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’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!

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.

Whether you’re flying solo, relocating with a partner, or bringing the whole family, understanding the cost of living is your first step to thriving in Japan. Expenses vary depending on location (Tokyo vs. rural), lifestyle, and household size. This guide zooms in on Tokyo—a hub for expats—and breaks down average monthly costs for a single person, a couple, and a four-member family.

🧮 Check out the "Cost of Living Calculator" Excel sheet on the Freebie Shelf tab

House hunting in Japan as a foreigner can be challenging. Around 40% of foreigners report difficulties. But don't worry—there are foreigner-friendly real estate agents and landlords (property owners). Finding one early can make all the difference.

Beyond the glow of Kyoto’s temples or Hokkaido’s snow, daily life in Japan opens a world of unique, slow-burning pleasures that tourists barely scratch. These aren’t bucket list check-offs. They’re lifestyle joys, discovered only when you stay long enough to belong.

You’ve made it—settled in Japan as a retiree expat (2M strong, 2023!). After “Why retire here” and “How to plan”  this is your guide to thriving post-move. I’ve got the practical, financial, and emotional steps—straight from our stumbles. Japan’s no perfect, but with grit and prep, it’s home. Grab tips from “Freebie Shelf”—let’s make your golden years glow!

This post unpacks the practical, financial, and emotional steps to make it smooth and fulfilling, all from our real-life stumbles. Retirement gives you time, but relocating to Japan’s a big move—plan ahead! I’ve dropped a free checklist on the “Freebie Shelf” tab. Hope you can skip the stress and flops we hit. Let’s build your bridge to a new chapter—step by step, with confidence!

For many, the answer is a surprising—and genuine—yes. Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring the idea or just curious about what life could look like after retirement in a different country, Japan might be more than just an interesting option—it could be the opportunity of a lifetime.

This is the first post in a three-part series:

1. For curious explorers

2. For planners who’ve decided to relocate

3. And finally, for settled expats already living in Japan

Yesterday, I raved about “Why Japan”—safe streets, fab healthcare, the works. But let’s keep it real—no place is perfect, not even here. Here’s six biggies, with stories and stats included!

People ask, “Why Japan?”—and honestly, it’s a no-brainer. It’s safe, the medical system’s a gem, the food’s unreal, and healthy vibes are everywhere (my husband dropped serious pounds here!). It’s the world’s 3rd biggest economy, affordable, and the people, polite as heck with a culture that’s one-of-a-kind. Every place has its charm—here’s why Japan, stats and all.