Anyone having spent any reasonable length of time realizes that April signals a “new start” in Japan. Television commercials abound with cherry blossoms and new randozeru backpacks on the backs of shiny-faced first graders, and the subways are filled with fresh graduates making their fir [ ... ]
This article reflects the business of late January for me and everyone, I expect. First, please note that the Japanese tax return period is approaching. People who are self-employed, have a side job in addition to their full-time employment, sold/bought a house in 2005 using a housing loan, had out- [ ... ]
You might be surprised at the title of this article – “Investing in Japan for Beginners.” How, exactly, is investing frugal? Shouldn’t we be sitting around scanning newspaper inserts for supermarket sales or reusing rubber-bands instead of checking the stock charts? Well, whi [ ... ]
The word “tax” in any ezine title seems to automatically induce drowsiness, so I thought I’d try a slightly catchier hook for this week’s main article. Japan’s top tax-reform committee recently recommended a major change to the current tax code that would both simplify [ ... ]
Admittedly, this topic is geared for longer-term residents of Japan, and most likely those with Japanese spouses. Try as one might, it is still difficult for foreigners to apply for (and be granted) a housing loan. However, there are an increasing number of options available for financing. This, sig [ ... ]
Summer in Japan always makes me nostalgic for .. summers of Japan past? Not really, but it was a shock when I realized a few weeks ago that it had been precisely 10 years since I first set foot in the land of the Rising Yen. As an impressionable university student, I had zero financial [...] [ ... ]
Banking in Japan is a bit of a mystery to most foreign residents. Most of us have a bank account or two, or a Post Office account as well – ones that we use mostly for the convenience of receiving our salaries, paying our bills, and storing our money in a location safer than a [...] [ ... ]
If the thought of a 35 year loan to pay for a house gives you the shivers but you want to put down roots and have your own home here in Japan then you could do worse than consider ‘keibai bukken’ (foreclosed properties) which allow you to purchase properties at a great price. Houses regu [ ... ]
Credit cards in general are bit different in Japan than in our home countries, and foreigners often find it impossible or very difficult to qualify for a card without a guarantor or substantial time in the country. Different Types of Cards Available First, it is important to distinguish between the [ ... ]
The New Year in many cultural traditions is a time to make resolutions, change habits (or try to, at least), and start new goals. My advice for you today might be helpful for two of the most common goals for foreigners living in Japan: to save more money (or spend less), and to study Japanese [...] [ ... ]