Helpful Websites
The majority of sites listed here are in English or have an English page. If a Japanese-only page is listed it's because it has information or links that may be difficult to find easily on English-language sites. Other sites listed may seem dated, but they still offer important information. For most sites a brief summary is provided so you can quickly determine if it has value for you.
There is some cross-referencing so you may encounter repeated links. As of this writing, all sites are active; if you discover otherwise, please contact me. Note: FIT is not responsible for the content or links of any of the sites listed here, so proceed at your own risk.
Acronyms which may be referenced on these sites include: ELT: English Language Teacher; ESL: English as a Second Language; JLPT: Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
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Accommodations
Whether short/long term, guesthouses, roommates or other situations, these sites will set you up.
AOI
Rentals. English page indicates to contact by phone/email first. You must browse the properties in Japanese.Applehouse
Guesthouse information; questionable English.Butterflycorp
Links to rental properties for foreigners.Chronicsite
One Westerner's house-hunting experiences.Fontana
English information about short-term guesthouse stays.Flat-Japan
Site seems quite promising, with links to specific areas and lots of info about renting an apartment in Tokyo. Says "no key money" and "no guarantor" -- but this requires additional reading for clarification.Gaijinpot
Detailed information about what to expect regarding specific types of accommodation.Guest House
Affordable monthly rooms, with free Internet circuit.International Guarantor Service
An international guarantor service. Looks very encouraging.Jafnet
No guarantor-required monthly apartments.Japanese Guest Houses
Information about staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).Living in Japan
Links to finding apartments and to information related to living in/moving to Japan.Metropolis
Finding the perfect pad in Tokyo.News on Japan
Extensive list of accommodations and apartments in Tokyo and other locations in Japan.Sakura-House
Claims no key money, agency money or guarantor required.Tokyo Apartment
Says no guarantor or key money, but of course there are "commissions." -
Business Cards
As mentioned often throughout FIT, one must-have item to be successful as a freelancer in Tokyo is a business card (meishi). Get one with a picture of your smiling face, your essential information, and the katakana spelling of your name, and you'll be ahead of the game. Listed here are places I have personally used to make my meishi.
Mojoprint
English is spoken. Fast and affordable, to my way of thinking. Located in Osaka; all business done over the Internet or by phone. Business cards are sent to your home or office.Daikolo
No English spoken, at least not at the time I used their services. -
Celebrants
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Clinics/Dentists/Doctors/Hospitals/Pharmacies
The list provided here, as with other Helpful Websites, will be updated as often as possible. If any FIT followers have recommendations, please forward them to me.
Regarding clinics that cater to the foreign community, keep in mind they do not always accept Japanese health insurance (kokumin kenko hoken). What that means is they can charge whatever they want to for an office visit. I have visited several of these clinics and been very happy with the services I have received; however, I am now fully using Japanese health insurance, and there are any number of clinics with English-speaking doctors that also accept Japanese health insurance. So, hopefully you will find choices here, regardless of what insurance plan you use.
AMDA International Medical Information Center
Telephone consulting services.American Pharmacy
Located in the Maru Biru (Marunouchi Building) on B1F. Smallish, but has many items familiar to Americans, and also has, according to its advertisements, an English-speaking pharmacist. 03-5220-7716Akai Clinic
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and DermatologistAzabu Skin Clinic
Skin care clinic. English-speaking dermatologist available.Fujimi Dental Clinic
English-speaking dentist in Ginza location. Japanese health insurance accepted for some procedures.Garden Clinic Hiroo Dermatology
English-speaking doctor. Japanese health insurance accepted.General hospitals with English-speaking staff available
Medical resources in Tokyo and surrounding areas (provided by the US Embassy).International Clinic
Serving the International Community since 1953. Japanese Health Insurance (Employee’s Health Insurance, National Health Insurance) not accepted.Japanese Red Cross Medical Center
There is English information on this page, but it seems that unless you speak Japanese you will not have an easy time of it if you have to go to medical center. Japanese health insurance only. It does have an emergency center, so that may come in handy if you are near this particular area and an emergency arises. About 10 minutes from Ebisu station.Japan Reference
Lists hospitals in Tokyo where English is spoken.Jingumae Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic
Without doubt as a freelancer doing teaching, narrating and/or singing jobs, throat problems will crop up. This small clinic has been a life-saver for me and other Western freelancers I know, and, as of this writing, the main doctor speaks English.Manomedica
