Last month, a Parisian friend told me about a huge designer sale outside of Tokyo’s fashion shopping districts. Here, she claimed, I could nab both vintage and on-trend pieces from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès at incredible discounts. This event was Shicchy’s Charity Fair, at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center.

I wanted to get my hands on products that would typically be lightyears beyond my retail budget. As a pawnbroking event, the fair also sounded like an excellent way to shop for sustainable fashion. And if some of the money went to charity, all the better. So, I decided to check it out. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Shicchy’s Charity Fair and the products you can find there. Plus, what happened when I went bargain hunting.

What Is Shicchy’s Charity Fair?

© Photo by Rachel Crane

Shicchy’s Charity Fair is a bi-annual bargain sales event offering discounts of 30% to 90% on luxury fashion goods. First held in 1972, the fair is now one of the biggest pawnbroker events in Japan, with around 100,000 items on offer. The event is held twice a year at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center near Haneda Airport. Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Gucci and Tiffany’s are just a few of the brands shoppers can expect to find.

As the name suggests, Shicchy’s Charity Fair donates a portion of its profits to charitable causes around Japan. Past causes the fair has supported include the Japan Committee for UNICEF and numerous disaster-relief efforts nationwide.

The Shicchy Shopping Experience

© Photo by Rachel Crane

I arrived at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center shortly after the event opened at 10 a.m. Huge rows of people were lined up outside the building, waiting to be allowed inside. After 30 minutes in the queue, it was finally my turn. 

The sales floor was organized into sections for clothing, jewelry and watches, accessories and electronics, subdivided by brand. Beyond that, it was a free-for-all. Shoppers jostled to pick through piles of handbags or catch the attention of sales staff. At first, it was a bit overwhelming. However, with a little patience, I was able to get a good look at the items on offer. 

Sales staff wore sashes indicating which languages they spoke, in addition to Japanese, including English. All were very helpful when it came to showing me pieces I wanted to take a closer look at. But when I asked where I might find specific products, they politely told me I was on my own! 

Louis Vuitton was undoubtedly the star of the event, with smaller selections from brands such as Chanel, Prada, Gucci and others. I was able to buy two vintage Louis Vuitton pouches in the ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 range for my Paris friend. I also found her a stunning silk scarf from Hermès for ¥39,800. Lastly, I treated myself to a cute Michael Kors handbag for a modest ¥16,000.

Was it Worth it? 

© Photo by Rachel Crane

While a few items at Shicchy’s Charity Fair could be considered cheap, there are definitely some impressive discounts on offer. If you’re drawn to designer brands but find their products are usually just out of reach price-wise, then the Fair is definitely worth a trip.

Things To Know

Shicchy’s Charity Fair takes place twice a year, every June and November, at the Tokyo Ryutsu Center. For details about the next event, you can go to the Shicchy website or follow their Facebook page. 

Have you ever been to the Shicchy Charity Fair? Did you find any great deals? Let us know in the comments!

You’re walking home late at night. Someone is following you. You squirt pepper spray in the person’s face. You’re just defending yourself, right? Not quite. According to the laws on self-defense in Japan, you can quickly morph from the victim into the aggressor if the court deems it necessary.

Recently, Japan has been reeling from disturbing stories of stalking and the murder of women in particular. In Kobe, Megumi Katayama was stabbed to death in her building’s elevator by a stalker. In Kanagawa, Asahi Okazaki was stalked and allegedly murdered by her ex. These stories have led to a spike in the sale of pepper spray as women prepare to defend themselves. But legal experts warn that the law may not be on their side.

What Is Self-Defense?

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Legal self-defense, or 正当防衛 (seitou bouei), is a tricky concept. What is considered self-defense in other countries may not fly in Japan. Article 36 of the Japanese Penal Code lays out the law. To use self-defense, you need to prove that:

1. Your attacker broke the law, i.e., the attack was illegal.
2. The attack was “imminent,” putting you in immediate danger. In other words, you had to defend yourself on the spot.
3. Your defensive actions were proportionate to the attack. You did not counterattack with excessive force. Also, you did not defend yourself before or after the threat had passed.

