Life in Japan
Get the best and latest tips, resources, and hacks for life in Japan. Discover in-depth guides for how to deal with city office, pay bills, and other daily living in Japan topics.
Forgot to Pay Japan NHI? Here’s What Happens
Life in Japan August 6th, 2026

Forgot to Pay Japan NHI? Here’s What Happens

Forgot to pay Japan’s National Health Insurance? Learn what happens, penalties, and how to resolve missed payments before it affects your coverage or finances.
Read More
Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Shipping from Japan to Philippines: Cost Table for Japan Post
Life in Japan, Japan Post August 6th, 2026

Shipping from Japan to Philippines: Cost Table for Japan Post

Bookmark this page for Japan Post’s pricing charts for any time you need to know shipping costs from Japan to Philippines in a hurry.
Read More
MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
How to Open a PO Box in Japan
Life in Japan, Japan Post August 6th, 2026

How to Open a PO Box in Japan

Here’s what to know to open a PO box in Japan.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026
Life in Japan August 6th, 2026

A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026

Looking for the best moving companies in Japan? We cover the best services with English support, the average costs, your FAQs, and more.
Read More
John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Japan Immigration News: What Every Foreign Resident Needs to Know (October 2026)
Life in Japan August 5th, 2026

Japan Immigration News: What Every Foreign Resident Needs to Know (October 2026)

A breakdown of every major Japan immigration change in 2026, from new visa fees to the PR income requirement announced this week — and what you need to do about each one.
Read More
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan’s Pension Refund for Foreigners in 2026
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Japan’s Pension Refund for Foreigners in 2026

Here’s the big picture and then 2 step-by-step guides to reclaiming your money after leaving Japan.
Read More
John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Navigating Tampons in Japan & More: Japanese Menstrual Care
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Navigating Tampons in Japan & More: Japanese Menstrual Care

Get all the tips when it comes to buying pads and tampons in Japan.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How to Get a Juminhyo (Resident Record) in Japan
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

How to Get a Juminhyo (Resident Record) in Japan

A detailed guide so you can stop wondering.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Getting Married in Japan: Easy Guide + Checklist
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

Getting Married in Japan: Easy Guide + Checklist

A simple-to-follow guide for tying the knot in Japan. Necessary documents to prepare and precise steps to follow.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
School Holidays in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide
Life in Japan July 31st, 2026

School Holidays in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide

Do Japanese school holidays seem confusing?
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Best Place To Retire In Japan For Foreigners in 2026
Life in Japan July 30th, 2026

The Best Place To Retire In Japan For Foreigners in 2026

Take a look to find the best place to retire in Japan for your retirement.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Shipping from Japan to the UK: Cost Table for Japan Post
Life in Japan, Japan Post July 30th, 2026

Shipping from Japan to the UK: Cost Table for Japan Post

Bookmark this page for Japan Post’s pricing charts for any time you need to know shipping costs from Japan to the UK in a hurry.
Read More
MailMate Team
MailMate Team  Executive Updates
How To Fill Out A Yamato Form & More: An Easy Waybill Guide
Life in Japan July 30th, 2026

How To Fill Out A Yamato Form & More: An Easy Waybill Guide

A complete guide on how to fill out a Yamato and Japan Post waybill form with ease.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Free Houses in Japan: What To Know [+ Checklist]

Free Houses in Japan: What To Know [+ Checklist]

Learn what you need to know about free houses in Japan and akiyas.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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!
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
John Cross
John Cross Expat at 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. 
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer