At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Japan and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Travel With Nano B
Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram
Georgian born, American flag waving Nano isn’t just a gifted photographer, but also a serial expat trotting the globe to discover wonderful places and savor the gastronomic treasures of the world. She shares her adventures and her love for travel, and details her international culinary adventures one blog post at a time.
The Expat's Guide to Japan
Facebook Page | Twitter
The Expat’s Guide to Japan is an excellent source of information – if you are looking for articles full of good advice on restaurants, festivals, shopping areas, travel destinations and a whole lot more – this is definitely where you need to be. Basic information on life in Japan, extensive festival calendars and detailed lists of International Schools and Clinics are also included.
Expats in Japan
Facebook Group
This closed Facebook Group, with over 1,600 genuine expat members, is full of people living in Japan or who have spent serious enough time here to have qualified as a genuine expat. Be warned (and assured) that they have a
zero spam tolerance policy and don’t appreciate any promotion of causes, religion, or business. However, if you have a genuine question they are only too happy to help.
Makuhari Expat & Japanese Connection
Facebook Page
The Makuhari Expat & Japanese Connection is a lovely community-based organization where Japanese and non-Japanese members are connected to share their experiences and support each other. Sharing meetups, helpful articles and even classes to broaden educational horizons, this page often posts articles in Japanese script, but for those still learning the character intricacies, Facebook has a handy translation feature at the bottom of each post.
Tokyo Cheapo
Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram
With close to 250,000 readers every month, Tokyo Cheapo is an excellent place for the frugal expat who needs to stretch their Yen, but still wants to experience the local culture. Their articles cover all the basics from things to do in Tokyo to how to get from Narita airport to Tokyo, plus they cover a vast range of practical topics, from which JR rail pass to choose to finding cheap virtual offices. Everything you could need.
MikeEXpat
Facebook Page | Twitter
Mike has been in Japan since 2000, exploring the curving pathways of Torii and beautiful temples found throughout the changing landscape. His escapades are a fascinating insight to life in the cities of Japan, both in terms of family life and as an expat. Unfortunately he is looking to move back to America soon – so check out his last adventures in the land of the rising sun
Japan Expat Network
Facebook Group | Twitter
The public visage of the Jet Coaster – an extremely helpful source of expat advice and practical tips – this public Facebook Group and Twitter account is full of must-read articles and the occasionally entertaining video to while away a busy commute. From apartment hunting to guides for local festivals such as the Tama Genryu Matsuri: A Water, Fire, and Taste Festival – this is a excellent resource for expats both new and experienced.
Kyoto Expats and Internationals
Facebook Group
This intimate Facebook group is a public forum for expats and internationals living in Kyoto to connect and share their wisdom. With posts on a range of subjects from rooms to rent in flatshares to unique experiences that expats will adore, this is an excellent starting point for people new to the beautiful city of Kyoto.
Aspiring Expat – My Journey of Becoming an Expat in Japan
Facebook Page | Twitter
Ashlynn calls herself ‘an average small town California girl trying to make it to Japan’. Sharing her honest thoughts on life in a new culture, she shines a helpful window onto challenges that might not occur to new expats. She also shares her passions – Cosplay, crochet, reading, baking tasty treats, walking her Dog and teaching English.
Tokyo Expat Network
Facebook Group
This extensive Facebook group (with over 7,000 members) is both popular and helpful. It was created to give foreigners making a life in Japan a forum to ask questions to make the most of their time living in Tokyo. They love members who share their passions, want vacation advice (especially searching out hidden gems) and are looking for products that they can’t find.
We’re always on the lookout for more accounts to feature – if you write about living in Japan on social media, leave us a link in the comments and we’ll take a look!