What Is Not Self-Defense?

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Article 36 also states that if you defend yourself “excessively” (かじょうぼうえい/kajoubouei),  the judge may reduce or exempt you from punishment, depending on the circumstances. 

Let’s give an example. A man gropes you on the train and swiftly exits at the next stop. You chase him down and beat the crap out of him. He deserves it, right? Maybe, but the court may see things differently. Why?

The court may judge that when your attacker escaped, the threat from the groping expired. You were no longer under “imminent” attack and your defensive actions appear vengeful. Your attacker may even press injury charges because you over-defended yourself.

What About Using “Weapons”?

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Let’s go back to the pepper spray example. If you carry pepper spray in public, you could be charged under the Misdemeanor Act. It’s illegal to hide and carry, without a valid reason, a knife, iron rod or any device that can be used to harm a person’s life or body. In this context, pepper spray can be considered a “device” that could hurt someone.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, if you spray your stalker even though he hasn’t touched you, he could press charges because you injured him without a good reason.

In the same way, if you were carrying a household item like a pair of scissors or an umbrella and you used it to over-defend yourself, you could be charged with injury. If convicted of injury under Article 204 of the Japanese Penal Code, you could face a fine of ¥500,000 or go to prison for up to 15 years. Talk about being on the wrong side of the law!

Domestic Violence: An Iffy Situation

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Let’s look at another scenario. Your significant other has grown increasingly abusive and violent towards you. One day, when he threatens you as he usually does, you counterattack with such force that you kill him. 

This happened in a 2014 domestic violence (DV) case. The Sapporo District Court acquitted the defendant on the grounds of self-defense. During a heated argument at home, the defendant stabbed her partner in the shoulder and he died. The court found that the attack was immediate. The victim kept hitting the defendant and she could not escape without defending herself. They also found that the stabbing was proportionate to the victim’s repeated violence.

However, in another DV case, in 2019, the Nagoya District Court did not allow the defendant to plead self-defense. Here, the defendant suffered years of abuse. One day, her husband proceeded to attack and threaten her as usual. She strangled him to death. The court judged her actions as “excessive” and that she should have tried to escape. However, she received a lesser sentence because of the history of violence.

These two cases clearly show that, even if parties have a long history of abuse,  the court will always pay attention to the “imminence”  and “proportionality” of the defendant’s actions.

What Can I Do To Defend Myself Legally?

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Back to that old pickle. Now that you’re clued up about self-defense laws in Japan, what is legally permitted to protect yourself, others and your property from would-be attackers?

If attacked, you should:

1. Block, push away or otherwise escape your attacker.
2. Defend yourself only to the extent of stopping the attack.
3. Scream, yell out or use a rape alarm/security buzzer to alert others around you.
4. Report the attack at the nearest police station or koban (police box).

To minimize the risk of being followed and attacked:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Ditch the screen and earbuds. 
2. Walk in well-lit areas or areas with surveillance cameras. If the area looks dodgy, take a taxi.
3. Live in an apartment higher than the second floor.
4. Hang out men’s underwear/clothing on your washing line outside to showcase a male presence.

Other things to try for ease of mind:

1. Learn aikido. Unlike other martial arts, in aikido, you do not attack but rather “redirect” the actions of your attacker to defend yourself.
2. Keep pepper spray at home for emergencies. Although it is illegal to carry around as a self-defense weapon, it is completely legal to have it stored in your home.
3. If you have any suspicions, inform your local police immediately. They may not be able to take immediate action without evidence, but they can increase patrols in your area.

Of course, it’s easy for things to get iffy in the heat of the moment because life is life. Whatever happens, keep your head on and protect yourself. Just don’t overdo it.

Have you or a friend ever experienced a situation like this? How did you defend yourself? Read more about groping in Japan and how you can deal with the dreaded chikan.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice but for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified attorney if necessary.

For many mothers in Japan, the journey into motherhood brings joy, sleepless nights and an unexpected sense of loneliness. While parenting is a universally challenging experience, Japanese social norms, cultural expectations and the structure of community life can make it particularly difficult for moms to form lasting friendships.

