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Paperwork & registration in Japan
The paperwork that makes you official in Japan — residence card first steps, My Number, address registration at the ward office, and status renewals.
Paperwork & registration (70)
Autumn Leaves in Japan: A Newcomer's Guide to Koyo Season
When and where Japan's autumn leaves (koyo) peak, beginner train-reachable spots, and simple timing and etiquette tips for newcomers. #PR
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Gift-Giving in Japan: Ochugen, Oseibo, Omiyage and the Unspoken Rules
A warm, practical guide to Japan's gift culture: ochugen, oseibo, omiyage, host gifts, plus wrapping and price-range etiquette newcomers miss. #PR
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Living in a Share House in Japan: How It Works and Who It Suits
A newcomer-friendly guide to share houses in Japan: low-barrier sign-up, shared vs private space, house rules, and how they compare to a solo apartment. #PR
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UR and Public Housing in Japan: Renting Without Key Money or a Guarantor
How UR and municipal public housing let you rent without key money, agency fees, or a personal guarantor. #PR
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Seikotsuin, Acupuncture and Bodywork in Japan: What They Treat and How Insurance Applies
A plain guide to bonesetter clinics, acupuncture and massage in Japan: what each treats, when insurance may apply vs self-pay, and how to book. #PR
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Changing Jobs in Japan: How Resigning (Taishoku) Actually Works
Moving to a new job in Japan? Here's the resignation flow, notice norms, and the documents to keep for your next role. #PR
Read the guide →Renewing Your Driver's License in Japan: The Notice, the Lecture and Timing
A friendly walkthrough of Japanese license renewal: the postcard, eye test, safety lecture and how driving-record classes differ. Procedure only. #PR
Read the guide →Reviewing Your Electricity and Gas in Japan: Another Fixed Cost You Can Rethink
A calm guide to reviewing your electricity and city-gas plans in Japan, matching a plan to how you actually use energy. #PR
Read the guide →Hello Work and Unemployment Benefits in Japan: A Newcomer's Overview
What Hello Work does, how employment-insurance unemployment benefits broadly work, and the visit-and-report rhythm. #PR
Read the guide →Getting Around by Scooter or Moped in Japan: Licenses, Registration and When It Fits
A gentle guide to mopeds and scooters in Japan: the license, registration, light-vehicle tax and insurance in general terms. #PR
Read the guide →Attending a Japanese Wedding: Invitations, Goshugi and What to Wear
Invited to a Japanese wedding? A warm newcomer's guide to invitations, RSVPs, goshugi cash gifts, dress code and the nijikai. #PR
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Avoiding Scams and Phishing in Japan: Fake Texts, Calls and Delivery Cons
A calm guide to spotting fake delivery texts, spoofed bank messages and phone-call scams in Japan, and where to report them. #PR
Read the guide →Dressing for Japan's Seasons: What to Wear and Where to Buy Clothes
A newcomer's guide to dressing for Japan's four distinct seasons and where residents actually buy clothes and find their size. #PR
Read the guide →Living in a Japanese-Style Room: Tatami, Futon, Shoji and Upkeep
New to a washitsu? Care for tatami, air your futon so it stays mould-free, and handle shoji and fusuma with ease. #PR
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Streaming, Music and Entertainment in Japan: Setting Up Your Accounts
How a newcomer sorts everyday entertainment in Japan: signing up for video and music streaming, the region and payment method that gate some apps, and Wi-Fi versus mobile data on the go. #PR
Read the guide →Adult Vaccinations and Flu Shots in Japan: Where and How to Get Them
How adults get a flu shot, travel and catch-up vaccinations in Japan, where they're offered, and how self-pay works. #PR
Read the guide →Dealing with the Language Barrier in Japan: Translation Tools and Everyday Tactics
Practical ways to get by day-to-day in Japan before you're fluent: translation tools, menus, forms, and a few phrases. #PR
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Earthquake Preparedness in Japan: Early Warnings, Your Go-Bag and What to Do
How Japan's earthquake early warning works, the drop-cover-hold basics, packing a go-bag, and checking in with family. #PR
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Renewing Your Passport and Using Your Embassy in Japan
How residents can renew a passport, register, use document services, and handle a lost passport through their embassy in Japan. #PR
Read the guide →Reading Your Japanese Employment Contract: Terms to Check Before You Sign
A plain-language guide to the key terms in a Japanese employment contract and conditions notice to check before you sign. #PR
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Saving and Investing in Japan: NISA and iDeCo Basics for Residents
Hi, I'm Miya. A gentle, plain-language walk through Japan's NISA and iDeCo tax-friendly accounts, so you can plan long-term saving with confidence. Not financial advice. #PR
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Volunteering in Japan as a Newcomer: Finding Causes and Community
Hi, I'm Miya. Here's my warm guide to finding volunteer opportunities in Japan as a newcomer — and building real local ties along the way. #PR
Read the guide →Writing a Japanese Resume: The Rirekisho and Shokumu Keirekisho, Explained
