Blog
Practical guides for foreigners living in Japan. Renting an apartment, navigating housing rules, and everything about emergency contacts.
The Tenant Screening Process in Japan: What Foreigners Need to Know
Applied for an apartment in Japan and waiting on approval? Here's how tenant screening (入居審査) works, who decides, and how to prepare so it goes smoothly.
Read more- Feb 2026
What Happens When a Landlord Calls Your Emergency Contact in Japan?
Nervous about verification calls during your rental application? Here’s what landlords and real estate agents typically ask when they contact your emergency contact in Japan.
Read more - Oct 2025
Emergency Contact Services in Japan: Are They Accepted by Landlords?
Wondering if professional emergency contact services are legitimate in Japan? Here’s how landlords see them, when they’re accepted, and what to watch out for.
Read more - Aug 2025
Can Foreigners Use a Friend as an Emergency Contact in Japan?
Wondering if you can list a friend as your emergency contact when renting in Japan? Here's what landlords expect, and why it's not always the best idea.
Read more - Jul 2025
Emergency Contact vs. Guarantor in Japan: What’s the Difference?
New to renting in Japan? Here's the difference between an emergency contact and a guarantor, and why you may need both.
Read more - Jun 2025
Why You Need a Japanese Emergency Contact to Rent an Apartment
Many foreigners in Japan are surprised to learn that a local emergency contact is required just to rent an apartment.
Read more