Life

Experience everyday life in Japan — the routines, manners, and quiet beauty that define how people live, work, and connect with others.

: How Safe Is Japan? Real Data, Daily Life, and Safety from Cities to Countryside

Japan is often called one of the safest countries in the world.But what does that actually mean?Safety here is not only about low crime rates—it also includes how people live in big cities, the calm of rural communities, and even the risks that come from nature. This article looks at real crime data, everyday examples, and the dangers you might not expect, from nightlife scams to wild bears. Safety by the Numbers: Japan vs the World When we talk about safety, numbers make the picture clear.Here’s how Japan compares with other countries in homicide and theft rates (per 100,000 people). ...

: Earthquakes in Japan: How to Stay Safe When the Ground Shakes

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.Small tremors happen almost every day, and while most are harmless, large ones can be devastating — as seen in Kobe (1995) and Fukushima (2011). For visitors, even a minor shake can feel frightening.But for Japanese people, earthquakes are part of everyday life — something they’ve learned to live with, prepare for, and respond to calmly. Understanding Japan’s Earthquake Reality From early childhood, Japanese people are taught what to do during a quake.Schools hold regular emergency drills, and workplaces train employees on evacuation procedures. Japan’s strict building standards mean that ...

: The Costs of Living In Japan: Is Japan An Expensive Place to Live?

Living costs in Japan and especially in Tokyo are famous to be among the world's highest. However, if you live outside of central Tokyo, adjust to a Japanese lifestyle, and do not depend too heavily on food and products from your home country, you may be surprised how inexpensive Japan can be. Also in Japan's many dollar shops, you can find goods for less than $1.00 US that you would not find available anywhere else, and some of these are of reasonable quality. Food Costs Local supermarkets are relatively inexpensive if you stick to Japanese food such as seasonal ...

: Japanese Driver’s License Test Tips and Tricks【For foreigners】

Those who have to pass the practical driving test in order to convert their foreign licenses should be prepared for a long and sometimes frustrating process. First-time pass rates are low even for native Japanese, who routinely spend 200,000 to 300,000 yen for lessons to teach them how to pass this test. There are many seemingly minor details that must be considered. A positive attitude and patience will go far towards minimizing cost, time spent at the driver's license center, and test failures. The following information is based on the experience of a former Saga JET. This advice does not ...

: How to get a driver's license in Japan! Let's go to a driving school

In Japan, you usually obtain a driver’s license by taking lessons at a private driving school. You obtain a license by entering a designated driving school and taking the lessons needed to acquire driving skills and accumulate driving knowledge. Most driving schools offer driving lessons and classes only in Japanese. Although in recent years this has changed, some schools have English speaking staff, and some even hire foreign, or native English speaking instructors. In the case of Tokyo The Koyama Driving School in Tokyo, says it is “the only driving school that provides lessons in English.” Most Japanese go ...

: Vending Machines in Japan, You can buy it anywhere!

It is estimated there is a vending machine of some variety for every 20 people in Japan. With Japan’s population in excess of 127 million people, there must be some 5 million vending machines in the country. This figure might be hard to believe, until you step foot in Japan. There are vending machines for virtually everything, from the expected soft drink, ticket and food machines to the unusual machines which sell underwear or stuffed toy animals. General vending machine Many of the drink machines provide both hot and cold beverages, and they are fairly cheap in contrast to ...

: The Secret to Japanese Longevity: How Everyday Meals Keep a Nation Young

Walk through any Japanese neighborhood around dinnertime, and you’ll catch a mix of aromas — grilled fish, simmered vegetables, miso soup steaming softly in the kitchen. Simple meals, yes. But together, they’ve quietly shaped one of the longest-living societies on Earth. What makes the Japanese way of eating so powerful? Let’s uncover the science — and the spirit — behind it. A Tradition That Evolved with Time Japan’s traditional meal structure, ichiju-sansai — “one soup and three dishes” — is a beautiful expression of balance: a bowl of rice, a clear soup, a piece of fish, and a few ...

: What Is Kairan-ban? Japan’s Traditional Neighborhood Circulation Board

Did you know that many Japanese neighborhoods still use a paper board to share news?It’s called Kairan-ban, and instead of email or group chats, it literally gets passed from house to house. From festival announcements to warnings about wild monkeys, this old-school system shows how Japanese communities stay connected in their own unique way. A Paper-Based System Still Alive in Modern Japan Even in today’s digital age of smartphones and instant messaging, one analogue communication tool is still widely used in Japanese neighborhoods.It is called “Kairan-ban” (literally, “circulation board”). The Kairan-ban is a clipboard or folder that circulates from house ...

: Radio Taiso: Japan’s Morning Exercise for Everyone

There is a certain exercise that every Japanese person knows — Radio Taiso (literally “radio exercise”). It’s a short, rhythmic workout that has been part of Japanese life for nearly a century. The Beginning of Radio Taiso Radio Taiso was first introduced in 1928, inspired by similar fitness programs from the United States. Since then, it has become a familiar routine taught in every Japanese elementary school. The exercises are performed to piano music and verbal instructions broadcast by Japan’s national radio station, NHK. The goal is simple: to promote good health, flexibility, and a sense of unity among ...

: Koromogae: The Japanese Tradition of Changing Clothes with the Seasons

Japan experiences four beautiful yet distinct seasons, and with each one comes a shift not only in temperature but also in lifestyle. One of the most symbolic customs of this adaptation is Koromogae (衣替え) — the traditional practice of changing wardrobes to match the season. More than just cleaning out your closet, it reflects Japan’s deep respect for nature’s rhythm and social harmony. 🌸 What Is Koromogae? Koromogae literally means “changing clothes.” It’s a long-standing Japanese custom where people put away clothes from the previous season and bring out those for the upcoming one. Historically, even schools, offices, and ...