Quoted from their site: "Manomedica's qualified English-speaking chiropractors have been providing years of chiropractic care to the expatriate and local community in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, and surrounding areas."M-Y Clinic [DENTAL CLINIC]
All information on the site is in English. An American friend has highly recommended this clinic, although I have never used it. Explanations and information seem very clear.National Medical Clinic
English-speaking doctors available. NMC serves the expat community; convenient if you are in Hiroo. Japanese Health Insurance not accepted.Luke Hospital
The website for this hospital is only in Japanese, although an English page looks like it's "under construction." According to information I found elsewhere, which may be outdated, it seems this hospital has bilingual staff available in the following departments: internal medicine,cardiology, surgery, gastroenterology. For anyone that has actually visited this hospital, please send in any comment, information or advice to help keep this site updated (this listing posted on 12/29/11).Phone: 03-3389-2315
Plastic Surgery in Tokyo
US Board Certified Surgeons available.Reiko Dental Clinic
English-speaking dentist.Seibo International Catholic Hospital
This hospital has an English language site and I have been told there are English-speaking doctors.St. Luke's Hospital
This hospital is relatively well-known in the foreign community. It is not particularly convenient to get to, but it's reputation is fairly good. There are English speakers available.Tokyo Adventist Hospital (Tokyo Eisei Hospital)
There are English-speaking nurse and doctors at this hospital, but they may not always be available. There is also a clinic and a health center (for yearly check-ups) and a dental clinic. I was told there was no dermatologist at the clinic, so plan accordingly.Tokyo Adventist Dental Clinic
Providing dental care for the international community. English spoken. No Japanese insurance taken, but will fill out necessary forms so you can claim your insurance in your home country.Tokyo British Clinic
Continuity of care for the expatriate community. Native English-speaking doctor available. Japanese health insurance not accepted.Tokyo Chiropractic
I don't know about you, but there many times that I and many of my colleagues have complained of back pain or shoulder pain or other issues that require a visit to a chiropractor. Tokyo Chiropractic reached out to me and asked me to inform the FIT readership of their practice and that many English-speaking patients take advantage of it. I'm glad to do so.Tokyo Clinic Dental Office
From the website: "Four English-speaking dentists provide a wide range of dental services, including fillings, crowns, root canal treatment and children's dentistry. All treatment is done based on American methods. Three of the dentists are licensed to practice in the United States as well as Japan."Tokyo Hospitals/Health Information
Helpful list of hospitals/clinics, some of which are covered here on the FIT site, with additional phone numbers and other information from the moveandstayjapan site.Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic
From the website: "The Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic was established in 1951 in close cooperation with some embassies as a private general and surgical practice for the International Community in Tokyo." They do not accept Japanese Health Insurance.Tokyo Midtown Clinic
If you are near the Roppongi area and are seeking a clean, modern facility where a fair number of the staff can help you in English, Tokyo Midtown Clinic, consider Tokyo Midtown Clinic. There is also a pharmacy on the same floor and several of the pharmacists also speak English. Japanese National Health Insurance accepted. You must bring the insurance card with you every time, so be prepared.Tokyo Skin Clinic
Dermatology and more; multi-lingual doctors. Japanese Health Insurance not accepted.United Dental Office
English-speaking dental clinic in Minato-ku (one of Tokyo's 23 wards). -
Coffee Shops
Starbucks and imitation Starbucks can be found on almost every major street in Tokyo, but listed here are Denny's and Anna Millers, where, as of this writing, you can get free refills. Once you learn how much a cup of coffee is in Tokyo, you'llunderstand why I listed these two establishments. Note: Both sites are in Japanese.
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Computers
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Concerts and Events
InterFM
Tokyo's "No. 1" music station with bilingual DJs,Western music and interviews with music stars appearing in Tokyo.Metropolis
Metropolis lists major concerts, events, exhibitions, etc., taking place in Tokyo. -
Counseling Services
General Counseling Services
This is a list of counseling services from the U.S. Embassy. It includes contact information for counseling services in the following areas: employment, immigration, legal, medical, and personal.Japan Helpline
From the site: "Japan's only 24 hour non-profit, nationwide emergency assistance service." Call them 24/7: 0570-000-911 or team@jhelp.comTokyo English LIfe Line (TELL)
"Trained volunteers offer free telephone counseling and information in English seven days a week from 9am-4pm and 7-11pm." 03-5774-0992 -
Daily Living
"Daily Living" encompasses anything from dealing with taxes, medical treatment, health insurance, learning Japanese, emergency numbers and more. Again, certain links may be repeated as they are pertinent to different sections.
