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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.
John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
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.
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Half-Width vs. Full-Width: A Tale of Two Characters

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. 
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.
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.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & 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.
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.
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?
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff 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.
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.
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.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Car Loan for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide

Car Loan for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide

Learn how to get a car loan in Japan as a foreigner. Understand the requirements, process, best loan options, and how to improve your chances of approval.
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!
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.
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.
Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families

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.
Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
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.
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.
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Leaving Japan Temporarily? Your FAQs Answered

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.
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer

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