After confirming and registering your pregnancy, the next thing you would want to think about is where to give birth. Finding the right birth facility in Japan is crucial, and the sooner you can get this done, the better. I made my reservation six weeks into my pregnancy and by then, the hospital I’d chosen […]
What to Do When Pregnant In Japan: A Complete Guide for Clueless Foreigners
Just after celebrating my birthday this year, my Japanese husband and I were blessed with a pleasant surprise. I’m pregnant in Japan!! – according to the two sticks I peed on that night at least. Though thankful and excited, I quickly went into panic mode thinking about the possible hurdles I would be facing throughout […]
Japan’s Maternity Leave and Pay: An Essential Guide for Anxious Foreign Moms
Being a pregnant foreign worker in Japan can make anyone anxious. Among a gazillion other things, Japan’s maternity leave and pay, the allowed duration of maternity leave, and the state of your finances during that downtime can be a cause of much confusion – it sure was for me! So today, I would like to […]
Wise: Cheap, Easy Option For Sending Money From Japan
For the last three or so years, I have been using Western Union as my default method to send money from Japan back home to the Philippines. To be honest, I knew it was probably not the best or cheapest option out there compared to Wise, but I realized that only after going through the […]
How To Use A Japanese Rice Cooker: A Helpful Guide for Clueless Foreigners
So, you’re telling me that you are in possession of the magical Japanese rice cooker but do not know how to use it? How dare you? You are missing out real bad. Japanese rice cookers are an essential part of the Japanese diet, and whether or not you eat rice daily yourself, knowing how to […]
How To Use A Japanese Air Conditioner: The Complete Guide for Clueless Foreigners
Atsuuui! It’s summer again in Japan and guess what? I haaaate it! I’m from a tropical country so the heat, I can contend with. But the humidity… please, somebody turn it off! Good thing you always have your trusty air conditioner at home. Learning how to use a Japanese air conditioner is not just essential […]
Japan Apartment Grill: The Complete Guide for Clueless Foreigners
Living in a bustling city like Tokyo means dealing with limited space, especially in Japan apartment kitchens. But before you write off this crucial part of your home as impractical, consider the clever design elements, including handy features like the Japan apartment grill – a compact yet versatile addition tucked under your burners. Don’t let […]
Japanese Apartment Bathroom Fan: Discover How Useful This Appliance Is!
Very often neglected (because duh, aren’t ventilation options only supposed to be just ON and OFF?), the Japanese apartment bathroom fan is not only good for drying the floor after a shower but for a lot of other things as well – including drying your laundry! In this article, I’ll be using the Dry Fan […]
JLPT Book Haul: Nihongo So-Matome vs New Kanzen Master
I am hoping to take (and pass haha) the JLPT N1 Level this year, and the topic of ‘Nihongo So-Matome vs New Kanzen Master’ has been gnawing on my mind. In the past, I have stubbornly stuck to my own ways and did not get even a single of the typical books most people use […]
Successfully Getting a Rakuten Credit Card: Complete and Essential Guide for Foreigners
Up until last year, I had been using my credit card from back home in the Philippines and sending payments every month. Not only was this a hassle, but I also realized I was missing out on many benefits of having a Japanese credit card. That was when I decided to apply for one from […]