Category: Life in Japan

Nengajo: Your Total Guide to Japan’s New Year Cards
Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s year-end greeting exchange: History, how-tos, and your FAQs answered.
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Japan’s 29th Place IMD Digital Competitiveness Ranking, Explained
Japan came in 29th place in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking for 2022. Here's what went into their score.
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Plastic-Free Tea Bags: Are You Drinking Plastics in Your Japanese Tea?
Learn how to avoid Japan's plastic tea bags. (You should—they have billions of plastic particles in them.)
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Furusato Nozei: How to Use the One-Stop Exception System for Company Employees
Find out how to benefit and what to do.
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Forgot to Pay Electricity Bill? Here’s How to Pay Bills Online in Japan
In Japan, paying utility bills can be a hassle. But it doesn’t have to be.
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![8 Top English-Speaking Hospitals in Tokyo [Updated 2022 Guide]](https://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/4VhjHiG4yqvz6wfhxYzCde/39edcd114a8f573a8bc698ddf88318ed/Mailmate_blog_post_images__Post_Cover___51_.png)
8 Top English-Speaking Hospitals in Tokyo [Updated 2022 Guide]
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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![How to Register in a New City in Japan [Step-by-Step Guide]](https://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/2rkJExha7sclab1Rl4jILl/4c5142830be56f8fef05baffad05afd8/Mailmate_blog_post_images__Post_Cover___27_.png)
How to Register in a New City in Japan [Step-by-Step Guide]
Start right. We guide you through your first visit to city office.
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![Top English-Friendly Japanese Banks for Foreigners [2022 Guide]](https://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/qvTDuKXIdHmdMlKGlMYin/bf3de1644f1c65cfabbf36210620e7de/Mailmate_blog_post_images__Post_Cover___26_.png)
Top English-Friendly Japanese Banks for Foreigners [2022 Guide]
Your first banking experience in Japan doesn't have to be a bad one.
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Neighborhood Associations in Japan: A Primer for Foreign Residents
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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![Japan’s Pension Refund for Foreigners [Updated 2022]](https://images.ctfassets.net/rrofptqvevic/4pz6O1X80HacQ7KjafqVoX/0943e67d7bd2e01b8578e4a498e4a463/Mailmate_blog_post_images__Post_Cover___30_.png)
Japan’s Pension Refund for Foreigners [Updated 2022]
Here’s the big picture and then 2 step-by-step guides to reclaiming your money after leaving Japan.
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