Blog

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.
Real Estate Tax in Japan: An Easy, Quickstart Guide

Real Estate Tax in Japan: An Easy, Quickstart Guide

Here are the 4 types of real estate tax in Japan that you might encounter for your real estate investment.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Digital Marketing in Japan: An In-Depth Look for Businesses
Marketing in Japan June 11th, 2026

Digital Marketing in Japan: An In-Depth Look for Businesses

Elevate your brand's presence by learning the ins and outs of digital marketing in Japan.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang 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.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Amazon FBA Japan: The Complete Guide for Foreign Sellers

Amazon FBA Japan: The Complete Guide for Foreign Sellers

Amazon Japan has 550 million monthly visitors and far less foreign competition than Amazon US. Here's how to use FBA to reach them.
Read More
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff 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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Tomoko Matsuoka
Tomoko Matsuoka Managing Editor & Writer
Top Japanese Countryside Locations To Find Akiya Homes
Properties & Akiyas June 4th, 2026

Top Japanese Countryside Locations To Find Akiya Homes

Discover what the Japanese countryside has to offer and the available akiyas.
Read More
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.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff 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.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Why Japan's Fiscal Year Starts in April and What It Means for Foreign Business Owners
Business in Japan June 4th, 2026

Why Japan's Fiscal Year Starts in April and What It Means for Foreign Business Owners

Japan's fiscal year runs April to March — and it affects everything from your tax deadlines to your staff's pay slips. Here's what every foreign business owner needs to know.
Read More
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
John Cross
John Cross Expat at Mailmate
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Yuriko Matsuoka
Yuriko Matsuoka Staff Writer
Where To Find Cheap Houses In Japan? Your Akiya Search Guide
Life in Japan May 28th, 2026

Where To Find Cheap Houses In Japan? Your Akiya Search Guide

Discover where all the cheap houses in Japan are.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
How To Clean Tatami Mats: The Basic Care For Your Tatami
Properties & Akiyas May 28th, 2026

How To Clean Tatami Mats: The Basic Care For Your Tatami

Learn how to clean tatami mats and the prevention measure for tatami mold, mites, and damages.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
Mansions in Japan: How To Find Luxurious Japanese Homes
Properties & Akiyas May 28th, 2026

Mansions in Japan: How To Find Luxurious Japanese Homes

Let’s learn how to find mansions in Japan or other luxurious homes here.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang 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.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer
6 Modern Japanese House Features To Have
Properties & Akiyas May 28th, 2026

6 Modern Japanese House Features To Have

Building or remodeling a Japanese home? See these 6 modern Japanese house features to add.
Read More
Tammy Dang
Tammy Dang Staff Writer

花太多時間處理日本郵件?

虛擬郵箱 + 翻譯服務每月僅需 3800 元起。30 天退款保證。

Mailmate mascot