IZANAU: Jobs in JAPAN

Pregnancy in Japan: A Foreign Mom’s Guide to Your First Prenatal Visit | Articles on Izanau How to navigate the services and subsidies when you are pregnant in Japan.

Thinking about starting a family in Japan?

From health checks to hospital costs, here’s what you need to know about navigating pregnancy as a foreigner living and working in Japan

Full article 👇
izanau.com/article/view...

サラリーマン (Sararīman)

A common word for someone who works full-time in a company. It’s derived from “salaryman,” a word made in Japan. While it sounds familiar, it doesn’t exist in natural English—yet it’s used constantly in Japan.

マンション (Manshon)

This refers to a modern apartment building, often with good facilities. The word comes from “mansion” but was redefined in Japan. To non-Japanese ears, it sounds like you live in a giant luxury home.

カルテ (Karute)

Used in hospitals to refer to a patient’s medical chart. It sounds English, but it actually comes from the German word Karte. Many Japanese people think it’s international medical jargon.

サークル (Sākuru)

In Japan, this means a university club or student group. It comes from the idea of people gathering in a “circle,” but in English, the word just means a shape—so it often leads to blank stares.

マスコミ (Masukomi)

Short for “mass communication,” this word refers to the media—TV, newspapers, and entertainment press. It sounds English, but native speakers don’t say it that way. Japanese people often assume it’s universally understood.

Ever been puzzled by Japanese people using “English” words that don’t quite make sense? That’s 和製英語—words borrowed from English (or other languages) but used in uniquely Japanese ways.

Let’s look at a few that often cause confusion. #JapanLife

20 Years in a Japanese Company | Articles on Izanau This is what I learned

“Japanese people don’t take long vacations, but they take their work seriously.”

Ever wondered what it’s really like inside a Japanese company?

Read this honest interview with a foreign engineer working in Japan 👇
izanau.com/article/view...

Which of these abbreviations surprised you the most?

Japanese is full of these fun, compact words — would you like to see more in another post? Let us know!

アルハラ (aruhara)
Short for “アルコールハラスメント” (alcohol harassment).

Sadly still an issue in some companies, where people feel pressured to drink at work events. Know your rights if you work in Japan.

ワイシャツ (wai shatsu)
Short for “ホワイトシャツ” (white shirt).

It refers to business dress shirts, regardless of color. So yes, even a light blue one can be a “ワイシャツ” in Japan!

ヘビロテ (hebi rote)
Short for ヘビーローテーション (heavy rotation).

Used when someone listens to or wears something over and over. Like: この曲、最近ヘビロテ中！

アラサー (arasa)
Short for アラウンドサーティー (around thirty).

Used to describe people in their late 20s to early 30s. Yes, there’s also アラフォー (around 40) and アラフィフ (around 50)!

Japanese people love abbreviations. From fashion to music to workplace lingo, you’ll hear shortened words everywhere.

Here are some commonly used Japanese abbreviations you might not know!

#JapaneseLanguage

Three Essential Skills for Gaining Trust and Respect in the Japanese Workplace | Articles on Izanau That No One Teaches You in Japanese Class

Curious about working in Japan long-term?

Success isn't just language—it’s mastering these three unspoken skills: 空気を読む (read the room), 迷惑にならない (don’t be a nuisance), 約束を守る (keep your word).

Read our article here 👇
izanau.com/article/view...

That same day, two people were taken to the hospital due to heatstroke at the venue.

If you're planning a visit this summer, take precautions. Although we are still in the tsuyu season, it's getting hot out there.

Total visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai have now surpassed 8 million!

On June 16 alone, there were around 119,000 general visitors despite the intense 33°C heat.

#Expo2025

Indie Game PR Consultant | Jobs on Izanau The company is looking for a PR Consultant to develop and execute PR strategies for indie games targeting international markets. This role involves managing multiple clients and game titles simultaneo...

Love indie games and have PR experience?

A company in Osaka is looking for a PR Consultant to help promote unique titles worldwide. Japanese required, creativity a must.

📩 Send your CV to info@izanau.com
More info 👇
izanau.com/job/view/34f...

What is Membership-Based Employment in Japan | Articles on Izanau Japan has membership-based hiring and job-based hiring practices. What's the difference? Here is everything you need to know.

Working in Japan starts with understanding how companies hire.

Japan's unique employment systems—job-based vs. membership-based—can shape your entire career path.

Here's what everyone should know 👇
izanau.com/article/view...

If you're living in or traveling in Japan, stay updated on weather alerts.

In Kyushu (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, and Kumamoto) —especially in June 10th— a linear rainband may bring sudden disasters.

Up to 180mm of rain is expected in 24h. Stay safe and avoid risky areas.

Japan has officially entered tsuyu (rainy season).

Warm, moist air is making the atmosphere unstable, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected through the 11th. Be alert for floods, landslides, and river overflows.

#lifeinjapan

Buying a Car in Japan | Articles on Izanau A comprehensive cost benefit analysis.

Thinking about life in Japan beyond work?

Owning a car might be easier than you think. From inspections to insurance, here’s what you need to know before hitting the road in Japan👇
izanau.com/article/view...

What can be done to stop this trend?

That’s the question on everyone’s mind — but time is running out.

Do you think Japan can turn things around?

This isn’t only a rural issue.

Cities are also feeling the pinch — fewer workers, slower economic growth, and growing care demands for the elderly.

Younger generations feel the pressure too:

💸 Rising cost of living
🏘️ Lack of support for families
😔 Uncertainty about the future

Many say it’s hard to imagine raising children in today’s Japan.

The consequences are everywhere:

🏫 Schools are closing.
🏥 Hospitals can’t find staff.
👵 Elderly residents outnumber the young in entire towns.
🚌 Public transportation is disappearing in rural areas.

Japan’s population is shrinking. What happens next?

In 2023, Japan recorded fewer than 730,000 births — the lowest ever.

The population is aging fast. Nearly 30% of people are over 65.
This isn’t just a statistic. It’s a looming national crisis.

#Japan

言い回し: Why Can’t Japanese People Say Exactly What They Mean? | Articles on Izanau A guide to navigating the subtleties, nuances, and unspoken understandings that permeate communication in Japanese.

Ever feel like Japanese coworkers are saying one thing but meaning another?

Understanding indirect communication is key to thriving in Japan’s workplace.

Learn how to read between the lines 👇
izanau.com/article/view...

1️⃣ Toyama (61.4%)

Toyama created its own “English Education Improvement Plan,” with public model schools, joint training for teachers and ALTs, and regular open lessons.

A long-term, system-wide strategy is behind its top score.

2️⃣ Fukui (61.1%)

Fukui excels through a fully coordinated effort across elementary, junior high, and high schools.

They develop their own materials, support lessons with retired teachers and locals, and emphasize speaking skills with external tests and more ALTs.