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.
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
Navigating Tampons in Japan & More: Japanese Menstrual Care
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Navigating Tampons in Japan & More: Japanese Menstrual Care

Get all the tips when it comes to buying pads and tampons in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Getting Married in Japan: Easy Guide + Checklist
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Getting Married in Japan: Easy Guide + Checklist

A simple-to-follow guide for tying the knot in Japan. Necessary documents to prepare and precise steps to follow.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
School Holidays in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

School Holidays in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide

Do Japanese school holidays seem confusing?
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Get a Juminhyo (Resident Record) in Japan
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

How to Get a Juminhyo (Resident Record) in Japan

A detailed guide so you can stop wondering.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Shipping from Japan to the UK: Cost Table for Japan Post
Life in Japan, Japan Post July 30th, 2026

Shipping from Japan to the UK: 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 UK in a hurry.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
The Best Place To Retire In Japan For Foreigners in 2026
Life in Japan July 30th, 2026

The Best Place To Retire In Japan For Foreigners in 2026

Take a look to find the best place to retire in Japan for your retirement.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Free Houses in Japan: What To Know [+ Checklist]

Free Houses in Japan: What To Know [+ Checklist]

Learn what you need to know about free houses in Japan and akiyas.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Fill Out A Yamato Form & More: An Easy Waybill Guide
Life in Japan July 30th, 2026

How To Fill Out A Yamato Form & More: An Easy Waybill Guide

A complete guide on how to fill out a Yamato and Japan Post waybill form with ease.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Visa Renewal Japan 2026: Fees, New October Fee Table & How to Apply
Life in Japan July 29th, 2026

Visa Renewal Japan 2026: Fees, New October Fee Table & How to Apply

A visa renewal that costs ¥6,000 today could cost ¥75,000 after October 1. We break down exactly what's changing, what documents you'll need, and how to file before the deadline hits.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
The Japanese Salaryman: What It Is, How the Culture Works & What's Changing in 2026
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

The Japanese Salaryman: What It Is, How the Culture Works & What's Changing in 2026

What does it actually mean to be a Japanese salaryman in 2026? We break down the pay, the hours, the culture, and what's genuinely changing.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Burnable Garbage In Japan and More: How To Sort Your Trash
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

Burnable Garbage In Japan and More: How To Sort Your Trash

All your trash sorting needs for burnable garbage in Japan and more here!
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Traditional Japanese House Floor Plan: An Easy Guide

Traditional Japanese House Floor Plan: An Easy Guide

Dive into the 6 features of a traditional Japanese house floor plan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
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
Half-Width vs. Full-Width: A Tale of Two Characters
Business in Japan, Life in Japan July 23rd, 2026

Half-Width vs. Full-Width: A Tale of Two Characters

The origin story of Japan’s half-width 半角 and full-width 全角 characters, the current state of affairs, and where to go from here. Hold on for a wild ride. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Tenkyo Todoke: Japan Post's Mail Forwarding Made Easy
Life in Japan July 23rd, 2026

Tenkyo Todoke: Japan Post's Mail Forwarding Made Easy

Learn how fill out tenkyo todoke form here.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Top 7 Akiya Banks For Foreigners To Use In 2026

Top 7 Akiya Banks For Foreigners To Use In 2026

Use these 7 akiya banks for foreigners, expats, and even when you are abroad.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Solar Panel Installation Japan: Costs and Subsidies 2026

Solar Panel Installation Japan: Costs and Subsidies 2026

Ready to invest in solar panels in Japan?
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change
Life in Japan, Out and About July 23rd, 2026

5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change

Discover 5 methods that Japanese use for handling loose change.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Does It Snow in Japan? Regional Snowfall Guide for Visitors and Property Owners
Life in Japan July 22nd, 2026

Does It Snow in Japan? Regional Snowfall Guide for Visitors and Property Owners

From Sapporo's 6 meters a year to Tokyo's 1-2 snow days, snowfall in Japan swings between extremes depending on where you stand. This guide breaks it down region by region, plus what winter actually means if you're managing a property, driving, or planning a trip through snow country.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer