One of the first things I noticed when I moved to Japan was just how serious people are about trash. No matter where you live, following the rules isn’t optional—but whether you’re in a mansion (apartment building) or a detached house makes a big difference in your daily routine. Living in a Mansion If you live in a mansion, trash collection is pretty convenient. Most buildings have specific days for burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable garbage. You usually drop your bags

Even in Japan, where quiet living is the norm, noise can sometimes be a problem. Thin walls, small apartments, and different lifestyles mean that even normal activities can bother your neighbors. Here’s how to handle it without stress. Understand the Culture Most apartments expect quiet hours from around 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.  Common issues include: Loud TV or music Heavy footsteps or slamming doors Pets barking or kids running indoors Even small sounds can be noticed, so it help

Question 1: You see an apartment listed as “1K.” What does it mean? A. 1 bedroom + kitchen B. 1 room + kitchen C. 1 living + dining + kitchen Answer:  B. “1K” means one single room with a small kitchen space — basically a compact studio. Question 2: The listing says “礼金なし (Reikin nashi).” Is that good or bad? A. Good — no key money required B. Bad — you have to pay more deposit C. It means no deposit Answer:  A. Good! No key money is required, so you save one month’s rent upf