Hi, I'm Miya! A friendly walkthrough of Japan's two job-hunting documents — the formatted rirekisho and the work-history shokumu keirekisho — plus photo, hanko, and the mistakes first-timers make. #PR
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How to Earn Rakuten Points in Everyday Life: A Practical Habit Guide
A practical guide to building a Rakuten points habit in Japan: earn through online shopping, code payment at everyday shops, and the card, with one connected ecosystem. #PR
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Rakuten SPU Explained: How the Point-Multiplier Program Actually Works
A calm explainer of Rakuten SPU (Super Point Up): what the point-multiplier program is, how stacking qualifying services works, and how to choose what fits. #PR
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Switching Carriers While Keeping Your Number (MNP) in Japan, Explained
How number portability (MNP) lets you keep your existing Japanese number when you change mobile provider: the one-stop flow, what to have ready, and roughly how long it takes. #PR
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Using Rakuten Pay in Japan: Setting It Up and Paying at the Register
A hands-on guide to Rakuten Pay in Japan: link a payment source, pay by QR or barcode at the register, put points toward a payment, and where it works day to day. #PR
Read the guide →Coworking Spaces in Japan: Drop-In Desks, Membership and Meeting Rooms
How coworking works in Japan: drop-in vs membership, hot desk vs fixed, meeting rooms, address and mail services. #PR
Read the guide →Finding a Place of Worship in Japan: Churches, Mosques and Faith Communities
A warm, respectful guide to finding churches, mosques, temples and faith communities in Japan, including English services and how congregations help newcomers settle. #PR
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Using Public Libraries in Japan: Getting a Card and What They Offer
How newcomers get a free local library card and use foreign-language books, study seats, Wi-Fi, and online reservations. #PR
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Getting Around Japan with a Disability or Accessibility Needs
A respectful, practical guide to getting around Japan with mobility or accessibility needs — station help, barrier-free routes, and staying connected. #PR
Read the guide →Hobby and Culture Classes in Japan: From Pottery to Cooking to Calligraphy
Miya's warm guide to joining hobby and culture classes in Japan — pottery, cooking, ikebana, tea, calligraphy — and finding beginner-friendly, English-supported options. #PR
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Leaving and Coming Back: Re-Entry Permits for Residents Traveling Abroad
How the special re-entry permit works, when you need the full permit, and keeping your status active while you travel from Japan. #PR
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Running in Japan: Popular Routes, Running Culture and Entering a Marathon
How running works in Japan for newcomers: routes, clubs, and how city marathon entry and lotteries run. A warm, practical guide. #PR
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Using ATMs in Japan: Konbini Machines, Bank Hours and Foreign Cards
New in Japan? How to get cash: convenience-store ATMs that take foreign cards, choosing English, bank hours and after-hours fees. #PR
Read the guide →Booking Domestic Travel in Japan: Shinkansen, Highway Buses and Hotels
A friendly guide to booking a trip inside Japan: shinkansen seats, highway and night buses, hotels and ryokan, and how e-tickets work. #PR
Read the guide →Eating Out with Dietary Restrictions in Japan: Vegetarian, Halal and Allergies
A warm, practical guide to eating out in Japan with vegetarian, vegan, halal or allergy needs: phrases, menus and hidden ingredients. #PR
Read the guide →Leaving Japan: The Moving-Out Checklist Nobody Hands You
Your departure sequence for leaving Japan: move-out notice, utilities, resident tax, residence card return, bank, and closing your line last. #PR
Read the guide →Owning a Car in Japan: Shaken, Parking Certificates and Running Costs
A newcomer's plain guide to owning a car in Japan: shaken inspection, the parking certificate you need before buying, insurance and real running costs. #PR
Read the guide →Going Freelance in Japan: The Kaigyo Todoke and Self-Employment Basics
A calm, step-by-step guide to registering as self-employed in Japan: the kaigyo todoke, blue-return filing, invoicing, and setting money aside. #PR
Read the guide →Shopping Online in Japan: Setting Up Accounts, Payment and Delivery
A newcomer's guide to shopping online in Japan: making an account, paying, and getting things delivered to your door. #PR
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Using a Public Bath (Sento) in Japan: Etiquette and How It Works
A warm first-timer's guide to the neighborhood sento: shoe lockers, the wash-before-soaking routine, what to bring, and relaxed local culture. #PR
Read the guide →Getting Glasses or Contact Lenses in Japan: Eye Tests, Shops and Prescriptions
Hi, I'm Miya! Here's how to get glasses fast, why contact lenses often need an eye clinic, and the words you'll need. #PR
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Surviving Hay Fever in Japan: Cedar Pollen Season (Kafunsho), Explained
Hi, I'm Miya. Cedar and cypress pollen, when it peaks, and gentle relief so kafunsho doesn't blindside your spring. #PR
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Your First New Year in Japan: Nengajo, Hatsumode and Osechi
