Of course, my official position is: breastfeed whenever baby needs it, WHEREVER baby needs it. It’s amazing that our bodies get to provide all of the nourishment that our bundle of joy needs and it’s something that should be done with pride and without reservations. But if you’re a foreigner living in the country, you […]
One Anxious Foreign Mom’s Experience of Giving Birth in Japan
It’s been a while since I’ve last written. Last February, I gave birth to my son and have since been very busy with his care. However, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, we have finally settled into some kind of a schedule and so today, I get to sit down and write another post […]
10+ Items You Should Have in Your Hospital Bag for Giving Birth in Japan
Woah, time flies! I am now in my 34th week of pregnancy. In just a couple more weeks, I’ll be down at the hospital pushing my little miracle out! Yesterday, I finally completed packing all the items in my hospital bag for giving birth in Japan. For all the other expecting mothers reading, check out […]
Choosing a Birth Facility in Japan: The Essential Guide for Anxious Foreigners
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 […]