Planning a Move to Japan: The Importance of Fact-Finding
Tokyo Tower rises up above the city. Photo © Nattachai Sesaud.
Many people are attracted to karate, sumo, Zen Buddhism, anime, or high-tech gadgetry, and imagine how great it would be to experience these things in Japan. A fact-finding trip is an important step to take before deciding on a permane
Comparing Japan to the United States
A Shinto prayer tablet featuring Colonel Sanders of KFC. Photo © Chris Gladis, licensed Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives.
When you first come to Japan, you may observe things that look like cultural contradictions, a clash of East and West. For example, while waiting on a train platform
Dos and Don'ts When Living In or Visiting Japan
Go on a trip? It’s customary to bring back a small, often edible souvenir to share with your hosts or colleagues. Photo © Meredith P. licensed Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives.
When you visit another culture you inevitably run into situations where local people speak or act in way
Thinking About Living Abroad in Japan?
The popular shopping district near Shibuya Station. Photo © Yoshikazu Takada, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
The appeal of living in a different country—as opposed to being a tourist—is that you can go beyond fascination with cultural differences and perceived mystique. Although some Japan
Studying Abroad in Japan
Statue of Takata Sanae at Waseda University. Photo © Dick Johnson, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Many universities in the United States have study abroad and exchange programs with universities in Japan that include housing, language studies, and cultural activities for three months to a
Popular Festivals in Japan
Float representing Moso, a figure in folklore, at Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri. Photo © Chris Gladis, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Almost every town and city in Japan has its own matsuri (festival) celebrating the new year, changing seasons, or a historic event. Matsuri often take place at
Housing Options in Japan
Houses in Kyoto. Photo © Dave Lau, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
If you’ve heard anything about the cost of living in Japan, you’ve probably been warned that housing prices in Tokyo are out of sight. A two-room rental apartment in Tokyo can cost anywhere from $800 to $18,000 per month, an
How to Move to Japan with Pets
Bringing a pet to Japan involves fulfilling many requirements, but the companionship may be worth it. Photo © showbizsuperstar, licensed Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives.
When deciding to move to Japan, you may want to bring your favorite cat, dog, or other pet with you. It can be done,
Moving to Japan with Children
Takanawadai Elementary School in Tokyo. Photo © scarletgreen, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
If you are taking your family with you to Japan on a student or work visa, each member will need to obtain a dependent visa at a Japanese consulate office outside Japan in order to enter the countr
Gender Roles in Japan
Hina dolls displayed for Girl’s Day (March 3). Photo © conifer, licensed Creative Commons Atribution.
There’s a general perception by many Americans that Japanese women have lower status than men, that they don’t have equal rights. As evidence, we point to the majority of Japanese women who
Moving to Tokyo: Choosing Where to Live
Itabashi-ku, Tokyo. Photo © Takayuki Miki, licensed Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives.
If you’ve already firmed up a job or study program in Tokyo, it will simplify your housing search. Ask yourself the following key questions: How far am I willing to commute? (The average Tokyoite commu
Cultural Values of Japan
Two young men at the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Photo © Yoshikazu Takada, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Family ties are strong in Japan and bind not only the living extended family but also generations of ancestors. You may notice that Japanese are not physically demonstrative in public and
Visiting a Shinto Shrine on New Year's Eve in Akan
Visiting a shrine on New Year’s Eve. Photo © Ruthy Kanagy.
It’s the last day of December and I’m walking on a road that leads from the village of Akan to the Shinto shrine on top of a hill. Falling snow obscures the footprints of the villagers ahead of me. Snowdrifts line the sho
Working and Employment in Japan for Foreigners
Businessmen head to work in Tokyo. Photo © Banalities, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Employment in Japan has shifted significantly from the days when major kaisha (companies) guaranteed lifetime employment to young (male) college graduates with promotion based on seniority. Today hal
Consider Living Abroad: At Home in Japan
A woman stands before a message board in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Photo © MIKI Yoshihito, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
It’s easy to fall in love with the sheer beauty of Japan—rugged mountains and coast, subtle changing of seasons, carefully practiced ancient arts, intriguing cuisine, and
LGBT Culture in Japan
Same-sex attraction and love has long been a part of Japanese Buddhism and samurai tradition, according to historical and literary references. The Tale of Genji, written in the 11th century by court lady Murasaki Shikibu and considered by many to be the world’s first novel, includes a scene in whi
Doing business & staying in touch while in Japan
Japan: Doing business & staying in touch
Japan Weather, Climate and Geography
Japan Weather, climate and geography
Japan History, Language and Culture
Japan History, Language and Culture
Japan Travel Guide and Travel Information
Japan Travel Guide
