So now you’re living in Japan as an expatriate, settled in your new apartment or house, and you’ve received your first electric bill. How do you pay it, and how do you calculate the bill to ensure you’re not being cheated? Ignoring the b...

The Traditional Japanese Wedding Some Japanese people still have a traditional wedding, while many opt for a Western-style ceremony. Some will even combine elements of both. Unlike a Western wedding, a traditional Japanese ceremony is mo...

What Constitutes a Legal Marriage? In Japan, much like in the U.S., a legal marriage involves civil registration at a municipal government office. To marry legally, men must be 18 years or older, and women must be 16 years or older. A re...

Electrical Outlets in Japan Sockets are not the same in every country. In the US, electricity is 120 volts and has two or three prong outlets. But in Japan, the electricity is 100 volts and has two-prong outlets. Although Japanese two-pi...

If you plan to stay in Japan for more than 90 days, or if you plan to work in Japan, you will need a working visa. There are several types of working visa available in Japan. All types of visas are valid for either 1 or 3 years. The Japa...

The Japanese are most interested in visiting Western countries. The table below shows the top ten countries, travel destinations visited by Japanese. This is not the most recent data, but it is from 2009. However, this data has probably ...

Are you passionate about manga? Passionate enough to pursue a PhD? In June 2011, Kyoto Seika University announced a groundbreaking doctoral program for manga, set to launch in April 2012. This private university is known for its strong f...

When you hear "Tokyo," you might picture a scene reminiscent of Times Square: dazzling billboards, bustling crowds in business attire, a fast-paced energy. But Tokyo, like New York City, is much more than its central district. It's a pre...

In Japan, midsummer holds a special place in cultural traditions. There are 18 days designated as midsummer days. During this period, people exchange summer greeting cards. Among these days, two are known as the “Doyo no Ushi” named afte...

A Summer of Festivals in Japan Japan is known for its polite and reserved culture, but the country also knows how to celebrate. Summer in Japan is a season-long party with countless festivals, both local and regional. These summer festiv...