Daily Info for Residents of Shinjuku (But Helpful to All Foreign Residents in Tokyo)
Essential Page full of links to what you need to know about almost anything in regards to living in Tokyo, and specifically in Shinjuku. -
Death of an American Citizen in Japan
No one wants to think about it, but being prepared is the best comfort you can hope for.
The following are listings specific to American citizens. I will update as soon as I have links for other Western countries.
Death of an American Citizen in Japan
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Department Stores
Muji
Information about MUJI,the "no-brand" store. Note: MUJI is where you can buy those little nylon bags to carry your daily supplies without using another plastic bag from the convenience store, etc.Sunnypages
Links to department stores and more.Tokyu Hands
Homepage for Tokyu Hands, Tokyo's main DIY store. No English on the site, but you can navigate your way to store addresses and business hours. -
Disaster Awareness
As a result of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I am including here as many sites as I can that will either provide you with information on delayed train schedules, disaster preparedness, power outages, news as it happens, etc., in English.
There are many sites that cover this information and if you have one in particular you feel needs to be added, please alert me.
A general list of what might be needed in the event of a quake, as well as list to additional links for emergency message boards.
A Wikipedia site about the seismic intensity scale used in Japan.
"Japan news earthquake vocabulary." Extremely helpful.
"The latest news about Japan updated in real-time by RSS feeds."
From the site: "NHK WORLD is the international service provided by Japan's only public broadcasting network, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). NHK WORLD provides domestic and international news promptly to the world, as well as up-to-the-minute information on Asia from various perspectives, and in the event of major accidents and natural disasters, NHK WORLD serves as an information lifeline."
Seems to be a sister site to NHK World, with similar content, but not exactly the same.
From the site: Official NHK WORLD TV live on USTREAM. NHK WORLD TV is an English language 24- hour international news and information channel.
Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency
English-language news and information about nuclear emergencies and nuclear-related situations.This is the site for Orikaso, which is "fold flat tableware." I have provided it, because their products may be useful to keep in your earthquake kit.
Yahoo Japan: Emergency Information
This page seems to have been set up because of the 3/11/11 earthquake. It has information on how to reduce electric power usage and how to plan for power outages.
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Driver's License
Japan Automobile Federation
Information about how to get a Japanese driver's license; also, "Rules of the Road."Japanese Driver's License
Helpful information in English on how to convert a U.S. driver's license to a Japanese driver's license and/or how to obtain your Japanese driver's license.Japanese Driver's License-2
More information from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo about obtaining an international license and/or a Japanese driver's license. -
Earthquakes [Also see: Disaster Awareness]
Japan Guide
Basic information about earthquakes in Japan."Japan news earthquake vocabulary." Extremely helpful.
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Electronics/Appliances
Akihabara
Akihabara's official English-language website. (Akihabara is the "Electric Town" of Tokyo.)Bic Camera
A "floor guide" in English of some Bic Camera shops. Main site is in English.Picture Tokyo
Information about Akihabara, plus a map of the area. Also tons of information about other areas in Tokyo, broken down by city and/or (tourist) attraction. -
Embassies (including Emergency Contacts/Services)
US Embassy, Tokyo
Essential information for American citizens living in Tokyo, including:and
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Emergencies
Please also check under "Death of an American Citizen in Japan", "Disaster Awareness" and "Embassies." Some links may be repeated.
JHELP
Lists itself as the "World Helpline." Also: "24 hour non-profit worldwide emergency assistance service since 1975. -
Employment Opportunities
As most sites listing jobs in Tokyo try to cover all positions (English teaching, writing, IT, entertainers, etc.), the list provided here is alphabetical and not subdivided by category.
