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

Into The Japanese Mind   by Sio I once asked a metro staff for help. He nodded politely and fired off a long string of fast Japanese. I said, “English OK? Google OK?” He stared at me, then repeated it even faster. I was furious. Was that a joke? He knew I didn’t get a word! Why keep going?   These robotic responses shows up everywhere — at banks, gyms, post offices. No matter how confused I look, the lines just keep firing. Then I met a teacher I could finally understand. She