About Japan Life Review
Japan Life Review is run by a Japanese local living in a share house with international residents. We share practical, real-world information for foreigners planning life in Japan.
Internet & SIM
Get connected in Japan with affordable SIM cards, eSIMs and internet services that are easy to sign up for. I research costs and requirements, explain how to get a Japanese phone number, and walk you through each step—from choosing a plan to activating your service.
Living
What is everyday life in a Japanese share house really like? I share a home with international housemates in Tokyo, and draw on that experience to write about finding a place to live, sharing a home across cultures, and settling into daily life in Japan.
Crafts
Discover Japanese craftsmanship through a local’s eyes. As a Japanese writer, I select pieces I’m proud to introduce to the world—from kitchen knives to tableware. Learn what makes each piece special, how to choose one for your own life, and where to buy it from overseas.
Latest Posts
- Hello Kitty Maneki Neko: Where to Buy the Handmade Kimono Lucky Cat from Japan
- Edo Kiriko: The Story Behind Tokyo’s Cut Glass, and Where to Buy the Real Thing
- Japanese Kitchen Knives: How History and Craft Shape Your First Blade
- Best Santoku Knives: A Buyer’s Guide to Japan’s Most Popular Kitchen Knife
- Japanese Concert Tickets and the Phone Number Problem: What Actually Works From Overseas