How to describe pain to your Japanese doctor

The word itai meaning "painful" is one of the first words one picks up living in Japan. That versatile little word can be used...

How to refer to your spouse in Japanese

What you call your spouse in private is your own business, but how you refer to them in public can be a more complicated...

Getting an International Driver’s License

A few years ago, I was hired to translate for an engineer who was being sent to the US to meet with customers. I...
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How to find fireworks festivals around Japan

OK, I'll admit, this article is a bit late actually. But we just launched our site last week, right in the middle of hanabi...
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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...
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Big in Japan: Tony Torres

If there are still modern renaissance men (in Japan), Tony would be their leader. Take one part Puerto Rican, one part mad cyclist/foodie, pepper...
Emergency personnel carrying wounded people from the wreckage

What to do in an Earthquake in Japan

First you feel a little, almost imperceptible, movement. Just as you start to dismiss it as a figment of your imagination, it very quickly...

Shut Up & Take My E-Money!

It's late at night, and you're on the way home from a night out at the izakaya. You decide it's best to flood your...

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