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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
English-Speaking Maid and House Cleaning Services in Tokyo
Life in Japan June 11th, 2026

English-Speaking Maid and House Cleaning Services in Tokyo

Weekly housekeeping can refresh your place and give you one less thing to think about. Take a look at your options for the highest-rated and most reviewed English-speaking maid and house cleaning services in Tokyo. Bookmark this page to assist you in finding a service that fits your needs.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Divorce Rate in Japan: Statistics, Causes, and What Foreigners Need to Know
Life in Japan June 10th, 2026

Divorce Rate in Japan: Statistics, Causes, and What Foreigners Need to Know

What the divorce rate in Japan really looks like in 2026 — plus a practical guide for foreigners navigating visa status, child custody, and what to do when a marriage ends in Japan.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
How to Use A Japanese Washing Machine: An Easy Guide
Life in Japan June 5th, 2026

How to Use A Japanese Washing Machine: An Easy Guide

Learn how to use a Japanese washing machine to do laundry in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
4 Best Japan’s Taxi App For Foreigners To Use + Tips To Know
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

4 Best Japan’s Taxi App For Foreigners To Use + Tips To Know

Take a look at Japan's taxi app for foreigners to use to book a ride.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Trash in Japan, Garbage Collection Days, and More!

Trash in Japan, Garbage Collection Days, and More!

If you've just moved to Japan or recently relocated to a new city, a common issue you may face is how to deal with your trash.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How To Top Up Suica Card & Other IC Cards: Plus Alternatives
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

How To Top Up Suica Card & Other IC Cards: Plus Alternatives

See the step-by-step guide on how to top up your Suica card.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japan Rules: What No One Tells You About Thriving in Japan
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

Japan Rules: What No One Tells You About Thriving in Japan

There's a sign in Roppongi that says "because there are rules, there is freedom." After 10 years in Tokyo, entrepreneur Jonathan Siegel finally understands what it means. A conversation about the rules no one explains, the logic behind them, and what happens when you stop resisting.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
How to Use An Electric Scooter in Japan: LUUP Scooter & More
Life in Japan June 4th, 2026

How to Use An Electric Scooter in Japan: LUUP Scooter & More

Travel around faster by using an electric scooter in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
What is a 1K Apartment in Japan? Layout, Costs, and Everything You Need to Know
Life in Japan May 29th, 2026

What is a 1K Apartment in Japan? Layout, Costs, and Everything You Need to Know

What is a 1K apartment in Japan? Learn about the layout, rent costs, move-in fees, and how 1K compares to 1R, 1DK, and 1LDK apartments.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japanese Document Translation Services: A Complete Guide

Japanese Document Translation Services: A Complete Guide

A complete guide to Japanese document translation services covering document types, certified vs. standard translation, pricing, how to choose a provider, and how MailMate helps with ongoing Japanese mail translation.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
How To Get A Driving License In Japan For Foreigners
Life in Japan May 28th, 2026

How To Get A Driving License In Japan For Foreigners

Learn how to get a driving license in Japan for foreigners to use to navigate Japan's licensing requirements.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How to Change Your Address in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Life in Japan May 21st, 2026

How to Change Your Address in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Start right. We guide you through your first visit to city office.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer