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The fastest way to sound clever about Japan. Articles, resources, and step-by-step guides that make it easier to work, live, and do business in Japan.
Buying A House in Japan as a Foreigner: Mortgages, Costs & Legal Tips
Properties & Akiyas February 27th, 2026

Buying A House in Japan as a Foreigner: Mortgages, Costs & Legal Tips

Know these 6 key tips and your how-to guide to buying a house in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Workers Accident Compensation Insurance Japan, Explained
Business in Japan, Life in Japan February 20th, 2026

Workers Accident Compensation Insurance Japan, Explained

The essentials of workers' accident insurance in Japan for business owners and employees: what it is, who it's for, how to enroll, and more.
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
How to Do Market Research Like a Japanese
Business in Japan, Marketing in Japan February 20th, 2026

How to Do Market Research Like a Japanese

Here’s where to go to get the latest on industry-specific statistics, consumer reports, emerging market segments, and market analytics for Japan.
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
Online Mail Management Services: Key Features and More
Business in Japan February 20th, 2026

Online Mail Management Services: Key Features and More

Learn how you can manage personal and business mail with online mail management services.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Business Card Etiquette: What to Know and Do

Japan Business Card Etiquette: What to Know and Do

Ready to expand your Japanese business etiquette? Master these moves, just in time for your next big pitch with your Japanese prospects. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Starting a Business in Japan: The Essentialist's Guide

Starting a Business in Japan: The Essentialist's Guide

The 7-step guide for the essentialist. Find out the primary activities you will need to complete for your business to enter Japan’s market successfully.  
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Networking in Japan: Strategies, Tips, Best Practices
Business in Japan February 20th, 2026

Networking in Japan: Strategies, Tips, Best Practices

Wondering how Japanese business owners and executives network in Japan?
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
Corporate Tax in Japan: Rates, Deadlines, and Filing Requirements

Corporate Tax in Japan: Rates, Deadlines, and Filing Requirements

Setting up in Japan? Corporate tax is one of the first compliance hurdles you'll face. This guide explains exactly how it works, who pays, and what to watch out for.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
How to File Your Final Income Tax Return in Japan

How to File Your Final Income Tax Return in Japan

With this article, preparing your Final Income Tax Return in Japan won't be as much of a hassle as it's cracked up to be. 
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Julia Rivera
Julia Rivera Guest Author
A Tax Refund In Japan For Foreigners
Life in Japan February 6th, 2026

A Tax Refund In Japan For Foreigners

Learn about the different tax refunds in Japan for foreigners to receive as well as why a tax representative is important in this matter.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Easy Japan Consumption Tax Guide 2026

Easy Japan Consumption Tax Guide 2026

Complete guide to Japan's consumption tax for businesses in 2026. Learn rates, filing requirements, invoice systems, and compliance for foreign companies.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
My Number Card for Foreigners in Japan: A Quick Start Guide
Life in Japan February 6th, 2026

My Number Card for Foreigners in Japan: A Quick Start Guide

Learn how to apply for a My Number Card in English when living in Japan.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Register Hanko in Japan [Vocab List + Guide]
Business in Japan January 23rd, 2026

How to Register Hanko in Japan [Vocab List + Guide]

For anyone doing business in Japan, you’ll want to know how to register one of these. Our A to Z guide on how to get it done.
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
What Is an Inkan Shomeisho? Why Do I Need One?
Business in Japan January 23rd, 2026

What Is an Inkan Shomeisho? Why Do I Need One?

Learn what an inkan shomeisho is, why you might need one, and the various ways you can obtain this certificate. A super simple guide for busy people.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Japan Investor Visa, Explained
Life in Japan January 16th, 2026

The Japan Investor Visa, Explained

Everything you ought to know about Japan’s investor visa.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
Franchise Opportunities in Japan: Guide to Business Success

Franchise Opportunities in Japan: Guide to Business Success

Start your franchise business in Japan as a foreigner. Learn legal steps, visa tips, and the best franchise opportunities for success in Japan.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
The 4 Month Business Manager Visa Japan, Explained
Business in Japan January 9th, 2026

The 4 Month Business Manager Visa Japan, Explained

This visa type can’t be considered an alternative to the Startup visa or the Business Manager visa. Still, it allows you 120 days in Japan to get your business affairs in order.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
5 Types of Work Visa in Japan For Businesses & Employment

5 Types of Work Visa in Japan For Businesses & Employment

Thinking of starting a business in Japan? Wondering what type of visa to apply for? Here’s what you need to know about visas for starting a business in Japan.
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
Leaving Japan Checklist: Say Goodbye With Peace of Mind

Leaving Japan Checklist: Say Goodbye With Peace of Mind

Don’t forget these procedures when leaving Japan. Bookmark this checklist to help you navigate this stressful period with a little more ease and grace.
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
Virtual Offices in Tokyo: A Guide to the Best Options in 2026
Business in Japan December 26th, 2025

Virtual Offices in Tokyo: A Guide to the Best Options in 2026

Here’s our shortlist of the very best virtual office options in Tokyo.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

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