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. Spoiler: it’s all based on the previous year’s earnings.

Relocating to Japan from the U.S. has been an incredible journey—but it hasn’t come without challenges. 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.

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.

Cost of living in Japan 2026 with realistic monthly budgets for singles, couples, and families, plus salary and housing guidance for living in Japan.

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..

A practical guide for foreigners on how to access medical care in Japan, including insurance, clinics vs hospitals, costs, emergencies, and language tips.

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.

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.

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).

Job hunting here can feel like cracking a code, but I’ve hired stars and seen the process. Let’s land you a gig!

Decluttering was half the battle—moving day was the real nightmare. Our huge mistake? We accidentally threw away my husband’s passport with the trash!

After feedback requesting more decluttering details, here are extra lessons learned from our move from Chicago to Japan.

1. Label Everything: Sort items into “Need,” “Might Need,” and “What’s the Point?” Setting aside essentials helps movers estimate costs accurately. Stick to 3-4 label types—too many just creates another mess.

When we moved from a 3-story house in Chicago (2,950 sq. ft.—3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, huge kitchen, basement, and garage) to a 3LDK apartment in Japan (835 sq. ft.—3 bedrooms, living room, and kitchen, no garage), it was a nightmare. Just picture the garage—overflowing with stuff we hadn’t touched in years!

📖 In September 1967 (Vol. 132 No. 3), a 10-year-old American boy was enchanted by a @NatGeo picture of Itsukushima Shrine. 57 years later, he retired—and now he lives in Japan. 🇯🇵

For international married couples, "where to live" is a major question—one that always lingers. Kids, housing, jobs, finances, aging... and so much more need to be considered!