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.
Divorce Rate in Japan: Statistics, Causes, and What Foreigners Need to Know
Life in Japan June 10th, 2026

Divorce Rate in Japan: Statistics, Causes, and What Foreigners Need to Know

What the divorce rate in Japan really looks like in 2026 — plus a practical guide for foreigners navigating visa status, child custody, and what to do when a marriage ends in Japan.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
How to Use A Japanese Washing Machine: An Easy Guide
Life in Japan June 5th, 2026

How to Use A Japanese Washing Machine: An Easy Guide

Learn how to use a Japanese washing machine to do laundry in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Top Up Suica Card & Other IC Cards: Plus Alternatives
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

How To Top Up Suica Card & Other IC Cards: Plus Alternatives

See the step-by-step guide on how to top up your Suica card.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff 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
4 Best Japan’s Taxi App For Foreigners To Use + Tips To Know
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

4 Best Japan’s Taxi App For Foreigners To Use + Tips To Know

Take a look at Japan's taxi app for foreigners to use to book a ride.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How to Use An Electric Scooter in Japan: LUUP Scooter & More
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

How to Use An Electric Scooter in Japan: LUUP Scooter & More

Travel around faster by using an electric scooter in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Rules: What No One Tells You About Thriving in Japan
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

Japan Rules: What No One Tells You About Thriving in Japan

There's a sign in Roppongi that says "because there are rules, there is freedom." After 10 years in Tokyo, entrepreneur Jonathan Siegel finally understands what it means. A conversation about the rules no one explains, the logic behind them, and what happens when you stop resisting.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
What is a 1K Apartment in Japan? Layout, Costs, and Everything You Need to Know
Life in Japan May 29th, 2026

What is a 1K Apartment in Japan? Layout, Costs, and Everything You Need to Know

What is a 1K apartment in Japan? Learn about the layout, rent costs, move-in fees, and how 1K compares to 1R, 1DK, and 1LDK apartments.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japanese Document Translation Services: A Complete Guide

Japanese Document Translation Services: A Complete Guide

A complete guide to Japanese document translation services covering document types, certified vs. standard translation, pricing, how to choose a provider, and how MailMate helps with ongoing Japanese mail translation.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Where To Find Cheap Houses In Japan? Your Akiya Search Guide
Life in Japan May 28th, 2026

Where To Find Cheap Houses In Japan? Your Akiya Search Guide

Discover where all the cheap houses in Japan are.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Get A Driving License In Japan For Foreigners
Life in Japan May 28th, 2026

How To Get A Driving License In Japan For Foreigners

Learn how to get a driving license in Japan for foreigners to use to navigate Japan's licensing requirements.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff 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
How to Get Permanent Residency in Japan: The Total Guide

How to Get Permanent Residency in Japan: The Total Guide

Everything we could pack together on how to get a permanent resident visa for Japan: eligibility requirements, special clauses, documents to prepare, a step-by-step guide, and more!
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan Inheritance Tax: The Complete Guide

Japan Inheritance Tax: The Complete Guide

Japan's inheritance tax can reach 55%, the highest rate among major economies. This guide breaks down who pays, how the tax is calculated, current rates and exemptions, and practical strategies for reducing your bill. Essential reading for foreign property owners, expats, and anyone with assets in Japan.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
How To Read A Japanese Address: An Easy Guide
Life in Japan May 14th, 2026

How To Read A Japanese Address: An Easy Guide

Confused about how to read a Japanese address? This easy guide is here to break it down.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Proxy Forwarding in Japan: Your Complete Guide
Life in Japan May 14th, 2026

Proxy Forwarding in Japan: Your Complete Guide

Explore the top 4 services that has proxy forwarding in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff 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
Will Japan Pay You to Move There? The Complete Guide to Rural Relocation Subsidies

Will Japan Pay You to Move There? The Complete Guide to Rural Relocation Subsidies

Japan pays families up to ¥3 million to relocate to rural towns. Here's who qualifies, how much you can get, and what the fine print actually says.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
A Background Check Japan Guide To Know As A Foreigner
Life in Japan May 7th, 2026

A Background Check Japan Guide To Know As A Foreigner

Discover everything you need to know about background checks in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Voltage and Power Plugs: What You Need to Know
Life in Japan May 7th, 2026

Japan Voltage and Power Plugs: What You Need to Know

This Japan voltage guide is here to help you understand voltages and frequencies in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer