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.




Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
A visit to the best UFO catcher arcade in the universe!
Time to vote for your favourite in Japan’s Sanrio Character Curry Election
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
New sanitary panties for crossdressing men come complete with sanitary pads!
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
A visit to the best UFO catcher arcade in the universe!
Time to vote for your favourite in Japan’s Sanrio Character Curry Election
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
New sanitary panties for crossdressing men come complete with sanitary pads!
Which Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain has the best aosa miso soup?【Taste test】
How to properly eat a traditional Japanese tonkatsu meal
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Put your kitsune up! BABYMETAL is set to dominate the world with ‘dangerous kawaii’【Interview】
New Tokyo restaurant promises food that tastes like crap: actual poo-flavored curry
Play games, learn, and get your fortune at Ginza’s limited-time Tsunaguu “Shrine of the Future”