Daily practice for JLPT N5 and beyond. Short lessons, mock exams, and practical vocabulary.
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Last updated: 2026/02/24
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Gaijin Blog
Visas, work, residency, and daily life in Japan - explained clearly and honestly.
Visa types, renewals, requirements, and immigration updates for foreign residents.
Jobs, careers, and workplace guidance for foreign professionals.
Housing, daily life, and practical guidance for living in Japan.
Taxes, social insurance, and financial obligations for foreign residents in Japan.
Top stories
Everything foreigners need to know about getting a driving license in Japan in 2026 — license conversion (gaimen kirikae), country exemptions, required documents, the written and driving tests, JAF translation, costs, and the October 2025 rule changes explained.
By Admin•
A complete 2026 guide to getting a work visa in Japan — all visa types explained, step-by-step application process, Certificate of Eligibility, required documents, and the fastest path to permanent residency.
By Admin•
Everything foreigners need to know about Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) in 2025 — who must enroll, how premiums are calculated, what's covered, step-by-step sign-up, and how to reduce your bill.
By Admin•Everything foreigners need to know about getting a driving license in Japan in 2026 — license conversion (gaimen kirikae), country exemptions, required documents, the written and driving tests, JAF translation, costs, and the October 2025 rule changes explained.
By Admin•A complete 2026 guide to getting a work visa in Japan — all visa types explained, step-by-step application process, Certificate of Eligibility, required documents, and the fastest path to permanent residency.
By Admin•
The complete 2026 Osaka travel guide — where to eat takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, the best nightlife in Dotonbori and Namba, Osaka's hidden neighborhoods, and how to use the city's absurdly simple transit system to get everywhere fast.
By Admin•
The complete 2026 Kyoto travel guide — best temples by season, where to see cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, Gion geisha district, Arashiyama bamboo, cultural experiences, and practical tips for visiting Japan's ancient capital.
By Admin•
The complete Tokyo travel guide for 2026 — best neighborhoods for every travel style, must-eat foods and where to find them, and the 4 best day trips from Tokyo. Written by foreigners living in Japan.
By Admin•Everything foreigners need to know about Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) in 2025 — who must enroll, how premiums are calculated, what's covered, step-by-step sign-up, and how to reduce your bill.
By Admin•
The complete 2026 guide to where to stay in Japan — best neighborhoods and top hotel picks for every budget in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakone, and Sapporo. Includes ryokan recommendations, booking tips, and when to book cherry blossom and autumn season travel.
By Admin•
Confused about resident tax in Japan? Learn how much you pay, when it’s billed, salary deductions vs lump sums, and why foreigners are often surprised by June tax bills.
By Admin•
Confused about Japan’s year-end tax adjustment? Learn how 年末調整 works for foreigners, who needs it, required forms, refunds, and common mistakes to avoid.
By Admin•
Learn the cheapest ways to send money overseas from Japan. Compare Wise, SBI Remit, Japanese banks, fees, exchange rates, and real foreigner experiences.
By Admin•
Why do foreigners get rejected for credit cards in Japan? Learn the real reasons, common mistakes, and how to improve approval chances with practical, real-world examples.
By Admin•
A realistic 2026 guide to the best credit cards in Japan for foreigners. Learn which cards approve, why applications fail, and how to increase your approval chances.
By Admin•