expat life
It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, if you’re an expat, there’s something from home you’re craving. Whether it’s chips and salsa or a good, strong beer, not having easy access to your favorite foods can put a damper on even the most enthusiastic of world travelers. That’s why knowing what to bring back after a visit home is so important, and Sharla, a university student living in Tokyo who makes videos about life in Japan, is here to help. Take a look at her video titled “What to Pack for JAPAN 日本に持っていくべき物!” and be prepared to take some notes. As an added bonus, Sharla speaks in English but includes subtitles in Japanese so anyone studying either language can get some extra practice.
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I’ve lived abroad three times in my life. Once was a homestay in France, once was a semester studying in Germany, and now I live and work in Japan. I don’t expect that I will ever move back to the States. I love Japan and have wanted to live abroad almost as long as I can remember. Even so, it has sometimes been challenging for a girl from suburban Arizona who didn’t even get a passport until she was 18, and lately I’ve been wondering what I would tell my younger self to better prepare her for this crazy expat life.
With the help of our globetrotting friends, we’ve come up with this list of seven things you should know before moving abroad.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Hang in there, Baby!: Cat clinging to wall in Tokyo caught on Google Maps
1,200 Japanese workers convert above-ground train to subway line in a matter of hours
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Weekly
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】- Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Monthly
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
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Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Hang in there, Baby!: Cat clinging to wall in Tokyo caught on Google Maps
1,200 Japanese workers convert above-ground train to subway line in a matter of hours
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Finally! Icees are coming to Japan!
This hotel has one of the coolest katana collections in Japan, and admission is totally free【Pics】
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Big Hero 6 ads in Japan leave out the action, moviegoers surprised to find awesome robot flick
Japanese fishermen start morning wake-up call service to help you get your lazy butt out of bed
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
This popular limited-time mango yogurt shaved ice in Taiwan is everything you need this summer
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