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.
Residence Tax In Japan For Foreigners: An Easy 2026 Guide
Life in Japan August 13th, 2026

Residence Tax In Japan For Foreigners: An Easy 2026 Guide

As a foreigner living in Japan, you’re legally required to pay residence tax (住民税, jūminzei). We'll walk you through understanding the basics and the two most important things to be wary of with residence tax payment.  
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Ruby Doan
Ruby Doan Staff Writer
Japanese House Construction: Akiya Renovation Costs and Methods in Japan
Properties & Akiyas, Life in Japan August 13th, 2026

Japanese House Construction: Akiya Renovation Costs and Methods in Japan

Is it worth it for Japanese house construction on an Akiya home?
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Employees’ Health Insurance in Japan, Explained (2026)
Business in Japan, Life in Japan August 12th, 2026

Employees’ Health Insurance in Japan, Explained (2026)

Are you obligated to cover health insurance for your Japanese employees? Here’s what every business owner ought to know about employees’ health insurance in Japan. 
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Amy Yamashita
Amy Yamashita Community Specialist
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 Founder of MailMate
Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners (2026 Guide)
Life in Japan August 12th, 2026

Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners (2026 Guide)

Confused about Japan's health insurance system? Discover everything foreigners need to know to navigate Japan's healthcare with ease!
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Driver's License Reciprocity in Japan: How to Convert Your Foreign License
Life in Japan August 7th, 2026

Driver's License Reciprocity in Japan: How to Convert Your Foreign License

Two types of international driving permits, countries with bilateral driver's license agreements with Japan, plus how to convert your foreign driver's license to a Japanese driver's license. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Pay National Health Insurance in Japan
Life in Japan August 7th, 2026

How to Pay National Health Insurance in Japan

A complete guide to paying National Health Insurance (NHI) in Japan, including payment methods, deadlines, and tips for managing health-related mail.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Nozei Shomeisho: Your Guide to Japan's Tax Certificate

Nozei Shomeisho: Your Guide to Japan's Tax Certificate

Nozei shomeisho (納税証明書) is a document that serves as proof of payment of taxes in Japan. Read on for a quick explanation of what it is and how to get one.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan Property Tax And More: An Easy Guide For Foreigners

Japan Property Tax And More: An Easy Guide For Foreigners

Learn everything you need to know about Japan property tax and more.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Shipping from Japan to Philippines: Cost Table for Japan Post
Life in Japan, Japan Post August 6th, 2026

Shipping from Japan to Philippines: 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 Philippines in a hurry.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Forgot to Pay Japan NHI? Here’s What Happens
Life in Japan August 6th, 2026

Forgot to Pay Japan NHI? Here’s What Happens

Forgot to pay Japan’s National Health Insurance? Learn what happens, penalties, and how to resolve missed payments before it affects your coverage or finances.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
How to Open a PO Box in Japan
Life in Japan, Japan Post August 6th, 2026

How to Open a PO Box in Japan

Here’s what to know to open a PO box in Japan.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
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 Founder of MailMate
Japan Immigration News: What Every Foreign Resident Needs to Know (October 2026)
Life in Japan August 5th, 2026

Japan Immigration News: What Every Foreign Resident Needs to Know (October 2026)

A breakdown of every major Japan immigration change in 2026, from new visa fees to the PR income requirement announced this week — and what you need to do about each one.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
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
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
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