All guides
Cost of Living in Japan for Foreign Residents (June 2026)
Understand the cost of living in Japan for foreign residents with the latest Consumer Price Index data for Tokyo's 23 wards from June 2026.
How to Sort and Throw Away Garbage in Japan (2026): A Foreign Resident's Practical Guide
Confused by Japan's garbage rules? Learn the four categories — burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, oversized — how to find your city's collection days and bags, and how to avoid bags being left behind.
International School vs Japanese School for Foreign Children in Japan
Cost, curriculum (IB), language, admission, social fit, and continuity if you leave Japan: how to choose between international and Japanese schools for your child.
Disaster & Emergency Guide for Foreigners in Japan (2026): What To Do When It Happens
Earthquake, tsunami or typhoon in Japan? Learn what J-Alert means, the right actions in the first seconds, emergency numbers, your evacuation area, and the official multilingual alert apps to install now.
How to Dispose of Large Items (Sodai Gomi) in Japan
Booking pickups, fee stickers, and the separate rules for TVs, fridges, washers, ACs and PCs. Plus how to clear out large items when you move or leave Japan.
Best Translation Apps & Devices for Japan: Daily Life, Hospital & City Hall
The best translation apps and devices for Japan: Google Translate, DeepL, VoiceTra and Pocketalk — for the hospital, city hall, reading mail, and daily life.
Renters' Fire Insurance in Japan: What It Covers & How to Save
Your Japan lease likely requires fire insurance. What it covers (contents, tenant & personal liability), the cost, and how choosing your own policy can save money.
How to Sort Garbage in Japan: A Foreigner's Guide to the Rules
Confused by Japan's garbage rules? Burnable, non-burnable, recyclables and oversized (sodai gomi) explained — plus how to find your city's days and designated bags.
Mercari Guide for Foreigners in Japan: Buy Cheap & Sell Before You Leave
How to use Mercari in Japan as a foreigner: sign-up and ID check, buying, selling (10% fee), anonymous shipping, and selling everything before you leave Japan.
The NHK Fee in Japan: Do Foreigners Have to Pay? Cost, Exemptions & How to Cancel
Do foreigners pay the NHK fee? If you have a TV (or one-seg device) you must contract under Broadcast Act Art. 64. The cost, who's exempt, and how to cancel.
UR Rental Housing in Japan for Foreigners: No Key Money, No Guarantor
UR rental housing has no key money, no agency fee, no guarantor and no renewal fee — and foreigners can apply. Eligibility, costs, and how to apply, explained.
Japan Childbirth Lump Sum (出産一時金): How to Claim ¥500,000 as a Foreign Resident
Japan pays ¥500,000 to anyone who gives birth while enrolled in Japanese health insurance — regardless of nationality. Here is how to claim it, what documentation you need, and common mistakes that lead to rejection.