AIT
Interpretation Services in Tokyo. Also offers employment for interpreters, translators, writers and teachers.Atom
Register, upload resume, get access to a number of local jobs, all divided by category.Best Sensei
Registration site for English teachers.Bloomberg
Global company with positions available in broadcasting, print, radio, etc. (Select "Careers," then "Find a Job.")Butterfly
Links to similar sites listed here and others.Daijob
"For those who want to live and work in Japan."ELT News
"The Website for English teachers in Japan." Includes a link to current jobs.Enjoy-Lesson
A teacher-student matching site.Escape Artist
A healthy sampling of job and resource sites on working and living in Japan.Find a Teacher
Registration site for English teachers.Gaijin Pot
"Live. Work. Play. In Japan." Great site with tons of information and forums on jobs, apartments and more.Gaijin Pot-IT Jobs
Great information about what you need to know to find work as an IT professional in Japan.ICPA
Assists multinational companies in recruiting professionals for jobs in Japan.JGuide
Links to English conversation schools in Japan.Japan Inc
Magazine about business and technology.Japan Zone
General information about living in Japan and links to jobsites.Job Monkey
Great site with valuable advice, insights, especially about teaching English in Japan.Jobs in Japan
The site name says it all.Mariner Blue
Links to many of the jobs described in FIT.Myngle
An online language education site. Register as a teacher and/or find someone to teach you another language.Nambu Foreign Workers Caucus
An organization that promotes the welfare of foreign and Japanese workers.NHK Bunka Center
Japanese site for the NHK Bunka Center. Many of these "Centers" offer English-language classes. If you can't navigate this site on your own, have a Japanese friend help you and contact the center nearest you. Tell them you would like to offer your services as an English teacher and/or as a teacher of some specialty (to be taught in English).Ohayosensei
"The Newsletter of (Teaching Jobs) in Japan." Refers to itself as "the world's oldest, largest and most comprehensive jobs-in-Japan magazine."Seek Japan
Has a variety of teaching and IT jobs. Also can be found on Facebook by searching for Japan Jobs Buzz.Shimizu Patent Office
If you have knowledge of biotechnology, biology or medical science (at a JPLT 2 level), there might be opportunities for you here.Teaching English in Japan
The title of this website says it all.Teaching in Japan
Information and links about teaching in Japan.Tokyo Connections
"The ultimate guide to jobs in Japan." -
Exchange Rates
Forecasts
Forecasts the Japanese yen to U.S. dollar exchange rate over the next six to 18 months.Teaching English in Japan
Currency converters and more. -
Expat-related
This guide book focuses on living and working in Tokyo and Japan. Something that may be helpful to use in conjunction with FIT.
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Finances
Citibank
Citibank has English speakers and services for the foreign community.Finances
Links to banks, financial advisors, information about banking in Japan and more.Magellan
Financial advice for those living in the Far East.U.S. Income Tax
Income tax service for U.S. citizens residing abroad. -
Fitness
Fitness Clubs
Short list of fitness clubs in Tokyo.Tipness
Site for the chain fitness club Tipness. -
Food
This should be broken down into multiple categories, I know, but for now, please bear with me. This section covers restaurants, online food sources, and supermarkets that either cater to Westerners or are known to carry hard-to-find Western food items. Again, if you know of places you'd like to recommend for inclusion, please email me and I'll update the list.
Azuma
I cannot find any English-language pages on this store, but I have been told that it does carry items that Westerners might have difficulty finding elsewhere. Several locations, including a 24-hour shop in Omotesando.
Casa Della Roccia
Some of the finest Italian food I have ever had. This is an online shop, but English is available.FBC
Online shopping in Japan. Imported food, US grocers, Costco items, educational material & more.Matsu-kaze
Great site with the words you need to be able to eat in Japan. From the search box choose "Food & Drink." You'll get the kanji, English and hiragana versions of the words.National Azabu
This fabled supermarket in Hiroo that catered to the expat crowd closed in September 2011. There are rumors that it will reopen (the building was too old, apparently), but until it does, they remain rumors. A pity, as this was the "go-to" place for almost any Westerner living in Tokyo who needed a fix of familiar foodstuffs.Nissin
Review of Nissin, a supermarket which carries imported items.Tanutech
A comparison of grocery prices for food in Osaka and the U.S. Everything is more expensive. (Not up-to-date; regardless, everything is more expensive in Japan.) -
Freelancing (General)
As a person who freelances, you will most certainly have skills that can be applied places other than Tokyo, so this section includes links that may benefit your freelance job search when you have downtime or empty days on your Tokyo calendar.
