I’ve lived all over, always managing life solo. Opening a bank acc in Japan? Should be easy. Newbies can only open a JP Post acc at the closest branch, I went to one 900m from home. But once I showed my docs: “You need to go to the designated branch.” I pointed at the map, showing both were the same distance. He looked at me like I was an alien and sent me back to Earth. Mission 1 failed. Logic doesn’t matter here, rules are the only language. Next day I went to the right bra

Japan Life Guide    by Sio Although I work at a real estate firm, my first home search was just like any foreigner’s - I was rejected by landlords. Renting in Japan isn’t as simple as money solves all. Why landlords worried of foreigners: 1️⃣ Limited Japanese, poor communication 2️⃣ Cultural gap, may disturb neighbors 3️⃣ Thin credit history, late/missed rent risk 4️⃣ Sudden departure, early termination 5️⃣ No Japanese guarantor, just too much hassle The most practical route

Another Life at 40s    by Sio Ten years ago, I became a travel writer after roaming the world. At 35, desperate and broke, it felt like my last shot. I poured everything into social media until algorithms sucked the life out of it, and I it quit all. Luckily, I met a partner who led me into international real estate. At 38, with limited time, it was my true last shot. I worked hard and built success - Until pandemic left my partner stuck in Japan and me in Macau’s three-year