All Articles
Practical advice, cultural insights, and helpful guides for living in Japan
Essential Phrases for Navigating Japanese Communication
Master these key Japanese phrases to navigate social situations effectively, build better relationships, and avoid misunderstandings in your daily interactions in Japan.
High-Context vs. Low-Context: The Foundation of Japanese Communication
Understand the fundamental difference between Japanese high-context communication and Western direct styles, and learn how this affects interactions in Japan.
Japanese Communication FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Japanese communication styles, from understanding indirect responses to building relationships and navigating social customs.
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.
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.
Verbal Patterns in Japanese Communication: Decoding Language Cues
Understand the subtle verbal patterns and linguistic cues in Japanese communication that reveal deeper meanings and help navigate social interactions more effectively.
Japanese Mobile Payments: From FeliCa to Modern Systems
Explore Japan's pioneering mobile payment ecosystem, from early FeliCa technology to today's complex landscape of IC cards, QR payments, and digital wallets.
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.
The Unmutable Shutter Sound: Privacy in Japanese Phone Culture
Understand the cultural and legal reasons behind Japan's mandatory camera shutter sounds and what this unique feature reveals about Japanese concepts of privacy and collective responsibility.
Waterproof Phones: The Bathtub Connection in Japanese Culture
Discover how Japan's bathing culture influenced mobile phone design, leading to widespread waterproof technology and unique usage patterns that shaped the industry.
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.
Japanese Mobile Campaigns Explained: How to Save Money on Your Phone Plan
Decode Japanese mobile carrier campaigns and promotional offers to find the best deals and avoid hidden costs when choosing your phone plan in Japan.