Red Lemon Club
Ideas for successful freelancers. -
Garbage
Burnable/Non-burnable
This site has clear information about what is considered burnable and non-burnable. The collection dates are not applicable to every area.Garbage collection
Garbage collection rules for Tokyo's 23 wards. -
Gay/Lesbian
FIT does not promote pornographic sites. As most sites connected to the gay community offer links to pornography, what is listed here is limited. You can find other sites by googling "gay/lesbian Japan" or "gay/lesbian Tokyo."
Gay and Lesbian links
A list of sites which may be of assistance to the gay/lesbian foreigner in Japan.Gay Japan News
Limited English information.Japan 101
Brief introduction to Japan's "gay" scene.Japan Visitor
Links to Gay and Lesbian Japan. -
General
Arudou Debito
The site of David Aldwinckle, now Arudou Debito (an American who became a naturalized Japanese), with his unique takes on Japan.Big Daikon
Site for JET members (Japan Exchange & Teaching program).Big Empire
Interesting tales about Tokyo taxis.Children's Rights Network
Links to Japanese law and your rights in Japan.Dento Kogeihin
Information on traditional Japanese craftsJapan 101
Basic information about Japan, Japanese products, commercials, etc.Japan Guide
Travel, living, Japan A-Z and more.Japanese Names
Gives the kanji and kana for some given Japanese names, plus the meanings.Japan Reference
Ambitious one-stop reference site.Japan Today
Forums on all topics. Find friends, etc.Japan Zone
Information about Japan, travel and culture.Kimi
An all-in-one site with information about accommodation, jobs, private students, and more.Manga Terms
English explanation of terms used in manga.Mike Rogers
Interesting articles about life in Japan and other topics.Nippon and Nihon
Both can be used to say "Japan" in Japanese. This clarifies the difference.Quirky Japan
Quirky Japan offers you views of a "non-conformist" Japan. Amusing.SWET
Of interest to writers, editors and translators.The Japan FAQ
Related to celebrations in Japan. Other Japan-related links at the bottom.Tokyo Life Navigator
Links on "navigating" your life in Tokyo. Also provides helpful phrases for a variety of situations.Tokyo Tales
Clever blog that looks like it is no longer maintained, but has links to interesting sites.Terrie.com
An "insider's comments on Japan's high-tech business world."Travel in Japan
Interesting and helpful information about traveling in Japan.Visa Information
Helpful for those who are "graduating" from a "student visa" to a "working visa." Includes information about housing and taxes, as well. -
Gifts
The Tatami Room
"We bring Japanese items to your doorstep." -
Health and Safety Information
The links listed in this section may also be listed in related sections.
Health and Safety Info from the US Embassy
Pages of helpful information all related to concerns raised by the March 2011 earthquake. -
Health Insurance
Basics of Japanese Health Insurance
Although this information is specific for residents of Minato-ku (one of the 23 "wards" or municipalities that Tokyo is comprised of), it is beneficial to any foreign resident who requires further information/explanation about Japanese health insurance.Global Health
Special plans for expats/teachers living in Japan.Japanese National Health Insurance
Clear English information about Japanese national health insurance. -
History
WordIQ
A brief history of Japan, including links to Japan's geography, politics, climate, and ongoing territorial disputes. -
Honorifics
Wikipedia/Honorifics
Great descriptions and definitions for honorifics in many languages. -
Hospitals (See Clinics/Hospitals)
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Host/Hostess
Every effort has been made not to provide sites that link to pornography, but as the definition of "hosts" and "hostesses" sometimes seem to merge into "other" professions, this list is limited.
Host Clubs-1
Host club article.Host Clubs-2
In Japanese. If you are (Japanese) and want to be a host, dōzo!Host Clubs-3
Great article about "hosts" and "host clubs."Hostess Clubs-1
A Western girl works as a hostess—and tells it like it is.Hostess Clubs-2
Great article on foreign hostesses by journalist/author Karl Taro Greenfeld.Memoirs of a Geisha Guy
Straight from a famous host's mouth—how he cashed in. Seems to be the same "host" featured in other articles. -
Immigration/Visas
The success of this section depends on you. Though change is glacial in Japan, it does occur, and as immigration/visa issues affect all of us, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a link to share or discover that something I have posted here is either no longer relevant or has changed.
