RetireJapan

My J wife and I were advised today to buy a 5 year plan because recently rates have been going up every year. Apparently people used to lock in rates for 20 year plans but those are no longer offered. In your experience is this accurate? Also, any thoughts on companies that are good or not? TIA! Hi...

Hi! We bought a 25-year used house (so an akiya technically since it was not lived in for more than 1 year) in Hachioji, Tokyo. Need to renovate (or reform as its called in Japan) as things were never improved on in the house. Will like to add insulation and hopefully, earthquake reinforcement in t...

Hi! We bought a 25-year used house (so an akiya technically since it was not lived in for more than 1 year) in Hachioji, Tokyo. Need to renovate (or reform as its called in Japan) as things were never improved on in the house. Will like to add insulation and hopefully, earthquake reinforcement in th...

Hi! I havent started a NPO in Japan but I love to join one when i moved to Japan soon. I did watch a NHK World episode of Where We Call Home where there is a NPO that hired Syrian evacuees. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2087132/ Maybe you can reach to the NPO in the show for assistance as...

Hi all, Thanks for the info. We are planning to get a used car in Nov. So, my partner will used her Japanese driving license (US convert to Japan). I am visiting in Nov but not moving there until later. So, I will be driving with an international driving license for some time. So, for the insurance ...

Hi! My partner is in Japan now and will be getting a car and a Japanese driving license soon. Whereas, I will be visiting Japan and driving for a short visit with an international driving license. What type of car insurance in Japan that can cover both types of drivers for the same car?

Hi! Looks like great work in supporting the house foundation. Have you thought of bracing and bolting the house? I did it recently with my house in California, with help from a contractor and state funding. While houses in Japan may be built differently than in the US, there can be more done for the...

Hi! I am new to RetireJapan. This is actually my first post on the forum. I am planning to set up a home base in Japan (within an hour train ride/drive from Urawa, Saitama) in 2025 in order to be closer to family (in-laws) who are getting older. We are currently looking for a used, detached house, i...