The Yuzu Blog
Real stories, practical tips, and lifestyle advice for expats and residents living in Japan.
Japan Re-Entry Permit for Winter Break Trips
If you hold a residence card and will be back in Japan within one year, and before your period of stay ends, you do not need to apply for anything in advance.
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Autumn in Japan 2026: Events, Tickets and Study Dates
Autumn 2026 dates for Tokyo Game Show, the Ghibli Museum, TIFF, the JLPT and Kanken: ticket sales, deadlines and exam…
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Japan's My Number Card 2026: Expat Application Guide
How foreign residents get Japan's My Number Card in 2026: ward office application, health insurance link…
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Affordable Study in Japan 2026: Tuition, Scholarships and Costs
Yes. The most realistic routes are a fully funded MEXT scholarship, a JASSO-supported exchange, a national university…
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Internships in Japan 2026: Programs, Visas and Funding
Yes. International students and recent graduates can apply for company internships, university-linked placements and…
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Japan Supermarket & Conbini Late-Night Discounts
Eating on a budget is one of the most practical skills you can learn as an international student or expat in Japan.
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Japan Home Internet & Pocket Wi-Fi Guide
Setting up a reliable internet connection is one of the first priorities when moving into a new apartment in Japan.
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Japan Public Transit & IC Card Hacks (Suica / Pasmo)
Navigating Japan's public transportation system is one of the first and most frequent tasks you will face as an…
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Japan Money Transfer & Banking Guide for Expats
Moving to Japan is an exciting adventure, but navigating the country's unique financial ecosystem can quickly become…
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Japan Baito Interview Guide & Essential Phrases
Securing a part-time job—known in Japan as arubaito (アルバイト) or simply baito—is a major milestone for international…
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Japanese Apartment Layouts: 1R, 1K, 1DK & 1LDK Explained
Apartment hunting in Japan is an exciting milestone, but scanning Japanese real estate websites (like Suumo or Homes)…
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Sayonara Sales & Recycle Shops: Cheap Japan Furnishing
Furnishing your first apartment in Japan can be surprisingly expensive, especially with the unique upfront fees like…
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Save Money in Japan: Ultimate Student Discount Guide
Living in Japan as an international student is an incredible experience, but it can also be tough on your wallet.
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Reclaim Your Japanese Pension: Lump-Sum Refund Hack
If you have worked in Japan as an international resident, you have likely noticed a chunk of money deducted from your…
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100 Yen Shop Survival Guide: Student Hacks
Furnishing an apartment and buying daily essentials in Japan can quickly drain your student budget.
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Manners in Japan: 7 Unwritten Rules to Know
Living in Japan as an international student or foreign resident is an exciting journey, but it also comes with a…
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Setting Up Utilities in Japan: Gas, Water, Electricity
Moving into a new apartment in Japan is a major milestone, but it also comes with the immediate task of activating…
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Must-Have Mobile Apps for Living in Japan
Living in Japan is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with unique day-to-day challenges—from navigating complex…
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Supermarket Shopping Hacks in Japan: Save on Food
The cost of living in Japan, particularly in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, can quickly add up if you eat out for…
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Japan Garbage Sorting & Trash Rules: Expat Guide
Short answer: in Japan you sort household waste into burnable, non-burnable, recyclables and oversized (sodai gomi)…
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