Blog
NISA for Expats in Japan: Build Wealth with Tax-Smart Investing
Are you living in Japan and looking to make your money work harder? If you haven't heard about NISA, it's definitely time to change that! NISA offers a fantastic way to grow your investments while saving on taxes. Let's break down what it is and how you can make the most of this opportunity.
Understanding NISA: The Basics
NISA, short for Nippon Individual Savings Account, is like a special investment basket where your returns grow tax-free. Normally, if you make money from stocks or funds,... ❯❯❯
Common Japanese Symbols to Copy and Paste
Japanese uses multiple writing systems, so there are many types of symbols and characters you may want to copy and paste. Here are some of the most common and useful Japanese symbols and how to use them.
Hiragana
Hiragana is one of the main Japanese writing systems along with katakana and kanji. It is used for native Japanese words. Hiragana has 46 basic characters. Here are some common hiragana characters and their romanization:
あ (a) い (i) う (u) え (e) お (o)
か (ka) き (ki) く (ku) け (ke) こ... ❯❯❯
Japanese Shoe Size to US Conversion
Converting Japanese shoe sizes to US sizes can be confusing, as the sizing systems are different. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to convert Japanese shoe sizes to US men's and women's sizes.
How Japanese Shoe Sizes Work
The Japanese use a different method of shoe sizing than most other countries. Here are some key things to know:
Japanese sizes are measured in centimeters, not inches.
Size increments differ - men's go up by 5 mm and women's by 2 cm.
The sizes do not... ❯❯❯
Highly Skilled Professional Point System Q&A (Part 3)
This document is part 3 of a Q&A that provides an overview of Japan's Highly Skilled Professional Point System, which grants preferential immigration treatment to foreign nationals recognized as "highly skilled professionals" in order to promote the acceptance of such talent. It covers topics such as the benefits granted to highly skilled professionals, eligibility criteria, accompanying family members, applicable procedures, and more.
The original document (PDF) is in Japanese, and this... ❯❯❯
Highly Skilled Professional Point System Q&A (Part 2)
This document is part 2 of a Q&A that provides an overview of Japan's Highly Skilled Professional Point System, which grants preferential immigration treatment to foreign nationals recognized as "highly skilled professionals" in order to promote the acceptance of such talent. It covers topics such as the benefits granted to highly skilled professionals, eligibility criteria, accompanying family members, applicable procedures, and more.
The original document (PDF) is in Japanese, and this... ❯❯❯
Highly Skilled Professional Point System Q&A (Part 1)
This document is part 1 of a Q&A that provides an overview of Japan's Highly Skilled Professional Point System, which grants preferential immigration treatment to foreign nationals recognized as "highly skilled professionals" in order to promote the acceptance of such talent. It covers topics such as the benefits granted to highly skilled professionals, eligibility criteria, accompanying family members, applicable procedures, and more.
The original document (PDF) is in Japanese, and this... ❯❯❯
The Nintendo OSAKA Store: The Ultimate Destination for Nintendo Fans
If you are a Nintendo fan, you probably know that there are only two official Nintendo stores in Japan: Nintendo TOKYO in Shibuya and Nintendo OSAKA in Umeda. Both stores offer a wide range of Nintendo games, consoles, and merchandise, as well as events and game experiences. But what makes the Nintendo OSAKA store special? In this blog post, I will share with you some of the highlights of my visit to the Nintendo OSAKA store, which opened on November 11, 2022.
Location and Access
The... ❯❯❯
Finding an English Speaking Church in Tokyo
Are you a Christian living in/visiting Tokyo and looking for a church where you can worship God and fellowship with other believers in your language? Do you want to learn more about the diverse Christian community in this city and how they are serving God and others? If so, this blog post is for you. In this blog post, you will find some of the English speaking churches that are available in Tokyo and what they have to offer.
Types of English Speaking Churches in Tokyo
Tokyo is a large and... ❯❯❯
Best Coworking Spaces in Tokyo (2024)
If you've found your way to this post, it's likely you're searching for a great coworking space in Tokyo. Well, you've come to the right place! Tokyo, Japan's lively capital, is more than just a city of tall buildings, exciting nightlife, and deep cultural roots. It's also home to a wide range of coworking spaces that cater to the diverse needs of today's working professionals.
In our modern world, work isn't just about being stuck in a traditional office anymore. Coworking spaces have become... ❯❯❯
Can I Work Remotely in Japan as a Foreigner?
With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, many professionals are considering living and working in Japan while keeping their existing jobs. Japan offers a unique mix of culture, cuisine, natural beauty and modern conveniences - making it an attractive destination for location-independent remote workers. However, there are important factors to consider when choosing to work remotely in Japan as a foreigner.
Laws and Visas
The first thing to understand is the legal requirements for... ❯❯❯