Tag: expat in japan

  • Half a Day in Gifu City — A Gentle Walk Through History and Hills

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    From a butter-toast breakfast near Gifu Station to the golden smile of the Great Buddha by afternoon — this quiet half-day in Gifu City blends history, nature, and gentle living. The perfect slow adventure between mountain and river

  • How I Got My Caregiver Job in Japan

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    From Chicago nurse to Gifu caregiver — this is how I found my first caregiving job in Japan. It wasn’t easy, but it became one of the most meaningful choices of my life.

    Sunrise over the Meoto Iwa sacred rocks connected by a Shinto rope in Japan, symbolizing harmony and new beginnings.
  • Masks, Manners, and Everyday Politeness: My Adjustment

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    Moving to Japan meant more than just learning a new language and adapting to a new place—it meant learning a new rhythm of daily life shaped by masks, manners, and small acts of politeness. From quiet trains to the way we hand money at the cashier, every gesture carries meaning. This is the story of…

    Person in a straw hat bowing deeply on the floor in front of a sword, evoking traditional Japanese respect and discipline
  • Unwinding in Gifu: Our Night at an Italian-Inspired Izakaya

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    After a long week, my husband and I escaped to a cozy izakaya in Gifu. What we found was more than just Japanese pub food—Italian-inspired dishes like honey cheese pizza, Sicilian pepperoncino pasta, and crispy fried enoki made the night unforgettable.

    “Assorted yakitori skewers and drinks at a cozy izakaya in Japan
  • My First Year Reflections: Life in Japan

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    A year ago, I left my nursing career in America and moved to Japan to begin a new chapter with my husband. It was daunting—new country, new marriage, and a language I could barely speak. I didn’t know if I could find my place here. Then, through a free caregiving training program, I not only…