Lifestyle
‘Sleep tourism’ promises the trip of your dreams. Beyond the hype plus 5 tips for a holiday at home
Imagine arriving at your hotel after a long flight and being greeted by your own personal sleep butler. They present you with a pillow menu and invite you to a sleep meditation session later that day. You unpack in a room kitted with an AI-powered smart bed, blackout shades, blue… Read
Everything there is to know about Japan’s point cards
If you have spent any amount of time in Japan, you will quickly notice that point card culture here is on another level. Japanese point cards are a big deal—almost every shop has its own point card! Whether at the convenience store, department store or the local neighborhood cafe, the… Read
Romantic breakups can spark severe trauma in young people: new study
What should I study? What do I want to be? How will I pay for my education? Who do I want to spend the rest of my life with? These are the life-changing decisions many young people face. Emerging adulthood (between the ages of 18 and 25 years) is a critical… Read
How to read a Japanese payslip
If you work in Japan, then a payslip or kyuryou meisai is no stranger to you. You receive it either as a physical sheet of paper or a digital file. Upon opening it, you’ll see the breakdown of your salary, from special allowances or bonuses to how many more days of vacation… Read
How to get a driver’s license in Japan
Japan is known for its efficient and far-reaching transportation system. With several train lines and a vast network of buses, it’s easy to get around. However, driving is your best bet if you want to take the road less traveled. For this and many other reasons, having a driver’s license can be handy. Applying… Read
Permanent video game art museum now being built in Japan
No matter which side of the “Are video games art?” debate a person maybe on, there’s no denying that there’s a lot of artwork that goes into video games. Whether it’s hand-drawn character portraits and concept illustrations, bitmap graphics, polygonal models, or rendered CG cinematics, video games are a very… Read
Government benefits for having children in Japan
With financial incentives, free services and benefits on the horizon, Japan has parents with children covered from birth to high school. If you’re thinking of having children, are pregnant, or already have little and not-so-little ones around the home, check out our overview of the benefits offered to families with children… Read
Tips for first-time property buyers in Japan
Most foreigners in Japan rent, but an increasing number are staying long-term and looking to put down roots. However, buying real estate as a foreigner can be complex. The information in this article is based on first-hand experience and aims to clarify the processes and provide ballpark figures for costs.… Read
Is June the worst month in Japan?
June has arrived, and with it comes a contender for the worst month of the year. Surely, other times test our limits. Japan’s most important holidays are Golden Week from late April to early May, Obon (commemorative days for remembering ancestors) in mid-August and the New Year holidays. Vacationing during these periods can be chaotic as… Read
Making reservations in Japanese
Traveling around Japan doesn’t have to be intimidating as long as you’ve made the necessary arrangements. In cities like Tokyo or Osaka, there are endless booking portals that let you reserve hotels, hotels and even ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in English. However, if you venture out into the countryside or try to make reservations… Read