New Residency Management System
Substantial changes to the alien registration card system and more. Read and be prepared. Start date not stated, but sometime after 2012~.Operation of Automated Gates
This seems to be about making it easier to get through the immigration process once you arrive in Japan, but it's not 100% clear to me.Visa/Immigration-1
Lots of helpful information about different kinds of visas, guarantors, embassies and immigration offices.Visa/Immigration-2
Helpful visa information with links from Gaijinpot, a one-stop site with tons of helpful information for those who want to live/work in Japan.Visa/Immigration-3
Basic information about all types of visas necessary to work/study in Japan from Japan-Guide.Visa/Immigration-4
Basic information about all types of visas necessary to work/study in Japan from Japan Reference.Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs-1Helpful information about visas.
Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs-2
Lists categories of visas and information about Certificate of Eligibility.Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs-3
Includes a "guide to Japanese visas."Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs-4
This site includes information about working holidays.Nakai Immigration Services
Visa/immigration procedures explained in English.Wada Legal Administrative/Translation Services
Visa/immigration procedures and information about starting a business in Japan -
Income Taxes
National Tax Agency
Income Tax Guide for Foreigners prepared by the National Tax Agency. -
Interpretation Services
Saeculii
The No. 1 Japanese interpretation service--with a plus. -
Japanese Holidays
Japanese Public Holidays
It says "2004" but the dates listed are all the Japanese holidays for any given year.Japanese School Year
Information about the Japanese school year calendar. -
Japanese Language Schools
Global Daigaku
Japanese language schools, phone numbers, addresses and descriptions.Japanese Language Schools Guide
Helpful information about Japanese language schools and living in Japan.Japanese Language Schools from Japan Reference
List of Japanese language schools in Tokyo, listed by their ku (ward) location.Nichibei
Centrally located, variety of programs, been in business a long time, and has been recommended to me by several Westerners through the years. -
Japanese Language Study
CosCom
Excellent links to help you learn Japanese online.Easy Japanese
Just what it implies, with flashgards, games and more.ELT News
A list of Japanese words that ELTs will find helpful in the workplace.GlobalTalker
Look under "How to Study Japanese." The PDF file is a quite thorough and it seems a bit intimidating, but it seems that this electronic dictionary with words/phrases/voice samples, etc. might come in very handy.Information Host
Helpful site with tons of information about all aspects of Japanese.Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
Information about the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.Japan Reference-Language
Links to pages or sites which handle specific aspects of the Japanese language.Japanese writing system
Extensive information about the Japanese writing system with helpful examples.Jim Breen's Japanese Page
Jim Breen is responsible for bringing together an extensive list of valuable sites connected not only with the Japanese language, but computing in Japanese, general resources, literature, etc. An excellent site that deserves multiple visits. Also has huge dictionary which allows for J-E and E-J translation of individual phrases and certain phrases.Kanji Drill
Web-based flashcard program for studying kanji.Kanji Site
Excellent site with all the kanji and translations of the kanji that you need to know.KLB School
Type "Japanese" in the search engine to access excellent links.Kanjicards
500 kanji flashcards.Lint
Helpful Japanese phrases, including "phrase of the day," and more.Romaji Translator
From the site: "A free Japanese to Romaji transliteration tool. You can translate japanese text (Kanji,Hiragana,Katakana) into Romaji or Hiragana."The Japanese Page
Lessons, vocabulary, forums, and more.Useful Japanese Phrases (General/Daily)
This is a great PDF file that has a lot of helpful daily phrases and words that will benefit anyone that is new to Japan. It is also helpful to anyone else who is still struggling with the Japanese language, even after years of study (that includes the author of FIT!) -
Japanese Toilets
Asahi-net
This animated guide makes things "crystal clear." -
Japlish/Engrish
Engrish
If you need to laugh… -
Legal
Patent and Trademark
I have met many Westerners in Japan who develop/create something they need to protect. This company may be able to help. -
Love Hotels
It is difficult to find current sites or those not linked to pornography. Meanwhile, here are a few that may be helpful.
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Maps
See: "Tokyo Subways and Trains"
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Media
The following list covers an array of publications that have a connection to Japan, some specific to Tokyo, some specific to learning English for ESL students. I have written for some of these publications personally, and list them here as possible sources of publication for FIT readers who seek other avenues of income that include editing, proofreading, writing TOEIC material and "easy English" articles.
For FIT readers who are already in Tokyo, visit your nearest Kinokuniya Book Store and go to the "Foreign Books" floor. You may find additional publications that are not listed here (and if you do, please let me know so I can include them below).NOTE: Some of these publications are in Japanese and English.