These past two years were full of change for me as I transitioned into motherhood and moved to a new prefecture. With this big change came job loss, daycare-waiting-list limbo, and worst of all, loneliness. I was struggling to cope with the monumental task of making new friends in a new city.

But maybe luck took pity on me because I somehow managed to make one friend. She’s a Japanese mother of two, and it was beyond refreshing to hear her honesty about the problems women face as mothers in Japan. She noted that finding long-term mama-tomo (mom friends) is equally difficult for Japanese mothers.

The Isolation Begins Early

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For many new mothers, isolation starts during pregnancy or immediately after birth. Maternity leave can cause resentment in the workplace, especially if the mother’s coworkers take on her workload. If the search for daycare extends beyond expectations, this can increase tensions in the office. Many working moms abandon stable careers for part-time jobs for this reason.

In addition, cultural attitudes about burdening others often prevent women from reaching out. The Japanese value of enryo (restraint or modesty) means mothers may hesitate to invite others over or ask for help—even if they’re struggling. For non-Japanese mothers, it can be even harder if their extended family is out of the country. They have to rely on friends or in-laws, which might make some people uncomfortable.

The “Perfect Mother” Pressure

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Before getting pregnant, I attended many lunches with friends who had children. I could see the burden they carried to prove they were the perfect mothers—organized, nurturing, modest and wholly devoted to motherhood. This can be one of the main reasons many mothers might put up walls to avoid criticism.

For working mothers, it can be even harder. There’s little time or energy left for socializing. And since many mama-tomo groups revolve around school activities scheduled during the day, working moms often feel left out. Even when opportunities arise, they might experience guilt for their lack of participation in their child’s school life. This can further alienate them from potential friendships.

Opportunities For Connection

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As a first-time mom and a foreigner, attending events or classes was intimidating. The first time I went to a kodomokan (children’s hall), I begged my husband to go with me. The idea of showing up at an unfamiliar place with my four-month-old in tow terrified me. By sharing my experience, I hope to ease your fears about visiting Japan’s children’s centers.

The kodomokan was large, for all ages, and had a small entrance fee of ¥200. There were no forms to sign or reservations necessary. There was a designated baby area for children from zero months to two years of age. A diaper changing station with hot water was a few steps away, should I need anything at all. In fact, I didn’t talk to the staff the entire time I was there.

As for my local jidoukan (children’s center)‌, I ended up filling out a form on my second visit. The staff wanted to make my son a cute name tag to wear during his visits. They also invited us to join the upcoming club, Paruniko Kurabu, which was a designated club for my son’s age. Different clubs are available for various age groups, and they offer unique, fun activities monthly.

Among the many events they hold, my local jidoukan also has a toy library where children can rent a toy for a month. The experienced staff happily distract or guide your child during events, giving moms a much-needed break. Overall, it’s a place meant to help children blow off steam and moms to relax.

A Path Forward

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After talking with many moms, both Japanese and non-Japanese, I’ve come to realize that we’re all struggling to find a solid group of friends. Some of these friendships might be surface-level, centering on playdates, and amount to nothing more. Despite these challenges, many moms in Japan do eventually find their people—it just takes time, intention and resilience.

Some strategies that help include:

• Joining local parenting groups or classes and making a habit of attending regularly.
• Volunteering at school or community events, even in small ways. If you’re a working mom, this can be slightly embarrassing, but even the most minor effort counts. Plus, other working moms will find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
• Taking the initiative to invite other moms for coffee or playdates, despite the fear of rejection.
• Being open and a little vulnerable can help others feel safe to do the same.
• Connecting online, where many moms find supportive spaces to vent, share and meet others.

Perhaps most importantly, please know that if you feel lonely, you’re far from alone. Nearly every mother I spoke to mentioned the struggle to make friends. They even admitted that the friendships were sometimes shallow or limited. These connections may come slowly, but for many moms, those hard-won friendships become a lifeline on the long, beautiful and often lonely journey of parenting.

