If you have ever experienced an election season in Japan, you know the ritual. White-gloved candidates stand atop small vans, repeating their names over loudspeakers with a deafeningly polite “Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu!” (Please support me!). To the uninitiated, it looks like a bizarre performance. To the cynical observer, it looks like a game with very simple […]
Have you been ignoring the political posters appearing all over your neighborhood? If you’re living in Japan as a foreign resident, you might feel like the February 2026 General Election is a “Japanese-only” event. After all, you don’t have a ballot in your hand. But here is the Reality of Japan: While you can’t vote, […]
Have you ever seen the Reddit threads titled “Japan Zero Racism” attached to a photo of a “Japanese Only” sign? It’s a bitter piece of irony that circulates the internet every few months. Many foreigners arrive in Japan with stars in their eyes. They hear about Omotenashi (hospitality), the low crime rate, and the politeness […]
The announcement was splashed across headlines worldwide: “Japan finally launches Digital Nomad Visa!” For many remote workers, this was the dream. Imagine coding from a cafe in Shibuya during the day and eating izakaya food at night, legally, for six months. No more visa runs. No more lying at immigration about being a “tourist.” But […]
You live in Tokyo, a metropolis of 14 million people. You are surrounded by crowds on the train, in the streets, and at work. Yet, you find yourself eating dinner alone, scrolling through social media, wondering why it feels so isolating. If you are feeling this “social isolation,” let me tell you two things immediately: […]
You found a perfect apartment in Tokyo listed for ¥80,000. You do the math: “Okay, first month’s rent plus a deposit… maybe ¥160,000 to move in?” You go to the real estate agent, and they hand you an estimate: ¥450,000. Welcome to the “Shokishiyo” (Initial Cost) shock. In most countries, moving costs are transparent. In […]
Introduction: The “Tech Stack” Gap In the Japanese IT market, your salary is not just about how good you are. It is about supply and demand. According to the latest data from major Japanese recruitment agencies (Levtech, Paiza), there is a clear trend: “Modern & Scarce” languages pay significantly more than “Legacy & Common” ones. […]
Introduction: The “Bachelor’s Degree” Myth “Can I work in Japan without a university degree?” The short answer is: YES. For decades, Japan’s immigration policy was strictly “Degree Holders Only.” But as the labor shortage gets worse, the doors have opened. However, the rules are different for Vocational Graduates (Senmon-shi) and High School Graduates. You need […]
Introduction: The “Entry Fee” to Japan You want to move to Japan? The Japanese Immigration system is a gatekeeper asking one question: “What is your value?” Whether you are a fresh graduate, a wealthy entrepreneur, or a sushi chef, there is a specific door for you. But the rules are complex, and the “best” visa […]
Introduction: The “Cheap Japan” Paradox Japan is currently the world’s favorite travel destination. Why? Because it is incredibly cheap—for tourists holding Dollars or Euros. But if you live here and earn Japanese Yen, the reality is very different. Inflation is rising, electricity bills are soaring, but salaries for the average worker remain stagnant. If you […]
