Japan Life

Japan living and working tips and useful information.

Japan’s Police System Explained: What Makes the National Police Agency, Tokyo Metropolitan Police, and Local Stations Different

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Japan's police system is both complex and surprisingly efficient. There are multiple layers at work, from the national level down to local stations. The three names you'll hear most often are the National Police Agency, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and the local police station. They seem similar, but each has its own roles and responsibilities. Let's take a look at how the system works and what separates these groups.

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Toyota’s Woven City: Japan’s First Smart City for Autonomous Living

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Toyota has officially opened the first phase of its bold experiment in central Japan – a futuristic “living city” called Woven City, located just beneath Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. A handful of residents have already moved in, and about 300 people associated with Toyota are expected to join them soon. What makes this place different? It is filled with autonomous cars, delivery robots, and personal mobility devices that meet everyday needs. For an automaker, it's very rare to build a city like this.

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Japan Is Quietly Closing the Door to Citizenship in 2026 – Here’s What Long-Term Expats Need to Know Now

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On November 25, 2025, Japanese media revealed that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government is preparing to effectively double the residency requirement for naturalization from 5 to nearly 10 years — aligning it with permanent residency rules.

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How Much is the Average Cost of Living Alone in Japan? 12 Tips to Save 50,000 Yen a Month!

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"I'm starting to live alone in Japan, but how much does it actually cost?" "How different are living expenses between big cities and rural areas in Japan?" Many people living in Japan likely have these questions. Especially with Japan's rising prices and rent, "where you live" and "how you spend your money" directly impact monthly expenses.

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Complete Guide to Japan's Specified Skilled Worker Visa: Introduction to 16 Industries, Application Requirements, and Average Income

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The Specified Skilled Worker visa is a residence status introduced by the Japanese government in 2019. This system aims to address Japan's labor shortage by accepting foreign talent with specialized knowledge or skills.Initially, the Specified Skilled Worker system covered 12 industries, but in March 2024, 4 additional industries were included, bringing the total to 16 industry sectors.

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【2025】Japan's Top 15 Recommended Budget SIM Cards Ranking

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Many people may find the communication fees of Japan's three major carriers too high and are considering switching to more cost-effective budget SIM cards (Japanese: 格安SIM). However, with a wide variety of options like ahamo, povo, Rakuten Mobile, and UQ mobile, each offering different data allowances and pricing, it's natural to have questions: "Are budget SIM cards reliable despite being cheap?" "Will I regret switching to a Japanese budget SIM card?"

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