How Japan IRL Is Written
Japan IRL publishes practical information about living, moving and everyday life in Japan.
The site is written and edited by Kimika, a Japanese local based in Tokyo.
Our Editorial Approach
Articles are created using a combination of:
- First-hand experience living in Japan
- Local knowledge and observations
- Japanese and English-language research
- Official sources for rules, regulations and other time-sensitive information
- AI tools for drafting, organization and English-language assistance
How AI Is Used
AI is used as a writing and translation assistant.
It helps organize research, draft English text and make information easier to understand for an international audience.
However, Japan IRL does not treat AI-generated text as a substitute for local knowledge.
Articles are reviewed with the goal of adding Japanese context, practical observations and first-hand perspective wherever possible.
First-Hand Experience
When an article contains a section labeled Japanese Local’s Take, it is intended to highlight local context, personal experience or an observation that may not be obvious from standard travel or relocation guides.
Not every topic can be based entirely on personal experience. When that is the case, the article should clearly distinguish general research from first-hand opinion.
Time-Sensitive Information
Prices, housing availability, mobile plans, job listings, event schedules, transportation services and regulations can change.
For important decisions, readers should confirm the latest details with the relevant official organization or service provider.
High-Stakes Topics
Japan IRL is not a substitute for professional legal, immigration, medical, tax or financial advice.
For these topics, we prioritize official sources and recommend consulting the appropriate authority or qualified professional.
Corrections and Updates
We aim to improve articles over time as information changes or better first-hand insight becomes available.
If you notice something that appears outdated or incorrect, please treat the article as a starting point and verify critical information with an official source.
Our Goal
Japan IRL exists to make everyday Japan easier to understand.
We want readers to get more than generic information. We want them to understand what life here actually feels like, what locals consider normal, and what someone new to Japan may wish they had known earlier.
Real-life Japan, explained by a local.