Applying for Daycare (Hoikuen) in Japan: A Complete Guide for Foreign Residents

Choosing a nursery school (hoikuen) in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially if you are a foreign resident dealing with new systems, documents, and deadlines. This…

Japan Through Japanese Eyes

Japan Through Japanese Eyes

Choosing a nursery school (hoikuen) in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially if you are a foreign resident dealing with new systems, documents, and deadlines. This…

Japan’s national sport of sumo might seem closed to outsiders—but it is possible for foreign men to become professional rikishi (wrestlers) in Japan. That said,…

How many times have you moved so far?As for me, I’ve moved eight times since childhood, and several of those moves were handled by professional…

Hello everyone.Suddenly, have you ever heard of an instrument called the shamisen?Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of Japan’s most iconic traditional instruments…

In Japan, many municipalities subsidize medical expenses for children. Learn how the system works, how to apply, and what foreign residents must check. 1. What…

Do you know which dog breed is the most popular in Japan?It’s the Shiba Inu — also known as Shiba-ken, Shiba-inu, or simply Shiba —…

(Why ground, water, and tsunami risks matter more than the floor plan) Buying a home in Japan can be exciting — but smart buyers look…

If you are living and working in Japan as a foreign national, you might wonder whether you’re eligible for unemployment benefits when your job ends,…

Japan has made significant strides in recent years to reduce the cost of early childhood education and care. But if you’re a foreign national living…

Have you ever tasted Castella before?It’s one of Japan’s most beloved traditional sweets — simple in appearance, yet refined in flavor.A good Castella is moist,…

Do you think all Japanese people are Buddhists? Yes, that’s roughly correct.However, Japanese people themselves are not aware of this. Religion in Japan Let’s take…

When a loved one passes away, funeral customs vary widely across countries and cultures. In Japan, there is a distinctive “standard” style of funeral which…

Sumo is often referred to as Japan’s national sport. But have you ever wondered how much money these wrestlers actually make?Let’s take a closer look…

Japan has been welcoming more and more visitors every year, and travelers from around the world are enjoying its many famous attractions across the country.…

Sumo has long been known as Japan’s national sport, but in recent years, it has begun to draw talented wrestlers from all around the world.…

It’s been six months since my daughter was born, and she’s growing up healthy and strong.This time, I’d like to share my experience raising my…