When living on your own, many people feel anxious when they suddenly fall ill since there’s no family member nearby to rely on. It’s also not uncommon for …
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Hello, I'm Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.
You might be thinking, “I really should file my taxes online this year,” but you may also be feeling anxious because …
2025-12-15
In Japan, each municipality has its own detailed rules for disposing of trash. Collection days, sorting categories, and even the type …
2025-12-08
Some people may have fallen behind on their rent payment for reasons such as “I forgot to check my bank balance and the …
2025-11-28
In Japan’s rental housing market, rent increases continue due to rising construction material and labor costs, as well as higher repair and maintenance …
2025-11-21
Two common issues that arise when it comes to rental contracts in Japan are how security deposits are handled, and the cost of restoring the property to its …
2025-11-14
For those renting an apartment for the first time or those moving to Japan from overseas, procedures for renting an apartment …
2025-10-24
Moving in Japan is not simply about packing up your belongings and transporting them. There are several tasks to handle, including …
2025-10-17
Living alone in Japan can be exciting, but it also comes with a variety of challenges. There are many things you’ll …
2025-10-10
With summer’s heat finally behind us and cooler temperatures settling in, autumn presents itself as the ideal season for curling up …
2025-09-29
The entryway tends to get cluttered with shoes, umbrellas, and other small items. According to the Housing and Land Survey conducted …
2025-09-26
Fall’s here, and those morning and evening temperatures are starting to drop. You know that feeling when you wake up way …
2025-09-22
When it rains continuously, the humidity increases, and many people find that their laundry just won’t dry. For clothes to dry …
2025-09-19
Spring isn’t the only peak season for moving, autumn is also known as one of the busiest times of the year …
2025-09-15
When transitioning from summer to fall and doing your seasonal wardrobe switch, many people find themselves thinking, “My studio apartment’s storage …
2025-09-12
When that intense summer heat finally starts backing off and you get those first signs of autumn, there’s something that makes …
2025-08-29
As the intense summer heat subsides and the season starts to change, it’s the perfect time to do some maintenance for …
2025-08-25
Maybe you’ve been thinking, “I want to create separate spaces in my studio,” or “I need to divide my room so …
2025-08-22
The scorching sun not only keeps you from going outside, but also takes away your comfort indoors. In apartments with south- …
2025-08-18
Thinking of moving during the summer? You may be thinking of taking advantage of the time off or preparing for a …
2025-08-15
Summer in Japan is the season of nostalgic night festivals—twinkling night markets filled with the aroma of food stalls and streets …
2025-08-11
If you’re wondering, “should I give refreshments to the movers?”, you’re not alone. Many people who hire a moving company for …
2025-07-28
Many people might think, “My rental’s entrance is too small for stylish interior design.” But did you know that limited spaces …
2025-07-25
With remote work more common than ever, many people are thinking about relocating to the countryside. Still, it’s natural to wonder …
2025-07-22
Many people think that buying stylish furniture will make them exceed their budget. Indeed, it is only natural to want to …
2025-07-18
If you are assigned a job transfer by your company, you may be wondering, “When should I start preparing for the …
2025-07-14
Imagine the joy of finally finding your ideal home after carefully evaluating conditions such as the size, rent, interior, and exterior. …
2025-07-11
Many people dream of creating an “otaku room” where they can fully immerse themselves in their favorite anime, games, or idols. …
2025-06-27
If it happens to rain on the day of an apartment viewing, some people may question whether they can properly assess …
2025-06-23
Many people dream of living stylishly in an old rental apartment, like the ones often seen on social media. Others prefer …
2025-06-16
The cost of living in Japan can vary greatly depending on the region. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, rent …
2025-06-08
According to a survey by the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan had increased by 5.2% as …
2025-05-30
It’s not uncommon to end up with a vacant room for various reasons, such as when a child moves out and …
2025-05-26
Elegant and comfortable Nordic interior design. Many people dream of designing a room with a Nordic interior style as the main …
2025-05-20
Many people are excited about moving as a means of starting a new chapter in life. However, moving involves activities that …
2025-05-19
In Japan, humidity levels are high from May to October, with the rainy season being an especially challenging time for indoor …
2025-05-12
When moving to a new home, there are many things you’ll need to acquire. However, the process can often feel overwhelming, …
2025-04-29
When a close friend or colleague is moving, many of us want to give them something that they will appreciate. However, …
2025-04-28
“Zero-zero” properties refer to apartments that require no security deposit and no key money. For those looking to save on initial …
2025-04-22
