Latest posts
Japan’s Summer Electricity Bills (2026)
Why Japan’s summer electricity bills spike, how the 2026 government subsidy works, and which AC savings habits actually make a difference.
What Is Obon? Using Paid Leave (2026)
Obon isn’t a national holiday, but stacking paid leave around Mountain Day can get you up to 9 consecutive days off in August 2026.
Marrying in Japan as an American (2026)
A practical guide for Americans marrying in Japan — city hall registration, the 2025 eligibility affidavit change, and the US side’s paperwork.
Guarantor Company vs Co-Signer in Japan (2026)
A breakdown of Japan’s guarantor company fees and renewal costs, how they differ from a personal guarantor, and how it compares to US lease guarantee services.
Currency Exchange Scams to Watch For (2026)
A practical guide to currency exchange scams in Japan — from airport rip-offs to a real 2025 QR code fraud case — and how to exchange money safely.
Japan’s Minimum Wage by Prefecture (2025-26)
Japan’s highest and lowest minimum wage prefectures under the 2025 revision, the national average, and a comparison with US minimums.
Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa: A Guide (2026)
A practical breakdown of Japan’s digital nomad visa — income requirements, length of stay, and how it affects your tax residency.
How Japanese Overtime Pay Works (2026)
How to back-calculate your hourly wage, Japan’s statutory overtime premium rates, the fixed-overtime trap, and a comparison with US FLSA overtime rules.
Japan’s Paid Leave System, Explained (2026)
How Japan’s statutory paid leave accrues by tenure, the mandatory 5-day usage rule, and why the US has no federal equivalent.
Do You Need Pet Insurance in Japan? (2026)
Why Japanese vet bills run high, how pet insurance coverage and pricing work, and how it compares to typical US pet insurance.