News and resources

Guide to Japanese Calendar: Converting Western to Japanese Year

If you’ve ever lived in Japan and handled paperwork in the city hall, you might have stumbled across a date that made you pause. Instead of 2025, you see something like 令和7年 (Reiwa 7). This isn’t a typo. It’s Japan’s unique calendar system (和暦, wareki), where years are tied to the reign of each emperor. […]

Image of calendar with both Japanese and western calendar years

Every Street and Road Sign in Japan Explained

Planning to drive in Japan? Even if you’re just walking or cycling, it’s important to recognize key traffic and street signs to stay safe. Japan’s road signs combine international symbols with unique designs shaped by local traffic laws, which can make them confusing at times. Whether you’re planning a road trip, studying to get a […]

Japanese road and street signs