So, what about those like me who choose to stay in Japan despite the seeming adversity? Why have we been here for so long and why will we continue here?

Goukon usually refers to two groups of single men and single women who organize a night out together to build some romantic relationships or new friendships between them and is especially popular with college students.

This country I have grown to love deeply over the past 10 years is today also radically different in a number of ways. Some of the changes have undoubtedly been for the better, others perhaps not so much. However, I still retain the same sense of hope and optimism today as I think about Japan’s future that I had in my heart 10 years ago.

Japan has both delighted but also scared the living daylights out of me. It may be a fascinating land of volcanoes, technology, and politeness, but there are a few things so new to me that even after 10 years, I still have some trouble adjusting.

So with that in mind, I thought I would talk a little about moving house in Japan. How does it work? What kind of things can we expect to see? What are the main challenges one will face in this endeavor? Also, how much will it all cost you?

Whilst even a short visit to Japan can be a life-changing experience for many, the fact is that in a country so fascinatingly unique and with so many different layers to its society, three months really isn’t enough time to even scratch the surface.

So, in light of this recent trash crisis, the young people of this generation must have self-awareness to not litter and obey the rules especially about trash to mitigate it. Japan is working on ways to control and mitigate it's waste through strict measures and trash control policies.

After the first check up, my dentist exclaimed that my Oyashirazu needed to be pulled. Here are some of the steps I went through from that point on, which should help you too, if you need to get your tooth pulled and don't know what awaits you.

Recently I had the pleasure of once again re-treading the path I took a long time ago when I first arrived in Japan. Here are the reasons I chose to move back.

As a foreigner living in Japan, changing jobs is not quite as straightforward as one may think. However, it is easier than in most other Asian countries.

Japan offers a wide range of experiences and sights to see, from robot restaurants to sushi bars, from anime festivals to zen monasteries. The people express themselves in a wide range of activities, from traditional ceremonies to cyberpunk cinematography. But every now and then, I hear from long-term residents that Japan does not offer much in the way of interesting people.

It is important that you think very carefully, if you are coming to live and work in Japan for the first time, about where you would like to live. Are you a city dweller or a countryside rambler?