Many unwind at the end of a long day by soaking in a warm bath. But why settle for an ordinary …
2025-04-21
Have you been wondering how to choose a moving company or what the differences are between major moving companies versus small business ones? If you’re unsure about what criteria to consider when selecting a moving company, you’re not alone. When choosing a moving company, it’s important to consider not only the cost, but also other […]
2025-04-15
Due to the widespread pollen during early spring, many people experience symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. While …
2025-04-11
In recent years, the number of foreign residents in Japan has been steadily increasing. However, renting a room in Japan requires …
2025-03-29
Have you ever noticed a strange odor coming from your washing machine? Or maybe your freshly washed clothes have black specks …
2025-03-24
Some might ask, “What are the necessary steps for moving after a divorce?” or “When is the ideal time to move?” …
2025-03-23
Many parents may be wondering, “What should I consider when creating a kids’ room?” or “I want to create an exciting …
2025-03-17
Many people assume, “I don’t need to clean my new home since it has already been professionally cleaned.” It’s true that …
2025-03-17
Many individuals, particularly those who file taxes for the first time, often feel overwhelmed by questions like, “How do I file …
2025-03-10
There are many who get excited at the thought of moving out of their parents’ home and living alone for the …
2025-02-28
Some people may worry whether they can move while receiving welfare benefits. However, it is possible to move if it is …
2025-02-24
To create a comfortable space, it’s important to choose lighting that suits the room’s purpose and vibe. For instance, warm lighting …
2025-02-21
After you’re done moving your belongings from your old home, it’s natural to want a breather. However, there’s still some important …
2025-02-17
Interiors embodying the Japanese Zen spirit have been growing in popularity. One key element of this is “wabi-sabi,” a concept that …
2025-02-15
Houseplants are grown indoors, on balconies, in gardens, etc. You might think, “They’re not that big, so as long as they’re …
2025-02-10
The number of foreigners coming to Japan for work is steadily increasing. While many individuals are aware of certain aspects of …
2025-01-31
Moving can be challenging for adults, but it becomes even more difficult when children are involved. They may interfere during packing, …
2025-01-27
Many people worry about high electricity bills during the winter and are eager to find ways to save money. With shorter …
2025-01-24
Many people want to save as much as possible on moving expenses and wonder if they can move on their own. …
2025-01-20
Many couples choose to live together to maximize their time together. However, some may also find themselves contemplating the design of …
2025-01-17
Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I should have packed more efficiently,” or “I had the time, so why didn’t I …
2025-01-13
Everyone wants to minimize issues in their rental housing as much as possible. However, even with a peaceful, everyday life, it’s …
2024-12-30
Many people are probably wondering, “What is the best way to handle moving day?” On moving day, there are things you …
2024-12-27
In recent times, the idea of “sustainability” has been catching on. While it’s a word many are familiar with, the concept …
2024-12-23
Many have questions like, “What will happen to my resident tax if I move?” or “When will I start paying resident …
2024-12-20
In December, the city comes alive with vibrant and festive illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere. If you love decorating your room …
2024-12-16
Packing for a move can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to start. It’s not uncommon to find yourself stuck, …
2024-12-13
In recent years, an increasing number of rental properties have begun offering free internet access, making it an attractive option for …
2024-11-29
Many of you might be wondering, “What kinds of floor plans and features should I avoid when choosing a rental property?” …
2024-11-27
When living in an apartment building, it’s inevitable to hear some noise from other residents’ daily activities. At the same time, …
2024-11-25
Many people are concerned and asking, “Is it true that moving-out fees can reach as high as 2 million yen?” and …
2024-11-22
The interior design of a toilet is often overlooked. However, since we use the toilet daily, it’s only natural to want …
2024-11-18
Many people worry about the initial costs of moving, especially when they turn out to be higher than anticipated. If you’re …
2024-11-15
Many people who start living alone often wish to have a pet. However, if their property doesn’t permit pets, they can’t …
2024-10-30
Some people may wonder, “Is it better to live above or on the first floor of an apartment building?” or, “I …
2024-10-24
Tatami, a flooring material well-suited to Japan’s climate and natural environment, is a unique aspect of Japanese culture. Tatami consists of …
2024-10-23
Many people are concerned about the documents they need for a rental contract and whether they should prepare anything in advance. …
2024-10-23
If you notice signs that your bathtub drain might be clogged, water draining slowly, or backing up while you shower, it’s …
2024-10-21
In recent years, working remotely from home has become commonplace due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since the home is usually …