If you’ve found your mama-tomo or have tips on making connections with other moms, then leave a comment down below. Let us know what worked for you or where you met them so that other moms can do the same and make some friends in Japan.

From youchien (preschool) to high school and beyond, all students need support. And, if you and your child are going through the Japanese school system for the first time, there’s an extra learning curve to getting an education in Japan. The Savvy team has already helped you with everything you need to know before starting elementary school, a guide to Japanese school lunches and buying randoseru (school bags). Still, this time, we’re talking about supporting your kid at school.

While a few of our suggestions to support your kids transcend national borders, like networking with parents and volunteering, there are some cultural nuances that you may experience as a foreigner. Then, there are tips that are uniquely Japanese, such as learning the language and celebrating traditional holidays.

1. Work On Your Japanese Skills

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This is number one for a reason. Unless your child is enrolled in an English or international school, it will be hard, if not impossible, to keep up with the administrative tasks and social obligations without Japanese language skills.

While reading and writing are useful for forms like the school event schedule and scanning their jikanwari (timetable), your speaking and listening skills are the most valuable here. Even if you’re just starting out, the effort will be appreciated by teachers and other parents. But, if possible, having conversational Japanese skills comes in handy for just about every potential school issue, from friend problems to calling in sick.

2. Network With Other Parents

© Photo by Pixta: YUMIK

In school in Japan, like elsewhere, networking with other parents can be both stressful and key to supporting your child. When I accidentally threw out the name tag for my preschooler’s asobigi (playclothes for school), another mother was quick to give me an extra one when I contacted the group Line.

Make sure you fulfill your networking debts in kind with a thank-you note or present. Plus, your foreign cultural capital may be useful when someone wants to know what to gift the resident ALT at graduation!

3. Go To Omukae (Pick-Up) 

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Would my life be easier if I put my preschooler on the school bus to come home? Undoubtedly. We could all use an extra hour for work and chores! But, if I did that, the teacher wouldn’t see me every day, which serves two purposes the way I see it:

1. She can get used to me and feel more comfortable talking to me, should problems occur
2. I can get a short daily report on my little one, which is especially useful in the early days

Also, being at the pick-up gives me the chance to meet other parents and more easily establish play dates.

4. Go To Every Teacher Meeting (Even The Optional Ones)

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One of the best ways to hear about how your child is doing in school is to hear from the person who sees them every day. Meeting with the teacher will give you a sense of how your kid is doing in school and give you a more formal environment to air concerns and grievances (should you have any) than at pick-up or drop-off. And, it’s not just about academics.

These meetings can be a great place to learn about your kid’s social interactions with peers and teachers alike, as well as the teacher’s tips for improving their everyday life there.

5. Volunteer

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Depending on your kid’s school, parental volunteering may be encouraged or even mandatory (which is my case). Regardless, it’s a good idea to get involved in your child’s school. As a foreigner, it can be helpful to show your friendly face around school and offer your services, like yomikikase (reading aloud) in English to the kids.

There can be some unexpected benefits, too. At my child’s school, parents who help to set up the tents and seats for the annual undoukai (sports festival) receive first dibs on seating for the big event. Support your kid by cheering from the front row!

6. Get To Know Your Kids’ Friends & Their Families 

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For some, making friends is easy, while others find it a challenge. In both cases, especially if you have young children, there are ways you can support them.

• Ask who they talked to or played with on a given day
• Learn the names of classmates and their personalities
• Bring your kid to the nearby park after school and introduce yourself to other parents

By reinforcing the friendships your kids are making by organizing playdates or helping to choose friends’ birthday presents, you can help them develop these relationships.

7. Include Japanese Holidays & Events In Your Family Calendar

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One way to help your child in school is to embrace Japanese cultural events at home. For instance, why not dress up like an oni (demon) and prepare to be pelted by an onslaught of beans for setsubun, a traditional holiday celebrated in early February? Or, relearn how to celebrate familiar holidays, like Valentine’s Day and Christmas, complete with homemade chocolates and KFC, respectively.

By integrating some Japanese events into your family calendar, you’ll not only have fun, but also give your kids the chance to enjoy the same cultural experiences as their peers.

