Episodes

  • Moving to Japan: Reveals Garbage Police Tactics, Chonaikai Neighborhood Fees, and the Infamous Kairanban Clipboard Relay

    Moving to Japan: Reveals Garbage Police Tactics, Chonaikai Neighborhood Fees, and the Infamous Kairanban Clipboard Relay
    Apr 24 2026
    In this episode of Moving to Japan, Ken and Nina peel back the layers of neighborhood life in 2026 Tokyo. Nina recounts her high-stakes encounter with the local "Garbage Police," Mrs. Tanaka, in the residential streets of Setagaya. They explore the shifting legal landscape of the Chonaikai (Neighborhood Association), discussing whether these voluntary groups are a "neighborhood mafia" or an essential social safety net. Ken provides crucial advice for anyone living in Japan on handling the mysterious Kairanban clipboard and avoiding the physical labor of gutter cleaning through strategic fees. As foreign residents in Japan surpass 3.5 million, understanding these unwritten community rituals is vital for a successful japan expat experience. Whether you are relocating to Japan or already working in Japan, this deep dive reveals why a 500-yen box of tea might be your most important survival tool. Join us to learn how the "yellow net" is actually a sign of communal care in an aging society. #movingtojapan #livinginjapan #tokyolife #culture shock #japan2026

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
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    10 mins
  • Moving to Japan: Nina Discovers the June Tax Shock, 2026 Furusato Nozei Point Bans, and Medical Deduction Traps

    Moving to Japan: Nina Discovers the June Tax Shock, 2026 Furusato Nozei Point Bans, and Medical Deduction Traps
    Apr 23 2026
    Welcome to a crucial spring update of Moving to Japan, where we tackle the financial hurdles of living in Japan. As April 21, 2026, rolls around, Nina and Ken dive into the impending "June Resident Tax Shock" that often blindsides many a Japan expat in their second year of residency. Ken recounts his humorous yet harrowing "Bean Sprout Diet" survival story while explaining why your 2026 tax bill might feel heavier without the old Teigaku Genzei cushion. They also break down the major October 2025 shift in Furusato Nozei rules, specifically the new "Point Ban" that has transformed digital donation platforms into impact-driven tools. For anyone working in Japan, understanding the "One-Stop" system trap is vital; did you know a single medical deduction could void your entire tax credit? Whether you are relocating to Japan or have been here for years, this episode provides essential advice on navigating the 2026 fiscal landscape without losing your savings. Join us to learn why timing your donations and checking your "blue slip" notices is more important than ever. #MovingToJapan #JapanTax #FurusatoNozei #ExpatLifeJapan #TokyoFinance

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
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    9 mins
  • Moving to Japan: Ken Explains 2026 Move-in Costs, Nina Unveils Digital Traps, and UR Housing Secrets

    Moving to Japan: Ken Explains 2026 Move-in Costs, Nina Unveils Digital Traps, and UR Housing Secrets
    Apr 22 2026
    In this episode of Moving to Japan, Ken and Nina dissect the brutal reality of the 2026 rental market where a simple 1K in Nakano now commands 115,000 Yen. Nina shares her frustration with Smart-Move AI apps that hide mandatory junk fees like anti-bacterial sprays and disaster kits behind a sleek digital interface. Ken breaks down why relocating to Japan still involves archaic costs like Reikin and the complex Kyokudogaku guarantor laws that often block foreign residents. They expose the predatory Double Cleaning Fee trap hidden within modern IT Jusetsu digital contracts and explain how to negotiate brokerage fees down by half. Whether you are currently working in Japan or arriving on a digital nomad visa, this guide offers essential survival tactics for your housing search. Learn why UR Housing remains the best cheat code for living in Japan without losing your life savings to a move-in tax. This deep dive is mandatory listening for any japan expat looking to navigate the 2026 housing crisis and secure their japan visa residency with confidence. #movingtojapan #tokyohousing #japanexpat #livinginjapan #urhousing

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
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    9 mins
  • Moving to Japan: Reveals 7,700 Yen Referral Fees, Mandatory My Number Card Integration, and Gogaku Ryoyohi Expense Caps

    Moving to Japan: Reveals 7,700 Yen Referral Fees, Mandatory My Number Card Integration, and Gogaku Ryoyohi Expense Caps
    Apr 21 2026
    In this episode of Moving to Japan, Ken and Nina break down the essential rules of the Japanese healthcare system as of April 2026. Nina shares her costly 7,700-yen mistake after visiting a large university hospital without a referral letter, highlighting why understanding the hierarchy between clinics and hospitals is vital for anyone moving to japan. We dive into the now-mandatory My Number Card health ID system and how the Myna-Portal tracks prescriptions to prevent medical errors. For those living in japan or relocating to japan, we explain the Gogaku Ryoyohi benefit, a life-saving system that caps monthly medical expenses to prevent financial ruin. The hosts also provide a practical guide to using the Navii search tool for finding English-speaking doctors while managing the 'receptionist hurdle.' Whether you are currently working in japan or just arrived, this guide ensures you navigate clinics without getting lost in translation. #MovingToJapan #JapanExpat #HealthcareInJapan #MyNumberCard #GogakuRyoyohi

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    9 mins
  • Moving to Japan: Explores Digital Nomad Six-Month Cliffs, J-Find Visa Leapfrogging, and the Rirekisho Resume Formatting Struggle

    Moving to Japan: Explores Digital Nomad Six-Month Cliffs, J-Find Visa Leapfrogging, and the Rirekisho Resume Formatting Struggle
    Apr 20 2026
    Moving to Japan navigates the post-cherry blossom reality of April 2026 as Ken and Nina break down the "Six-Month Cliff" facing Digital Nomad Visa holders. Are you prepared for the transition from a temporary designated activities status to a long-term residency before your initial six months expire? This episode explores the "Visa Leapfrog" strategy using the J-Find visa and reveals why a standard American resume leads to instant rejection in the 2026 tech scene. Ken explains the shift to digital Certificates of Eligibility (COE) while Nina recounts her traumatic experience with Japanese guarantor companies and the "boss fight" of Tokyo housing. From the necessity of the Reiwa-era Rirekisho to the unexpected power of a 100-yen Hanko, we uncover the cultural friction points often missed by new arrivals. Whether you are moving to Japan or already living in Japan, understanding these digital-era hurdles is essential for any successful relocating to Japan process. Join us as we bridge the gap between high-tech systems and traditional expectations for every japan expat currently working in japan. #japanvisa #livinginjapan #digitalnomadjapan #tokyolife #movetojapan

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
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    8 mins