If you’re an American looking to move to Japan, you may encounter a unique aspect of the Japanese rental system known as reikin (礼金), or “gratitude money.” This non-refundable fee is paid by tenants to landlords upon signing a lease. In this article, we’ll explore what reikin is, why it exists, and what you need to know before renting in Japan. What is Reikin? Reikin is a one-time payment made to the landlord as a sign of gratitude for allowing the tenant to rent the property. It is typically equal to one or two months’ rent, although the exact amount can vary. Unlike security deposits, reikin ..read more

Moving to Japan is a dream for many adventurous Americans, but the realities of living costs often remain shrouded in mystery. Recent discussions on online forums have pulled back the curtain, revealing frank insights into how far a monthly after-tax salary of ¥320,000 (approximately $2,000 USD) can really stretch for a couple in Japan. Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction. Housing Costs: The Make-or-Break Factor Finding affordable housing is the key to making a modest salary work in Japan, especially in popular areas around Tokyo like Chiba and Yokohama. Savvy couples have unearthed 2 ..read more

Are you an American dreaming of working and living in Japan, but worried your lack of Japanese language skills will hold you back? Don’t let the language barrier stop you from pursuing your goals. With some creativity and resourcefulness, there are actually many ways you can find work and earn an income in Japan, even if you don’t speak much or any Japanese. Here are 10 paths to consider: 1. Teach English One of the most common jobs for native English speakers in Japan is teaching English. You can work at private language schools, public schools through programs like JET, or even do private t ..read more

For those seeking the refreshing cleanse of a Japanese-style bidet without the need for electricity, non-electric bidet toilet seats offer a convenient and efficient solution. These innovative seats provide a warm water spray by mixing cold and hot water from your existing plumbing, making them perfect for bathrooms without a nearby electrical outlet. Product Brand Name Price Brondell Brondell Bidet Toilet Seat, Non-Electric Check Price on Amazon LUXE Bidet LUXE Bidet NEO 320 - Hot and Cold Water, Self-Cleaning, Dual Nozzle, Non-Electric Bidet Check Price on Amazon TUSHY TUSHY C ..read more

Tokyo has become an increasingly popular destination for Americans looking to live and work abroad. With its unique blend of traditional culture and modern amenities, Tokyo offers a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and preferences. In this article, we will explore the 10 most popular neighborhoods for Americans in Tokyo, based on data from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The data we have compiled are from Statistics of Tokyo Government Data which was released recently in January 2024 (in Japanese). Ward American Population Minato 2,663 Setagaya 2,157 Sh ..read more

Picture yourself coming home to a sleek, modern apartment in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district. The prestigious Park Court Shibuya The Tower puts you right in the center of the action, while providing a tranquil, sophisticated retreat. With rents ranging from ¥560,000 (~$3,600 USD) to ¥1,200,000 (~$8,000 USD) per month, this is luxury urban living at its finest. Rising an impressive 39 stories with 4 basement levels, Park Court Shibuya The Tower cuts a striking figure against the Shibuya skyline. Completed in August 2020, the reinforced concrete structure offers a range of spaciou ..read more

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented surge in inbound tourism, with the country set to achieve its government-set goal of topping the pre-pandemic figure of 32 million annual foreign visitors by 2025. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the January-March quarter saw a record 8.56 million visitors, putting the nation on course to surpass both visitor numbers and spending targets. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during a ministerial meeting on Wednesday, expressed optimism about the current pace, stating, “If we continue at this pace, we can expect the numbers ..read more

After closing its doors indefinitely last November for major renovations, the iconic Starbucks branch overlooking Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing is set to reopen on April 25, 2024 with an impressive new look and expanded layout. The Starbucks, located on the first two floors of the QFront building, shut down as media chain Tsutaya, the building’s main tenant, began overhauling the nine floors it occupies. With no initial mention of Starbucks in Tsutaya’s renovation plans, many feared the beloved coffee shop, a landmark for Tokyo locals and international visitors alike since 1999, ma ..read more

When Chani, an Australian woman, decided to move to Japan, she had dreams of owning a charming, affordable home in the countryside. She found a property advertised for under $20,000 Australian dollars and settled on it, trusting the contract that stated there were no issues with termites, leaks, or the roof. To save on costs, Chani chose not to get a professional inspection, a decision she would soon regret. Just two days after receiving the keys, Chani discovered leaking water pipes beneath the ground. Quotes from plumbers ranged from $3,000 to $10,000, leaving her devastated. A handyman su ..read more

While streaming is steadily gaining popularity in Japan, CDs still account for the largest share of recorded music revenue in 2023. This is a unique trend compared to many other major music markets where streaming has surpassed physical formats. Source: Reddit u/noisymortimer Some key observations: CD sales remain strong: Despite declines in other formats, CD revenue has stayed relatively stable over the 5-year period, dropping only slightly from 2019 to 2023. CDs still make up over 60% of total music revenue in Japan as of 2023. Streaming growth: Streaming revenue has increased significantly ..read more