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How to Prevent “Yami Baito” (Black Part-Time Jobs) in Japan

For many international students and foreign residents in Japan, finding a part-time job is almost a rite of passage. It can help cover tuition and living expenses, build valuable work experience, and perhaps most importantly, create opportunities to practice Japanese in real-life situations. But while there are countless safe, legitimate part-time jobs available, there is […]

yami baito

Japanese Drugstore Guide: 10 Best Drugstores in Japan

Drugstores in Japan can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re a foreigner who’s not ready to visit a hospital or clinic in Japan (yet). But beyond over-the-counter medicine, Japanese drugstores offer everything from affordable skincare miracles to quirky snacks you won’t find anywhere else. But what about pharmacies? Are they different from drugstores?  In this […]

A friendly pharmacist assisting a customer at a Japanese pharmacy counter.

What is The Legal Drinking Age in Japan? Laws and What to Know

While drinking culture is woven into everyday life in Japan, the country’s legal drinking age remains higher than that of many neighboring Asian countries and several European nations. For example, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and Singapore set their legal drinking age to 18 years old. In Germany, somewhat unsurprisingly, minors as young as 14 are allowed […]

women drinking - legal drinking age in Japan

Girls’ Day in Japan: 2026 Guide to Hinamatsuri

Also called Girl’s Day in Japan, Hinamatsuri is an annual celebration held on March 3 dedicated to the health, happiness, and prosperity of young girls. It is also called Peach Festival (Momo no Sekku). Families display ornamental dolls and enjoy seasonal dishes during this time. It is one of the five seasonal festivals (gosekku) that […]

Hinamatsuri