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Can an American Buy a House in Japan? A Complete Guide for US Buyers (2026)
Life in Japan July 3rd, 2026

Can an American Buy a House in Japan? A Complete Guide for US Buyers (2026)

Can an American Buy a House in Japan? Yes, and there's no visa or residency required. But the real challenges aren't legal. Here's what it actually takes to finance, buy, and own property in Japan as an American, from bank accounts to US tax rules.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Is There a Zillow in Japan? The Best Sites to Find Property as an American (2026)
Life in Japan July 3rd, 2026

Is There a Zillow in Japan? The Best Sites to Find Property as an American (2026)

Zillow doesn't list Japanese properties — and it never will. Here's why, plus the Japanese portals locals actually use and the English-language sites that work for American buyers in 2026.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered
Out and About, Life in Japan July 2nd, 2026

Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered

What to do with your bills, mail, plants, housekeeping, and other frequently asked questions related to leaving Japan for a couple of months.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

A Guide to Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Japan

Need help with air conditioning installation and replacement? Learn what you need to know about installing a new AC unit in Japan, including what features to consider, price points, and more.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How To Get A Japanese Phone Number: A Guide For Foreigners
Life in Japan July 2nd, 2026

How To Get A Japanese Phone Number: A Guide For Foreigners

Need a Japanese phone number? You’ve come to the right place. Here is your guide on how to get a Japanese phone number guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japanese Toilet Guide for Akiya Owners: Kumitori, Joukasou, and Costs Explained (2026)
Life in Japan June 26th, 2026

Japanese Toilet Guide for Akiya Owners: Kumitori, Joukasou, and Costs Explained (2026)

Planning to upgrade the toilet in your akiya? Whether your property has a kumitori pit, a joukasou tank, or municipal sewage, this guide explains what it means for your renovation and what you should expect to pay.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Apartments in Tokyo for Foreigners: How to Find, Apply, and Get Settled
Life in Japan June 25th, 2026

Apartments in Tokyo for Foreigners: How to Find, Apply, and Get Settled

Everything foreigners need to know about renting in Tokyo: from key money and guarantors to finding foreigner-friendly apartments and settling in after move-in.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japanese Neighborhood Associations: A Guide for Expats
Life in Japan June 25th, 2026

Japanese Neighborhood Associations: A Guide for Expats

Should you join one? What will happen if you don’t? We cover what to know as a renter or property owner in Japan.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Finding Good Places To Live in Japan For Any Needs
Life in Japan June 25th, 2026

Finding Good Places To Live in Japan For Any Needs

Explore good places to live in Japan based on your desire.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
An Easy Japanese Air Conditioner Guide: How-To Care & Clean
Life in Japan June 25th, 2026

An Easy Japanese Air Conditioner Guide: How-To Care & Clean

Learn how to clean your Japanese air conditioner for proper care usage so it can run efficiently in the summer and winter.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
The Cost of Living in Japan: Updated 2026
Life in Japan June 25th, 2026

The Cost of Living in Japan: Updated 2026

Discover the latest figures for the cost of living in Japan, based on data from the government of Japan’s Family Income and Expenditure Survey.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Wild World of Japanese Ads: Celebs, Halos & Context

The Wild World of Japanese Ads: Celebs, Halos & Context

Japanese ad strategy—what the heck is going on? Here’s what you ought to know about launching a successful ad campaign that appeals to the Japanese audience.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan's Advertising Laws: What You Ought to Know

Japan's Advertising Laws: What You Ought to Know

Selling anything in Japan? Here's what all business owners and marketers should know about Japan’s advertising laws and legal grey zones.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Owning a Dog in Japan: A Guide for Expats
Life in Japan June 18th, 2026

Owning a Dog in Japan: A Guide for Expats

Japan's new microchip registration for pets, what to do if your dog has hurt others, dog run etiquette, and more.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Nomikai in Japan Explained: A Simple Guide
Business in Japan June 18th, 2026

Nomikai in Japan Explained: A Simple Guide

Learn more about Japanese nomikai with our simple guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Affiliate Marketing in Japan: The Ultimate Guide For Success
Marketing in Japan June 18th, 2026

Affiliate Marketing in Japan: The Ultimate Guide For Success

Read everything you need to know about affiliate marketing in Japan here.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Wild Animals in Japan: What Every Rural Property Owner Needs to Know
Properties & Akiyas June 17th, 2026

Wild Animals in Japan: What Every Rural Property Owner Needs to Know

Rural Japan is home to bears, wild boar, deer, monkeys, and dozens of endemic species that regularly cross property boundaries. This guide covers the wild animals most likely to affect rural property in Japan, the damage they cause, human-wildlife coexistence strategies that work, and the legal framework every property owner needs to understand before buying or managing land in the Japanese countryside.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan's My Number Card and Residence Card Are Merging: What You Need to Do
Life in Japan June 12th, 2026

Japan's My Number Card and Residence Card Are Merging: What You Need to Do

From June 2026, Japan's 4.12 million foreign residents can merge their residence card and My Number Card into one. Here's what you need to know.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan Market Segmentation: A Guide to Japan's Consumers

Japan Market Segmentation: A Guide to Japan's Consumers

Who should you be selling to in Japan? A mismatch or misunderstanding of your target market in Japan could be holding you back from clinching sales.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Real Estate Investment in Japan: Benefits, Risks, Considerations
Properties & Akiyas June 11th, 2026

Real Estate Investment in Japan: Benefits, Risks, Considerations

A quick look at why Japanese real estate has become increasingly popular with overseas investors.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

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