The Japan Navigator

Why Japan Still Uses Paper Bills and Mail for Everything One of the first surprises for many newcomers to Japan is how much important information still arrives by post. Utility bills, city hall notices, pension statements, insurance updates — even in a highly advanced country, physical mail remains central to daily administration. This often feels outdated, inefficient, or unnecessarily stressful. In reality, Japan’s reliance on paper mail follows a clear internal logic. This article explains why paper is still dominant , what it signals, and how to approach it without anxiety. The Expectation Gap for Newcomers Many people arrive in Japan expecting: Digital billing by default Email notifications for official matters Online portals replacing paper Instead, they find their mailbox filling up with envelopes — often formal, sometimes alarming, and rarely explained. The disconnect is not about technological ability. It is about how trust, responsibility, and proo...

Why Japanese Utility Bills Rarely Match Your Usage Period One of the most common points of confusion for newcomers to Japan is utility billing. You check your electricity or gas bill and notice something strange: the dates don’t match the period you think you used the service. Sometimes the bill arrives weeks later. Sometimes the amount feels disconnected from how much you remember using. This article explains why Japanese utility bills often feel “out of sync” , how the system actually works, and why this confusion is especially common in your first year. The Expectation vs Reality Problem Many people arrive in Japan expecting utilities to work like they do elsewhere: You use electricity or gas during a given month You receive a bill shortly after The bill clearly reflects that usage period In Japan, billing follows a different logic. The issue is not that the system is inaccurate — it is that it prioritises administrative cycles over real-time usage . ...

Essential Items for Moving into Your First Apartment in Japan Japanese apartments, especially located in central Tokyo and large cities, usually reward simplicity and smart choices. If you’re setting up your first place, you don’t need a full household on day one. Start with the three items that immediately improve comfort, save some space, and fit local living patterns: a futon, a rice cooker, and a microwave/oven combo. 1) Futon (Modern, Space-Saving Bedding) Futons are present in almost every Japanese household and make sense because they combine comfort with flexibility. You sleep well at night, then fold and store during the day—freeing up floor space for work or guests. They dry faster than mattresses, are easier to air out (mold prevention matters in Japan), and moving apartments with a futon is far less hassle. Recommended set: A complete futon set keeps it simple and is often used for hosting guests or visiting family: Futon Set (affiliate link)...