Top
Useful links and sharp discussion for foreign residents building a life, career, or business in Japan.
Curated, not algorithmic
Weekly digest
Strongly moderated
Jun 10, 2026 · Practical money guides for foreign residents in Japan: opening a bank account, sending money home, credit cards, PayPay and tax filing. Available in English, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese.
May 25, 2026 · Essential smartphone apps every foreigner in Japan needs. Navigation, translation, food delivery, payments, and more — all tested and recommended. Living in Japan without the right apps means guessing your way through train changes.
Jul 15, 2026 · A plain-language guide to gaimen kirikae in Japan: the October 2025 rule tightening, the document checklist, exempt countries, test format, fees, and how to book at your local driving license center.
May 16, 2026 · Step-by-step guide to converting your foreign driving licence in Japan through the gaimen kirikae process. Documents, eligibility, written test, practical test, fees, and timeline.
Japanese hobby circles, language exchange apps, expat groups, and workplace drinking events help you build a social circle and make lasting friendships.
Complete guide to joining hobby circles and clubs in Japan as a foreigner. Find saakuru, understand Japanese club culture, etiquette tips, and platforms to meet people.
A starter guide for foreign companies planning to start a business in Japan. It introduces Japan’s market attractiveness, entry options and establishment procedures, notifications required after registration, office setup, visa acquisition, opening.
Jun 10, 2026 · Learn how to register a sole proprietorship (個人事業) in Japan in 2025. Step-by-step guide to taxes, social security, forms, and benefits for freelancers.
Sep 27, 2026 · Learn how to navigate Japan's education system, build a support network, and manage cultural differences when raising children as a foreign parent.
Dec 15, 2025 · A practical 2025 guide for foreign parents raising children in Japan—covering education costs, subsidies, school options, and real challenges to expect.
Feb 28, 2025 · A comprehensive guide for expats in Japan covering everyday life, including housing, healthcare, transportation, work culture, and social integration. Get essential tips for a smooth transition and living experience in Japan.
Mar 3, 2026 · Your comprehensive guide to living in Japan as a foreigner. From visa and immigration to housing, healthcare, daily life, culture, and more — everything you need to thrive in Japan.
Jun 14, 2026 · If you live in Japan, you likely need to file an annual tax return (確定申告, kakutei shinkoku). This guide explains who must file, what to include, deadlines, and how to complete the process if your Japanese is limited.
A tax guide for foreigners in Japan: residency categories, income and resident tax, filing a kakutei shinkoku, tax treaties, and the pension lump-sum refund.
Free JLPT N3 and N2 study guides, grammar explanations, vocabulary and kanji references. No account needed.
Learning Japanese is easier and more enjoyable when you have the right resources. Whether you're a beginner or advancing toward fluency, this guide covers the best apps, textbooks, websites, and immersive tools to help you succeed.
How to apply for Japanese permanent residence: residence-period rules, documents, public payments and fees, with the October 1, 2026 guideline and filing-date transitions explained.
Mar 4, 2026 · Learn the different types of visas in Japan, student and work visa requirements, and how to change your visa status legally in Japan.
Complete guide to share houses in Japan for foreigners. Compare costs, learn the pros and cons, discover top platforms like Oakhouse and Borderless House, and find tips for a smooth experience.
Mar 27, 2025 · Renting an apartment in Japan can be a complex process, especially for foreigners unfamiliar with the local system. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from the application process to essential tips for.