You will find power tools, gas torches, multi-purpose folding knives, and all the usual goodies found in hardware stores anywhere in the world. But as always there are subtle cultural differences. What kinds of cultural differences can you expect in these hardware stores?
ShoppingAll Japan
Akira Fuyuno
April 19, 2018
It's allergy season in Japan now. To give you some advice on what to buy and what to use, here is a brief outline of some very effective tips on dealing with Hay Fever, dust mites, and other allergy-related issues.
All Japan
Liam Carrigan
April 2, 2018
Let's see what are the challenges and advantages of living in Japan.
All Japan
Marina Lizio
September 30, 2017
When you look at the trash system you can come to understand a lot about the Japanese. You can see their attention to detail, their willingness to work a little bit harder, their team spirit and their care for the environment.
CultureAll Japan
Steven Askew
July 19, 2017
As an immigrant in Japan I have noticed the foreign community here is quite different from other countries I have lived in.
CultureAll Japan
Liam Carrigan
June 30, 2017
So how can you make sure that you have everything you need in the case of a large earthquake, for example, that may leave you stranded (call for help)?
Food & DrinkShoppingAll Japan
Luna
December 8, 2016
It is true that we tend to accumulate stuff in our houses. And knowing how tiny houses are in Japan, this can become a problem. That is when disposing of unneeded items takes place.
ShoppingKanto
Teina-Tokyo
August 24, 2016
If you’re moving to Japan for work or study, deciding where to stay is no simple decision. Here’s why you should seriously consider a share house. There are now over 2,800 share houses in Japan. They’re easy to get into, interesting to live in, and much easier on your wallet than renting your own place.
All Japan
Donna Sheffield
August 2, 2016
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “vending machine” was first used circa 1895. It is defined as “a coin-operated machine for selling merchandise.” Although there are references to the coin-operated machines all the way back in the first century AD, the first modern vending machines were invented in 1880s, dispensing postcards and envelopes.
CultureAll Japan
Teina-Tokyo
July 7, 2016
If you are staying in Japan long term and are on a budget, a good alternative to renting an apartment (notorious for being expensive with many payments before you even move in and are often unfurnished) is to stay in a share house.
All Japan
Finny Attridge
May 2, 2016
One common lament that I frequently hear highlighted amongst many foreign residents in Japan, whether they are English teachers, financial sector workers, or even homemakers, is the often opaque, convoluted and, at times, downright confusing way in which Japan’s various pension and insurance systems are administrated.
All Japan
Liam Carrigan
April 25, 2016
Do you like cycling? Japan has some unique rules for cycling that must be obeyed. The Japanese government thinks that it is not only for your own safety, but it is also for the other people's safety in Japan.
EventsAll Japan
Sanny Soedjatmiko Hartanto
March 30, 2016
The school education of Japan includes many activities other than studying. They have time allotted for playing, cleaning etc. Thus Japanese educational system not only focus on teaching theory lessons to the children, but also makes them able to handle things in their everyday life.
CultureAll Japan
Preetha
March 18, 2016
In Japan, the mostly commonly used public transportation is the train. I can say that you can go everywhere in Japan by train. It is the most convenient public transportation in Japan. Unfortunately, there's a bad side : rush hours in Japan are so horrible.
Kanto
Sanny Soedjatmiko Hartanto
March 18, 2016
Westerners, for the most part, probably don’t give much thought to tattoos. An awful lot of us have them (myself included), and they certainly don’t carry the stigma they used to, aside from in small pockets of our society. However, in Japan, this is a slightly different story.
CultureAll Japan
Louise Dupuy
March 11, 2016
With the dawn of spring comes the busiest time of the year for the various movers and shakers in Japan’s huge Human Resources and recruitment sectors.
CultureAll Japan
Liam Carrigan
March 10, 2016
Whether snow is forecast, falling, or melting, there is work to be done managing it because around 10 metres will assuredly fall during winter in Central Hokkaido.
NatureHokkaido
Lucy Morrell
February 29, 2016
Just as how you use the words, “sushi”, “anime” or “manga” in your home country, the Japanese have also adopted a lot of English words which are commonly heard in daily conversations in Japan. This time though, with a twist!
CultureAll Japan
Marianne Topacio
February 24, 2016
15 Things to Do in Kobe
20 Things to Do in Kyushu
5 Must-do Summer Activities in Japan
15 Things to Do in Akihabara
5 Heartwarming and Tear-jerking Japanese Dramas and Movies
10 Japanese Foods You Have Never Had
All About Donburi 
10 Famous Buddha Statues in Japan
The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Hakone
10 Best Japanese Sauces
The 5 Best Used Electronic Stores in Akihabara
Morning Exercise
Things to Do on Takeshita Street, Harajuku
Kyoto's Famous Omurice: Kichi Kichi
10 Snacks to Try in Japan
Shop ‘Til You Drop: Bargain Hunting in Osaka
10 Must-see spots in Kamakura once you are in town!
The Top 5 Places to Visit in Nagano in Winter
Cycling & Camping along the Sea of Japan, Ishikawa to Aomori
Koriyama City: an Unplanned Day Trip and Pleasant Surprise in Fukushima
Tokyo's Hidden Daibutsu: the Subtly Exquisite Buddha Statue of Jōren Temple
The Japanese Serow: The Four-Legged Woods Dweller Native to Japan
Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
River Rafting on the Yoshino: Fun Thrills in Shikoku
A Taste of Waseda: Inside the Uni-125 Cafe
The Many Wondrous Temples of Matsushima, Miyagi
