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Relentlessly helpful guides from Japan’s #1 virtual mail service

The fastest way to sound clever about Japan. Articles, resources, and step-by-step guides that make it easier to work, live, and do business in Japan.
An Easy Revenue Stamps Japan Guide For Beginners
Life in Japan February 6th, 2026

An Easy Revenue Stamps Japan Guide For Beginners

Confused about revenue stamps in Japan? This beginner-friendly guide explains it all.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Easy Japan Consumption Tax Guide 2026

Easy Japan Consumption Tax Guide 2026

Complete guide to Japan's consumption tax for businesses in 2026. Learn rates, filing requirements, invoice systems, and compliance for foreign companies.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
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.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
How to Register Hanko in Japan [Vocab List + Guide]
Business in Japan January 23rd, 2026

How to Register Hanko in Japan [Vocab List + Guide]

For anyone doing business in Japan, you’ll want to know how to register one of these. Our A to Z guide on how to get it done.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
How to Register a Branch Office in Japan

How to Register a Branch Office in Japan

Thinking of expanding to Japan? Learn how to register a branch office, required documents, costs, and why it's a practical option for foreign companies.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Godo Kaisha vs Kabushiki Kaisha: Company Types in Japan
Business in Japan January 23rd, 2026

Godo Kaisha vs Kabushiki Kaisha: Company Types in Japan

When starting a business in Japan, entrepreneurs often find themselves facing a critical decision: whether to establish their company as a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or a Godo Kaisha (GK).
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
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.
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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.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
The Japan Investor Visa, Explained
Life in Japan January 16th, 2026

The Japan Investor Visa, Explained

Everything you ought to know about Japan’s investor visa.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
Franchise Opportunities in Japan: Guide to Business Success

Franchise Opportunities in Japan: Guide to Business Success

Start your franchise business in Japan as a foreigner. Learn legal steps, visa tips, and the best franchise opportunities for success in Japan.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Self-Sponsored Visa Japan: Everything You Need To Know

Self-Sponsored Visa Japan: Everything You Need To Know

See which self-sponsored visa Japan has that works best for you.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
The 4 Month Business Manager Visa Japan, Explained
Business in Japan January 9th, 2026

The 4 Month Business Manager Visa Japan, Explained

This visa type can’t be considered an alternative to the Startup visa or the Business Manager visa. Still, it allows you 120 days in Japan to get your business affairs in order.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
【2026 Update】 The Business Manager Visa Japan, Explained
Business in Japan January 9th, 2026

【2026 Update】 The Business Manager Visa Japan, Explained

Everything you need to know about the Business Manager Visa for entrepreneurs.
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Tom Imura
Tom Imura Contributing Writer
5 Types of Work Visa in Japan For Businesses & Employment

5 Types of Work Visa in Japan For Businesses & Employment

Thinking of starting a business in Japan? Wondering what type of visa to apply for? Here’s what you need to know about visas for starting a business in Japan.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
Leaving Japan Checklist: Say Goodbye With Peace of Mind

Leaving Japan Checklist: Say Goodbye With Peace of Mind

Don’t forget these procedures when leaving Japan. Bookmark this checklist to help you navigate this stressful period with a little more ease and grace.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
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?
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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.
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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.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Virtual Offices in Japan, Explained [Updated 2026]

Virtual Offices in Japan, Explained [Updated 2026]

An A-to-Z guide of what to know up front before you make the switch.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
How To Pause Mail Delivery In Japan: A Fuzai Todoke Guide
Life in Japan, Japan Post December 11th, 2025

How To Pause Mail Delivery In Japan: A Fuzai Todoke Guide

Your fuzai todoke guide to pause your mail in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer

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