The Japan Navigator

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 . ...

Guarantor vs Guarantor Company in Japan: What’s the Difference? If you have ever searched for an apartment in Japan, you have almost certainly encountered the word guarantor . For many foreign residents, this requirement is confusing and often becomes the biggest obstacle to renting — especially in cities like Tokyo. This article explains the difference between a personal guarantor and a guarantor company , how each works in practice, what they cost, and why most landlords now prefer guarantor companies. What Is a Guarantor in Japan? In Japan, a guarantor (連帯保証人) is someone who legally agrees to take responsibility if the tenant fails to pay rent or causes damage. This is not a symbolic role. A guarantor is: Legally responsible for unpaid rent Potentially liable for damages Contacted directly if problems arise Because of this liability, being a guarantor is a serious commitment. Personal Guarantor: How It Works A personal guarantor is usually: A ...

Why a Kotatsu Can Save You Money in Japan (Especially in Your First Winter) When people ask how much money they should save before moving to Japan, heating costs are rarely part of the discussion. Yet for many newcomers, winter electricity bills are one of the first unexpected expenses. Japanese apartments are often poorly insulated, and heating an entire room can become expensive very quickly. This is why many households rely on a uniquely Japanese solution: the kotatsu . A kotatsu is not just a cultural item. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm in Japan — especially during your first winter. Why Heating Costs Surprise Newcomers in Japan Many people moving to Japan assume winter heating will be manageable. In practice, several factors make it harder than expected: Thin walls and weak insulation in many apartments High ceilings that trap cold air Electric heaters and air conditioners consuming significant power Long evenings spent at home du...

How Much Money Should You Save Before Moving to Japan? One of the most common questions people ask before moving to Japan is simple, but stressful: how much money do I actually need? Online answers range from wildly optimistic to unnecessarily alarming. The reality depends on your situation — but there are realistic minimums, and there are common mistakes that leave people financially exposed in their first months. This article explains how much money you should save before moving to Japan, based on real costs, timing gaps, and what newcomers consistently underestimate. Why Your First Months in Japan Cost More Than You Expect Even if you already have a job lined up, Japan has a timing problem that affects cash flow. Common reasons: Your first salary is often paid 4–6 weeks after you start working Initial housing costs are front-loaded Administrative costs arrive early Nothing feels “monthly” at the beginning This means you need a buffer — not just enoug...

Admin Fatigue in Japan: Why Everything Feels Complicated (And How Locals Cope) At some point, many foreign residents in Japan hit a wall. It is not culture shock, language barriers, or even work — it is administration. Forms, stamps, counters, deadlines, repeated explanations. Individually, each task is manageable. Together, they can feel overwhelming. This feeling has a name many people recognize instinctively: admin fatigue . This article explains why administrative procedures in Japan feel so exhausting, even when things technically work well — and how Japanese people themselves cope with it. It’s Not That the System Is Broken One important point to understand is this: Japanese administration is not chaotic or inefficient in the usual sense. Most procedures are: Rule-based Predictable Designed to avoid ambiguity The problem is not disorder. The problem is density . Why Admin in Japan Feels So Heavy Everything Is a Separate Process In Japan, tasks ...

Practical New Year Tips in Japan (Plus the Traditions You’ll See Everywhere) New Year (お正月 / Oshōgatsu) is the most important holiday period in Japan. While Christmas passes quickly, New Year affects daily life in very real, practical ways — especially if you are not expecting it. This article covers what to prepare for New Year in Japan , what typically closes, and the main traditions you will see Japanese people observing between December 31 and January 3 — including why some shrines become extremely crowded, even overnight. Many Things Close — More Than You Expect Unlike Christmas, New Year in Japan comes with real shutdowns. Common closures include: Banks and government offices Clinics and small medical practices Real estate agencies and moving services Smaller restaurants and local shops Large convenience stores remain open, but overall activity slows down significantly. Prepare Cash in Advance ATMs at convenience stores usually work, but bank br...

Christmas in Japan: What It’s Really Like (And What Surprises Foreigners) Christmas in Japan looks familiar at first glance — lights, trees, music, cakes — but the meaning behind it is very different from what most foreigners expect. This article explains what Christmas in Japan is actually about, what usually surprises newcomers, and how locals really experience it. Christmas Is Not a Public Holiday The first surprise for many foreign residents is simple: December 25 is a normal working day . Schools, offices, banks, and government services all operate as usual. There is no nationwide holiday, and no expectation that people take time off. In Japan, Christmas is treated as an event , not a holiday. Christmas Is for Couples, Not Families Unlike in many Western countries, Christmas in Japan is primarily seen as a romantic occasion . It is commonly associated with: Dinner dates Exchanging gifts between couples Hotel stays or special restaurant reservations...