Maybe you, a foreign national, like Japan so much that you want to keep on living in Japan permanently. To do this, you will need a Permanent Resident visa. This visa allows unlimited duration for your stay, meaning you don’t have to keep on renewing your visa (however, you have to renew your resident card every 7 years). Also, you may work in any job. If you have lived … [Read more...] about How to Get a Permanent Resident Visa in Japan
What you did not know about Geisha (芸者)
Which three words come into your mind immediately when you think of Geisha? For me, beauty, mystery, and grace come to mind, as does Kyoto. Geisha and Kyoto are practically synonymous. Although there are/were some in Tokyo as well, the very concept of these mysterious women with their almost ethereal white-painted faces comes from Japan’s ancient (former) capital city. Most … [Read more...] about What you did not know about Geisha (芸者)
Should Tattoos Continue to be Banned From Onsen in Japan?
Spring and early Summer means relaxation, travel, and for many people, it also means a visit to an Onsen (温泉; natural hot springs). As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of them, and visiting one is a must during a trip to the land of the rising sun. This could prove a bit difficult for some, however, as Japan has quite stringent rules against Tattoos in … [Read more...] about Should Tattoos Continue to be Banned From Onsen in Japan?
Why are there no Empresses in Japan?
The U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women made headlines recently after deciding to remove criticism about Japan’s male-only imperial succession. The reaction in Tokyo, and the U.N. committees decision to amend the report, have riled up many in the international community such as activist and columnist Arudo Debito. Tokyo’s rejection of the … [Read more...] about Why are there no Empresses in Japan?
Job Hunting Season in Japan – Shuukatsu
It’s almost that time of year again when you’ll see many recent graduates in their best black suits, roaming the streets to attend interviews and/or training sessions, and becoming indoctrinated into, and swallowed up by the infernal corporate machine. You see, Japan has a rather unique approach to Job Hunting, also called shukatsu, which is an abbreviation of shushoku (就職; … [Read more...] about Job Hunting Season in Japan – Shuukatsu