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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.
Fixed Asset Tax Japan: What Property Owners Should Know & Do

Fixed Asset Tax Japan: What Property Owners Should Know & Do

Discover what to know about fixed asset tax in Japan, including a brief overview, the formula for fixed asset taxes, and how to pay your fixed asset tax bill.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Top English-Friendly Japanese Banks for Foreigners

Top English-Friendly Japanese Banks for Foreigners

Your first banking experience in Japan doesn't have to be a bad one.
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John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
What Is the Explanation of Important Matters When Buying a Property?
Properties & Akiyas September 17th, 2026

What Is the Explanation of Important Matters When Buying a Property?

This article explains what the Important Matters Explanation Document is, and the key points to check when reviewing the document.
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Aguri Osada
Aguri Osada ライター
Renting An Office Space in Japan: The Ultimate Guide
Business in Japan September 17th, 2026

Renting An Office Space in Japan: The Ultimate Guide

Understand all you need to know when renting an office space in Japan here!
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
The Japanese Apartment Layout Guide: Finding a Perfect Place
Life in Japan, Properties & Akiyas September 17th, 2026

The Japanese Apartment Layout Guide: Finding a Perfect Place

Know everything you need to know about Japanese apartment layout designs with this guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Japan
Business in Japan September 17th, 2026

How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Japan

Learn about the documents to prepare, factors that could cause refusal, common mistakes to avoid, and a step-by-step guide to follow when attempting to open a company bank account in Japan.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
10 Best Work From Home Jobs in Japan for Foreigners
Life in Japan September 17th, 2026

10 Best Work From Home Jobs in Japan for Foreigners

The pandemic Covid-19 has changed how we work. Working from home or remote work has become a norm. Working from home has opened up many opportunities for freelancers to find suitable employment.
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Ruby Doan
Ruby Doan Staff Writer
Akiya Furniture: Keep, Sell, or Toss? Your Guide
Out and About September 11th, 2026

Akiya Furniture: Keep, Sell, or Toss? Your Guide

Dive into traditional and unique akiya furniture that you may see in your akiya home.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
12 Best Things To Buy In Japan: Buy It For Life & Souvenirs
Life in Japan September 11th, 2026

12 Best Things To Buy In Japan: Buy It For Life & Souvenirs

Discover these 12 best things to buy in Japan for yourself, your family, or friends.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Japanese Lot Numbers and Residential Addresses—An Easy Guide
Properties & Akiyas September 11th, 2026

Japanese Lot Numbers and Residential Addresses—An Easy Guide

Confused by Japanese addresses? Understand the difference between lot number and residential address for your property.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Get Rid of Furniture In Japan: An Easy Guide
Life in Japan September 10th, 2026

How To Get Rid of Furniture In Japan: An Easy Guide

Learn how to get rid of furniture and more with our guide.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Buy A House In Japan As A Foreigner
Properties & Akiyas September 10th, 2026

How To Buy A House In Japan As A Foreigner

This comprehensive guide covers how to buy a house in Japan as a foreigner living abroad or in the country.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Real Estate Acquisition Tax in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide

Real Estate Acquisition Tax in Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide

Today, we look at Japan’s real estate acquisition tax, sent out 6 months to a year after your property registration.
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Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Japanese Suburban House Living: What to Expect
Properties & Akiyas, Life in Japan September 10th, 2026

Japanese Suburban House Living: What to Expect

Thinking about owning a Japanese suburban house? Here's what to expect when living in a Japanese neighborhood.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Navigating Japan's Electronic Bookkeeping Act: An Easy Guide
Business in Japan September 10th, 2026

Navigating Japan's Electronic Bookkeeping Act: An Easy Guide

Explore how your business should be storing your finance records with the Electronic Bookkeeping Act in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Set Up Utilities For The First Time in Japan
Properties & Akiyas, Life in Japan September 10th, 2026

How To Set Up Utilities For The First Time in Japan

Make moving less stressful by finding out how to set up utilities for the first time in Japan.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
High-Demand Jobs in Japan for Foreigners in 2026: What's Hiring, What It Pays & How to Get Hired
Life in Japan September 2nd, 2026

High-Demand Jobs in Japan for Foreigners in 2026: What's Hiring, What It Pays & How to Get Hired

Thinking about working in Japan? Here's exactly which jobs are in highest demand in 2026, what they pay in USD and JPY, which visa applies, and whether you need to speak Japanese.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: How the November Refund System Works (Old vs New)
Out and About August 28th, 2026

Japan Tax-Free Shopping 2026: How the November Refund System Works (Old vs New)

Japan's tax-free shopping system is switching to a pay-first, refund-later model on November 1, 2026. Here's exactly how the new airport refund process works, what stays the same, and what residents need to know.
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Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Where To Buy Stamps In Japan: Post Offices, Conbini, & More
Out and About August 20th, 2026

Where To Buy Stamps In Japan: Post Offices, Conbini, & More

Find out where to buy stamps in Japan!
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Yucho Internet Banking Guide for Foreigners (Yucho Direct)

Yucho Internet Banking Guide for Foreigners (Yucho Direct)

Our easy-to-follow guide for foreigners to use yucho internet banking services.
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Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer

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