Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka
Managing Editor & Writer
Tomoko Matsuoka is a managing editor and writer for MailMate, Shoeboxed, and a number of online resource libraries. She writes guides on life in Japan and covers Japanese business news, digitalization, and productivity tools and software.
A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

Need help with air conditioning installation and replacement? Learn what you need to know about installing a new AC unit in Japan, including what features to consider, price points, and more.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japanese Neighborhood Associations: A Guide for Expats
Life in Japan June 25th, 2026

Japanese Neighborhood Associations: A Guide for Expats

Should you join one? What will happen if you don’t? We cover what to know as a renter or property owner in Japan.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Cost of Living in Japan: Updated 2026
Life in Japan June 25th, 2026

The Cost of Living in Japan: Updated 2026

Discover the latest figures for the cost of living in Japan, based on data from the government of Japan’s Family Income and Expenditure Survey.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan's Advertising Laws: What You Ought to Know

Japan's Advertising Laws: What You Ought to Know

Selling anything in Japan? Here's what all business owners and marketers should know about Japan’s advertising laws and legal grey zones.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Wild World of Japanese Ads: Celebs, Halos & Context

The Wild World of Japanese Ads: Celebs, Halos & Context

Japanese ad strategy—what the heck is going on? Here’s what you ought to know about launching a successful ad campaign that appeals to the Japanese audience.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Owning a Dog in Japan: A Guide for Expats
Life in Japan June 18th, 2026

Owning a Dog in Japan: A Guide for Expats

Japan's new microchip registration for pets, what to do if your dog has hurt others, dog run etiquette, and more.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan Market Segmentation: A Guide to Japan's Consumers

Japan Market Segmentation: A Guide to Japan's Consumers

Who should you be selling to in Japan? A mismatch or misunderstanding of your target market in Japan could be holding you back from clinching sales.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Real Estate Tax in Japan: An Easy, Quickstart Guide

Real Estate Tax in Japan: An Easy, Quickstart Guide

Here are the 4 types of real estate tax in Japan that you might encounter for your real estate investment.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Real Estate Investment in Japan: Benefits, Risks, Considerations
Properties & Akiyas June 11th, 2026

Real Estate Investment in Japan: Benefits, Risks, Considerations

A quick look at why Japanese real estate has become increasingly popular with overseas investors.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
English-Speaking Maid and House Cleaning Services in Tokyo
Life in Japan June 11th, 2026

English-Speaking Maid and House Cleaning Services in Tokyo

Weekly housekeeping can refresh your place and give you one less thing to think about. Take a look at your options for the highest-rated and most reviewed English-speaking maid and house cleaning services in Tokyo. Bookmark this page to assist you in finding a service that fits your needs.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Trash in Japan, Garbage Collection Days, and More!

Trash in Japan, Garbage Collection Days, and More!

If you've just moved to Japan or recently relocated to a new city, a common issue you may face is how to deal with your trash.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Change Your Address in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Life in Japan May 21st, 2026

How to Change Your Address in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Start right. We guide you through your first visit to city office.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
When Is Obon? Japan's Obon Season, Explained
Life in Japan May 14th, 2026

When Is Obon? Japan's Obon Season, Explained

Japan’s obon = お盆: its origins, history, and how it is observed to increase your enjoyment and understanding of the upcoming season. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Undeliverable Item Notice from Japan Post? Here’s What to Do
Life in Japan, Japan Post April 17th, 2026

Undeliverable Item Notice from Japan Post? Here’s What to Do

If you've received an undeliverable item notice in the mail, don't worry. We break down the complicated pink slip into easy-to-follow steps.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
What Is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in Japan? And How to Prepare It

What Is a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in Japan? And How to Prepare It

If you don't have a Business Continuity Plan for your Japanese business yet, start here. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Doda Report: Average Salary in Japan (2025 Update Based on Doda Data)
Business in Japan, Life in Japan April 9th, 2026

Doda Report: Average Salary in Japan (2025 Update Based on Doda Data)

Think you know salaries in Japan? Find out if your hunch is right.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Write a Japanese Address on an Envelope
Life in Japan April 8th, 2026

How to Write a Japanese Address on an Envelope

Today, we’re covering just the essentials of what you need to know to confidently write to a colleague or mail in that form to the ward office.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan Post International Parcel Rates [Chart]
Japan Post, Life in Japan April 3rd, 2026

Japan Post International Parcel Rates [Chart]

Finding the information you need on the Japan Post website can be time consuming and confusing. Bookmark this page to quickly access the international parcel post rates for shipping packages.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Top Japan Address Rental Services in 2026
Business in Japan April 3rd, 2026

Top Japan Address Rental Services in 2026

Discover the top Japanese rental address services that you can use for company incorporation, your online store, and other business or personal needs.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Shipping from Japan to the US: Cost Table for Japan Post
Life in Japan, Japan Post April 3rd, 2026

Shipping from Japan to the US: Cost Table for Japan Post

Bookmark this page for Japan Post’s pricing charts for any time you need to know shipping costs from Japan to the US in a hurry.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

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