8. Support Study Habits With (Fun) Drill Books

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Although the Japanese education system is a rigorous journey involving plenty of rote memorization and regular testing, it’s also fairly standardized. This means until the end of high school, most students in the public system will learn the same content within a given grade.

So, with that in mind, why not give your child an extra advantage by introducing future material before they see it at school? Or, strengthen weaker skills with some additional practice? Japan has a vast market of self-study books that match the public curriculum.

Plus, if your kid doesn’t like the idea of you teaching multiplication, maybe they’ll enjoy a fashionable, transforming magical girl or Pikachu as their sensei (teacher) instead.

9. Use Extracurriculars To Boost Skills & Engagement 

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Known as naraigoto in Japanese, extracurricular activities are a great way to nurture emerging interests and build new or existing skills. Some of the most popular naraigoto for children in Japan are piano, swimming and sports such as baseball and soccer. Juku or cram school is another common naraigoto, but one that focuses on academic skills, including math, Japanese or even English.

If you choose a nearby extracurricular, your kids can form connections with other kids at the same local school, but in a new context. And, some skills that don’t seem 100% academic, like reading music and swimming, are also part of the school curriculum, where your little one may appreciate the leg up.

10. Contact The School If Problems Occur

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If you have any worries about bullying or any other problems, contact the school earlier rather than later. Getting in touch with the teacher is a good place to start. After you raise your concerns, the teacher will usually give their perspective on the issue.

Sometimes they may already be aware of a problem, but not always. In either case, the teacher can pay extra attention to your child and make appropriate interventions to better support your child. Be sure to follow up with your kid regularly to see if the situation has changed and update the teacher should the problem persist.

If the issue continues or the teacher is the problem, you may have to contact the school administration. 

Do you have any other ideas on how best to support your child in the Japanese school system? Let us know in the comments below!

Until relatively recently, used clothes in Japan have had one fate: burnable garbage. If you’re from a country with a collection bin and a few secondhand shops in every neighborhood, this just feels wrong. Some people take suitcases full of cast-offs back home rather than throw them out. Happily, the Japanese concept of mottainai (avoiding wastefulness) is catching on and leading to more options for recycling your clothes in Tokyo.

Sell It!

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Do you have too many designer clothes and accessories in like-new condition? You’re in the right city. Many brand-conscious secondhand shops will buy your things.

Komehyo Or RagTag

Start with Komehyo or RagTag, both of which have about a half-dozen outlets throughout Tokyo. Be prepared to take a number and wait a while if you go on a busy day, but if you can read Japanese, RagTag has an excellent online option. You can send in a box of clothes free of delivery charges, and you’ll get an email within a week or two telling you how much the store is willing to offer you for them. If you accept the price, a deposit will be made to your bank account, and if there are any items whose prices you disagree with, they’ll send them back to you at no charge.

Pass The Baton

Pass The Baton in Omotesando sells items that fit its quirky aesthetic on consignment (they call it “relighting”). Still, the store requires an appointment for anyone wishing to sell items, during which you’ll have to explain the “story” of each piece. Expect to spend at least an hour with a staff member, even for a small number of items, but you’re likely to get more cash for designer clothing and accessories that sell than you would from RagTag or Komehyo.

Mercari (メルカリ)

The fastest growing app in Japan (also available in the U.K. and the U.S.), Mercari lets you sell and buy pretty much anything. To use it, you’ll need to make a (free) account and have a good command of Japanese, although it’s fairly easy if you have a friend to help you do it. Take up to four photos, upload them along with a short description and wait for someone to buy it. Clothes and small items typically sell within a few hours. After someone buys it, you will have to wrap the product yourself and send it to the user who purchased it.

Logistics company Kuroneko Yamato has a partnership with Mercari, which allows you to drop by any Yamato store and whisper the magic words “Mercari.” They’ll have your goods delivered in a special package. The best thing is that it’s anonymous, so neither the sender nor receiver knows the other party’s private information (unless they’re sending it in another way). Mercari takes 10% of every deal, so make sure to set the price in a way that gives you some profit.

