General

Ready to Find the Best Sitter for Your Family?

Bullying in Japan: Insights from Experts (Part One)

2020-10-09

Bullying.

It’s the subject of many classic Hollywood movies ( The Karate Kid , anyone?), and a timely topic in Japan. But unlike the forms of bullying you’ll read about on the front page of a newspaper or see on the big screen, it is more often than not much more covert. In Japanese culture, specifically, bullying can be more difficult to pinpoint. Which, in turn, makes it harder for parents who want to help their children.

To get a better understanding of what...

Ishin-Denshin & Babysitters: Navigating Japanese "Telepathy"

2020-09-25

Have you ever been in a situation where little to nothing is being said out loud, but everyone around you seems to be having a conversation that you aren't a part of?

Welcome to ishin-denshin!

We've talked before about general cultural gaps you may encounter in Japan and have recently covered cultural issues specific to mixed heritage children . But let's dive deeper into...

Save Money on Babysitting Costs!

2020-09-17

Did you know parents in Japan can receive a subsidy from the government to help pay for childcare? It's true! Families must meet a few requirements to be eligible but the extra money can be a huge help in defraying daycare and babysitter costs. How Does the Subsidy Work? Your children should be between 3 and 5 years of age. Additional specifics for qualifying will differ between wards. Once you are registered, you can receive up to 37,000 per month to reimburse for childcare expenses...

Fun Things to Do in Tokyo with Your Family!

2020-09-10

Recently, we've shared lots of ideas for things your family can do to have fun indoors , outdoors and at home . And, while many of Tokyo's most fun activities are still shelved for the time being due to COVID precautions, there are lots of great attractions and destinations to take...

Teaching Methods Compared

2020-09-02

This school year may have already started, but that's no reason not to have an eye on the future! We've talked in the past about the difference between international and public schools in Japan for children with mixed heritage. Now we want to compare and contrast some educational methods and where you can find the schools that use them in and around Tokyo. All children learn differently and every family has different priorities and needs. We've outlined three common methods -...