Aera English
Entertainment magazine geared for Japanese people who speak some English.Asahi
English-language daily newspaper. (Articles have most likely been translated into English from the original Japanese sources.)Cosmopier
Publishes TOEIC materials.ESL Magazines
List of ESL Magazines and similar publications, some of which target Asia.ESL Publications
List of ESL Publications not particular to Japan, but some of which may be applied in Japan, and some which specifically focus on "easy English" articles.Japan Times
English-language daily newspaper. Sometimes has a few good classifieds in its Monday edition.J-Select
Bills itself as "Japan's premiere infozine."Mainichi Daily News
English-language daily newspaper.Metropolis
Excellent weekly packed with information for Westerners living in Tokyo.NHK
Japan's sole public broadcaster. This site contains a fair smattering of links to English-language articles about Japan, as well as links to online Japanese lessons.Seek Japan
Similar to Metropolis. Focuses on Osaka and Nagoya.Step Eiken
Society for Testing English Proficiency publishes tests and other learning materials for Japanese who are seeking to improve their English ability.Tokyo Families
Magazine focusing on expat families in Tokyo.Tokyo Notice Board
Free weekly, not on the level of Metropolis, but great for a quick read. Full of ads, plus some articles, usually by newbies.World News (Japan)
Related to the World News site. The Japan page has multiple links for news about just about anything related to Japan. -
Metric Converters
World Wide Metric
Simple and fast calculators give you metric numbers for your height, weight and more. -
Midi Songs
Comtracks
For any of you who sing and require backing tracks, this site ought to help. -
Mobile Services
Gmap
For mobile maps. In Japanese, but English maps available.Jorudan
Brilliant English site where you can access routes, traveling times and fares. This link is supposed to help you access its mobile version. (Also see Tokyo Subways and Trains.)Tango Town
According to the site: "TangoTown turns your mobile phone into a complete communication, reference and learning tool. TangoTown has the highest quality J<>E dictionaries and phrasebooks available online." -
Narita Airport
Narita Airport handles the majority of Japan's international air traffic.
Limousine Bus
English site for the Airport Limousine Bus service to Narita.Narita Airport
Has all the information you need to know in English about Narita Airport -
Obatarian(s)
As mentioned in FIT, an obatarian is a middle-aged Japanese woman unafraid of anything or anyone. The word is based on the combination of oba-san (aunt or middle-aged lady) and batarian, or "battalion," the Japanese title for the movie Night of the Living Dead. Following are a few sites to "enlighten" you.
The Invasion
You will have to type the word "obatarian" into the site's search engine to get this article. -
Office Supplies
Office Depot
Unfortunately not in English, but you can still click around and find out products/prices. -
Postal Services
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Proofreader Marks
Espresso Graphics
Proofreaders' marks and more.Merriam-Webster
Table of proofreads' marks. -
Recycling
Clueless policy
Interesting article on Tokyo's Governor Ishihara and his "fact-finding mission."Pink Tentacle
cell-phone recycling.Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Environmental White Paper 2006 -
Reference
Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster online dictionary with sound files to verify pronunciation.One Look
Enter a word/phrase and click. Receive definitions and a list of resources for cross-checking, etc. -
Restaurants
Tokyo is a gourmet playground... if you know where to go. This section does not recommend any restaurants in particular, but does include several that I have visited and enjoyed.
Eatpia
Restaurant reviews based on "quality over quantity."Gourmet Navigator
Select location, cuisine and price range. Seems to be for all of Japan.Mangetsu
Japanese fare that includes some surprising original dishes. Only convenient to those living somehwere near Higashi-Kouenji station on the Marunouchi Line.Metropolis
This is the weekly infozine mentioned throughout FIT. Think of it as your first friend in Tokyo. For dining out, check the "Dining and Drinking" menu on the site.Non-smoking restaurants
Casual site about non-smoking restaurants in Tokyo. Does not seem to be maintained. -
Self-sponsorship
There are a few kind people who posted information about their experience obtaining self-sponsorship. I could not find an "official" site, but these links may help:
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Services
This is a general category with links to a variety of services that may be of benefit to you during your FIT adventure.
Mojo Print
English-speaking printing service for business cards, flyers, post cards, etc. I have used them and I was very pleased with their services. -
Smoking Issues
Anti-smoking campaign
Japan Tobacco actually has its own campaign to make people aware of how their smoking affects others.ASH
Taxi driver's lawsuit.Japan Ministry of Health and Welfare-White Paper 1998
Dated, but interesting. -
Talent Agencies
Note: Some of the agencies listed below have offered me jobs through the years. However, I do not work for any of them on a regular basis, so proceed at your own risk.
