Introduction Imagine this: you’re a foreign resident living in Japan, checking into a hotel after work. You hand over your address, fill out the guest registration form—and then they ask…
Rising Bear Incidents in Japan In recent years, Japan has seen a record-breaking rise in bear-related incidents. Reports of bears injuring people, damaging crops, and wandering into towns have reached…
In Japan, applying makeup on public transport is one of those everyday actions that sparks surprising levels of debate. Some see it as an unforgivable breach of manners, while others…
Navigating garbage rules in Japan can be surprisingly tricky—even within Tokyo’s 23 wards. Depending on where you live, the categories, bags, schedules, and procedures differ significantly. This article unpacks how…
When I ponder how the so-called “Ugly Japanese” generation—sometimes labeled as “Japanese Locusts”—feels about today’s overtourism in Japan, several threads emerge: nostalgia, awareness, and a wry sense of justice. Let…
The recent launch of the Pokémon-themed Happy Meal in Japan generated unprecedented excitement—and unexpected chaos. Here’s what unfolded, what McDonald’s officially announced in their August 11 statement (“Important Notice on…
In Japan, saying “no” directly can feel too blunt or confrontational. Instead, people often rely on indirect refusal expressions—phrases that soften the rejection and keep social harmony intact. These phrases…
In-Depth Analysis of the Business-Manager Visa Capital Requirement Increase For years, the Business-Manager (経営・管理) visa in Japan has been seen by some as a relatively straightforward pathway to long-term residence.…
For decades, Japan’s tax-free shopping system has been one of the country’s most attractive perks for overseas visitors. By presenting a passport at designated stores, foreign tourists have been able…
In Japan, the term “3K” is widely used to describe jobs that are considered undesirable because they are kitsui (きつい: tough), kitanai (汚い: dirty), and kiken (危険: dangerous).This phrase became…
