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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.
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.
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.
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.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Mansions in Japan: How To Find Luxurious Japanese Homes

Properties & Akiyas

May 28th, 2026

Mansions in Japan: How To Find Luxurious Japanese Homes

Let’s learn how to find mansions in Japan or other luxurious homes here.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
6 Modern Japanese House Features To Have

Properties & Akiyas

May 28th, 2026

6 Modern Japanese House Features To Have

Building or remodeling a Japanese home? See these 6 modern Japanese house features to add.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Clean Tatami Mats: The Basic Care For Your Tatami

Properties & Akiyas

May 28th, 2026

How To Clean Tatami Mats: The Basic Care For Your Tatami

Learn how to clean tatami mats and the prevention measure for tatami mold, mites, and damages.
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.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Departure Tax: Everything Travelers Need to Know in 2026

Out and About

May 27th, 2026

Japan Departure Tax: Everything Travelers Need to Know in 2026

Japan's departure tax triples to 3,000 yen from July 2026. Learn who pays, who's exempt, how it's collected, and what it means for your travel budget, plus updated hotel tax rates and tax-free shopping changes.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan Invoice System News: What Businesses Need to Know in 2026

Business in Japan

May 22nd, 2026

Japan Invoice System News: What Businesses Need to Know in 2026

Japan's qualified invoice system is entering its next phase. Learn what the 2026 tax reform changes mean for your business, including updated transitional credit rates, new small business measures, and how to stay compliant with registration, invoicing, and document storage requirements.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka 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.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How To Forward Business Mail in Japan: The Complete Guide

Business in Japan

May 21st, 2026

How To Forward Business Mail in Japan: The Complete Guide

Learn how to forward business mail and digital solutions to receive your mail online.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff 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.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
US-Japan Tax Treaty: What American Expats and Businesses Need to Know in 2026

Money Matters in Japan

May 21st, 2026

US-Japan Tax Treaty: What American Expats and Businesses Need to Know in 2026

The US Japan tax treaty determines which country taxes your income, dividends, interest, and capital gains. This guide breaks down withholding rates, the saving clause, the totalization agreement, and how to claim treaty benefits so you don't pay tax twice on the same income.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Digital Mailroom: Streamlining Your Business Mail

Business in Japan

May 21st, 2026

Digital Mailroom: Streamlining Your Business Mail

Invest in a digital mailroom to streamline your business mail processing and distribution methods.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang 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.
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.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Send Gifts To Japan: The Ultimate Step By Step Guide

Out and About

May 14th, 2026

How To Send Gifts To Japan: The Ultimate Step By Step Guide

Here is your step-by-step guide on how to send gifts to Japan.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Should I Use My Home Address For My Business? 2 Alternatives

Business in Japan

May 14th, 2026

Should I Use My Home Address For My Business? 2 Alternatives

Should I use my home address for my business? We answer that question and give you two alternatives for you to use.
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. 
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

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