Shigeru
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Dental Cleanings in Japan: Fast, Cheap, and (Sometimes) Multi-Step
If you are used to the American style of dental visits—sitting in a chair for 60 minutes while a hygienist chats with you—the Japanese experience will be a bit of a “culture shock.” It is efficient, highly regulated, and incredibly affordable. Because dental care is covered under the 70/30 National Health Insurance split, a standard check-up…
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At-Home Flu & COVID Kits in Japan: What You Need to Know
At-Home Flu & COVID Kits in Japan: What You Need to Know For years, the only way to get a flu test in Japan was to let a doctor stick a long swab up your nose.2 But as of 2026, you can now skip the clinic waiting room for your initial screening by picking up a Combination…
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Understanding Japan’s Healthcare System
Learn about Japan’s healthcare system, including how it works and what expats need to know for effective medical care.
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Foreigners pay more for Medical Services than locals in Japan?
Foreign visitors without Japan’s national health insurance sometimes get charged a higher multiple than locals. It’s a good idea to ask about costs beforehand and you can always shop around
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Caught the Flu in Japan? Here is the “Gaijin” Survival Guide
Getting the flu while traveling is a nightmare, but in Japan, there is a very specific “script” for how this is handled. If you start feeling that tell-tale body ache and high fever, don’t just suffer in your hotel room—here is how to navigate it.
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Healthy Eating in Japan: A Traveler’s Guide
Eating healthy in Japan is actually a lot easier than in most other countries, but for Americans, the “hidden” hurdles are usually high sodium levels and a surprising lack of fiber in restaurant meals.
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A Guide to Japanese Health Insurance
Coming from the U.S. healthcare system, the first thing you’ll notice about Japan is that it is surprisingly standardized. There are no “in-network” or “out-of-network” headaches. If a clinic takes Japanese National Insurance, they take your insurance. 1. The Two Main Systems Almost everyone in Japan falls into one of two buckets. Both cover 70% of costs, leaving you…
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Emergency Care in Japan
What you need to know about accessing emergency care in Japan, including procedures and important contacts.