Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka
Managing Editor & Writer
Tomoko Matsuoka is a managing editor and writer for MailMate, Shoeboxed, and a number of online resource libraries. She writes guides on life in Japan and covers Japanese business news, digitalization, and productivity tools and software.
Yamato Transport Airport TA-Q-BIN Luggage Delivery Service
Out and About April 3rd, 2026

Yamato Transport Airport TA-Q-BIN Luggage Delivery Service

Learn how to use Yamato Transport's luggage delivery service, available from all of Japan's international airports.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan’s Luggage Delivery Services: A How-to Guide
Life in Japan, Out and About April 2nd, 2026

Japan’s Luggage Delivery Services: A How-to Guide

Stop dragging your luggage through Japan. Here’s what to do instead.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
International Shipping from Japan: 2026 Prices, Speeds & Customs Rules
Life in Japan, Japan Post April 2nd, 2026

International Shipping from Japan: 2026 Prices, Speeds & Customs Rules

Finding the best way to ship something from Japan depends mostly on your budget and the type of goods you wish to send. This article covers the most popular and trusted options for sending items from Japan to your home country. 
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japanese Customer Service: Can You Compete? 
Customer Service in Japan March 19th, 2026

Japanese Customer Service: Can You Compete? 

3 key strategies—backed by data—that will help you maximize customer satisfaction and minimize the risk of offense in Japan.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Pay Bills in Japan
Life in Japan March 19th, 2026

How to Pay Bills in Japan

Learn the various methods of paying utility bills in Japan and how to set up bill payments online.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Working with Japanese Colleagues: 5 Cultural Insights
Business in Japan, Life in Japan March 6th, 2026

Working with Japanese Colleagues: 5 Cultural Insights

Understanding how Japanese employees are taught to behave can provide insight when directly managing Japanese employees or working with Japanese colleagues.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Top Japanese Keigo Mistakes to Avoid

Top Japanese Keigo Mistakes to Avoid

Are you making these keigo mistakes? You don’t need to know the ins and outs of keigo grammar construction to improve how you sound, starting from today.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Koseki Tohon: What Is Japan’s Family Register System?
Life in Japan February 27th, 2026

Koseki Tohon: What Is Japan’s Family Register System?

What should non-Japanese citizens know about Japan’s family register system (koseki tohon)? Do foreign residents need a koseki? And more!
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Car Insurance in Japan: A Guide to the Top Providers
Out and About, Life in Japan February 27th, 2026

Car Insurance in Japan: A Guide to the Top Providers

What foreigners ought to know about applying for car insurance in Japan, good deals, how to enroll, and what to look out for.
Read More
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.  
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & 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. 
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
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.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
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.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Total Guide to Company Formation in Japan

The Total Guide to Company Formation in Japan

The key decisions to make pre-paperwork, common pitfalls to avoid, and a step-by-step checklist to guide you on your journey.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
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.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Freelance in Japan [Your Paperwork Checklist]

How to Freelance in Japan [Your Paperwork Checklist]

Interested in how to freelance in Japan as a foreigner? Specifically, what paperwork do you need to complete to make it official?
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japan Tax Representative Form + How to Appoint a Tax Agent
Business in Japan, Properties & Akiyas December 25th, 2025

Japan Tax Representative Form + How to Appoint a Tax Agent

Learn who can be your tax representative in Japan, where to find the Japan tax representative form, and your FAQs about this role.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Mail Forwarding Japan Post: How to Forward Mail Online
Life in Japan, Japan Post August 7th, 2025

Mail Forwarding Japan Post: How to Forward Mail Online

If you’re (1) getting ready to forward your mail to us for our virtual mail service, or (2) simply want to know how to use Japan Post’s forwarding service, we have you covered. 
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Top 3 Virtual Mailbox Services for Japan

Top 3 Virtual Mailbox Services for Japan

Did you know? Virtual office addresses can be used for Japanese company incorporation. Plus, with virtual mail software—no Japanese required.  
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
English-Speaking Therapists in Tokyo in 2026
Life in Japan May 19th, 2025

English-Speaking Therapists in Tokyo in 2026

During stressful times, knowing where to go for help is crucial.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

일본 우편물 처리에 너무 많은 시간을 소비하고 있나요?

가상 우편함 + 번역 서비스는 월 3800원부터 시작합니다. 30일 환불 보장.

Mailmate mascot