Posts

Showing posts from July, 2026

What is "Suica" (IC transit cards) ?

Image
One of the things that first-time visitors to Japan may find confusing is the railway system. Please refer to the Tokyo Subway Route Map below. This map shows only the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. In addition, there are many JR (Japan Railways) lines and private railway companies throughout Japan. Who would actually want to study a map like this? One thing we highly recommend is getting a Suica (IC transit card). With a single Suica card, you can travel on most trains, subways, and buses throughout Japan. You can also recharge the card using cash or, at many stations, a credit card. Besides transportation, Suica can also be used to pay for purchases at many convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants, and other shops. One important thing to remember is that any unused balance remaining on the card may not be convenient to recover before leaving Japan.  We hope you have a wonderful trip to Japan! Tokyo Subway Route Map by Tokyo Metro Suica Card English edited by C...

Japanese Consumption Tax

Image
I recently contacted the Japanese tax office to confirm the consumption tax treatment of DHL international shipping fees. Since international shipping is not a transaction completed entirely within Japan, it is treated as outside the scope of Japanese consumption tax . This explained why no consumption tax was shown on the DHL invoice. Japan Trading supports overseas buyers with machinery sourcing and export arrangements from Japan.

Please Follow the Garbage Disposal Guidelines in Japan

Image
One thing that many people from overseas find difficult to understand is Japan's garbage disposal system. The rules vary depending on the municipality, and sorting garbage correctly is an important part of daily life in Japan. Although it may seem complicated at first, following the local rules helps keep our communities clean and comfortable for everyone. As shown in the photos below, you will find different types of garbage bins in shopping malls, train stations, and other public places throughout Japan. Unfortunately, when some people do not follow the local garbage disposal rules, it can cause problems with neighbors and local communities. More importantly, the actions of just a few people can sometimes create unfair negative stereotypes about people from overseas. If you are not sure which bin to use, don't hesitate to ask someone nearby or a Japanese friend. Most people will be happy to help. English edited by ChatGPT

The Japanese Spirit Behind a Simple Can of Coffee

Image
Today, I am attending another business-related training course. It has been extremely hot since early this morning, and I was feeling a little tired and sleepy during the first session. Then the instructor looked at me and asked, "Are you OK?" I decided I needed a quick refresh, so I went to a vending machine and bought the small can of coffee shown in the photo below. It cost just ¥120 (including tax). As I looked at the can for a while, I noticed the words: "Supreme richness—featuring top-grade Brazilian beans, an ultra-dark roast, and finely ground coffee." As I briefly mentioned in a previous post about Japanese canned coffee, I was once again reminded of the extraordinary level of dedication that goes into making even something as simple as canned coffee in Japan. It also made me realize that this commitment to quality is not limited to coffee. It seems to be a common mindset throughout Japanese manufacturing. That gave me another idea. I may include a visit ...

Can People in Cameroon Use Chopsticks?

Image
Today, I am attending a training program related to my business in Saitama Prefecture. Since I was working in Saitama until late yesterday, I stayed at a nearby Airbnb accommodation. Before heading to the training venue, I stopped by a convenience store and bought a bowl of cold Chinese-style noodles called "Hiyashi Chuka" (pictured below). It cost 576 yen (about USD 3.57). While enjoying my lunch, I suddenly wondered, "Can people in Cameroon use chopsticks?" Depending on their experience with chopsticks, I may need to reconsider some of the meals we are currently planning for their visit to Japan. I hope they will enjoy experiencing a variety of Japanese dishes during their stay in Japan. English edited by ChatGPT Hiyashi Chuka Airbnb Accommodation

Homemade Inari-zushi

Image
Inari-zushi is one of Japan's traditional types of sushi and is very popular throughout the country. It is made by filling sweetened fried tofu pockets with vinegared rice. Since it takes a little time to make from scratch, I took a shortcut today. You can buy ready-made inari-zushi pockets at most supermarkets. Simply fill them with rice, and your inari-zushi is ready. Ideally, you would use seasoned sushi rice, but I didn't have time today, so I simply filled the pockets with plain rice. It's still delicious that way. If you want to make sushi rice, supermarkets in Japan also sell ready-made sushi vinegar. If you're traveling in Japan and would like to make simple sushi yourself, I highly recommend using it. English Edited by ChatGPT

Emergency Call Numbers in Japan

Image
Before you arrive in Japan, please save the following emergency numbers on your smartphone. Ambulance and Fire in Japan – 119 Police in Japan – 110 Today, I am attending an advanced first aid course at a nearby fire station. Although I had seen an AED before, I had no idea how to actually use one. Taking a course like this helps reduce panic during an emergency and increases the chances of saving a life. Japan's national average ambulance response time is about 9.8 minutes . Since survival rates decrease rapidly after about 10 minutes following cardiac or respiratory arrest, learning how to use an AED and provide immediate first aid is extremely important. Today, I had the opportunity to practice using an AED repeatedly, and it was a very valuable experience. English Edited by ChatGPT

Somen noodles

Image
Hot days are continuing in Japan. Somen is a popular Japanese food during the hot summer months. Boil the noodles, chill them in ice water, and enjoy them with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce and your favorite garnishes. Even on very hot days when you don't have much of an appetite, somen noodles are easy to eat. There is another way to enjoy somen noodles. It is called nagashi-somen , where the noodles flow down a split bamboo flume and people catch them with chopsticks before eating them. Preparing nagashi-somen takes a lot of effort, so it is not commonly enjoyed at home. However, some inns and traditional Japanese restaurants offer this unique experience. If you visit Japan and have the opportunity, I highly recommend trying it. English Edited by ChatGPT

What is "Georgia" in Japan?

Image
When you come to Japan, you would be noticed there is a lot of vending machines. In Japan, canned coffee is very popular. Once, I heard a funny story about an American who lived in Japan for a while. He fell in love with Japanese canned coffee and almost became addicted to it. When he returned to the United States, he missed Japanese canned coffee so much that he kept saying, "Georgia... Georgia... Georgiiaaa! Where's Georgia?" Of course, he wasn't talking about the U.S. state or the country. "Georgia" is one of Japan's most popular canned coffee brands. The coffee in the photo below is another famous Japanese canned coffee brand called DyDo Blend . It's my personal favorite, and it has been loved in Japan since 1975. If you ever visit Japan, be sure to try Japanese canned coffee. I think you'll love it! English Edited by ChatGPT