News and resources

Hanko: Guide to Creating Your Own Japanese Stamp

The hanko, or Japanese stamp, is equivalent to a signature and is used to complete a variety of important processes, such as getting an apartment or opening a bank account. It is the nation’s traditional way of establishing a person’s identity. If you are moving to Japan, you might want to create your own hanko […]

Hanko_ How to Make Your Own Japanese Stamp (2)

How to Visit Japan’s City Hall (Shiyakusho): What to Do & Bring

Japan may be known for its cutting-edge technology, but when it comes to official paperwork, many procedures still require an in-person visit to your local Japanese city hall, or shiyakusho (市役所). For newly arrived international residents — whether you’re a student or a working professional — that first trip to a government office can seem […]

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Tokutei Zairyu Card: What to Know About Japan’s New Residence Card

There has been a major change that might affect your residence ard when you arrive in Japan: Immigration Services Agency (ISA), the official body responsible for immigration affairs, declared that the Residence and My Number card can be combined into a single card, called the 特定在留カード (tokutei zairyu kaado), as of June 15, 2026. This […]

Tokutei Zairyu Card: Japan Combined Residence & My Number Card

Navigating Black Jobs and Black Companies in Japan

Planning a career pivot to Japan involves navigating a unique corporate landscape and understanding specific cultural expectations. While Japan is a global leader in technology and offers incredible professional opportunities, there is also a darker side to the employment market that every job seeker should be aware of — including the issue of black company […]

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