Life in Japan

From Foreign License to Gold: How I Earned Japan’s Highest Driver’s Honor in Just 5 Years

Life in Japan / August 8, 2025

From struggling to convert my foreign license to proudly holding Japan’s most trusted driving credential, my journey to earning a Gold Japanese Driver’s License in just 5 years has been nothing short of transformational. This isn’t just a story about safe driving—it’s about overcoming challenges, and honoring a milestone many foreigners dream of but few talk about. Whether you’re just starting your license journey or aiming for gold, this post is a tap on your shoulder that you can too, this might be your encouragement, and your reminder that milestones like these are not given—they’re earned.

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Why You Should and Must Get a Japanese Driver’s License

Life in Japan / August 8, 2025

Getting a Japanese driver’s license as a foreigner isn’t just about convenience—it’s a step toward freedom, safety, and opportunity. Whether you’re commuting to work, picking up your child from nursery, or simply dreaming of exploring Japan beyond the train lines, this guide offers everything you need to know. From legal requirements to real-life challenges and personal triumphs, I’m sharing my full journey—because if you’re a foreigner trying to build a life in Japan like I did, this license isn’t just a card. It’s a lifeline.

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Japanese Nuances That A Foreigner Must Know

Life in Japan / May 17, 2025

Discover the unspoken rules of Japan that every foreigner must know. From workplace etiquette and parenting norms to school life, gift-giving, and daily manners—this powerful guide unveils the subtle yet essential cultural nuances that shape Japanese life. Whether you’re visiting, working, or raising a family in Japan, understanding these hidden truths will not only help you avoid misunderstandings—but will help you connect, belong, and thrive in this beautiful and complex culture.

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This Story Must Be Told: To Be True, To Be Free – A Heartfelt Story Of A Woman, A Mother and A Dreamer in a Foreign Land

Life in Japan / June 3, 2025

There was a girl who stayed silent to keep the peace,
a woman who carried invisible scars behind her smiles,
a mother who whispered hope into her children’s dreams, even when hers felt broken.

This is not a story of blame.
This is a story of becoming.

Of learning that healing begins when you no longer apologize for your truth.
That freedom comes when you choose yourself without guilt.

If you have ever loved too deeply, carried too much, or stayed too long—
this story is for you.

Because today, we rise.
Today, we speak.
Today, we believe again.

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A Cry of A Woman, A Mother and A Dreamer

Life in Japan / May 14, 2025

This is the cry I never spoke aloud—the kind that echoes only in the quiet of the night, when the world is asleep and I’m left with the weight of everything I carry alone. It’s the silent ache of being unheard, unseen, but still showing up with love for children who only know my smile. Behind that smile is a woman who’s tired… but not giving up. A mother who’s bent, but not broken. A dreamer who’s been delayed, but not denied. And in this cry, there’s hope. In this cry, there’s strength. In this cry, there’s the quiet beginning of a woman rewriting her story—one brave step at a time.

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 Expecting in Japan: A Foreigner’s Guide to Pregnancy, Maternity Care, and Birth Experience

Life in Japan / June 9, 2025

Expecting a baby in Japan as a foreigner can feel both exciting and overwhelming — but you’re not alone. In this blog post, I walk you through everything you need to know: from understanding Japan’s maternity care system and navigating prenatal checkups, to choosing the right birth facility, preparing for labor, and what postpartum care looks like here. I also share my own personal birth story — the highs, the struggles, and the moments that made me stronger. Whether you’re newly pregnant or just curious, this post is filled with practical tips, emotional insight, and real experiences to help you feel more prepared, more supported, and more confident every step of the way.

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How to Set Up Internet and Phone Plans in Japan Without Speaking Japanese

Life in Japan / May 14, 2025

Managing your internet and phone services in Japan doesn’t have to be stressful, even if you’re not fluent in Japanese. From tracking your data usage to avoiding surprise charges, understanding your plan’s renewal and cancellation process, and navigating customer support, a little knowledge goes a long way. Plus, with bundled services and promotions, you might even save money while staying connected. In this guide, we’ll break down essential tips to help you manage your mobile and internet plans smoothly—whether you’re settling in for the long term or just passing through. Let’s make sure you stay connected without the hassle!

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Navigating Japan’s Rental Market: A Foreigner’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Apartment

Life in Japan / July 10, 2025

Ready to make your Japanese dream home a reality but feeling overwhelmed by the rental process? Whether you’re moving to Japan for work, study, or adventure, navigating the rental market can seem like a daunting task. This guide is designed to help you make sense of it all—from understanding the intricacies of Japanese rental agreements to finding an apartment that fits your unique needs. Join me as I share my own experience and insights, helping you avoid common mistakes and find the perfect place to call home in Japan!

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