Life
When you enter a Japanese home, the first space you see is the genkan (玄関) — the traditional entryway where shoes are removed. It may look small and simple, but it reflects deep values in Japanese daily life. This humble step-down area tells a story of cleanliness, respect, and mindfulness — all before you even step inside. What Is a Genkan? The genkan is a recessed entry space found in almost every Japanese home. It serves as a boundary between the outside world and the clean indoor living area. The custom dates back to the Heian period, when nobles ...
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). ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
A spiral of green incense, a faint smoky trail, and that unmistakable summer scent—katori senkō (mosquito coils) are woven into Japan’s warm-season memories. Beyond nostalgia, they’re a clever design born from pyrethrum (chrysanthemum) and refined into a practical tool still used today. What is it exactly, how did it begin, and do people in Japan still rely on it? What Is Katori Senkō? Katori senkō is a mosquito-repelling incense coil. A dried paste—traditionally containing pyrethrum derived from Tanacetum cinerariifolium—is extruded and formed into a spiral. You light the outer tip; it smolders slowly toward the center, releasing a thin, ...
When you walk through a Japanese neighborhood, you may notice small nameplates mounted beside the entrance of many homes. These hyōsatsu are more than labels—they reflect identity, hospitality, and a unique way of organizing daily life in Japan. A hyōsatsu placed beside the entrance reveals the family name of the home. What Is a Hyōsatsu? A hyōsatsu is a nameplate typically displayed near the front door or gate, showing the family’s surname. In some cases, the first names of family members are included as well. For visitors, postal workers, and delivery staff, the hyōsatsu serves as a clear confirmation ...
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 ...
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 ...
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