List of Categories for your search (Please pick a term and enter it in the Search field)
Driving, Finance, House Hunting, Immigration, Insurance, Japan Living, Japan Business, Job,
Job Opportunities, Learning Japanese, Life Style, Medical System, Move, NavigatorJapan,
Pet, Retirement, Why Japan ?, Work Culture
Insurance 3: Must-Have Disaster & Property Coverage (+ Free Checklist)
If you’re living in Japan, this is the insurance blog you don’t want to skip.
Insurance 2 - Life, Income, and Long-Term Care
In this blog, we’re diving into three more types: life insurance, income insurance, and mandatory long-term care insurance.
Insurance 1: Health 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?
Japan Resident Tax 101: Why It Hits in June + English Tax Slip Included
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.
Banking & Taxes in Japan: How to Avoid the Biggest Expats' Headaches
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.
When to Walk Away: Gen Z, Job Hopping, and Japan’s Broken Work Culture
April 1 is new hire orientation day for fresh graduates in Japan. And now, just two days later—on April 3, 2025—some of them have already quit.
Impatience—or instinct?
As Gen Z rewrites the rules of work in Japan, the real question isn’t “Why did they quit so fast?” It’s: When should you stay—and when is it absolutely okay to walk away?
Harassment in Japan: Know Your Rights, Protect Your Health + Free Harassment Evidence Log Sheet Download
This blog breaks down what workplace harassment looks like in Japan, what legal protections are in place, and real-life examples of how different cases were handled—what worked, and what didn’t.
2025 Japan Cost of Living Blueprint - With Free Excel Sheet!
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
Snag Your Japan Pad: House Hunting Hacks for Singles & Students
House hunting in Japan as a foreigner can be challenging. Around 40% of foreigners report difficulties. But don't worry—there are foreigner-friendly real estate agents and landlords (property owners). Finding one early can make all the difference.
Psychiatry in Japan vs. the U.S.: What Expats Should Know About Mental Health & Medical Leave
Mental healthcare in Japan is very different from what many expats expect—short visits, limited talk therapy, and a structured system. In this post, I break down the clinical differences between psychiatry in Japan and the U.S., plus what you need to know about medical leave, allowance, workplace reintegration. If you’re navigating mental health in Japan, this guide is for you.
How to Get Medical Care in Japan as a Foreigner (Real Tips + Free Hospital List)
Navigating medical care in Japan as a foreigner can be daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve complete a training as a medical guide for foreigners living in Japan, and in this post, I’ll share some of the most common pain points foreigners face when trying to get healthcare here, plus practical solutions to make the process smoother. To support you further, I’ve posted a free list of hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff under the Freebie Shelf tab on my website.
Enjoying Life in Japan: 8 Things Only Residents Truly Experience
Beyond the glow of Kyoto’s temples or Hokkaido’s snow, daily life in Japan opens a world of unique, slow-burning pleasures that tourists barely scratch. These aren’t bucket list check-offs. They’re lifestyle joys, discovered only when you stay long enough to belong.
Life After the Move: Thriving in Retirement in Japan - For Settling Expats
You’ve made it—settled in Japan as a retiree expat (2M strong, 2023!). After “Why retire here” and “How to plan” this is your guide to thriving post-move. I’ve got the practical, financial, and emotional steps—straight from our stumbles. Japan’s no perfect, but with grit and prep, it’s home. Grab tips from “Freebie Shelf”—let’s make your golden years glow!
How to Plan Your Retirement in Japan - For Planners: Free Checklist Included!
This post unpacks the practical, financial, and emotional steps to make it smooth and fulfilling, all from our real-life stumbles. Retirement gives you time, but relocating to Japan’s a big move—plan ahead! I’ve dropped a free checklist on the “Freebie Shelf” tab. Hope you can skip the stress and flops we hit. Let’s build your bridge to a new chapter—step by step, with confidence!
Is Japan a Good Place to Retire? For Curious Explorers
For many, the answer is a surprising—and genuine—yes. Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring the idea or just curious about what life could look like after retirement in a different country, Japan might be more than just an interesting option—it could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
This is the first post in a three-part series:
For curious explorers
For planners who’ve decided to relocate
And finally, for settled expats already living in Japan
6 Points Japan Isn’t Perfect
Yesterday, I raved about “Why Japan”—safe streets, fab healthcare, the works. But let’s keep it real—no place is perfect, not even here. Here’s six biggies, with stories and stats included!
Why Japan? My Take on Why This Place Rocks
People ask, “Why Japan?”—and honestly, it’s a no-brainer. It’s safe, the medical system’s a gem, the food’s unreal, and healthy vibes are everywhere (my husband dropped serious pounds here!). It’s the world’s 3rd biggest economy, affordable, and the people, polite as heck with a culture that’s one-of-a-kind. Every place has its charm—here’s why Japan, stats and all.
CV vs. Japan’s Rireki-sho: Your HR Guide to Winning Jobs
Job hunting? Your CV’s your ticket—but in Japan, it’s a whole different beast: Rireki-sho (履歴書) and Keireki-sho (経歴書).
How to Land a Job in Japan: HR Insider’s Ultimate Guide
Job hunting here can feel like cracking a code, but I’ve hired stars and seen the process. Let’s land you a gig!
No Personality? Why Japan’s Best Confuse Americans
I’ve interviewed tons of Japanese candidates—in Japan and the U.S.—and wow, some are stellar. Brilliant skills, high motivation, leadership vibes, resilience that’d make you cheer. I’d give ‘em top marks, ready for the next round. Then U.S. bosses hit me with: “No personality.”

