News
Daikons in the Rough: Making Friends in Japan
Anthony Palmer reflects on the ups and downs of trying to make freinds in a foreign culture. Check it out in our Writer's section!
On Stereotypes and Trust
Anthony Palmer takes a look at stereotypes in Japan on both sides of the looking glass. Read about his thoughts on the subject in our Writer's section!
Need to promote an event?
Looking for some more exposure for your cultural event? You can now submit your event for listing on our events page!
Calling all writers!
Got something to say? JAFA wants to hear from you! We're looking for articles on promoting cross-cultural communication for publication on JAFA. See our submissions page for details!
Join JAFA!
If you are interested in participating in some of our upcoming events, please go to our Sign-Up Page.
Kansai & Kanto Events
For anyone living in the Kanto or Kansai areas, check out our News & Events page for a listing of some upcoming activities, parties and events.
Life in Japan
Adjusting to life in a foreign country can be a difficult experience but one made easier through accessible resources. One of the first steps in becoming familiar with a new country and taking full advantage of your surroundings is to make sure you have access to a variety of information sources.
Helpful information, lifestyle guides, magazines and newspapers
Living in Japan can be a wonderful experience, but adjustment to new customs and language can also bring about the symptoms of culture shock. Japan has a very extensive foreign community and leveraging the network it provides can be a useful step in settling into your daily life.
The resources that have developed to support the foreign community include associations providing helpful information and lifestyle services. There are also several lifestyle guides, magazines and newspapers which deliver helpful information to the foreign community.
Associations and publications frequently have information on groups, such as outdoors clubs and community clubs, where individuals living in Japan can get together.
Helpful information
Tokyo English Life Line (TELL)
TELL is a multifaceted, nonprofit organization serving the international and business communities since 1973. Services include free phone counseling and information, professional face-to-face counseling, and educational workshops.
Kimi Information Center (KIC)
KIC has been acting as an intermediary between foreigners and the Japanese since 1987. The organization assists in gaining understanding of the customs of Japan, searches for accommodations and professional services such as resume translations.
Lifestyle guides
Tokyo Food Page
A bilingual restaurant guide providing advice on where to eat and drink in Tokyo. Listings of restaurant and bar events are also featured on an on-going basis. Reviews are available in English and Japanese.
Japan Guide
A travel and living guide providing up to date information on traveling and living in Japan, first-hand from Japan. Features include an extensive travel guide, a living guide for prospective and current foreign residents, and a resource section about various aspects of contemporary and traditional Japan.
Online magazines
Metropolis
The online version of a weekly magazine distributed in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Articles cover culture fashion, music, bars and restaurants, and extensive classified listings.
Real Tokyo
Carrying news of cultural and entertainment happening within the Tokyo area, this site features seven searchable event categories supplemented with updated information. The site also includes a scheduler and reminder email service.
Online newspapers
News on Japan
Part of a global news network, this site delivers news, updated daily, enabling viewers to explore hundreds of sources and providing comprehensive covers on news related to Japan.
Japan Today
A general news portal with features on current events, people trends and sports. The site features an extensive list of resources, commentary and analysis for better understanding of important events and issues in Japan.
Mainichi News
As the oldest newspaper in Japan, the Mainichi News has garnered a reputation among its readership as a newspaper that provides quality reporting and editorials. The newspaper has five main offices and more than 280 branch offices and news gathering stations throughout Japan. In addition, it has over 20 bureaus around the world.
The Japan Times
One of Japan's oldest English dailies, The Japan Times provides comprehensive coverage of world and domestic news, business and politics. The newspaper carries the largest classified ad sections featuring employment in Eastern and Western Japan.