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Visa Renewal Japan 2026: New Fees (October 1), Documents & How to Apply
Life in Japan July 29th, 2026

Visa Renewal Japan 2026: New Fees (October 1), Documents & How to Apply

A visa renewal that costs ¥6,000 today could cost ¥75,000 after October 1. We break down exactly what's changing, what documents you'll need, and how to file before the deadline hits.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
The Japanese Salaryman: What It Is, How the Culture Works & What's Changing in 2026
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

The Japanese Salaryman: What It Is, How the Culture Works & What's Changing in 2026

What does it actually mean to be a Japanese salaryman in 2026? We break down the pay, the hours, the culture, and what's genuinely changing.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Burnable Garbage In Japan and More: How To Sort Your Trash
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

Burnable Garbage In Japan and More: How To Sort Your Trash

All your trash sorting needs for burnable garbage in Japan and more here!
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Traditional Japanese House Floor Plan: An Easy Guide

Traditional Japanese House Floor Plan: An Easy Guide

Dive into the 6 features of a traditional Japanese house floor plan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Tenshutsu Todoke: How to Submit a Moving-out Form in Japan
Life in Japan July 24th, 2026

Tenshutsu Todoke: How to Submit a Moving-out Form in Japan

What is tenshutsu todoke? When should I submit it? Can I use a proxy? We cover 3 methods, give you a step-by-step guide, and answer all your pressing questions.
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John Cross
John Cross Founder of MailMate
Half-Width vs. Full-Width: A Tale of Two Characters
Business in Japan, Life in Japan July 23rd, 2026

Half-Width vs. Full-Width: A Tale of Two Characters

The origin story of Japan’s half-width 半角 and full-width 全角 characters, the current state of affairs, and where to go from here. Hold on for a wild ride. 
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Tenkyo Todoke: Japan Post's Mail Forwarding Made Easy
Life in Japan July 23rd, 2026

Tenkyo Todoke: Japan Post's Mail Forwarding Made Easy

Learn how fill out tenkyo todoke form here.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change
Life in Japan, Out and About July 23rd, 2026

5 Methods Japanese Use for Dealing With Loose Change

Discover 5 methods that Japanese use for handling loose change.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Solar Panel Installation Japan: Costs and Subsidies 2026

Solar Panel Installation Japan: Costs and Subsidies 2026

Ready to invest in solar panels in Japan?
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Top 7 Akiya Banks For Foreigners To Use In 2026

Top 7 Akiya Banks For Foreigners To Use In 2026

Use these 7 akiya banks for foreigners, expats, and even when you are abroad.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
What Is DX in Japan? Meaning, Origins & Examples
Business in Japan July 23rd, 2026

What Is DX in Japan? Meaning, Origins & Examples

Everything from your morning mail to your retail experience is getting a digital makeover. At least, that’s the promise.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Does It Snow in Japan? Regional Snowfall Guide for Visitors and Property Owners
Life in Japan July 22nd, 2026

Does It Snow in Japan? Regional Snowfall Guide for Visitors and Property Owners

From Sapporo's 6 meters a year to Tokyo's 1-2 snow days, snowfall in Japan swings between extremes depending on where you stand. This guide breaks it down region by region, plus what winter actually means if you're managing a property, driving, or planning a trip through snow country.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Master Japanese Honorifics: A Business Operator's Guide to Japanese Honorific Suffixes (2026)
Rent in Tokyo: Prices by Area, Apartment Type, and What Foreigners Need to Know (2026)
Life in Japan July 10th, 2026

Rent in Tokyo: Prices by Area, Apartment Type, and What Foreigners Need to Know (2026)

Rent in Tokyo can run ¥60,000 to ¥300,000+ a month depending on where you look. Here's how to figure out what's realistic for you.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Compared for Tourists, Digital Nomads, and Residents
Out and About July 9th, 2026

Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Compared for Tourists, Digital Nomads, and Residents

An eSIM will get you online the moment you land in Japan, but it won't give you a real phone number. We compare Airalo, Saily, Ubigi, and Mobal for tourists, then break down what digital nomads and residents actually need instead.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Home Inspection in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Property Buyers
Properties & Akiyas July 9th, 2026

Home Inspection in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Property Buyers

Learn about home inspection in Japan—costs, laws, benefits, and why it's essential when buying, selling, or renovating property, especially older homes.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
House Renovation in Japan: A Guide to Reviving Old Homes
Properties & Akiyas July 9th, 2026

House Renovation in Japan: A Guide to Reviving Old Homes

Discover the essentials of house renovation in Japan, from cost-effective upgrades to how to transform old homes into modern, livable spaces!
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Home Inspection in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Property Buyers
Properties & Akiyas July 9th, 2026

Home Inspection in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Property Buyers

Learn about home inspection in Japan—costs, laws, benefits, and why it's essential when buying, selling, or renovating property, especially older homes.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Internet in Japan: A Guide for Tourists and Expats
Life in Japan July 9th, 2026

Internet in Japan: A Guide for Tourists and Expats

Need internet in Japan? Whether you're a tourist or expat, explore the best options, from eSIMs and pocket Wi-Fi to fiber-optic home internet.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families
Out and About, Life in Japan July 9th, 2026

Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families

Whether you're shipping a Tesla or a BMW, this guide will illuminate the process and help you plan your next steps.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer

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