Essential Guides

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Is LinkedIn Useful in Japan?

Strategies for networking and finding international roles.

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Study in the Heart of Tokyo: Best Central Tokyo Language Schools

Explore our top picks for Study in the Heart of Tokyo: Best Central Tokyo Language Schools....

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Art & Design: Best Schools for Anime, Manga, and Creative Studies

Explore our top picks for Art & Design: Best Schools for Anime, Manga, and Creative Studies....

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Future Tech Leaders: Top 5 Engineering Universities in Japan

Explore our top picks for Future Tech Leaders: Top 5 Engineering Universities in Japan. Discover...

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Boost Your Career: Top 5 Japanese Schools for Job Seekers

Explore our top picks for Boost Your Career: Top 5 Japanese Schools for Job Seekers. Discover...

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Opening a bank account as a student

Bank account steps

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Getting Glasses at JINS or Zoff

High-quality, affordable eyewear in under 60 minutes.

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Healthcare for students in Japan

Clinics and insurance

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Student Housing Options

Housing compare

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Japan Student Housing Guide: Renting Dorms, Share Houses & Apartments

Find student housing in Japan easily. Compare dorms, share houses, and apartments. Learn how to...

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JLPT exam guide for international students

Levels, schedule, and study tips

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Part-time jobs for international students

Work rules overview

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Best SIM Cards & Mobile Plans for Students in Japan (2026)

Looking for a cheap Japan SIM card? Compare student-friendly mobile plans with easy English...

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Student Visa Steps

Visa guide

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Best Neighborhoods in Osaka: Where to Live Guide

Compare Osaka's top neighborhoods for students and expats. Learn about rent costs, safety, and...

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Visiting a Dentist in Japan: Complete Guide with NHI & Costs

A practical guide to visiting a dentist in Japan for expats and international students. Learn...

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Cheap Gyms in Japan: ChocoZAP vs. Municipal Gyms

Looking for cheap gym memberships in Japan? Compare ChocoZAP, municipal gyms, and 24/7 fitness...

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EJU Subjects Guide 2026: How to Choose the Right Tests

A complete guide to choosing your EJU subject tests—Japan & the World, Science, and...

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Japan Part-Time Job Tax: 1.03 Million Yen Limit Explained

A complete guide to Japan's part-time job tax rules. Understand the 1.03 million yen threshold,...

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Mercari Japan Guide for Students: How to Buy & Sell

Learn how to set up, buy, and sell on Mercari Japan as an international student. Save money and...

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Best Design & Art Schools in Japan for International Students (2026)

Compare Japan's top design & art universities for international students in 2026. Get expert...

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Tokyo Student Housing Operators: Best Share Houses & Apartments

Compare top Tokyo student housing operators for international students. Find share houses and...

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What Can You Study at a Senmon Gakko? Popular Majors & Careers

Discover popular Senmon Gakko courses in Japan, from anime and IT to hospitality. Learn about...

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Affordable Excellence: Top 5 National Universities for International Students

Explore our top picks for Affordable Excellence: Top 5 National Universities for International...

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Navigating Your Local Ward Office ('Kuyakusho')

A guide to the services available for residents.

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Warehouse & Logistics Jobs: Night Shifts and Pay

Working at Yamato or Sagawa for high night-time wages.

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A Guide to Winter Illuminations in Japan

Where to see the most spectacular light displays.

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Heating Your Room in Winter: AC vs. Kerosene

Tips to stay warm and manage high electricity bills.

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'Circle' Activities: Joining University Clubs

How to find and join student clubs in Japan.

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How to Set Up Electricity, Gas, and Water in Japan

A guide to contacting utility companies.

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Surviving Japan as a Vegetarian or Vegan

How to communicate your dietary needs and find ingredients.

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Suica vs PASMO: Japan's IC Cards Explained

How to get and use rechargeable transport cards.

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Student commuter passes in Japan

Suica, commuter tickets, and discounts

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How to Prepare for a Typhoon in Japan

What to do before, during, and after the storm.

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Empowering Women: Best Women's Universities & Colleges in Japan

Explore our top picks for Empowering Women: Best Women's Universities & Colleges in Japan....

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Japanese Train Etiquette: 10 Things Not to Do

From phone calls to eating on the train.

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Saving on Travel: The 'Teikiken' (Commuter Pass)

How student commuter passes can save you money.

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5 Best Tokyo Language Schools for Japanese University Prep

Discover the top 5 Tokyo language schools that offer expert EJU preparation and proven academic...

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5 Cheapest Schools in Japan with Dormitories (Save on Rent & Tuition)

Discover the most budget-friendly schools in Japan that offer low-cost, safe, and fully...

