This guide shares practical tips to help you navigate your paperwork, expectations, and mindset—from the moment you receive the offer until your first 90 days on the job.

You’ve already taken a courageous first step. I’ve got your back.

Japan’s work culture is distinct, and its labor laws are designed to protect employees in ways that might differ from what you’re used to. At the heart of this process is the employment contract—a critical document that shapes your work life in Japan.

Japan’s work-related visa system can feel like a labyrinth—I’ll admit, even we took a while to figure it out. But don’t worry—I’m here to break it down into manageable pieces with guidance for each visa to help you navigate the process.

If it’s time to retire, you’ve likely weathered every kind of storm—mistakes, sleepless nights, illness, loss, empty nests... maybe even a beloved dog who saw you through it all. First of all—congratulations.

If you’re a foreign resident in Japan looking for work, career advice, or dealing with labor-related issues—Hello Work might be your best ally.

Whether you’re a foreigner looking for opportunity or a local seeking a shift in perspective, knowing these realities is key to thriving—not just surviving—in Japan’s corporate world.

Based on my own HR experience and interviews with foreigners who have worked in both American and Japanese companies, we identified five unique reasons why working for a Japanese company can be a rewarding experience.

If you're relocating to Japan—or already living here—you might be wondering: How can I truly belong while still being myself?

Beyond your resume and technical qualifications, it’s your competencies that truly stand out. In Japan’s team-oriented, harmony-driven culture, simply stating “I’m a team player” on your rirekisho (履歴書) isn’t enough. Employers want evidence.

Here’s your guide—packed with real-world tips, timelines, and personal lessons—so you don’t repeat the mistakes we made!

Japanese can feel daunting—hiragana, katakana, and kanji are a far cry from the English alphabet. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with three approaches, tailored to your needs.

If you drive, have a pet, or want financial security during unexpected job changes, this guide is for you.

If you’re living in Japan, this is the insurance blog you don’t want to skip.

In this blog, we’re diving into three more types: life insurance, income insurance, and mandatory long-term care insurance.

Japan’s healthcare system is world-class, but if you’re new here, navigating it can feel like a maze. You’re legally required to join the national insurance system—but is that enough? Or should you also get a private plan?

Tax return season’s over, but Japan’s next financial curveball is just around the corner: resident tax (住民税 / juminzei). Bills drop in June, and if you're not ready, they can sting. I’ve been there—my German friend once wrestled with last year’s income, puzzled by a huge tax bill. Spoiler: it’s all based on the previous year’s earnings.

Whether you’re an expat, new grad, freelancer, or planning retirement, this HR insider guide breaks down what resident tax is, how it works, and how to prep now so June doesn’t catch you off guard.

If you’re living in Japan and thinking about saving or investing for your future, you’ve probably come across two major options: iDeCo and NISA. Both offer powerful tax advantages, but they serve different purposes. Let’s break them down!

✨ I’ve also posted a 2025 iDeCo & NISA Comparison Sheet—grab it from the Freebies Shelf on this site!

Relocating to Japan from the U.S. has been an incredible journey—but it hasn’t come without challenges. One of the biggest headaches we faced was opening a bank account and figuring out how the financial and tax systems work. In today’s post, I’ll walk you through the common issues many foreigners encounter when it comes to banking and taxes in Japan, and how you can avoid the stress.

April 1 is new hire orientation day for fresh graduates in Japan. And now, just two days later—on April 3, 2025—some of them have already quit.
Impatience—or instinct?

As Gen Z rewrites the rules of work in Japan, the real question isn’t “Why did they quit so fast?” It’s: When should you stay—and when is it absolutely okay to walk away?

This blog breaks down what workplace harassment looks like in Japan, what legal protections are in place, and real-life examples of how different cases were handled—what worked, and what didn’t.