The Japan TimesApr 15
Japan is tightening up the rules for its most common visa category by requiring applicants for certain jobs to submit proof of language proficiency. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/15/japan/society/jlpt-visa-requirement/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #society #immigrationservicesagency #immigration #visas #expats #foreignworkersexpats #livinginjapan
Japan implements language proficiency requirements for certain visa applicants

The requirement applies to jobs in which language skills are central, such as translation, interpretation and customer-facing roles.

The Japan Times
Biking JapanMar 25
The Quiet Coastal Countryside of IseShima — Kintetsu Rail Pass https://www.bikingjp.com/910446/ #AmaDivers #CinematicTravelVlog #CinematicVlog #CyclingOkinawa #IseJingu #IseShima #iseshima #JapanTravelVlog #JapanVlog #KintetsuRailPass #LifeInJapan #LivingInJapan #MieJapan #MiePrefecture #OkinawaCycling #RyanBednar #ryanbednar #TravelJapan #沖縄サイクリング #沖縄自転車に乗る #西原町自転車
Tour JapanMar 24
https://www.wacoca.com/tour/927264/ We Nailed It! The PERFECT Japan Winter Trip North of Tokyo #CurrentlyHannah #expat #JapanTravel #LivingInJapan #outdoor #overlanding #SoloTravel #travel #板倉町 #群馬 #群馬ツアー #群馬県 #群馬県ツアー #群馬県観光 #群馬観光
The Japan TimesFeb 5
Several parties are taking a hard-line stance in relation to foreign residents in Japan ahead of the country’s general election, including by proposing population caps. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/05/japan/politics/foreigner-measures-election/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #diet #expats #immigration #livinginjapan #nationality #foreignworkers #nipponishinnokai #sanseito #cra #2026lowerhouseelection
Conservative parties push for capping of foreign resident population

The Japan Innovation Party, Sanseito and the Conservative Party of Japan are taking a hard-line stance while other parties are proposing alternative measures.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesDec 27
Inspiration, innovation and identity — our 20 Questions interviewees had lots to say about their chosen careers and the paths that led them here in 2025. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/12/27/our-lives/2025-end-of-year-20-questions-wrap/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #expats #livinginjapan #womensissues #japanesecrafts #shinto #anime #mixedrelationships #2025inreview
Finding a balance between tradition and innovation in 2025

With more than two dozen interviews throughout the year, our 20 Questions column highlighted diverse views on creativity, tradition and cultural hybridity.

The Japan Times
arealty149Oct 10, 2025

Understanding the types of rental housing in Japan helps you choose the right home for your needs. From cozy 1R studios to spacious family apartments, each option offers unique features, pricing, and lease terms. Find out which suits your lifestyle best.
See more: https://blog.arealty.jp/types-of-rental-housing-in-japan/

#JapanApartments #TokyoHousing #LivingInJapan #JapanRentalGuide

The Japan TimesOct 9, 2025
Thinking about a haircut in Japan? From straight to curly, here’s your guide to salon lingo, styles and expectations. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/10/09/language/japanese-hair-salon-haircut/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #beauty #hairstyles #jlptn5 #jlptn4 #livinginjapan
From straight to curly: Getting your hair done in Japanese

From perms to straightening, navigating a Japanese salon isn’t difficult when you know the right words.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesOct 2, 2025
If you don’t dispose of your garbage properly, you may wind up with a bear at your doorstep. Or, even worse, an angry neighbor. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/10/03/language/garbage-sorting-bear-japan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #language #nihongo #vocabulary #bears #garbage #livinginjapan
Don’t poke the bear: Learn how to sort your garbage the right way

Bears are increasingly wandering into towns and cities looking for food. Make sure you don’t tempt them with your leftovers.

The Japan Times
arealty149Sep 22, 2025

Can Americans buy real estate in Japan? Yes! Learn the process, legal requirements, and tips for purchasing property as a foreigner. Discover how to invest smartly and navigate Japan’s housing market with confidence.
See more: https://blog.arealty.jp/can-americans-buy-real-estate-in-japan/

#JapanRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #LivingInJapan #BuyPropertyJapan

The Japan TimesJun 20, 2025
Concerns over Japanese nationality being easier to obtain than permanent residency came up in parliament talks last month, raising the question of how to make naturalizing more difficult. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/20/japan/politics/naturalization-permanent-residency/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #foreignworkers #expats #diet #immigration #immigrationservicesagency #livinginjapan
Calls to make naturalization more difficult emerge in parliament talks

Naturalization requires applicants to have lived in Japan for at least five consecutive years, or half of the duration required for permanent residency.

The Japan Times