Jager’s advice:

The medical system in Japan is well-structured and provides quality healthcare. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has published a wealth of useful information, including a list of clinics and hospitals that offer language support.

By the way, aspirin is available over-the-counter in the U.S., but in Japan, you need a prescription.

For CPAP machines, you can get one after undergoing an overnight sleep test (covered by insurance). Your machine automatically sends your sleep data to your primary doctor, and you’ll need to visit the doctor monthly to review your medical report, including your AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index). The visit typically costs around JPY 5,000."

Medical system:

If you reside in Japan, enrollment in the National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory. Under this system, patients pay, in general,  30% out-of-pocket for medical expenses, while the insurance covers the remaining 70%. High-Cost Medical Expense Reimbursement is also available.  If you are employed, your employer provides health insurance. Regardless of whether you are covered by national insurance or employer-sponsored insurance, you can visit any clinic or hospital in Japan—there are no network restrictions. Additionally, there is no separation between medical, dental, and vision care as seen in some other countries.

Visiting a Clinic or Hospital:

Call ahead to check how to make a reservation. Some large hospitals require a referral letter from your primary doctor, but you can still make an appointment without one by paying a small extra fee.

The check-in process and procedures vary by hospital, so ask the staff for guidance.

If you have medical records from another country, consider bringing them—Japanese doctors appreciate having prior medical data.

Payment Methods:

Payment methods vary by clinic/hospital—some accept credit cards, while others are cash-only. Confirm in advance.

Emergency Contacts in Japan:

Medical emergency (ambulance): Dial 119 (Ambulance services are free unless you use a private service.)

Fire or police emergency: Dial 110

Useful links

MHLW site with the list of clinics/hospitals with language support (I cannot believe it is in Japanese….)

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_05774.html

Below is in English

http://jmip.jme.or.jp/index.php?l=eng

Jager’s Advice

Reality Check: On July 3, 2023, 72 foreigners took the driving test. Only 12 passed and obtained their driver’s permit that day. Among them, only 2 passed on their first attempt—including my dad!Why did he pass? He took a practice lesson before the actual driving test.

I recommend to take the driving Practice!

Even if you’re an experienced driver, passing the test isn’t just about skill—it’s about following Japan’s specific driving rules.

One crucial requirement is the 5-point safety check before starting the car:

Finger point and check->
Left blind spot
Left door mirror
Center mirror
Right door mirror
Right blind spot

Skip this step, and you’ll fail before even starting the car!

How to Prepare

First of all, people who have a driver's permit from certain states/countries are exempt from the written and practical driving tests. (Lucky you !!! )

https://www.police.pref.kanagawa.jp/tetsuzuki/menkyo/mes83046.html

(This link is for Kanagawa Prefecture. Please check your local Driver’s Permit Center website for operating hours and other details.)

For those who need to take tests. Before taking the test, you must first meet two conditions to be eligible for a Japanese driver’s permit:

1️ Your foreign driver’s license must be valid. (A license that has expired cannot be converted. So if you want to get a Japanese driver’s permit, sooner the better ! Otherwise, you need to start from scratch. )

2️ You must prove that you stayed in the country where your foreign driver’s license was issued for at least three months after obtaining it. (Documents such as a passport that verify the duration of your stay are required.)

Useful Links

Search for "Driver’s permit, foreigner, practice" to find more schools and trainers.
FCA Japan – Driving License Conversion Support
Koyama Driving School (English Info)

Good luck!

Jager’s Advice:

Many people come to Japan to work as English teachers. However, there are also recruitment agencies that focus on hiring professionals with foreign language skills.

My mom has hired many foreigners through such agencies. However, even if you work for a foreign company in Japan, you will often need Japanese language proficiency and a solid understanding of local regulations. If you have a professional background or expertise, why not consult with recruitment agencies? 

If you are already employed, consider seeking an internal transfer within your company. While expat positions have become less common due to high costs, they still exist. 

Additionally, Hello Work provides public employment support for job seekers, including some services available to foreigners.

JETRO is a government-run organization that provides valuable information for businesses. If you own a business, JETRO can be a great resource for insights and support. They have branches worldwide, so you may want to reach out to a local office for assistance!

Useful Links

Recruitment Agencies (Foreign recruiters available – feel free to contact them!)

Hays Japan

Michael Page Japan

Robert Half Japan

Robert Walters Japan

Morgan McKinley Japan

And of course, don’t forget to useLinkedIn!

Hello Work (Public Employment Service for Foreigners)

Hello Work for Foreigners – MHLW Guide (PDF)

JETRO (Search it in your country ! ) 

https://www.jetro.go.jp/usa

Jager’s Advice

How much Japanese you need depends on your situation.

That said, learning basic Japanese is always a good idea! If you’re young, you can start from scratch and gradually build your skills. However, as you get older, you may want to take a faster approach. Here are some tips: Don't jump straight into Kanji or perfect grammar. Instead, start with Hiragana and Katakana, and focus on frequently used words, greetings, and common expressions.

We offer practical learning methods—feel free to contact us!

Additionally, check with your local city office to see if they offer free or low-cost Japanese classes for foreigners.

Check Out My Dad’s Take on the Topic!

Watch his YouTube video on language learning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hyPrO2NAI0

Useful Links

Chikyu Cultural Club – Learn Japanese

Sensei Shokai

Jager’s advice – So Much More Than Sushi & Sukiyaki !

Love delicious and healthy food? Then you’re going to love Japanese home cooking!

When people think of Japanese food, they often picture sushi, teriyaki, or sukiyaki—but there’s so much more to explore! This section isn’t about restaurants—it’s about bringing authentic Japanese flavors to your own kitchen.

A great place to find inspiration is Kurashiru one of Japan’s largest recipe websites and it’s the BEST. It’s packed with beautiful food photos and tons of amazing dishes to try. The site is in Japanese only, but no worries— If you find a dish you'd like to try, just send us the screen shot of the name of the dish ! I'd be happy to send you the recipe in English—for free! 😊

Useful link

Kurashiru – Japanese Recipe Videos

Jager’s Advice 

When living in a foreign country, you might start craving the ingredients and foods from back home. Luckily, there are places in Japan where you can find imported products—whether it’s Buffalo chicken sauce or other familiar flavors!

Useful Links:

Costco Japan

Kaldi Coffee Farm– A great selection of international foods and seasonings.

Kinokuniya International– High-quality imported goods and specialty ingredients.