2024-10-21
Many people dream of moving away from their parents and living alone with the freedom to do whatever they want. However, …
2024-10-15
Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, accounting for over 20% of the world’s earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher. This high …
2024-10-14
Many job seekers may encounter the phrase “corporate housing available” in their search. This typically refers to a system where the …
2024-10-14
It’s fun for couples living separately to have a date in each other’s homes. However, it’s not uncommon for couples to …
2024-10-03
Many people dream of moving out of their parent’s house and becoming independent. You might be thinking, “I’m getting a job …
2024-09-25
Some people may wonder how to make the most of apartments with a loft. Loft apartments are popular in rental properties …
2024-09-24
Some people might be thinking, “I want to get a cat when I start living on my own,” but feeling anxious …
2024-09-17
Many people might wonder, “I want to live on my own, but will being a freelance worker impact my chances of …
2024-09-12
When living in a rental home, scratches and dents are bound to occur, especially on hardwood floors. These imperfections can be …
2024-09-11
Some people may be wondering, “Do I still need to use a rental guarantor company even if I have a joint …
2024-09-11
“I’m thinking of moving, but I’m worried about how much the repair costs will be.” “If it’s due to deterioration over …
2024-08-29
In recent years, summer temperatures have often exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, with some days climbing to a blistering 35 degrees or …
2024-08-27
Many people who couldn’t keep a dog at their parents’ house and have been thinking about getting one may be thinking, …
2024-08-20
Many people find it challenging to organize their belongings without a closet, especially in a small studio apartment. If you’re looking …
2024-08-19
Living in a sharehouse with multiple people is gaining attention because it can reduce living costs. Even though sharehouses are a …
2024-08-15
Many people might be curious about what it’s like to live on the top floor of an apartment building. The upper …
2024-08-12
When moving out of a rental property, some may be unsure about when and to whom they should communicate. Moving out …
2024-07-30
Some people may wonder if they can live alone on a monthly income of 120,000 yen, or how to reduce their …
2024-07-26
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the items in the limited storage of your solo living kitchen? Do you feel that …
2024-07-13
A studio apartment is a typical layout for people living alone. However, many people may be wondering, “What exactly is the …
2024-07-11
A lot of students live alone when they go to university. Although it may feel uneasy to start living alone for …
2024-07-03
When living alone as a woman, choosing a safe property is an important point to avoid harm or trouble. It is …
2024-07-03
Many are raising their children as single mothers due to a variety of circumstances, such as divorce, the passing away of …
2024-06-25
“What to do if I move to a stigmatized property…?” “How can I find out if it’s a stigmatized property?” Some …
2024-06-25
“What is the average gas bill to be expected for a person living alone?” “I want to save on gas bills, …
2024-06-19
A “minimalist” is someone who lives a lifestyle maintaining an appropriate quality of life by owning the bare minimum necessities. There …
2024-06-17
One of the main concerns of moving somewhere new is how much it will cost to move out. Many worry that …
2024-06-04
When looking for an apartment, many people prefer corner units. Corner units are popular because they have more windows than middle …
2024-05-29
After a period of living solo, it may be natural for renters to want a furry friend who can provide companionship …
2024-05-28
The purpose of a property viewing is to determine whether an apartment you’re curious about is truly a good fit for …
2024-05-27
When choosing a rental property, it’s important to consider not only the rent and floor plan but also the age of …
2024-05-15
“I’m thinking about renting a Japanese-style apartment, but what’s it like?” “I’d like to know about the advantages and disadvantages of …
2024-05-07
Wooden apartment buildings tend to have cheaper rent than those that are made of steel and concrete. However, many are concerned …
2024-05-07
Some people wonder if single mothers can rent a rental property or what to do if they are rejected during the …
2024-05-07
Apartment hunting can be a tiring process. Many want to move but can’t seem to find any good options. Others don’t …
2024-04-22
People living alone for the first time are often particular about their apartment’s location, amenities, interior, etc. However, many people get …
2024-04-18
If you are planning to live with your partner, you’ll want to choose a property with a floor plan that makes …
2024-04-10
A “separate sink” (or washbasin) refers to one that is installed separately from the bathroom or toilet. Many people choose a …
2024-03-26
When signing a contract for a rental property, initial costs such as a security deposit, key money, and brokerage fees are …
2024-03-06
Japan frequently experiences earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. However, it is impossible to prevent natural disasters in advance. Many people …
2024-02-28
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Machiko Doi | Village Blog