John Cross
John Cross
Expat at Mailmate
Canadian Expat living in Japan. I ended up at Mailmate after I forgot to pay my electricity bill once and they turned off the electricity in my apartment. They probably sent a warning in the mail but I don't think I would have recognized it.
Top English-Friendly Japanese Banks for Foreigners

Top English-Friendly Japanese Banks for Foreigners

Your first banking experience in Japan doesn't have to be a bad one.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Forgot to Pay Electricity Bill in Japan? What to Know & Do
Life in Japan August 12th, 2026

Forgot to Pay Electricity Bill in Japan? What to Know & Do

In Japan, paying utility bills can be a hassle. But it doesn’t have to be.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Minpaku in Japan: An Easy Guide for Property Owners

Minpaku in Japan: An Easy Guide for Property Owners

Interested in renting out your house or apartment in Japan? Here’s what to know.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026
Life in Japan August 6th, 2026

A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026

Looking for the best moving companies in Japan? We cover the best services with English support, the average costs, your FAQs, and more.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Japan’s Pension Refund for Foreigners in 2026
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Japan’s Pension Refund for Foreigners in 2026

Here’s the big picture and then 2 step-by-step guides to reclaiming your money after leaving Japan.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
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
Japan Rules: What No One Tells You About Thriving in Japan
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

Japan Rules: What No One Tells You About Thriving in Japan

There's a sign in Roppongi that says "because there are rules, there is freedom." After 10 years in Tokyo, entrepreneur Jonathan Siegel finally understands what it means. A conversation about the rules no one explains, the logic behind them, and what happens when you stop resisting.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Internet Providers in Japan: A Handy Guide (Updated 2026)
Life in Japan April 9th, 2026

Internet Providers in Japan: A Handy Guide (Updated 2026)

Tired of slow-to-load streaming? Need reliable Wi-Fi for those hard-to-schedule calls back home? Here’s what to know about Internet providers in Japan. 
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
The Best Credit Cards in Japan for Unlocking Rewards

The Best Credit Cards in Japan for Unlocking Rewards

Make your wallet work smarter in Japan by choosing the credit card that will gain you the most points or cash-back incentives in Japan.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Online Selling in Japan: Quick Overview & Key Points
Business in Japan April 9th, 2026

Online Selling in Japan: Quick Overview & Key Points

Selling online in Japan can be challenging for businesses that are not familiar with the country's regulations and consumer preferences. Get up to speed quickly.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Japan AI Regulation: A Business-Friendly Alternative to the EU AI Act

Japan AI Regulation: A Business-Friendly Alternative to the EU AI Act

Japan is the most AI-friendly major economy. This guide covers Japan's AI Promotion Act, METI guidelines, and what it means if you're expanding into the Japanese market.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Unemployment Insurance in Japan, Explained
Business in Japan, Life in Japan March 19th, 2026

Unemployment Insurance in Japan, Explained

Thinking of hiring your first employee? For the majority of businesses in Japan, your next step involves enrolling your employees in labor insurance, 労働保険 = roudou hoken.  
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
What Is Furusato Nozei? A Guide for Company Employees

What Is Furusato Nozei? A Guide for Company Employees

Find out how to benefit and what to do.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Workers Accident Compensation Insurance Japan, Explained
Business in Japan, Life in Japan February 20th, 2026

Workers Accident Compensation Insurance Japan, Explained

The essentials of workers' accident insurance in Japan for business owners and employees: what it is, who it's for, how to enroll, and more.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
How to Do Market Research Like a Japanese
Business in Japan, Marketing in Japan February 20th, 2026

How to Do Market Research Like a Japanese

Here’s where to go to get the latest on industry-specific statistics, consumer reports, emerging market segments, and market analytics for Japan.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
How to Register Hanko in Japan [Vocab List + Guide]
Business in Japan January 23rd, 2026

How to Register Hanko in Japan [Vocab List + Guide]

For anyone doing business in Japan, you’ll want to know how to register one of these. Our A to Z guide on how to get it done.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Godo Kaisha vs Kabushiki Kaisha: Company Types in Japan
Business in Japan January 23rd, 2026

Godo Kaisha vs Kabushiki Kaisha: Company Types in Japan

When starting a business in Japan, entrepreneurs often find themselves facing a critical decision: whether to establish their company as a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or a Godo Kaisha (GK).
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
5 Types of Work Visa in Japan For Businesses & Employment

5 Types of Work Visa in Japan For Businesses & Employment

Thinking of starting a business in Japan? Wondering what type of visa to apply for? Here’s what you need to know about visas for starting a business in Japan.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Leaving Japan Checklist: Say Goodbye With Peace of Mind

Leaving Japan Checklist: Say Goodbye With Peace of Mind

Don’t forget these procedures when leaving Japan. Bookmark this checklist to help you navigate this stressful period with a little more ease and grace.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Virtual Offices in Japan, Explained [Updated 2026]

Virtual Offices in Japan, Explained [Updated 2026]

An A-to-Z guide of what to know up front before you make the switch.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
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