Tokyo International Friends & Events 東京国際交流会
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Everything expats and foreigners need to know about daily life in Japan. Housing, transport, money-saving tips, Japanese apps, healthcare, schooling for international families, and practical advice for making Japan feel like home. Written by people who actually live here.
Japan tourist tax 2026: departure tax triples ¥1,000→¥3,000 from July 1. Kyoto hotel tax up to ¥10,000/night. Complete guide for expats and tourists — all cities, all changes, key dates.
Japan freelance visa 2026 guide: no official freelance visa exists but working independently is possible. Engineer visa + Japanese sponsoring client, kojin jigyo registration, Blue Tax Return, and October 2025 Business Manager Visa changes.
THE TOKYO PASS gives unlimited entry to 50+ Tokyo museums, parks, gardens, zoos and aquariums — fully digital on your smartphone. TIFE founder Peter Chen personally tested it. Complete expat and tourist guide including attractions, plans, subway add-on, and Peter's honest verdict.
The definitive app guide for expats living in Japan in 2026. LINE, PayPay, Wise, Mercari, Yahoo フリマ, Hapitas, EC NAVI, The Tokyo App and more — organized by category with referral codes and full guides. By Peter Chen, 18+ years in Japan.
Japan driver license foreigner 2026: October 2025 reform explained, 29 countries exempt from tests, step-by-step JAF translation and conversion process, US states eligible, and what to do if you need to take the driving test.
Don Quijote's parent company opened the first Japan Robin Hood store on April 25, 2026 in Aichi Prefecture. Rice balls from ¥85, 300 stores planned by 2035. What expats need to know about Japan's newest discount grocery chain.
Japan food inflation hit 7%+ in 2025. Rice prices doubled to ¥4,748 for 5kg. In 2026 things are moderating but costs remain elevated. Real grocery prices, shopping tips, and the budget survival guide for Tokyo expats.
Japan tightened permanent residency rules in February 2026. New requirement: must hold 5-year visa at application time. Tax and pension compliance now zero-tolerance. Full guide for expats on the standard pathway, new rules, and what's coming next.