Your Guide to Life in Japan
Practical advice with a touch of humor for foreigners navigating daily life, culture, and paperwork in Japan.
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Hay Fever Survival Guide for Foreigners in Japan โ Remedies, Medicine & Hospitals
A practical hay fever survival guide for foreigners in Japan. Prioritized countermeasures, OTC vs. prescription medicine, how to visit a hospital, and a pre-season checklist.
What Is Hay Fever? A Beginner's Guide for Foreigners in Japan
How hay fever works, common symptoms, how to tell it apart from a cold, when to see a doctor, and a mini-dictionary of Japanese medical terms โ all explained for foreigners living in Japan.
Why Japan's Pollen Is So Bad โ Cedar, Cypress, Timing & Regional Differences
Why hay fever is so severe in Japan: cedar and cypress pollen seasons, the post-war reforestation backstory, and regional differences. Essential reading for travelers and residents.
Japan Fee Changes in 2026 โ Departure Tax, Visa, Residence, and Passport Fees Explained
Japan's departure tax triples to ยฅ3,000 and passport fees drop from July 2026. Visa and residence fee hikes are proposed but not finalized. A clear breakdown of what is confirmed, what is pending, and who is affected.
Why "OhashiJozu"?
If you've lived in Japan as a foreigner, you've probably heard "Ohashi jozu desu ne!" (Your chopstick skills are good!) or "Nihongo jozu desu ne!" (Your Japanese is good!) - even when you've only said "Konnichiwa."
Our name is a playful nod to this common experienceโacknowledging the small cultural misunderstandings that make life as a foreigner in Japan both challenging and charming.
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