Other popular online selling options in Japan include:

• Rakuma (楽天ラクマ): This one is a major competitor to Mercari, with lower selling fees (just 6.6%) and strong integration with Rakuten’s point system—perfect if you already shop in the Rakuten ecosystem or have a Rakuten card/account.
• Yahoo! Auctions (ヤフオク): Japan’s original online marketplace. It’s great if you want to set up a bidding war on higher-value items.
• Yahoo! Flea Market (Yahoo!フリマ)/PayPay Flea Market (PayPayフリマ): Linked to PayPay’s cashless system, this app, now combined with Yahoo!, makes selling and buying easy with direct digital payments. It also has frequent discount campaigns, so it might be the best deal if you already use PayPay or have an account.
• Facebook Marketplace: It’s not as popular for locals, but it’s suitable for quick local sales and exchanges with other expats. It’s pretty convenient for larger items like furniture or appliances, but just watch out for any scams and make sure all deals are clear before proceeding.

Recycle It!

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Uniqlo

Uniqlo’s recycling program works with international humanitarian partners to donate used Uniqlo clothes to refugees and other displaced people. What they take is specific, but if you’ve ever gone on a summer sale binge and bought enough cooling t-shirts to outfit a tropical party, it’s good to know there’s a place where it won’t all go to waste. Simply bring your things to any Uniqlo shop.

H&M

H&M will give you a ¥500 store coupon for every bag of clothes you donate. The staff will send clothes in good shape to markets to be resold and then recycle the rest as raw materials, but they won’t take shoes or accessories. There’s a limit of two bags per person per day. There is no explicit limit to the size of the bags, but the cardboard deposit boxes set up at the cash registers suggest they expect donations to be on the smaller side.

Donate It!

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Salvation Army

The Salvation Army will not only take your used wearable clothes in bulk but also send someone to your door to cart them away for free. The catch? They only make pickups during the week, and you may have to schedule as much as two or three weeks in advance. You can contact them via telephone: 03-5860-2992 to organise your donation.

There is a little-known Salvation Army store open on Saturday mornings in Nakano-Fujimicho. It offers serious bargains on housewares, English books, and—yep—clothes. It’s a great place to start refilling all that new empty space. If you don’t schedule a pickup far enough in advance, the store will accept donations of some items via courier (although you must pay the delivery charges).

HELP (House in Emergency of Love and Peace)

HELP offers a safe place for women and children escaping abuse. Many come with almost nothing, so they’re always looking for clean, modest women’s and kids’ clothes. Everyday wear, seasonal coats and shoes are especially useful. Just make sure items are freshly washed and in good shape, or consider whether you’d be happy to wear them yourself.

If you would like to donate to their cause in general, food (within the expiration day), rice, snacks for children, new toys and stationery, new pajamas, new underwear and detergent are always urgently needed. You can contact them via telephone: 03-3368-8855 to organise your donation.

Sanyukai (山友会)

Sanyukai supports people experiencing homelessness in Tokyo’s San’ya area. Their biggest need is practical men’s clothing like T-shirts, jeans, jackets, socks and shoes. Durable and comfortable items work best since they’re handed out directly through outreach. Wash everything before donating, and avoid anything too worn-out. Warm coats and sturdy shoes are especially welcome in winter!

We recommend this one for men with clothes to donate or those with male friends/partners who are in good need of a closet cleanout. Contact them via telephone: 03-3874-1269 or email: info@sanyukai.or.jp to organise your donation.

Japan Relief Clothing Center (JRCC)

JRCC takes good-quality clothing for all ages and gets it to those in need, from disaster survivors in Japan to refugees overseas. Like the others, they don’t accept damaged or overly worn items, so keep donations clean, neat and wearable. Everyday pieces, lightweight items and seasonal outerwear are all useful.

Send a cardboard box or paperbag full of clothes to their warehouse in Kobe: Japan Relief Clothing Center, 22-2, Fukaehama Machi, Higashinada-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0023 (Tel: 078-441-2641)

You could also try testing your sewing skills by turning your old clothes into small items like pouches and masks.

