Japan has a reputation for being an extremely polite and formal country. On the surface the culture seems very hospitable – but what about when it isn’t? Like any other language, there are Japanese insults and ways to be rude in Japanese. This article is primarily concerned with helping Japanese learners avoid being rude or […]
Many of you guys have requested a “cheat sheet” in Japanese for how to talk about COVID-19 in Japan. This includes key vocabulary you need to know to understand news updates. Below we will include a list of important Japanese Vocabulary related to COVID-19 as well as some example sentences that you might find common […]
For most people in Japan, coffee is an essential part of daily life. Japan takes their coffee game rather seriously, however ordering coffee in a foreign language can be intimidating – but don’t worry, we have you covered. In this article we go over how to order coffee in Japanese. List of contents: English vs […]
In this article, we will share with you several options for tattoo friendly onsen close to and within Tokyo. Much more than simple traditional local sento baths! This article includes our recommendations for the best onsen and sento in Tokyo and Yokohama available to tattooed guests. We will also teach you what you can search […]
The traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (茶道, sadō or chadō, lit. “the way of tea” or 茶の湯, chanoyu. “hot-water tea”) has its history rooted in the principles of Zen Buddhism. It is an aesthetic way of welcoming guests. During this welcoming ritual – everything must be done according to an established order. It has lost its place […]
Are you looking for an Apartment in Tokyo? Do you already live in Japan? If you are a foreign resident in Tokyo you may have already experienced the headache of trying to find an apartment that matches your needs. In this blog, we have a suggestion for you as a foreign resident. The Best Kept […]
Kyoto is world famous for its Gion District and the Geisha that work there. If you would like to take pictures of Geisha or Maiko – there is a polite way to ask for a photo with them. These days there has been somewhat of a backlash against tourists taking photos of Maiko or Geisha […]
How to leave a crowded train in Japan – Getting off the train in Japan If you live in Japan, you are probably used to rush-hour trains. In the above VIDEO we break down politely getting on and off the train in Japan. What to do when leaving the train in Japan When getting off […]
If you’ve lived in Japan for a few years, you might eventually consider applying for a Permanent Resident visa. And it’s easy to see why. Unlike a regular working visa, a Permanent Resident visa in Japan allows foreigners to work freely without needing to renew their residence status every few years. It also makes it […]
Did you know that not until the Meiji era (1868 – 1912), Japanese surnames did not exist to ordinary men and women? Today, Japan has a shockingly high number of 100,000 surnames in total! During the Meiji era, the government required all citizens by law to register under a surname. While many decided to choose […]
