As many as over a million young people in Japan are thought to remain holed up in their homes, sometimes for decades at a time, a phenomena known as ‘hikikomori’. Why is that? In Japan, hikikomori, a term that’s also used to describe the young people who withdraw, is a word that everyone knows. The…

When people think of moving to Japan, whether it’s on a holiday or a working visa, one of the biggest challenges is finding the perfect job. Part-time jobs are usually a great option is these circumstances, but in Japan finding a part-time job can more difficult than in other countries as most jobs require a…

Laundry is something we all have to worry about, and if you travel frequently, keeping your clothes clean can be a bit of a challenge. Youth hostels and hotels may offer dry cleaning services, but these can be expensive and costs can add up quickly. Additionally, if you are living in Japan, buying your own…

Most people know that the Japanese working culture is hard in terms of the amount of working hours and attention to details. If you want to get a job in Japan or work in a Japanese company in your country, understanding the culture and environment beforehand will be beneficial. View this post on Instagram A…

Being exasperated when playing a game or doing something that needs luck is a usual thing. But when buying something from a vending machine, we know what’s coming and that we’re getting it for sure. Unless the machine gets stuck at which point there’s the fight or flight reaction – some people kick the machine,…

Noodles are one of the staple foods in many cultures including Japan. A lot of Japanese dishes use noodles as the main ingredient, such as Ramen and Udon, dipped in variety of broths and topped with meat and veggies. Small shops, restaurants, and even food vendors during the festivals are filled with all kinds of…

jp.fotolia.com/ While it is the time of the year for preparing Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties in many countries, in Japan things are a little different. There is some version of Christmas social gatherings, while for New Year enjoy a few quiet days together with their families. There are many preparations, decorations and ritual,…

The extensive train and subway system in Japan is great, but also complicated. Cycling is a great way to commute to avoid the crowds. But of course, there are important rules that you should know before cycling in Japan. Basic Rules about Cycling in Japan jp.fotolia.com/ First of all, you should keep to the left…

Vending machines are a staple of modern life, and in Japan they are glowing from every lonely corner at night like some kind of urban lighthouses. They are certainly convenient, reliable, numerous, but in Japan they are also weird and fun and surprising. The majority of vending machines usually sell drinks or small snacks, but…

If you mention Japan, many people’s first thoughts may be the most famous cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although these are all great places to visit with their own unique charms, there are many other great cities in this country that are well worth a visit. Kobe is an underrated city, great for…