SEIKA Journal

Real estate & buying How to Buy a House in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats (Including Cash Purchase) Buying a house in Japan as an expat can seem daunting due to the language barrier, cultural differences, and unique property market regulati… 2026.11.11 6 min Life in Japan How to Set Up Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity) in Japan: A Beginner's Guide When you move into a new apartment in Japan, one of the first things you'll need to do is set up your utilities—gas, water, and electricity.… 2026.11.11 5 min Life in Japan How to Get a Japanese Driver's License: A Guide for Foreigners For many expatriates living in Japan, driving is an essential part of daily life, whether it's for commuting, weekend trips, or simply getti… 2026.11.10 6 min Life in Japan How to Break the Loop of Bank Account, Address, and Phone Number in Japan: A Guide for New Expats One of the most common challenges that foreign nationals face when arriving in Japan is navigating the cycle of needing a bank account, phon… 2026.11.10 4 min Life in Japan How to Use Trains, Subways, and Buses in Japan: A Guide for Newcomers Public transportation in Japan is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and efficiency. Whether you're visiting Japan as a tourist or livi… 2026.11.11 6 min Life in Japan How to Open a Bank Account in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners Opening a bank account in Japan is an essential part of settling into life in the country. Whether you're planning to work, study, or live l… 2026.11.11 6 min Life in Japan A Complete Guide to Garbage Rules in Japan: Everything You Need to Know When it comes to living in Japan, one of the most important aspects to understand is the country's strict and organized garbage disposal sys… 2026.11.11 5 min Renting basics Foreigner Friendly Guarantor Companies in Japan ​When renting an apartment in Japan, utilizing a guarantor company is often necessary, especially for foreign residents. These companies cha… 2026.11.11 2 min Renting basics Understanding Brokerage Fees (仲介手数料) in Japan: What You Need to Know When renting an apartment in Japan, one of the common additional costs you’ll encounter is the brokerage fee, known as "仲介手数料" (chūkai… 2026.11.11 3 min Renting basics Understanding Key Exchange Costs in Japan: What You Need to Know When renting an apartment in Japan, one of the additional costs you may encounter is the key exchange fee, known as "鍵交換費用" (kagi kōkan… 2026.11.11 4 min Renting basics What to Look for When Renting an Apartment: Key Factors to Consider Renting an apartment can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. To make sure you choose the best place for your needs,… 2026.11.06 4 min Renting basics What Are Initial Costs? Breakdown of Fees Required for Renting in Japan Renting in Japan – Initial Cost Guide for Foreigners🏠 IntroductionWhen renting an apartment in Japan, one of the biggest surprises is the h… 2026.11.10 2 min Renting basics What Are Pet-Friendly Rentals? Pet-friendly rentals are properties that allow tenants to keep pets within the premises as part of the rental agreement. In recent years, th… 2026.11.05 1 min Real estate & buying Cleaning Fee Upon Move-Out (Taikyo-ji Seisou Hi): The Importance of Cleaning Fees in Rental Agreements Cleaning Fee Upon Move-Out (退去時清掃費, Taikyo-ji Seisou Hi) is the fee paid to cover the cleaning of a rental property when moving out. T… 2026.11.10 1 min Renting basics Fire Insurance (Kasaihoken): The Importance of Fire Insurance in Japanese Rental Contracts Fire Insurance (火災保険, Kasaihoken) is a type of insurance required in Japanese rental contracts to protect against fire damage and other… 2026.11.10 1 min Renting basics Guarantor Company Fee: The Fee for Guarantor Services in Japanese Rental Contracts Guarantor Company Fee (保障委託料) is a service fee paid to a guarantor company in Japan when a tenant cannot provide a personal guarantor f… 2026.11.10 1 min Renting basics Security Deposit : The deposit system in Japanese rental contracts Security Deposit (敷金) is a type of security deposit paid to the landlord during the rental process in Japan. Typically, the amount is equi… 2026.11.10 1 min Renting basics Key Money : A traditional fee in Japanese rental contracts Reikin (礼金) is a one-time payment made to the landlord during the rental process in Japan. Typically, this fee amounts to about one month'… 2026.11.08 1 min