Tokyo International Friends & Events 東京国際交流会
Tokyo Best Expat Community | Make Friends in Tokyo | Get Access to Exclusive Events.
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 tax-free shopping system changes November 1, 2026: pay full 10% consumption tax at the register, claim refund at airport before departure. The ¥500,000 daily cap is abolished, ¥5,000 minimum per shop stays. Complete guide for expats living in Japan and tourists visiting.
Japan child allowance 2026: ¥15,000/month for children 0–2, ¥10,000/month for 3–15, extended to age 18 from October 2024. Foreign residents fully eligible regardless of nationality. Tokyo 018 Support adds ¥5,000/month per child under 18. A family with 2 kids could save ¥1–2 million yen per year — most expats don't know they qualify.
Mercari Japan seller fees 2026: 10% commission, ¥200 cash withdrawal (free via Merpay), 180-day earnings expiry. Real take-home math on items from ¥500 to ¥50,000 — exactly what lands in your pocket after every sale. Referral code GUJURR for ¥500 off your first purchase.
Japan visa fees rose July 1, 2026: single-entry visa from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 (5× increase), multiple-entry from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. First revision in 48 years. Complete confirmed-numbers guide for expats — renewals, PR applications, status changes, and what it costs you now.
Japan's government published new PR language requirement guidelines on July 3, 2026 — recommending mandatory Japanese Language and Lifestyle Learning as a condition for permanent residency. JLPT N2 expected benchmark. Trial from fiscal 2028. Complete expat guide to what's changing, who's affected, and what to do right now.
Reikun se subió al go-kart más de 10 veces. Reseña honesta 2026 del Ikenotaira Hotel en Nagano: bus directo desde Shinjuku, Super Pass, telesilla, ciclismo junto al lago y buffet con comida para bebés.
Mercari Japan only ships domestically — but you can still buy from anywhere. Full comparison of proxy platforms (Buyee), Mercari’s cross-border program, and Tokyo Buy For You personal shopping, plus customs and shipping pitfalls.
SMBC Olive is the all-in-one bank account + Visa card every expat in Japan should have in 2026. Open it with referral code FF67062-8762991 and get ¥1,000 in V Points — full step-by-step guide.