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Furnishing for Less: Using Second-hand Shops

How to find furniture and appliances at Off-House and local recycle shops.

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Where to Live in Tokyo: Best Neighborhoods for International Students

Compare the best places to live in Tokyo for international students. Find top neighborhoods...

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'Hangaku' Hunting: How to Buy Food for Half-Price

The art of shopping at supermarkets after 7 PM.

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Must-have Supermarket Point Cards

Maximizing rewards at Aeon, Ito-Yokado, and Life.

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Tax-Free Shopping for Temporary Visitors

How friends and family can shop tax-free when visiting you.

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Teaching English Part-time: 'Eikaiwa' & Private Tutoring

How to find jobs and typical hourly rates for native speakers.

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Budget Travel with Willer Express Highway Buses

Exploring Japan using overnight bus passes.

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Study in Kyoto: Top 3 Schools in Japan's Cultural Capital

Our curated selection for Study in Kyoto: Top 3 Schools in Japan's Cultural Capital.

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Escape the Crowds: Top 4 Schools in Fukuoka and Hokkaido

Our curated selection for Escape the Crowds: Top 4 Schools in Fukuoka and Hokkaido.

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'Matsuri': A Guide to Japanese Summer Festivals

From 'yukata' to 'hanabi' (fireworks).

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Home Internet: SoftBank Air vs. Fiber Optic

Pros and cons of 'no-construction' Wi-Fi vs high-speed fiber.

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Niche Language Schools: Art, Business, or Tech Focus

Finding a school that matches your specific career goals.

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'Gakuwari': The Magic of Student Discounts in Japan

Where and how to use your student ID for savings.

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Short-Term Study in Japan (Under 3 Months)

What you can learn and experience on a tourist visa.

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Visiting Shrines & Temples: A Simple Guide

The difference between a 'jinja' and 'tera' and how to pray.

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Scholarships for Language School Students

Guide to finding and applying for scholarships in Japan.

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How to Visit a Japanese School Festival: 2026 Bunkasai Guide

Want to experience a real-life anime school festival? Here is everything you need to know about...

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A Guide to Seasonal Foods in Japan

What to eat in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

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Budget Travel: Riding the Shinkansen for Less

Tips and discount tickets for exploring Japan.

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Sending Money to Japan: Best Methods & Fees

How to transfer tuition and living funds from abroad.

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Renting in Japan: The Guarantor System Explained

Learn how the Japanese rent guarantor system, joint guarantors, and guarantor companies work...

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Your 'Zairyu Card' (Residence Card): A Guide

Why it's your most important ID in Japan.

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'Pointo Kādo': Japan's Loyalty Card Culture

How to save money with T-Point, Ponta, and Rakuten Points.

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How to Ship Packages at Japan Post

Sending gifts home using EMS, SAL, or Surface mail.

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Bringing or Getting Prescription Medicine in Japan

Understanding the rules for personal medication.

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Joining the Rakuten Ecosystem for Points

Using Rakuten Card, Mobile, and Ichiba to save money.

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Student Pension Exemption: A Must-Do at City Hall

How to apply and avoid paying pension premiums.

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Common OTC Medicines in Japanese Pharmacies

Identifying pain relievers, cold meds, and stomach relief.

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Working as a Delivery Rider: Uber Eats & Menu

Requirements and earnings for student delivery partners.

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Jobs You CAN'T Do on a Student Visa

Understanding the restrictions on part-time work.

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Understanding Weekly Discount Cycles at Supermarkets

When are meats, veggies, and milk cheapest?

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Onsen 101: How to Bathe in a Japanese Hot Spring

A step-by-step guide to onsen etiquette.

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What is the 'My Number' Card and Do I Need It?

Explaining Japan's social security and tax ID system.

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Municipal Housing (Shiei Jutaku) for Foreigners

A hidden way to find ultra-cheap rent through local governments.

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The Ultimate Shukatsu Guide 2026: Job Hunting in Japan

Land your dream job in Japan! Our 2026 Shukatsu guide covers entry sheets, SPI tests, and...

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Understanding Japanese ATM Fees & Operating Hours

Why ATMs charge fees at night and how to avoid them.

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A Beginner's Guide to Karaoke in Japan

How to use the machines and understand the pricing.

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Mental Health & English Counseling Support for Students in Japan

A complete guide to finding English-speaking therapists, university counseling services, and...

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Working at an Izakaya: Speed and Social Skills

Mastering 'Irrashaimase' and taking complex orders.

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JLPT Levels Explained: N5 to N1

What each level means for daily life and career.

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Getting Internet in Japan: Fiber vs. Pocket Wi-Fi

Choosing the right internet connection for your apartment.

