This weekend, we headed to Yoyogi Park to participate in Japan’s largest LGBTQ+ community event, Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024. We chatted, soaked up the vibes, and stood in line with some of the 15,000 other allies and community members who marched on Sunday. This year’s event marked the 30th anniversary of Tokyo Rainbow Pride, a full-scale and roaring comeback from 2020’s pride-from-home version. This year’s motto was “Until it changes, don’t give up!” The 2024 event drew the largest crowds yet. Guests spilled from the event venue into the streets of Yoyogi Uehara, and rainbow flags added anothe ..read more

In today’s digital landscape, protecting our online privacy has become paramount. That’s where virtual private networks (VPN) like NordVPN and password managers like NordPass come into play. Using NordVPN in Japan, I found it a robust tool offering security and seamless browsing experiences. Its features, performance and standing among competitors make it a great value for expats. I also tested NordPass, a password manager by the makers of NordVPN, to see if this would add a layer of security to my credentials. NordVPN encrypts web traffic through secure servers, shielding users from threats ..read more

Cherry blossoms erupting in full bloom usually signal the end of winter and the beginning of warmer weather. While this transition is beautiful, it also has an unfortunate side: the start of the long bug season. Common bugs in Japan are often associated with its more humid months in July and August. Still, some creepy crawlers make their first appearances as early as April and stick around well into the autumn. The last thing you want to see in your new home or apartment in Japan is unwelcome guests. And, although most drugstores have remedies to get rid of the pests, we also think there’s ro ..read more

Kawagoe City or koedo (Little Edo) in Saitama Prefecture is a great day trip from Tokyo. This historical city offers a unique opportunity to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage across different periods, from Meiji to Heisei. With its well-preserved Edo-era townscape and traditional architecture, Kawagoe exudes an old-world charm that transports you back in time. From exploring the ancient castle ruins to savoring local delicacies, Kawagoe offers many activities to entertain you. Let’s dive into the top 10 things to do in Kawagoe and discover what this hidden gem has in store. 1. Ku ..read more

Central Tokyo’s renowned attractions, like the Shibuya Scramble and Shinjuku lights, often captivate the attention and budgets of numerous tourists. However, if you want to establish a long-term residence in the city, East Tokyo can offer many advantages. When looking for a place to call home in Tokyo, it’s easy to be drawn to the bustling energy of the city’s famous hubs. Yet, if you prioritize quieter neighborhoods, a warm and family-friendly atmosphere, and affordable rental options, it’s worth exploring the real estate opportunities on the east side through GaijinPot Apartments. Choosing ..read more

Some of the scariest Japanese urban legends, like those in this bone-chilling list, are intertwined with reality. Whether from cautionary tales, mysterious occurrences or eerie happenings, these legends possess a disturbing semblance of truth. More than just Japanese ghosts and monsters, urban legends’ creepiness, strangeness and unnerving plausibility leave an indelible mark of fear on those who dare to delve into their depths. 1. The Cow Head Photo: iStock/ sqbackThe story is the real legend. The legend of Gozu, the Cow Head, instills fear in all who dare to hear its complete tale. The stor ..read more

Are there jobs in Japan that don’t require Japanese language skills? You bet they do! Of course, knowing the language will go a long way. But these days, there are more jobs in Japan for foreigners that can be found without knowing a single word of Japanese than ever before. Let’s look at three common jobs foreigners find in Japan, even with basic Japanese skills, and discuss some considerations for each. 1. English Teaching Photo: iStock/ Prostock-StudioFull-time and part-time options are available. Teaching English in Japan is, for most, the quickest route to securing work in Japan. General ..read more

April in Japan is a time for new beginnings and taking chances. If you’ve been considering moving to Japan, now is as good a time as any. Whether you come to study Japanese or start the next chapter of your career, the moving process doesn’t have to be complicated. Move to Japan Like a Pro Webinar On April 17 from 10 A.M. (JST), GaijinPot and Mobal will host Move to Japan Like a Pro, a free webinar about what it’s really like moving to Japan. Using real-life accounts by existing Mobal customers and other foreign residents, tune in to learn the ins and outs of starting your journey in Japan. A ..read more

If you’re looking to work in Japan, check back here each week as we look through our database of top jobs in Japan posted to GaijinPot and showcase some of the most interesting ones. You can apply directly to these companies by creating a profile on GaijinPot Jobs! Photo Assistant Company: Zela G.K. Salary: ¥1,500 ~ ¥2,000 / hour, negotiable Location: Tokyo, Japan Japanese: Fluent Application: Must currently reside in Japan Magic Memories is dynamic, fun and fast growing company with opportunities for top people to grow - both locally and globally! The photo sales as ..read more

Everyone starts as a beginner when studying Japanese. But once you are in the advanced bracket, using casual apps or the usual textbooks on beginner lists doesn’t cut it anymore. But, whether your goal is to excel at business Japanese, read Japanese literature or get the coveted N2 or N1 for your next promotion, we all need a little help on our study journeys. When you’ve reached the precipice, it’s time to move on to Japanese textbooks for advanced learners. The list below are books, some very technical and dry and some fun and colorful, that can help you level up your study of advanced Japa ..read more