You may have learned about personal finance in your home country, but how much of that knowledge is applicable to your situation in Japan? As a foreigner living in Japan, it can be confusing to learn about a new economic system, including the banks, payment methods, and finance apps. Whether you are staying in Japan…
Japanese Women Shave Their Faces. So Do I.
Let’s talk about shaving–and to me, no conversation about shaving is complete without discussions of socialization. Yes, in Japan, many women also shave their faces. No, they don’t shave their faces as men do. I, too, sometimes shave my face. On the other hand, unlike the majority of my American and Japanese sisters, I haven’t…
Beginner Japanese Tip: Overcoming the Ambiguity of “Daijobu”
One of the more challenging aspects of learning Japanese is dealing with words that have multiple—often opposite—meanings. For beginners, one prominent example of this phenomenon is the word daijobu. Essentially, this word represents the concept of being “OK” or “all right.” For example, if you trip and fall in public, a passerby may ask, “daijobu…
How to Reduce Your Cost of Living in Japan and Thrive on a Tight Budget
There’s no beating around the bush: Japan is not a cheap place to live in Asia. Of course, especially compared to many European and North American countries, Japan’s cost of living is not particularly expensive either. Japan is experiencing inflation, but it’s significantly lower than that experienced by other high-income countries. Currently, the yen is…
Free Wi-Fi Access Is Gradually Disappearing in Japan
Apart from the societal changes I have treated earlier on this website, changes in technology and services are also happening in Japan. In early June 2022, Tobu Railway (a railway company in the Greater Tokyo Area) terminated its free Wi-Fi services. Until then, trains used on the Tobu Skytree Line and Tojo Line provided free…
Join the Second Edition of Kokoro Conversations!
Dear reader, Why don’t you join us for the second edition of Kokoro Conversations? Kokoro Conversations are events in which you can get your voice heard and join fellow Kokoro Media readers for open-hearted conversations about the joys and the challenges of life in Japan. There, you can meet new people to exchange thoughts, compare…
Lee Chapman: Chronicling Change in Tokyo through Street Photography
Tokyo-based photographer Lee Chapman is no stranger to change. The Manchester, England, native came to Tokyo in 1998, and through his photography, he has been shedding light on the overlooked backstreets of the city ever since. With work featured in the Guardian, The Japan Times, and The Economist, just to name a few, Lee’s portfolio…
Public Photography in Japan: Laws, Rules, and Etiquette
After more than two years of isolation, Japan is on the cusp of reopening, albeit ever so slightly, to international tourists. This means, barring any COVID-19 flareups, it’s only a matter of time before shutterbugs from around the world once again descend upon Japan, a paradise for photography lovers. However, before you dust off your…
How to Fit in Workouts (Beyond Just Ambient Exercise) in Japan
It’s not always easy to stay healthy and fit in Japan. When you change occupations, often your entire lifestyle shifts, and this is particularly so when you move to a new country. The food, environment, and even your schedule are likely to be different. Even perceptions about weight and health are often intrinsically tied with…
Dating in Japan: Tips for Finding Love in the Land of the Rising Sun
An endless parade of books, advice columns, blogs, and apps are constant reminders that the search for a significant other is rarely easy. Looking for love in a foreign country adds an extra layer of complexity comprised of language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and countless cultural differences. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the isolation that came with…