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Essentials

Essentials

Your first steps in Japan: Essential guides for newcomers navigating their new life.

63 published guidesLatest first
EssentialsHousing & Daily LifeMoney & CardsWork & Study

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Using Your Zairyu (Residence) Card in Daily Life in Japan
July 12, 2026

Using Your Zairyu (Residence) Card in Daily Life in Japan

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Shakai Hoken vs Kokumin Hoken: Which Insurance Should You Choose in Japan?
July 12, 2026

Shakai Hoken vs Kokumin Hoken: Which Insurance Should You Choose in Japan?

Essentials
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Re-Entry Permit for Japan: Special (Deemed) vs Regular — Full Guide
July 12, 2026

Re-Entry Permit for Japan: Special (Deemed) vs Regular — Full Guide

Essentials
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Lost Your Residence Card or Passport in Japan? Do This
July 12, 2026

Lost Your Residence Card or Passport in Japan? Do This

Essentials
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Do You Need Travel Insurance for Japan? A Tourist's Guide
July 12, 2026

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Japan? A Tourist's Guide

Essentials
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Japan 2026 Rule Changes for Foreigners: 12 Laws That Affect Your Visa & Daily Life
July 12, 2026

Japan 2026 Rule Changes for Foreigners: 12 Laws That Affect Your Visa & Daily Life

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Giving Birth in Japan: Costs & Choosing a Hospital (for Foreigners)
July 12, 2026

Giving Birth in Japan: Costs & Choosing a Hospital (for Foreigners)

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Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Japan: The Complete Pre-Arrival Guide
July 12, 2026

Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Japan: The Complete Pre-Arrival Guide

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Bringing Medication into Japan: The Yakkan Shoumei Explained
July 12, 2026

Bringing Medication into Japan: The Yakkan Shoumei Explained

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[2026 Comparison] Don Quijote vs Bic Camera vs Yodobashi
July 12, 2026

[2026 Comparison] Don Quijote vs Bic Camera vs Yodobashi

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[2026 Comparison] SIM Cards for Foreigners: Mobal, GTN, Rakuten, JP Smart, IIJmio
July 12, 2026

[2026 Comparison] SIM Cards for Foreigners: Mobal, GTN, Rakuten, JP Smart, IIJmio

Essentials
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[2026 Comparison] MUJI vs Nitori vs Seria
July 12, 2026

[2026 Comparison] MUJI vs Nitori vs Seria

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Start here

Get a SIM and phone numberCheck residence card basicsOpen a bank account

GTN Mobile

Best mobile service for foreigners in Japan!

GTN Mobile
View GTN Mobile ↗👉

Connectivity in Japan

Get a SIM with just your passport

Connectivity in Japan
Get a Phone Number Now ↗👉

Secure Internet Access

Access sites from home & stay safe

Secure Internet Access
Try NordVPN ↗👉

Rakuten Mobile

Unlimited data for 3,278 JPY/mo

Rakuten Mobile
View Rakuten Mobile ↗👉

Octopus Energy

Cheaper, greener energy for your home

Octopus Energy
View Details ↗👉

TikTok Lite

Earn points just by watching videos!

TikTok Lite
Install Now ↗👉