LIVING IN JAPAN & ABROAD

Welcome to SavvyJapan-Today.com – Your Everyday Guide to Life in Japan and Beyond!

Hi there! I'm Daniel TJ, International Reporter for SavvyJapan-Today.com, here with my longtime friend and professional partner Michael Machida, Career Search Consultant at TheJEGroup!. We've each spent decades living in Japan—30 years for me, and 25 for Michael—navigating not only careers and culture but also building real, meaningful lives in this remarkable country.

We’ve experienced it all: adjusting to cultural differences, learning the language, building friendships, finding work, and falling in love with both the simplicity and complexity of life in Japan.

With the support of TheJEGroup!, we launched SavvyJapan-Today.com to share our journey and open a window into what it’s really like to live, work, and grow in Japan—and connect that experience to the wider world.

Why We Started This Site

Michael here...There are lots of guides out there about Japan. So why one more? Simple: most guides give you facts, but few offer the day-to-day feeling of life here. Things like reading the mood on a train platform, understanding your neighbor's kindness, or figuring out the best way to navigate job interviews in a new culture.

When I first arrived at Narita Airport 25 years ago, I didn’t speak Japanese, didn’t know anyone, and had no idea how to even read a price tag in yen. Coming from the Midwest and later Hawaii, I thought I had some experience with Asian culture—but Japan was a whole new world.

That’s what makes the journey so special. Yes, it’s challenging. But it's also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

What You’ll Find Here...

This site is all about sharing the real, lived experience of being in Japan—and connecting it to international communities in 20 countries around the world, including:

USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, France, Brazil, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, UAE, Mexico, and Italy just to name a few.

There are a lot more locations we work in. Just ask!

Here’s what we cover:

Tokyo Shopping & Global Finds
Discover where to shop in Tokyo, how to find hidden gems across Japan, and even how to source treasures from other countries.

Job Search Help with TheJEGroup!
Looking for work in Japan—or abroad? We help people land jobs across these 20 international locations, including opportunities with full visa sponsorship.

News & Perspectives from Japan
Get the latest updates and insights about Japan, written from the perspective of long-term expats who’ve lived it.

Culture, People & Photography
From traditional festivals to modern lifestyle trends, our stories come alive with beautiful, real-life imagery.

Food & Travel
From sushi spots in Shinjuku to serene temples in Kyoto, we’ll guide you through the best of what Japan has to offer.

Sightseeing & Local Tips
Whether it’s your first time in Japan or your hundredth, we share advice on the famous sites—and the ones only locals know about.

Life, Friendship & Love in Japan
Living here changes how you see relationships, communication, and personal growth. We talk honestly about all of it.

So, Why Stay in Japan?

People often ask us: “Wouldn’t it be easier to move back to the U.S.?”
Sure—life might be more familiar back home. But Japan keeps offering us something new every day: meaningful connections, cultural discovery, and an appreciation for life’s quiet moments. That’s why we’re still here—and still learning.

About TheJEGroup!

TheJEGroup! is my career search consultancy, and it's become a key resource for professionals looking for new opportunities—both here in Japan and around the world. Whether you’re starting out or seeking your next big role, we’re here to help. Learn more here: [TheJEGroup! Career Search Consultation]

Let’s Explore Japan—Together

SavvyJapan-Today.com isn’t just a blog—it’s a bridge between people, cultures, and possibilities. Whether you’re curious about moving to Japan, just landed here, or are exploring life abroad in any of the countries we serve, we’re here for you.

Got a question about life in Japan or finding a job globally with visa support? Just use the contact form below. Let’s talk—and let’s build a community that reaches far beyond borders.

If you have an interest, check out TheJEGroup! Career Search Consultation today. They offer assistance to global job hunters with jobs in Japan and worldwide.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS? >>> Ginza Dreaming Stuck In Chiba