Opening a 7-Eleven convenience store in Tokyo may seem like a lucrative business venture, but aspiring franchise owners are in for a rude awakening. According to recent discussions on the Japan Finance subreddit, the average waiting time to secure a 7-Eleven franchise in the bustling Japanese capital is a staggering seven years. The revelation came as a shock to a 25-year-old Indian student studying at a Tokyo senmon gakko (specialized training college). The ambitious young man, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed his love for the ubiquitous convenience store chain and his desire to open ..read more

In a viral video, an American tourist marvels at the lack of security tethers on iPhones and iPads in a Japanese Apple Store. The devices sit freely on the tables, a sight that would be unthinkable in most U.S. stores where such items are locked down to prevent theft. The tourist remarks, “That’s because in Japan, they have a tradition. And they have a mentality. And they have respect. No one would do that.” Many viewers echo this sentiment, attributing the difference to Japan’s culture of honesty and social responsibility. It’s a stark contrast to recent “smash-and-grab” robberies targeting U ..read more

In a heartwarming turn of events, the beloved old Harajuku Station building, which was sadly dismantled in March 2020, is set to make a triumphant return as part of an exciting new development project by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The original wooden structure, built in 1924, was a cherished symbol of Harajuku’s unique charm and history. Its distinctive half-timbered construction, charming spire, and wooden “Harajuku Station” signboard made it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Many were left heartbroken when the building was taken down and replaced with a more modern, alb ..read more

In an unprecedented move to combat the surge of misbehaving foreign tourists, the Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko has announced plans to install a gigantic black mesh net, measuring 2.5 meters high and 20 meters long, to obstruct the picturesque view of Mount Fuji from a popular photo spot. The construction of this barrier, set to begin as early as next week, comes as a last resort after the town’s efforts to curb the influx of disrespectful visitors through traffic signs and security guard warnings proved ineffective. @tw.photo.jino The viewpoint in question, located near a Lawson convenien ..read more

Are you dreaming of relocating to Japan and immersing yourself in its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes? Look no further than this exquisite traditional Japanese home located in the picturesque town of Nagaizumi, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Property Overview Listed at ¥89,800,000 (approximately $567,000 USD), this 3LDK (3 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen) home offers a spacious 202.94 m2 (2,184 sq ft) of living space on an expansive 1655.26 m2 (17,816 sq ft) lot. Built in January 1991, the home has been meticulously maintained and recently underwent extensive renovations ..read more

After over three years of thrilling fans with its towering, moving Gundam robot, the Yokohama Gundam Factory has closed down as of March 31, 2024. The attraction, which featured an 18-meter-tall RX-78 Gundam that could walk and strike poses, was originally slated to run from December 2020 to March 2022. However, its incredible popularity led to two extensions, giving fans bonus years to experience the mecha marvel. A Gundam Attraction Like No Other The Yokohama Gundam Factory was a groundbreaking attraction that pushed the boundaries of what was possible for Gundam-themed experiences. Visitors ..read more

The highly anticipated Studio Ghibli Fest 2024, hosted by film distributors GKIDS and Fathom Events, is set to begin with special screenings of the beloved 2001 anime classic Spirited Away. The Oscar-winning film, directed by renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki, will be shown in select US theaters from April 27th to May 1st. Fans will have the opportunity to watch Spirited Away in either its original Japanese version with English subtitles or the English dubbed version. Screenings will take place on the following dates and times: Saturday, April 27 at 3:00 PM (Subtitled) Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 ..read more

Delta Air Lines Inc. is set to revolutionize the travel experience for passengers flying from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to connecting domestic flights in the United States. According to Jeff Moomaw, Delta’s vice president for the Asia Pacific region, the airline is working closely with Japan’s transport ministry and U.S. authorities to eliminate the requirement for passengers to recheck their baggage when connecting to local flights in the U.S. @ everanderson Currently, passengers flying into the United States must check in their baggage again when connecting to domestic flights, despite having ..read more

If you’re an American looking to move to Japan, you may encounter a unique aspect of the Japanese rental system known as reikin (礼金), or “gratitude money.” This non-refundable fee is paid by tenants to landlords upon signing a lease. In this article, we’ll explore what reikin is, why it exists, and what you need to know before renting in Japan. What is Reikin? Reikin is a one-time payment made to the landlord as a sign of gratitude for allowing the tenant to rent the property. It is typically equal to one or two months’ rent, although the exact amount can vary. Unlike security deposits, reikin ..read more

Moving to Japan is a dream for many adventurous Americans, but the realities of living costs often remain shrouded in mystery. Recent discussions on online forums have pulled back the curtain, revealing frank insights into how far a monthly after-tax salary of ¥320,000 (approximately $2,000 USD) can really stretch for a couple in Japan. Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction. Housing Costs: The Make-or-Break Factor Finding affordable housing is the key to making a modest salary work in Japan, especially in popular areas around Tokyo like Chiba and Yokohama. Savvy couples have unearthed 2 ..read more