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Summer vs. Winter Internships in Japan

Understanding '1-Day' vs long-term internships.

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Japanese Job Interview Etiquette 101

From bowing to answering common questions.

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How to Navigate an 'Izakaya' (Japanese Pub)

From 'otoshi' to 'nomihodai': a student's guide.

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Preventing Mold: The Humidity Challenge in Japan

How to manage rainy season and damp apartments.

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'Net Cafe' & 'Manga Kissa': More Than Just Internet

A guide to Japan's 24-hour havens.

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Room Cleaning Jobs: Hard Work but High Pay

What to expect when working as a hotel bed-maker.

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Finding Halal Food and Mosques in Japan

A resource guide for Muslim international students.

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How to Enjoy 'Hanami' (Cherry Blossom Viewing)

A guide to Japan's favorite spring pastime.

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'Hanko' (Personal Seal): Do I Really Need One?

A guide to getting and registering a personal seal.

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Navigating Golden Week and Other National Holidays

What to expect during Japan's major holiday seasons.

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Top Websites for Finding Apartments in Japan

How to use SUUMO, Homes, and Apaman Shop.

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'Gachapon': The Joy of Capsule Toys

A look into one of Japan's fun and quirky hobbies.

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Mastering Japanese Gift-Giving Culture: An 'Omiyage' Guide for Students

Navigating gift-giving in Japan can be tricky. This guide covers the essential rules of...

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Emergency Contacts: 110, 119, and Beyond

How to call police or ambulance and what to say in Japanese.

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No Japanese Needed: Top 5 Universities with English Degree Programs

Our curated selection for No Japanese Needed: Top 5 Universities with English Degree Programs.

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Proving Financial Stability for Your Student Visa

Who can be your sponsor and what documents are needed.

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Finding English-Speaking Doctors & Clinics

How to search for medical services in your language.

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Earthquake & Typhoon Preparedness for Students

What to have in your emergency kit and where to go.

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EJU vs JLPT: Which one do I need?

Differences between EJU and JLPT for admission.

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Best Japanese Drugstore Skincare for Students

Effective and affordable products from Matsukiyo and Welcia.

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Essential Apps for Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts

Stay informed with apps like Yurekuru Call and Safety Tips.

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My COE Was Denied: How to Re-Apply & Get Approved

A comprehensive guide on what to do if your Japan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is rejected,...

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1-Year Study Cost in Japan

Budget overview

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1-Year Cost Breakdown for Studying in Japan

Realistic budget analysis for tuition and living costs in Tokyo.

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Is a Costco Japan Membership Good for Students?

Bulk buying tips for shared living or long-term stays.

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Where to Buy Phone Accessories: Daiso vs. Akihabara

Finding cables, cases, and chargers without overpaying.

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Japanese classroom culture for newcomers

Participation, punctuality, and group work

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Top 3 Budgeting Apps for Life in Japan

Tracking your expenses with Japanese apps.

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A Student's Guide to Capsule Hotels

How to stay in Japan's unique budget accommodation safely.

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Language School to University vs. Vocational School

Choosing the right path after language studies.

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Mandatory Bicycle Insurance in Japan

Understanding the legal requirement to have liability insurance.

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The Challenge of Bicycle Parking in Japan

Understanding paid parking lots and avoiding fines.

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Bicycle Rules & Registration in Japan

Guide to buying, registering, and legally riding a bike.

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Stress-Free Relocation: Top 5 Schools with Guaranteed Dormitories

Our curated selection for Stress-Free Relocation: Top 5 Schools with Guaranteed Dormitories.

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Best 4 Schools for Short-Term Study and Conversational Japanese

Our curated selection for Best 4 Schools for Short-Term Study and Conversational Japanese.

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Top 3 Art Universities in Japan for International Students (2026)

Want to study art in Japan? Discover the top 3 art universities for international students,...

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Top 5 Schools in Tokyo for Finding a Job in Japan

Our curated selection for Top 5 Schools in Tokyo for Finding a Job in Japan.

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Amazon Prime Student Japan: Is It Worth It? (6-Month Free Trial)

Wondering if Amazon Prime Student Japan is worth your money? Read our complete guide covering...

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'Key Money' & More: Decoding Japanese Apartment Initial Costs

Explaining reikin, shikikin, and other upfront fees.

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Language School Application Deadlines Explained

Planning your application for April, July, October, or January intake.

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100-Yen Store Essentials for Student Life

How to maximize value at Daiso, Seria, and Can Do.

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The Japanese Academic Year: April Start Explained

Understanding the spring-start school system.

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Study in Kansai: Top 4 Language Schools in Osaka

Our curated selection for Study in Kansai: Top 4 Language Schools in Osaka.