The new invoice system, which goes into effect Oct. 1, is forcing many freelancers in Japan to choose between raising their prices or suffer a 10% loss in revenue.
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Sep 25, 2023
Freelancers aren’t happy with Japan’s new invoice system
For many freelancers and small businesses, the result will amount to a 10% increase in taxes.
Nobody wishes for a medical emergency, but preparing for one while you're in a foreign country can only make things easier.
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Sep 18, 2023
How to avoid medical purgatory when hospitalized in Japan
Much like a legal will, a visit to the hospital is the last thing for which you want to prepare — yet doing so will save you stress and worry.
If you've come to the realization that divorce is the only way forward, there are a host of details about the Japanese marriage system to confirm before you're finally ready to cut ties.
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Aug 21, 2023
Navigating the notorious gauntlet of divorce in Japan
Everyone wishes for “happily ever after” no matter where you’re from, but Japan recorded 1,671 bicultural divorces in 2021.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
May 28, 2023
The My Number card has some real benefits. Is it time you got yours?
Hit with a few scattered glitches recently, the My Number card still proved helpful to our writer when he filed his taxes.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Apr 3, 2023
Help wanted: The (sleeper) agent of change
Some Japanese businesses may see layoffs overseas as a chance to hire 'agents of change.' If you're one of those agents, don't expect to revolutionize things too soon.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Jan 5, 2023
Listen up! Podcasts can help with that perennial resolution to learn Japanese
It's New Year's resolution time, did you make yours? If you're looking to improve your Japanese listening skills in 2023 then these podcasts have you covered.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Dec 19, 2022
Things to do before saying 'sayonara' to your life in Japan
Planning on leaving Japan? Think long-term with your plans. It will take a while to ship everything to a different country.

Longform

Akira Oishi (left) and Shinichi Okanobori have taken on the responsibility of surveying the flora and fauna of Mount Tenran and Mount Tonosu in Saitama Prefecture.
Inside Japan's 100-year project to monitor its deteriorating biodiversity