Hatsumode in Hiroshima – Shrines to Visit for New Years and the Tondo Festival
Nov 29, 2024 By Hugh Cann
There are two main traditions marking the beginning of the new year in Hiroshima. Hatsumōde is the first visit of the year to a shrine and takes place throughout Japan. Later in the month is the Tondo Festival, which is just in Hiroshima. Hatsumōde The first visit of the year...[ Click to read more ]
Family Disaster Preparation, Survival, and Response in Japan
Aug 30, 2024 By Ray Proper
No one wants to be part of a disaster, but if you have to, Japan is one of the best places to do it. From building codes to government and civil procedures, the Japanese government has built pretty good infrastructure for use "in an emergency." While they do a good...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Homework: Things to Mind and Enjoy
Jul 31, 2024 By William Farrow
As we head into August, residents of Japan will begin wrestling with a month that continues the beats of July: Extreme heat coupled with high humidity and typhoons from time to time. While the cicadas may calm down during the month of August, seasoned residents know that the heat most...[ Click to read more ]
Guidelines for Renovations and Reforms for Renters in Japan
Jun 07, 2024 By Admin
In Japan it is the financial obligation of the lessee to restore the property to its original condition, less any damages or deterioration caused by normal living in the property (where the clause ‘with the exception of normal wear and tear’ is included in the contract.) Please be sure to...[ Click to read more ]
How to Get an ETC Card in Japan
Oct 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
To pay the expressway tolls in Japan, it helps to have an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card. This allows you to make automatic cashless payments instead of needing to stop at tollbooths and pay in cash. There are even special lanes at the tolls for holders of ETC cards, which...[ Click to read more ]
Child-Proof Your Home in Japan Without Damaging Your Property
Oct 06, 2023 By Admin
Welcoming a child into your home is a joyous occasion, but it also requires a shift in perspective. Suddenly, seemingly harmless everyday objects can become potential hazards. Japan, with its unique living arrangements and cultural nuances, is no different in this respect. This guide will help you child-proof your home...[ Click to read more ]
Big Traffic Brother Is Watching You
Aug 30, 2023 By Justin Hanus
In many places the eternal battle between motorist and traffic cop is carried on like a game of cat and mouse with law enforcement lying in wait for its prey undetected behind a billboard or at the bottom of a hill. Not so in Japan where the task is turned...[ Click to read more ]
Japan Travel Insurance: The Tokio Omotenashi Policy
May 09, 2023 By Admin
Japan travel insurance through the Tokio Omotenashi Policy can be purchased online and covers travelers who experience a sudden illness or injury while visiting Japan for up to 31 days. If the policyholder needs to see a doctor or if a visit to the hospital or emergency room is necessary,...[ Click to read more ]
Shinsei Bank to be renamed SBI Shinsei Bank
Dec 16, 2022 By Admin
Many of our clients use Shinsei Bank and should be aware that Shinsei Bank is to be rebranded as SBI Shinsei Bank from January 4th, 2023. This may impact your Remittances, and fund transfers addressed to Shinsei Bank. Remittances and fund transfers from other financial institutions designating “Shinsei Bank” as...[ Click to read more ]
Bringing or Importing Medicines into Japan
Dec 06, 2022 By Ray Proper
When traveling to another country, laws can radically differ from your home country. This is especially true in Japan concerning prescription and OTC medicines. Medicines one may find no problem back home can be non-existent here, and other medications can be why you were arrested. We have compiled some links and...[ Click to read more ]
