Smart Money Japan – Life & Finance for Foreigners in Japan

Complete Guide for Foreigners Attending a Japanese Wedding Attending a Japanese wedding for the first time can be exciting but also a little overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know—from money gifts and dress codes to etiquette and insider tips—based on my personal experiences. Tip:  Check our  Other Japan Lifestyle Guides  for more useful information about living in Japan as a foreigner. 1️⃣ Money Gift (Goshūgi 💴) In Japan, giving  cash as a wedding gift  ( goshūgi ) is the standard practice. Always place it in a  shūgi-bukuro (祝儀袋) envelope, available at convenience stores, stationery shops, or online.  Recommended Amount Friends or colleagues:  ¥30,000 Close family:  ¥50,000 or more Important Tips Avoid “even numbers” like  ¥40,000 , which symbolize separation. Always use  new bills , avoiding old or wrinkled ones. Write your name on the envelope. If kanji is difficult, Roman letters are acceptable. Learn more...

Is It Normal to Feel Bad When Skipping Sights on a Japan Trip? Traveling in Japan can be both exciting and overwhelming. From temples and shrines to bamboo forests and castles, there’s an endless list of sights to see. But sometimes, it’s okay to skip a few attractions and focus on enjoying your trip at your own pace. Tip:  Check our  Japan Travel Guides  for more tips on planning your itinerary. 1️⃣ The “FOMO” of Travel Many tourists experience  Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)  when skipping a famous sight.  Why FOMO Happens Japan is packed with landmarks, making it impossible to see everything in one trip. Social media and travel blogs can increase pressure to “see it all.” How to Deal With FOMO Feeling guilty is common, but it doesn’t mean your trip is wasted. Focus on the sights you  do  visit and the experiences you gain. Learn more about managing  travel FOMO in Japan . 2️⃣ Listen to Your Body (and Travel Partner) Walking 15–16 km a day whil...

Public Etiquette in Japan: What Foreign Residents Should Know  Living in Japan comes with many rewards, but it also means adjusting to unique cultural and social norms. Understanding public etiquette is essential for a smooth life and shows respect for those around you. This guide highlights the most important behaviors to follow as a foreign resident. Tip:  For more practical guides on living in Japan, see our  Japan Lifestyle Guides . 1️⃣ No Phone Calls on Trains and Buses Why It Matters Talking on the phone while riding trains or buses is considered  rude  in Japan. Many locals will politely stare or move away if someone is on a loud call. What to Do Set your phone to  “manner mode”  (silent or vibration). For urgent calls, step off at the next stop before speaking. Texting and messaging are acceptable if done quietly. See our  Public Transportation Etiquette  for more tips. 2️⃣ Forming Lines Japanese people value  order and patience ...

Many people dream of studying in Japan, but some worry that age might hold them back. A common question is: “If I go to a Japanese language school at 35, is it too late?” The short answer:  No—it’s not too late! 1️⃣ The Short Answer — It’s Not Too Late! Japanese language schools welcome students of various ages, including those in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. While the majority of classmates may be in their late teens or early 20s, being older is not unusual. Schools often appreciate mature students because they bring focus and life experience. Related guide:  Studying in Japan: First Steps 2️⃣ Advantages of Studying Japanese at 35 Attending language school at 35 can be a  strength , not a weakness. Life Experience Older students are usually more disciplined and goal-oriented. You know why you want to study, which increases motivation. Financial Stability Many 35-year-olds are in a better position to afford tuition and living costs. This financial security reduces stress w...

Living in a Japanese apartment can be challenging when soundproofing is poor and neighbors are sensitive to noise. Imagine this situation: A female resident has a male neighbor who  bangs on the wall  at the slightest sound—such as putting away plates at 7:20am or watching a show at low volume. Is she being too noisy, or is the neighbor unreasonably sensitive? Here’s how to handle such cases in Japan. 1️⃣ Understanding Noise in Japanese Apartments Thin Walls and Daily Sounds Many  wooden apartments (木造アパート / mokuzō apāto)  have poor soundproofing. Even normal daily activities—washing dishes, walking, or using a TV at low volume—can easily be heard. Cultural Expectations Japanese tenants are generally  very conscious of noise . Quiet living is valued, especially in shared housing environments. Related:  What to Expect in Japanese Apartments 2️⃣ Quiet Hours in Japan General Rule Most apartments recommend  10:00 pm – 7:00 am  as “quiet hours.” Differ...

  Is It Weird to Do Karaoke Alone in Japan? When people think of karaoke in Japan, they often imagine groups of friends singing together. But what about going  alone ? Is it considered strange? The answer:  Not at all.  In Japan, “ヒトカラ” ( hitori-karaoke , or karaoke alone) is actually  very common . 1️⃣ Solo Karaoke Is Normal Everyday Practice Many Japanese people go to karaoke alone for various reasons: To  practice singing  without pressure. To  relieve stress  after work or school. To  test out new songs  before singing in front of friends. Specialized Solo Booths Some karaoke chains even offer  small, private booths  designed for one person. This shows how mainstream  hitori-karaoke  has become. Related:  Stress Relief Ideas in Japan 2️⃣ Is It Allowed? Yes, absolutely. Karaoke shops generally charge  by the room , not per person. Whether you’re one person or ten, you can book a room. Some chains eve...

  🟦 Title It’s Census Time! Foreign residents, your participation is important ① Why it matters The census is  Japan’s largest survey Counts both Japanese and foreign residents Data is used for  education, government planning, and community services ② Common Question ❓  “Doesn’t the government already know everything through My Number?” ➡️ No.  My Number and immigration data cannot be used  for the census. ③ How to Participate Receive the census packet Scan your unique  QR code Select your language  (cannot be changed once you start) Answer only  16 questions ④ What your answers help with More  Japanese language support teachers  in public schools Increased funding for  interpreter-support nonprofits More community services where foreign residents are growing Accurate count ensures  resources are fairly distributed ⑤ The risk of not filling it out Foreign residents may be  undercounted Essential services underfunded ...