Miya's warm guide to joining your first oshogatsu: nengajo cards, hatsumode shrine visits, osechi food and otoshidama. #PR
Read the guide →Neighborhood Associations in Japan: The Chonaikai and Fitting into Your Block
Miya's warm guide to Japan's chonaikai and jichikai: joining, small dues, rotating duties, and staying looped into your neighborhood. #PR
Read the guide →Paying Your Bills in Japan: Payment Slips, Auto-Debit and App Billing
How to actually pay recurring bills in Japan month to month — konbini payment slips, bank auto-debit, card billing and paperless apps. #PR
Read the guide →Starting a New Job in Japan: Work Culture and Office Norms for Newcomers
Miya's warm guide to your first Japanese job: onboarding paperwork, meishi, hou-ren-sou, meetings and nomikai. #PR
Read the guide →The NHK Reception Fee: What the Door Visit Is About and Your Options
A calm, factual guide to Japan's NHK reception fee: what it is, the door visit, contracting, payment, and handling it online. #PR
Read the guide →Laundry in Japan: Coin Laundries, Dry Cleaning and Drying Indoors
How newcomers actually handle laundry in Japan: coin laundries and their apps, dry cleaners, and drying indoors when it's humid. #PR
Read the guide →Getting Official Certificates in Japan: Juminhyo, Seal Certificates and Konbini Issuance
How newcomers get the paperwork other procedures ask for: juminhyo, seal certificate, and konbini kiosk printing. #PR
Read the guide →Going to the Dentist in Japan: Finding a Clinic, Insurance and What to Expect
Hi, I'm Miya. Here's how dental care in Japan works for newcomers: finding a clinic, using insurance, and what to expect at the chair. #PR
Read the guide →Renewing Your Apartment Lease in Japan: The Two-Year Mark and Koushinryou
What surprises renters at the two-year mark in Japan: the renewal notice, koushinryou, and whether to stay or move. A calm guide from Miya. #PR
Read the guide →Making Restaurant Reservations in Japan: Apps, Phone Calls and Course Menus
A newcomer's guide to booking a table in Japan — when to reserve, how apps and phone bookings work, and what a course menu means. #PR
Read the guide →Registering a Marriage in Japan as a Foreign Resident
A calm, procedural walkthrough of marriage registration (kon-in todoke) in Japan for international couples, with links to official guidance. #PR
Read the guide →Staying Warm in a Japanese Winter: Cold Homes, Kotatsu and Heating Basics
Why Japanese apartments feel colder than expected, and how to stay cozy with a kotatsu, air-con heat mode and safe heaters. #PR
Read the guide →Reading Japanese Addresses: Why Streets Have No Names and How to Find Places
How Japan's block-based address system works, why buildings aren't in street order, and how to actually find a place. #PR
Read the guide →Getting a Hanko (Personal Seal) in Japan: When You Still Need One
What a hanko is, when Japan still asks for one, the seal types, custom seals for foreign names, and ward-office registration. #PR
Read the guide →Finding Full-Time Work in Japan: A Newcomer's Job-Search Guide
A calm guide to the full-time job hunt in Japan: how the search works, the two résumés, agencies vs direct, and interviews. #PR
Read the guide →Finding a Part-Time Job as a Student in Japan (Arubaito Basics)
A gentle guide to student arubaito: the work permission you need, the weekly hour limit, where to look, and the interview. #PR
Read the guide →Renewing Your Residence Status in Japan: Timing and Documents
A calm, friendly walkthrough of renewing your status of residence in Japan: when to start, what to bring, and the office visit. #PR
Read the guide →The My Number Card: What It Is and Why Newcomers Should Get One
A plain explainer of Japan's My Number system and card — what it does for tax, insurance and digital services, and how to apply after you register. #PR
Read the guide →Arriving in Japan as a Student: A Pre-Departure & First-Week Setup Guide
A calm checklist for April/September study-abroad arrivals: paperwork, first-day connectivity, and your first week. #PR
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The Documents to Prepare Before You Move to Japan
A pre-departure paperwork checklist for moving to Japan — passport, visa, proof of enrollment, ID photos and copies. #PR
Read the guide →Getting a Japanese Address: How It Gates Your Bank, SIM and Deliveries
Register your address at the ward office within 14 days — it unlocks your bank, mobile number and reliable deliveries. Step order. #PR
Read the guide →Your First 7 Days in Japan: Residence Card, Ward Office, Bank, SIM — In Order
Your landing-week checklist in the order things actually unlock: residence card, ward office, bank, mobile. Do them in sequence. #PR
Read the guide →Relocating to Japan for Work: The Personal Setup Your Company Won't Do for You
Your employer handles the visa and flat. Here is the personal admin you still have to do yourself. #PR
Read the guide →Working Holiday in Japan: Getting Your Phone, Bank and Basics Sorted
Working holiday in Japan? Here is the first-steps order — residence card, phone number, bank — so you can apply for jobs and get paid fast. #PR
Read the guide →Registering at the Ward Office: A Newcomer's Walkthrough
Moving into Japan means one key errand at your local ward or city office within 14 days — here's exactly what to bring and what happens. #PR
Read the guide →Your Residence Card: The First Thing to Understand in Japan
Your residence card is the key that unlocks your SIM, bank account, and ward-office registration — here's what to do first. #PR
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