Your Mail Made Digital.

We receive it. Scan it. Translate it. Store it. Then, you can read it from anywhere in the world.

Latest articles


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.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Navigating Japan's Electronic Bookkeeping Act: An Easy Guide

Business in Japan

September 10th, 2026

Navigating Japan's Electronic Bookkeeping Act: An Easy Guide

Explore how your business should be storing your finance records with the Electronic Bookkeeping Act in Japan.
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.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: How the November Refund System Works (Old vs New)

Out and About

August 28th, 2026

Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: How the November Refund System Works (Old vs New)

Japan's tax-free shopping system is switching to a pay-first, refund-later model on November 1, 2026. Here's exactly how the new airport refund process works, what stays the same, and what residents need to know.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
A Complete Japan Area Code Guide: Calling To & From Japan

Life in Japan

August 20th, 2026

A Complete Japan Area Code Guide: Calling To & From Japan

Learn everything about the Japanese phone codes with this Japan area code guide.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang 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.
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.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan E-Visa: The Complete Guide to Applying Online (2026)

Out and About Life in Japan

August 20th, 2026

Japan E-Visa: The Complete Guide to Applying Online (2026)

Everything you need to apply for Japan's e visa in 2026. Eligible countries, required documents, step-by-step application walkthrough, updated fees, and the common mistakes that get applications cancelled before they're even reviewed.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Earthquake-Resistant Buildings in Japan: Engineering, Investment, and Financial Benefits

Properties & Akiyas

August 20th, 2026

Earthquake-Resistant Buildings in Japan: Engineering, Investment, and Financial Benefits

Learn how investing in earthquake-proof real estate offers financial benefits, legal compliance, and long-term market value.
Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Japan Tax Rate and Income Tax Brackets: What Foreigners Actually Pay (2026)

Life in Japan

August 19th, 2026

Japan Tax Rate and Income Tax Brackets: What Foreigners Actually Pay (2026)

Confused by your Japanese payslip? This guide breaks down Japan's 2026 income tax brackets, resident tax, and what foreigners actually end up paying.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
How to Print at 7-Eleven in Japan (From 10 Yen a Page)

Life in Japan

August 14th, 2026

How to Print at 7-Eleven in Japan (From 10 Yen a Page)

Learning how to print at 7/11 in Japan is part of everyday life here.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
7 Types of Japanese Medicine To Know When Living In Japan

Life in Japan

August 13th, 2026

7 Types of Japanese Medicine To Know When Living In Japan

Confused on the type of Japanese medicine to buy? This guide is just for you.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japanese House Construction: Akiya Renovation Costs and Methods in Japan

Japanese House Construction: Akiya Renovation Costs and Methods in Japan

Is it worth it for Japanese house construction on an Akiya home?
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
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.  
Ruby Doan
Ruby Doan 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. 
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.
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!
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Best SmartEX Shinkansen Guide To Buy Tickets Online

Out and About

August 12th, 2026

The Best SmartEX Shinkansen Guide To Buy Tickets Online

A step-by-step guide on how to use Smart Ex Shinkansen site.
Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing 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. 
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
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.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

Spending too long figuring out your Japanese mail?

Virtual mail + translation services start at 3800 per month. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Mailmate mascot