couple, and a four-member family.

🧮 Check out the "Cost of Living Calculator" Excel sheet on the Freebie Shelf tab

Imagine receiving $3,000 monthly from US Social Security. As of March 5, 2025, with an exchange rate of $1 = ¥149.39 (for example purposes), that’s ¥448,170 deposited into your account!