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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A curated set of frequently referenced guides
Blue Tickets for Bicycles: Japan's New Fine System from April 2026 (Basic Guide)
Comprehensive guide to Japan's "Blue Ticket" system for bicycles starting April 2026. Learn about 113 types of violations, fine amounts, sidewalk riding exceptions, and important points for foreign residents.
How to Report a Stolen Bicycle in Japan: Real Experience at a Koban
Step-by-step guide to filing a bicycle theft report at a Japanese police box (koban). Based on real experience: what documents you need, what happens if the koban is empty, and how to file even without your registration card.
Essential Hot Spring Items for First-Timers | 3 Must-Have Items - Face Towel is All You Need
Essential hot spring items carefully selected for beginners. Learn why a single face towel is sufficient and discover the 3 minimal items you truly need, explained through actual experience.
Hay Fever Survival Guide for Foreigners in Japan β 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.
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The newest practical guides published on OhashiJozu
Foreign Residents Are Up, Police Cases Are Down: Reading Japan's 'Foreign Crime' Data Carefully
What police statistics actually show about foreign residents and crime in Japan. A data-first guide to definitions, common misconceptions, and what to watch for.
Japan Visa vs. Status of Residence: The Complete Map (2026)
Visa and Status of Residence are separate systems in Japan. This guide maps the full picture β work, study, and short-stay routes β with official sources and step-by-step entry points.
Hinamatsuri: Japan's Doll Festival Explained
What Hinamatsuri is, what the hina dolls mean, what families eat, and how to experience Japan's Doll Festival on March 3rd as a foreigner.
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 β all explained for foreigners living in Japan.
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 experienceβacknowledging the small cultural misunderstandings that make life as a foreigner in Japan both challenging and charming.
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