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Relentlessly helpful guides from Japan’s #1 virtual mail service

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.
Survey Shows Awareness of SDGs in Japan at 50%

Survey Shows Awareness of SDGs in Japan at 50%

The survey measured awareness of keywords and daily consumption behaviors related to the SDGs and interest in and experience with ethical consumption and sustainability.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Kiyoshi Matsumoto on the Struggles of Modern Japan
Interviews , Life in Japan August 17th, 2021

Kiyoshi Matsumoto on the Struggles of Modern Japan

Cross-cultural specialist Kiyoshi Matsumoto on Japan’s feudalist past and how it shows up in present-day Japan, the bizarre movement of 1867, and what Japan can—and should—do better.  
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Software Updates #01: Mail Forwarding + Autopay Functions, Hooray!
Software Updates August 12th, 2021

Software Updates #01: Mail Forwarding + Autopay Functions, Hooray!

In fact, this isn’t the first update to our software—not by a long shot. But it is the first time we’re featuring updates on our blog! 
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Coffee Enthusiasts, Have You Tried Juan Valdez Coffee?

Coffee Enthusiasts, Have You Tried Juan Valdez Coffee?

A premium Columbian coffee brand enters Japan, tips on importing goods, the importance of finding the right partners, and how to create a stellar morning coffee ritual. 
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
9 English-Speaking Communities and Services for Startups in Japan

9 English-Speaking Communities and Services for Startups in Japan

Where can you go to get English-language support for your big startup idea for Japan? Need help with your paperwork or boots-on-the-ground implementation? Check out these options. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Personal Mindset Hacks: Top 5 Things To Do While in a Career Transition

Personal Mindset Hacks: Top 5 Things To Do While in a Career Transition

Find out the practical steps that will create the most significant momentum during your time of transition. 
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Kristy Ishii
Kristy Ishii Guest Author
Notable Japanese on Strategic Thinking, Fighting Limitations, and More 
Life in Japan July 14th, 2021

Notable Japanese on Strategic Thinking, Fighting Limitations, and More 

Famous Japanese on thinking like a shogi player, fighting limitations, programming as a key to good communication, and other timeless themes.
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Amy Yamashita
Amy Yamashita Community Specialist
English-Friendly Insurance for Emergencies in Japan
Life in Japan July 11th, 2021

English-Friendly Insurance for Emergencies in Japan

Wondering what your best options are for English-speaking insurance in Japan? Today’s article looks at insurance companies that provide English support for their clients. 
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
10 Stories of Japanese Phrases Lost in Translation 
Life in Japan July 7th, 2021

10 Stories of Japanese Phrases Lost in Translation 

10 times you meant to say one thing but said something else instead. A compilation to help you feel better about whatever Japanese blunder you just made. You're not alone, and we can prove it.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Tokyo-Based Luxurious Outdoor Options to Inspire Your Weekend Plans
Out and About, Life in Japan June 30th, 2021

Tokyo-Based Luxurious Outdoor Options to Inspire Your Weekend Plans

5 hand-selected options for those looking for holiday vibes packed into the space of a weekend—all accessible from Tokyo.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Apartment Hunting in Tokyo, Insider Tips, and More!

Apartment Hunting in Tokyo, Insider Tips, and More!

Enjoy this candid conversation with Golden of Apts.jp, a real estate agency that focuses on simplifying the apartment-renting process for expats in the Tokyo area.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
10 Expats on the Worthy Japan Investments That Made a Difference
Life in Japan June 15th, 2021

10 Expats on the Worthy Japan Investments That Made a Difference

How many of these are you doing? 10+ ideas to improve your life in Japan, starting today, shared by long-time, experienced foreign residents of Japan. 
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Clubhouse: Solving Pain-Points for Foreign Execs in Tokyo

Clubhouse: Solving Pain-Points for Foreign Execs in Tokyo

Did you miss the Clubhouse event? Get the quick recap of incisive insights on how TokyoMate is changing the landscape for foreign executives doing business in Japan.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Notable Japanese on the Value of Ignorance, How to Imitate Well, and More
Life in Japan June 8th, 2021

Notable Japanese on the Value of Ignorance, How to Imitate Well, and More

From the founder of Honda to Japan’s living sports legends, philosophers, artists, and more, here are 9 Japanese quotes you should know and the great minds who said them. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan
Life in Japan June 2nd, 2021

How to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan

All the basics covered in one handy article. Get a step-by-step flowchart of the vaccination process and all the essentials about booking your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
Japanese Marketing Strategy from July to September

Japanese Marketing Strategy from July to September

So you want to run an online campaign like a Japanese marketing pro? Here are 5 case studies that might spark your next social media promo and get more engagement for your business.
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Amy Yamashita
Amy Yamashita Community Specialist
Employees’ Pension Insurance in Japan, Explained

Employees’ Pension Insurance in Japan, Explained

In Japan, employees’ pension insurance augments the national pension premium for government and company workers. Learn the essentials of what all business owners ought to know.
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
3 Articles for Effective Business Strategy for Japan

3 Articles for Effective Business Strategy for Japan

Let go of deadweight, discover alternatives to under-performing methods, and streamline your processes to gain a significant, competitive advantage for your business in Japan.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
5 Articles on Cementing Client Relationships in Japan

5 Articles on Cementing Client Relationships in Japan

What areas of knowledge should you acquire to build strong relationships with your Japanese clients? Here are 5 resources that answer that question. 
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
7 In-Depth Articles to Boost Your Marketing Moves in Japan 

7 In-Depth Articles to Boost Your Marketing Moves in Japan 

From how to do market research, to how to identify your ideal Japanese customer, to Japanese ad strategy, here are 7 marketing resources to grow your business in Japan.
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MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates

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