The festive season is drawing closer and closer, and a perfect way to embrace that Christmas feeling is to visit the Christmas market in Tokyo. The festival is marked by twinkling illuminations across the city, and lovely smells of various edibles fill the air.  If you are a resident of Japan or just visiting, there…

The taxation regime through which Japan operates has been known to be rigid, especially for new entrants.  One of them is Furusato Nozei, which means ‘Home Town taxes’. This scheme aims to assist the needy municipalities by everyday taxpayers contributing to the development of those rural areas. In return, they get valuable tax credits and…

Did you miss your last train? Do you need a quick rest? Want to read some manga? Tokyo’s internet cafes will be your perfect haven.  Imagine finding yourself in the heart of Tokyo late at night with nowhere to go. Instead of spending hours in a cold, uncomfortable station, you can step into one of…

Are you interested in working part-time as an English teacher in Japan? ESL (English as Second Language) teaching in Japan is a dream come true, and the goal of becoming a teacher is to contribute to people’s lives and help them develop new skills in a different country.  Whether it is the energy of Tokyo…

Japan is a country where the density of public transportation is relatively high, and one factor contributing to convenience is the application of a system such as IC cards.  These are rechargeable smart cards commonly used to pay fares on trains and buses and buy food and drinks from Automatic Booth and Shopping Vending machines. …

Kafunsho, or hay fever, is an allergic reaction to pollen, and it affects millions of people, including those in Japan.  During spring, the weather becomes a little dry, and the trees, grasses and weeds release their pollen which causes symptoms such as sneezing, running noses, itching of the eyes and even fatigue. This seasonal strife…

Popular Cashless (Payment) Options Japan was once a country that was all about the green stuff. Money in the form of cash was used in all aspects of life, from business to personal life ー and to some extent, it still is. However, cashless payment methods in Japan are on the increase now.  They are…

If you’re planning to experience the cherry blossom season in Japan, you’re in for an unforgettable treat. This breathtaking event, known as hanami, is a cherished tradition that no visitor should miss. During this magical season, Japan’s cherry blossoms burst into full bloom, painting the landscape in delicate shades of pink. People from all over…

Vocational schools are found in populated areas like Tokyo and Yokohama for those who want specialized diplomas/degrees in the following careers: Culinary Arts, Animation, Design, Information Technology, Voice acting, Music, and many more.  These institutions are called senmon gakko in the Japanese language and prepare learners for numerous professions and career opportunities, which offer practical…

Do you want to take online Japanese classes? From basic Japanese language courses to advanced courses, Online Japanese classes are designed in a way that helps every student to learn easily and at his or her own comfort. The many choices make it difficult to decide which one is the best. Two of the most…