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Teaching English in Japan
See “Employment Opportunities” and “Tips for Teaching English.”
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Telephone Directory
Japan Telephone Directory
Links, information, and more, all in English. -
Temp Agency Jobs
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Time Zone Converter
Time Zone Converter
World clocks and more. -
Tips for Teaching English
ELT News
Updates on everything to do with English Language Teaching in Japan for teachers, authors and publishers.English Forums
Learn English, Study English, Teach EnglishEnglish Grammar-1
English verb tense information.English Grammar Terms in Japanese
Helpful list of English grammar terms with their Japanese equivalents. Thanks to Mr. Nozumu Tsuchiya, (c) 2004-2005.Kinokuniya
List of locations of Kinokuniya bookstores in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area and beyond. The main Kinokuniya bookstores have sections devoted to English-language textbooks.Japan Zone
A good article about teaching English in Japan.Nova English Teacher
Interesting comments from a former Nova English teacher. Nova is the name of an English-language school in Japan that went bankrupt.Teaching in Japan
One man's story of how he became successful teaching English in Japan, and a plug for his book which will tell you how to do the same.Team Teaching
Team teaching tips for foreign teachers. -
Tokyo Subways and Trains
(Also see Transportation.)
Japan Reference
Maps, information and more.Jorudan
Brilliant English site where you can access routes, traveling times and fares.JR-East
East Japan Railway Company. Tickets, fares, maps, etc.Toei Transportation Information
Helpful information about the TOEI subway line, passes, tickets, buses, etc.Tokyo Metro
Ticket fares, how to use the subway and much more.Tokyo Metro-Map
English version showing all subway lines and stations, in color. -
Translation
Babelfish
Allows you to enter a string of text and translate into another language.Japanese Translation
"Trusted Japanese Translation Services."Jim Breen
Great site which translates the Japanese/English word you type into its search engine. Allows you to enter Japanese words in romaji. -
Transportation
Airport Limousine Bus
I have personally found the Airport Limousine Bus to be the easiest way to get back to Tokyo from Narita Airport. This site covers fares, timetables and more. Very helpful.Japan Guide
Transportation in and around Tokyo.Shinkansen
Information from Japan Rail (JR) about the shinkansen (lit. "new trunk line" but known in English as the "bullet train").Wikipedia
All the information you need about all the subway/train lines in Tokyo. -
Travel
Across
Discount travel agency.Airnet
Discount travel agency.Air1travel
Discount travel agency.Fun Travel
Says that it is the only travel agency in Roppongi.Girl Posse
Some great and helpful words of wisdom about traveling in Japan.H.I.S.-USA
Discount travel agency. Travelers should be aware that there are two agencies: one for the Japanese, one for everyone else.Japan Reference
Extensive list of links (some included here) to travel services to help you travel globally or within Japan. Languages spoken indicated by flag icon.Discount travel agency.
Priority Pass
Great help for getting a pass into an airport lounge, even when flying economy class.Skyroll
Carry-on luggage products and tips for packing. -
Troubleshooting
With your help, I'd like to make this as comprehensive a list as possible of sites where all FIT folk can find advice on the challenges of living in Tokyo. Any referrals would be greatly appreciated. (Sites may repeated under different categories.)
Foreign Residents' Advisory Center
Advice and answers to inquiries offered in English, on phone or in person, for "problems of daily life, emergency numbers, Japanese customs," etc. The site indicates that you should call in advance for a visit. "Services are free of charge and confidentiality is strictly observed." -
Useful Information
Tokyo Pocket Guide
Published three times a year. Tourist spots, area listings, services and getting around. A great little companion (free) available at many hotels, shops and restaurants that cater to foreigners. -
Ward Offices (kuyakusho)
Tokyo With Kids
List of Tokyo's 23 ward offices, addresses, phone numbers, and websites, if available. -
Weather
Tokyo weather
Yahoo site. -
Women
Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese
Friendship, support and more.Being a Broad
Helping foreign women in Japan.Foreign Executive Women in Japan
Business and social networking organization. -
Yasukuni Shrine
Metropolis
As this subject is a constant topic of conversation and/or media coverage in Japan, you should become familiar with it, if you aren't already.
