Life in Japan
Get the best and latest tips, resources, and hacks for life in Japan. Discover in-depth guides for how to deal with city office, pay bills, and other daily living in Japan topics.
What is E-Tax in Japan? A Guide For Foreign Residents
Life in Japan September 26th, 2026

What is E-Tax in Japan? A Guide For Foreign Residents

Japan's tax system moved online. Here's what that means for you as a foreigner, from My Number card setup to the tax letters that still arrive by post.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
What Foreign Owners Get Wrong About Akiya Tax in Japan, According to a Licensed Tax Accountant (2026)
Life in Japan September 26th, 2026

What Foreign Owners Get Wrong About Akiya Tax in Japan, According to a Licensed Tax Accountant (2026)

Most foreign akiya owners lose money to missed tax notices, not tax rates. We asked a licensed Fukuoka accountant what actually trips people up.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan Payroll Guide For Foreign Companies: How It Works, What It Costs, And What You Must Do Every Month (2026)
Life in Japan September 26th, 2026

Japan Payroll Guide For Foreign Companies: How It Works, What It Costs, And What You Must Do Every Month (2026)

Everything a foreign-owned KK or GK needs to know about running payroll in Japan, from the 10th of the month deadline to the new 2026 child rearing contribution.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Employer of record Japan: what it covers, what it doesn't & when to use it (2026)
Life in Japan September 26th, 2026

Employer of record Japan: what it covers, what it doesn't & when to use it (2026)

An EOR gets you hiring in Japan in weeks, not months. But it won't get you a business address, a phone number, or a bank account. Here's what an employer of record actually covers, what it doesn't, and how to close the gap.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan Spouse Visa (2026): Requirements, Fees & Timeline
Life in Japan September 25th, 2026

Japan Spouse Visa (2026): Requirements, Fees & Timeline

Learn how to get a spouse visa in Japan and the requirements for your spouse to live and work with you.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Certificate of Eligibility Japan (COE): 2026 Guide
Life in Japan September 25th, 2026

Certificate of Eligibility Japan (COE): 2026 Guide

Learn about the Certificate of Eligibility Japan needs for your visa application.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Emergency Numbers: 110, 119, and Where to Get English Help
Life in Japan September 24th, 2026

Japan Emergency Numbers: 110, 119, and Where to Get English Help

Memorize these 5 of Japan’s emergency numbers to stay prepared.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Akiya Houses in Japan: Are They Worth It?
Properties & Akiyas, Life in Japan September 23rd, 2026

Akiya Houses in Japan: Are They Worth It?

Discover how Japan's akiya houses offer a unique opportunity for affordable living and renovation. Learn about the pros, cons, and processes involved.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Akiya Houses for Sale in Japan: Where to Find Listings and the Best Prefectures
Properties & Akiyas, Life in Japan September 23rd, 2026

Akiya Houses for Sale in Japan: Where to Find Listings and the Best Prefectures

Find the best akiya houses for sale in Japan to live in.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
10 Top English-Speaking Hospitals and Clinics in Tokyo
Life in Japan, Out and About September 18th, 2026

10 Top English-Speaking Hospitals and Clinics in Tokyo

Bookmark this page so you’ll know where to turn in worst-case scenarios in Tokyo. Or share with a friend who needs help.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
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
10 Best Work From Home Jobs in Japan for Foreigners
Life in Japan September 17th, 2026

10 Best Work From Home Jobs in Japan for Foreigners

The pandemic Covid-19 has changed how we work. Working from home or remote work has become a norm. Working from home has opened up many opportunities for freelancers to find suitable employment.
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Ruby Doan
Ruby Doan Staff Writer
The Japanese Apartment Layout Guide: Finding a Perfect Place
Life in Japan, Properties & Akiyas September 17th, 2026

The Japanese Apartment Layout Guide: Finding a Perfect Place

Know everything you need to know about Japanese apartment layout designs with this guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
12 Best Things To Buy In Japan: Buy It For Life & Souvenirs
Life in Japan September 11th, 2026

12 Best Things To Buy In Japan: Buy It For Life & Souvenirs

Discover these 12 best things to buy in Japan for yourself, your family, or friends.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Get Rid of Furniture In Japan: An Easy Guide
Life in Japan September 10th, 2026

How To Get Rid of Furniture In Japan: An Easy Guide

Learn how to get rid of furniture and more with our guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japanese Suburban House Living: What to Expect
Properties & Akiyas, Life in Japan September 10th, 2026

Japanese Suburban House Living: What to Expect

Thinking about owning a Japanese suburban house? Here's what to expect when living in a Japanese neighborhood.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Set Up Utilities For The First Time in Japan
Properties & Akiyas, Life in Japan September 10th, 2026

How To Set Up Utilities For The First Time in Japan

Make moving less stressful by finding out how to set up utilities for the first time in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
High-Demand Jobs in Japan for Foreigners in 2026: What's Hiring, What It Pays & How to Get Hired
Life in Japan September 2nd, 2026

High-Demand Jobs in Japan for Foreigners in 2026: What's Hiring, What It Pays & How to Get Hired

Thinking about working in Japan? Here's exactly which jobs are in highest demand in 2026, what they pay in USD and JPY, which visa applies, and whether you need to speak Japanese.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
How To Move To Japan: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Life in Japan August 20th, 2026

How To Move To Japan: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to live in Japan with this simple guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Yucho Internet Banking Guide for Foreigners (Yucho Direct)

Yucho Internet Banking Guide for Foreigners (Yucho Direct)

Our easy-to-follow guide for foreigners to use yucho internet banking services.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
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