Archive - Real Gaijin

Population of Foreign Residents in Japan Growing

For a nation known for its homogeneous identity, Japan's resident foreign population is on its way from about 1 in 40 today to 1 in 10 by 2070.

Apr 13 •

Costco Expands Reach Across Japan with the Support of Mini Resale Shops

Private label Kirkland Signature brand items are both a novelty and a big draw as Japanese consumers flock to Costco resale stores.

Apr 8 •

4-Color Traffic Lights Coming for Self-Driving Vehicles?

In what would be the first major change in nearly 100 years, Japan may introduce white traffic signals to help self-driving vehicles communicate.

Apr 3 •

March 2024

How Much Does It Cost for a Family of Four to Live in Tokyo?

Compared to the cost of living in seven other major cities around the world, Japan's capital now looks like a bargain.

Mar 28 •

In Japan Maybe You Can “Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm”

There is mounting demographic evidence that internal migration is slowing to a snail's pace compared to the past.

Mar 23 •

Should the Accident-prone Osprey Be Permanently Grounded in Japan?

Able to take off and land like a helicopter but fly at the speed of a fixed-wing aircraft, the Osprey is extremely versatile, but its troubled safety…

Mar 18 •

Attention Global “Techpats” - Japan to Open Doors with New Digital Nomad Visa

While details of the application process have yet to be announced, Japan's new digital nomad visa is likely to attract talent from overseas.

Mar 14 •

Japan Braces for the Next “Big One” on the Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake

The long-anticipated Nankai Trough earthquake and tsunami could cause 330,000 deaths and displace more than 8 million people.

Mar 12 •

Global Powder Skiing Mecca Niseko Now a Poster Child for Over-tourism

Native Japanese are being priced out, and there seems to be an undercurrent of discontent just beneath the latest dusting of snow.

Mar 9 •

Marie Kondo Appalled! Extreme Hoarding and Trash-filled Homes in Japan

Incidents of homes overflowing with garbage make the news as the nation's population of socially isolated elderly people living alone continues to grow.

Mar 7 •

Some Like It Hot: Japanese Supermarket Mogul to Sell Geothermal Energy as a Franchise

It's a novel way to harness Japan's untapped geothermal natural resources to provide the island nation with cheap, efficient and environmentally…

Mar 2 •

February 2024

Weak Japanese Yen Causes Domestic and International Travel Demand to Flipflop

The double whammy of inflation and relatively anemic wage growth means no more trips to Hawaii but maybe one to Okinawa.

Feb 28 •

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