Guide to this Site

New to Purple Pen and don't where to start?

Here's a guide of the most useful articles on this site. Just click the links you like!

A. If you're new to Japan: Living in Japan

• Saving Money in Japan: Tips for Cheaper Living
• Surviving Winter in Japan
• How to Renew Your Residence Card

B. If you're an English teacher in Japan or planning to teach in Japan: Teaching in Japan 

• Best Companies to Get Teaching Jobs in Japan
• How to Teach in Japan
• Tips When Having Lunch with Japanese Students

C. If you're not an English teacher but working in Japan or planning to: Working in Japan

• What is Hard Work in Japan?
• Tips for Establishing Rapport with Japanese Coworkers
• Useful Japanese Expressions in the Workplace

D. If you're interested in Japanese culture: Culture

• Being "On Time in Japan"
• Help Me Please! Being Helpful in Japan
• Interesting Numerical Facts in Japan

E.  If you're planning to travel: Travel

• Going Solo in Kyoto: Reliving a Geisha at Inari Shrine
• White, White World in Nagano
• Sumo Wrestling: Japanese Culture in Massive Bodies

F. If you live in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka: Living in Hamamatsu

• Happiness in Hamamatsu: The Hamamatsu Festival
• Where to Eat in Hamamatsu
• Tourist Spot in Hamamatsu: Hamamatsu Castle Park

G. If you want to hear personal thoughts: Reflections

• Tanabata and Long Distance Relationships
• The Great Japan Earthquake: Remembering March 11
• Note to Self: Climbs and Chances