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Practical advice, cultural insights, and helpful guides for living in Japan

🏯Culture
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Key Concepts in Japanese Communication

Master essential Japanese communication concepts like honne/tatemae, reading the air, sasshi, and enryo to navigate social interactions more effectively in Japan.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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The LINE Phenomenon: Japan's Super App

Discover why LINE dominates Japanese digital communication, how it evolved beyond messaging to become a 'super app', and what it reveals about Japanese social culture.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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Non-Verbal Communication in Japan: What's Not Being Said

Learn to interpret Japanese body language, facial expressions, and the meaning of silence to better understand what's not being explicitly stated in Japanese conversations.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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Practical Communication Strategies for Foreigners in Japan

Actionable techniques for effective communication in Japan, from getting clear answers to declining invitations politely and building deeper relationships.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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QR Code Obsession: Japan's Square Barcodes Everywhere

Explore Japan's unique relationship with QR codes - from their invention in Japan to their ubiquitous presence in daily life, payments, and social interactions.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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The Unmutable Shutter Sound: Privacy in Japanese Phone Culture

Learn why Japanese phones have unmutable camera sounds, the cultural and social reasons behind this unique feature, and what it reveals about Japanese privacy values.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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Verbal Patterns in Japanese Communication: What's Actually Being Said

Decode common Japanese expressions and understand their hidden meanings, from the art of indirect refusal to ambiguous phrases that foreigners often misinterpret.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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Waterproof Phones: The Bathtub Connection

Discover why Japanese phones pioneered waterproofing years before global models, and how bathing culture influenced this distinctive feature of Japanese mobile technology.

Apr 23, 2025Read more →
🏯Culture
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Why Japanese Phones Are Different: Cultural Features and Unique Functions

Discover the fascinating cultural reasons behind Japan's unique smartphone features - from unmutable camera sounds to QR code obsession, mobile payments, and bath-friendly designs.

Apr 20, 2025Read more →
💻Technology
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Home Internet Options in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Navigate Japan's complex internet service options with this foreigner-friendly guide to choosing, setting up, and managing your home internet connection.

Apr 20, 2025Read more →
💻Technology
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Japanese Mobile Campaigns Explained: Cashbacks, Penalties, and Hidden Traps

Navigate the complex world of Japanese mobile phone promotions - understand cashbacks, MNP bonuses, hidden penalties, and how to avoid costly mistakes as a foreigner in Japan.

Apr 20, 2025Read more →
💻Technology
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Mobile Phone Plans in Japan: The Complete Guide for Foreigners

Navigate Japan's complex mobile phone system with our comprehensive guide for foreigners - from major carriers to budget MVNOs, requirements, hidden costs, and English support options.

Apr 20, 2025Read more →
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