Latest posts
Japan Food Tax Cut to 1%: What to Know
Japan plans to cut consumption tax on groceries from 8% to 1% for two years from April 2027. Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s unclear, and what it means for you.
Japan Food Tax Savings Calculator (From April 2027)
Calculate how much you’ll save when Japan cuts consumption tax on groceries from 8% to 1% starting April 2027.
Japan Visa Renewal Fees Rising From Oct 2026
Japan plans to sharply raise visa renewal and PR fees from October 2026. Here’s what’s changing, when it applies, and how to prepare before the deadline.
Japan Visa Renewal Fee Calculator (2026 Rates)
Calculate Japan’s new residence permit renewal and permanent residency application fees under the proposed October 2026 fee schedule.
How to Use Japan’s QR Payment Apps
LINE Pay shut down in Japan in April 2025 and merged into PayPay. Here’s a 2026 comparison of PayPay, Rakuten Pay, d Payment, and au PAY.
How to Earn Points in Japan With Poikatsu
Poikatsu (poi katsu) is Japan’s mainstream point-earning culture. Here’s how foreign residents can join in and compare the major point programs.
Earthquake Safety Guide for Japan (2026)
A practical earthquake safety guide for Japan: what to do when shaking starts, how to find shelter, and what both residents and travelers should prepare.
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.