Category: Life in Japan

Introduction: A Growing Safety Threat in Japan In recent years, Japan has been grappling with a surge in bear encounters that has put the entire nation on edge. These are not just isolated incidents in the deep mountains; bears are now encroaching on residential streets and urban parks. Understanding why these animals are so dangerous…

Introduction: A Land of 4 Million Machines If you’ve ever walked through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or a quiet rural path in Yokohama, you’ve likely noticed a constant companion: the Japanese vending machine (自動販売機, Jidohanbaiki). With nearly 4 million units nationwide—roughly one for every 30 to 40 people—Japan boasts the highest vending machine density…

1. The Paradox: Everywhere Else, But Not Here The Hyundai Motor Group is a global automotive powerhouse, vying with Toyota and Volkswagen for the top three spots in worldwide sales. However, if you have lived in Japan, you have likely wondered: “Where are all the Hyundai cars?” As a resident of Japan for 8 years,…

1. Introduction The collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble is not just an event of the past. It is the very root of the challenges Japan faces today—from low growth and an aging population to the recent record-breaking depreciation of the Yen. Today, I want to dive deep into the bubble’s spectacular rise, the…

For decades, Japan was the global poster child for economic equality. We called it the “100 Million Middle Class” (Ichioku So-churyu)—a society where 90% of people felt they belonged to a stable, comfortable middle tier. But as of 2026, that myth has officially shattered. If you’re living in Japan today, you can feel it: the…

When I first arrived in Japan, one of the things that shocked me the most was the incredibly clear streets. I rarely saw cars parked illegally along the sidewalks, even in crowded residential areas. At first, I was deeply impressed, thinking, “Wow, the Japanese people have such an incredible sense of public order and respect…

1. Introduction: The Reality of “Glass Wallets” in Japan Living in Japan, you soon realize that taxes and social insurance can be a significant burden. This is especially true for salaried employees, often referred to as having “glass wallets” because every yen of income is transparently taxed at the source. Before your salary even hits…

1. Introduction: The Shock of the “Inside” Cold In Korea, winter is a battle against the elements (often hitting -10°C or lower). However, thanks to the highly developed Ondol (underfloor heating) system, the inside of a Korean home remains a toasty sanctuary. When I first moved to the Tokyo area, I looked at the weather…

Japan is known globally as a “frugality superpower.” It is a society where waste is considered a vice and being “smart with money” is a highly respected trait. Before we dive into the specific tools, it’s important to understand the cultural mindset: Japanese saving isn’t about being stingy; it’s about mindfulness. It’s the art of…

From a Western perspective, Korea and Japan might seem like cultural twins—both high-tech, orderly East Asian nations. However, as a Korean who has lived in Japan since 2018, I can tell you that the distance between “visiting” and “living” here is far greater than the geographical distance between the two countries. Here is my perspective…

With the global boom of Japanese pop culture, anime, and the rise of digital nomads, moving to Japan has become a dream for many. From spotless streets to incredible food and world-class safety, Japan looks perfect from the outside. But after spending years living in Japan, I’ve learned one important truth: Japan is an amazing…