When driving in Japan, just like anywhere else, you need to have the proper paperwork. There are a few different ways to get that paperwork, some of which you can do before you even arrive in Japan. So let’s take a look at what you need to do to prepare for driving in Japan. The pros and cons of driving in Japan Before you figure out whether you need a licence in Japan, you should probably take a moment to consider whether you even need to drive in the first place. In general, Japan’s public transport is excellent. Everything is clean, trains run on time, and you can get to almost every corne ..read more

When most people think of Tokyo, they think of tall buildings and neon signs. A lot of concrete and very little green. If you live in Tokyo, you know that this is not necessarily true. Yes, there are skyscrapers, the necessary infrastructure and everything else that comes with a megapolis, but there is also a reasonable amount of green space. But maybe you are after something a little wilder than the many parks of Tokyo. Here is a quick guide to finding nature inside greater Tokyo. Okutama A place where you can hike mountains, play watersports and explore the wilderness that is still technica ..read more

It is becoming more and more common to do your shopping online. And even if you do go to the shops, you will probably use some form of electronic payment. It is so rare to see cash payments for more expensive items that when someone does pull out a wad of bills, it makes them look like a questionable character from an over the top action movie or music video.  The idea of using cards and electronic payments, in general, is sold as a safer, more convenient way to pay. Depending on the card, there are also various reward systems where you can earn miles or points or similar.  But to d ..read more

In Japan, working as an engineer is one of the most lucrative career paths you can take, and it’s an option that is far less hindered by the Japanese language barrier than other fields. However, there are a lot of different factors that can affect your salary in Japan, such as gender, age, and experience. Today, we will primarily focus on how age affects salary for engineers, with a brief look into the cultural background and other surrounding factors. It’s worth noting that, according to a survey by Japan Switch, most IT-related jobs advertised in Japan are full-time, so we will not be looki ..read more

The initial vaccine rollout in Japan was somewhat slow. The fundamental reason for this- was probably public distrust caused by questionable reporting of two unfortunate events in the nineties. Which again led to policymaking that hampers the domestic vaccine production even now. The start of 2021 did not look good as far as reaching the goals or even deadlines the Japanese government had set. But the effort of the medical workers and the surprising efficiency of the municipalities made what the critics said was impossible happen. And at the end of the year, more than seventy-five per cent of ..read more

What are the phone carrier options in Japan, and which ones have the best deals? Because of the complex nature of modern phones(smartphones), it somewhat varies. Here is a quick guide to Japanese network carrier options. The classical big three and the new one Much like in other fields of business, Japanese mobile network providers have their own big brands. They offer good coverage and a strong signal. On average, you should expect to pay twice of a budget provider. That gets you many shops where you can walk in with your questions and concerns. The big providers also tend to give out(sell w ..read more

Working in Japan has many benefits. One of which is the actual employment benefits plan all full-time employees get. You will get health insurance, pension, paid leave and various allowances. The usual ones are transportation and meal allowances. But many companies also offer moving bonuses and family support like marriage, child, funeral.  All this is, of course, separate from the (usually) bi-annual salary bonus. But since the IT market can get competitive and there is a shortage of IT professionals in Japan, most companies have their own welfare systems. Think extra perks.  Add H ..read more

You just arrived in Japan and have already managed to find your new Japanese home and now look to furnish it. Or you already live in Japan and need new home appliances. You are in the right place. Here is a quick guide to shopping for home electronics or Kaden in Japanese(家電). To learn the basics of furniture shopping in Japan, go here. Take it with you or buy it in Japan? If you are moving from overseas, and your stay in Japan is to be long, you might have to think about what to do with your old home appliances. It should not be a problem to convince the customs that the home appliances you ..read more

What is the current situation with the travel restrictions? The short answer is- no tourists. And everyone else who has a visa can get in but needs to check with the appropriate travel authorities. Students and technical interns As of the first of March, international students can enter Japan provided they have the correct visa. According to Japanese immigration authorities, the vast number of students waiting to enter has forced them to increase the daily immigration limit from five thousand to seven thousand. And create an additional thousand entry spaces just for students. The government a ..read more

One of the great things about life in Japan is the culinary culture. There is an incredible number of places that serve delicious food. Whether you want to make a night out of trying a new delicacy or just feel a bit peckish, there is bound to be something just right for the mood within walking distance. It is the same if you are more of a DIY person. There are several convenient options for grocery shopping. Supermarkets or スーパーマーケット(supamaketo) in Japanese are the places you go for your grocery shopping needs. Here is a list of the most common/popular ones. Aeon/My Basket The Aeon group sup ..read more