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Your complete A–Z guide to living in Japan as an expat or foreigner. From opening a bank account and getting a SIM card to navigating the healthcare system, Japanese bureaucracy, and daily life hacks. Curated by Peter Chen, 18+ years in Tokyo — so you can skip the hard lessons.
Japan's mobile phone fraud-prevention law was overhauled in 2026 — ID verification is moving to IC-chip reading, and data-only SIM cards are being pulled into scope for the first time. Here's what's confirmed and what to expect when you buy a SIM.
Share house vs apartment in Japan: a 2026 cost, contract and lifestyle comparison for foreigners — with a clear recommendation for new arrivals.
Gasoline in Japan should be a lot more expensive right now given global oil prices — it isn't, because the government is spending reserve funds to hold the national average near ¥170/liter. Here's what's actually happening and what it means for your budget.
Japan's paper health insurance card is no longer accepted as of August 2026. Here's exactly how foreign residents get a Myna Hokensho or Shikaku Kakuninsho — and how to fix the name-mismatch problem that trips up so many of us.
Japan's National Police Agency logged ¥324.1 billion in fraud losses in its latest annual figures — fake police calls, social media investment schemes, and romance scams. Here's how these actually work and how foreign residents can avoid becoming a statistic.
Japan's Cabinet has approved cutting the consumption tax on food from 8% to 1% for two years starting April 2027. Here's exactly what's been decided, what still needs Diet approval, and how residents can save on groceries right now.
Tokyo is subsidizing electric and hybrid vehicle purchases by up to ¥1.3 million per car — and it stacks with national subsidies. Here's who qualifies, how much you can actually get back, and how to apply.
UK officials have issued a warning about drink-spiking and credit card fraud targeting visitors in Tokyo's Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro nightlife districts. Here's exactly how the scam works and how to protect yourself and your guests.