Life in Japan

A Must-See for Trainees! “No Speakerphone Calls” and “No Sitting on the Ground” – Basic Manners in Japan

Speakerphone calls on buses, trains, or even while walking... what might be normal in your country can be a "breach of manners" in Japan. Doing it without knowing can annoy others or lead to misunderstandings. I (Sensei) will teach you the important public manners for a comfortable stay in Japan.
Life in Japan

【Important】Garbage Rules in Japan: Master the 4 Basics to Avoid Trouble

Disposing of garbage in Japan might be the most difficult in the world. However, if you don't follow the rules, you may have trouble with neighbors or your landlord. I (Sensei) will explain the "Basics of Sorting" and "Disposal Times" that trainees should know in an easy-to-understand way.
Work & Visa

To Trainees Struggling with Work: 4 Rules to Build “Trust” More Important Than Skills

"For some reason, my seniors keep getting mad at me..." The cause might actually be that "clicking sound (Tsk!)" you make unconsciously! I (Sensei) will teach you 4 promises more important than skills or Japanese language when working in Japan. These "magic rules," like instant LINE replies and greetings, will help you gain trust and be liked in your workplace.
Money & Card

【Money Talk】No Bonus!? No Pay Raise? Rules for Trainee “Contracts” and the Only Way to Increase Your Salary

"Do trainees not get bonuses?" "My salary hasn't increased even in my second year..." I (Sensei) will answer these worries directly. While explaining the strict reality of the "Employment Contract (Koyo Joken-sho / 雇用条件書)" rules, I’ll also share "tricks to raise your salary at your current company." I'll teach you a smart way to live that increases your take-home pay more reliably than just complaining.
Money & Card

【For Those Returning Home】Lose 600,000 Yen if You Don’t Know!? How to Get Your “Pension (Nenkin)” Back When Leaving Japan

Foreign workers in Japan, you might receive 600,000 yen when you go home! I (Sensei) explain the "Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment (Dattai Ichijikin)" procedure to get back the Employee Pension (Kosei Nenkin) deducted from your monthly salary. Check the estimated amount and the 3 things to prepare before leaving to get back every single yen!
Money & Card

【Understanding Your Payslip】Is the Company Deceiving You? Reasons for Low “Take-home Pay” and a Kanji List to Remember

"My salary is lower than I thought... Is the company deceiving me?" For those feeling anxious, I (Sensei) explain the meaning of difficult Kanji on Japanese Payslips (Kyuryo Meisai / 給料明細). Understanding "Gross Payment" and "Deductions" makes taxes and insurance clear. Also, don't miss the info on the pension refund you get when returning home.
Money & Card

【Warning】ATM Not Working!? “Bank Procedures” You Must Do After Renewing Your Residence Card

Do you think you're safe just because you renewed your Residence Card? Actually, if you don't report your new card to the bank, your account might be frozen, and you won't be able to withdraw money! I (Sensei) will gently teach you how to perform the "Residence Period Update Procedure" required at Japanese banks like Yucho Bank, and what to do if your ATM card stops working.
Life in Japan

【Photo Guide】Is That Paper Worth 600,000 Yen!? How to Identify “4 Cards and Documents” You Must Never Throw Away in Japan

Are you throwing away mail from the Japanese government? Beyond your "Residence Card," you might lose 600,000 yen if you discard your "Pension Book/Notice." We also explain the "Health Insurance Card" which lowers your hospital bills. I (Sensei) explain these 4 vital documents with photos so you never throw them away by mistake!
Life in Japan

【Emergency】I Lost My Wallet! I Lost My Residence Card! Steps to the Police and “Magic Words”

To those panicking because you lost your wallet or residence card: it’s okay, Japan is a country where lost items often come back. We explain the procedures for "reporting to the police," "blocking your cards," and "reissuing your residence card" at Immigration. We also introduce "Magic Words" you can use directly at the police station.
Money & Card

【Must-Read】Meaning of Kanji and How to Use Yucho Bank ATMs

"I'm in trouble because I can't read the Kanji on the ATM..." "I don't want to be charged a Fee (Tesuryo / 手数料)!" For those trainees, I (Sensei) will teach you the "4 main buttons" to remember at Yucho Bank (Japan Post Bank) ATMs and the times when the fee is free. Master these, and you won't be afraid of ATMs anymore!