June 2026
Annual Vehicle Tax (自動車税) in JapanNew!!
This is a tax you pay every year, and it's one of the biggest financial advantages of kei cars. While regular cars are taxed based on engine displacement — ranging from ¥25,000 to ¥110,000 per year — kei cars have a flat rate. Here are the rates as of 2026: Kei cars Type Standard rate […]
Kei Cars — Japan's Beloved Mini VehiclesNew!!
Have you heard of kei cars (軽自動車 / keijidōsha)? They've been getting some attention overseas lately, and I think they deserve it. Let me give you a proper introduction to what they are, who drives them, and why they make so much sense in Japan. What Exactly Is a Kei Car? To officially qualify as […]
Comparing Four Areas I Know Well (as of 2026)
Here's a side-by-side look at the rules in four places that are personally significant to me. Setagaya, Tokyo Categories: burnable waste, non-burnable waste, recyclables, PET bottles, large/bulky waste Burnable: food waste, cooking oil, clothing, rubber/leather, hygiene products, paper, plastics Non-burnable: glass, ceramics, blades, spray cans, gas canisters, lighters Recyclables: used paper, glass bottles, cans Pickup […]
Garbage Sorting in Japan — It's Even More Complicated Than You Think
Today I want to talk about something that trips up almost everyone living in Japan: garbage sorting (ゴミの分別 / gomi no bunbetsu). It's often said that Japan's waste separation rules are incredibly detailed — and I know other countries have their own strict systems too. But let me walk you through what it actually looks […]
How to Make Umeshu (Japanese Plum Wine)
Making umeshu at home is really straightforward. Here's everything you need. Homemade Umeshu (Japanese Plum Wine) A classic Japanese recipe with just three ingredients. The hardest part is waiting! 【Ingredients】 【step】 Can you swap rock sugar for granulated sugar? Technically yes, but I wouldn't recommend it. Granulated sugar dissolves too quickly, which causes the plum's […]