How do you go about recycling your clothes in Tokyo? Let us know in the comments below!

I hadn’t been to the hairdresser in over two years, and with Japan’s hot and humid summer on the way, it was time for a refreshing cut. But after growing my hair out for so long, I wanted it to go to a good cause. That’s when I started looking into donating my hair and where to donate it in Tokyo.

With the help of hairstylist Chie Funakura and her salon in Harajuku, Silva Papilio, I was able to donate my hair through Japan Hair Donation and Charity, and get a rockin‘ new summer haircut in Japan. Here’s how you can do it too.

Who Can Donate Hair in Japan?

© Photo by SavvyTokyo

Most hair donation charities in Japan will accept hair that’s at least 31 centimeters long and not severely damaged. While many organizations prefer dark brown or black hair—since it best matches Japanese recipients—hair of any texture or color can be donated as long as it meets the length requirement. Even bleached hair is accepted, provided it doesn’t break easily when lightly tugged on.

Yes, 31 centimeters is quite a bit to donate—but I ended up donating around 35 centimeters. I managed to grow it out from shoulder length over two and a half years. It seems my hair grows a bit faster than average, though. According to Hair Doneige, a site that lists hair donation salons across Japan, growing out 31 centimeters usually takes about three years.

If you want to donate hair in Japan but don’t quite have the length yet, you will need to be patient. But once all that hair you’ve taken time to grow is finally cut away, I’m sure you’ll feel a very gratifying sense of accomplishment. And if you already have the required length, this might just be your sign to go for that new summer haircut!

How To Prepare For Hair Donation

For those of you who are ready to make the big cut, here’s a basic rundown on who to contact and what to do!

Contact Your Salon

There are multiple ways to donate hair in Japan, but the easiest way I recommend is to directly contact your usual hair salon and ask if they provide a hair donation service. If they say yes, all you need to do is book your usual appointment, while making sure to mention you want to donate your hair.

Some salons might offer to cut your hair for donation but will ultimately return it to you so that you can donate it yourself. If your salon doesn’t provide any hair donation services, you can either attempt cutting it yourself or find another salon that does.

Cut It Off

Now to the fun part: chop-chop! In addition to being washed and dried beforehand (very important, as your hair might mold if you leave it wet), the first step to cutting hair involves tying it up into separate sections with rubber bands.

Chie recommends tying these bands at least a centimeter below where you want to cut your hair. You will want to leave the extra space to keep the hair bundled together as you cut above it. Make sure to measure out the hair while it’s tied up to check if you have the required length before cutting it too. Once you’re happy with the band placement and length, go ahead and chop it off!

Clean It Up

I was lucky enough to get Chie to do all the work, including cleaning up and styling the haircut once all the sections were cut off. If you choose to cut your hair donation chunks yourself at home, you’d still probably want to book a regular hair appointment afterward—unless you want your new hairstyle to look like this:

Sending The Hair Off

If you’re like me and went to a salon that cuts and donates hair for you, your hair donation journey comes to an end with you getting a fresh new do. However, if you’re someone who visits a salon that returns your cut hair to you, or you cut the hair yourself, here are some tips to get the hair to the charity of your choice.

Chie usually donates haircuts at her salon on your behalf, but this time she let me take my hair back home so I could demonstrate that process myself…

Bundle The Hair Up In A Big Rubber Band

© Photo by SavvyTokyo

After making sure all the cut hair is completely dried, use one or two rubber bands to keep the hair together. This prevents all the hair from getting knotted up together when placed in the envelope.

Fill Out The Documentation

© Photo by SavvyTokyo

The charity you’ve chosen will have the required documentation for sending your donation on its site. It’s usually a donor form, a piece of paper with your name and place of residence or an online form.

I chose to send my hair to Japan Hair Donation and Charity (JHDAC), as their site is all in English and accepts hair of all kinds. They also send proof of receipt as long as you include a separate regular-sized envelope with your address and a ¥84 stamp on the front and their address on the back.

Pack Everything Up & Send

© Photo by SavvyTokyo

Put the bundled hair and printed documents together in a big enough envelope/letter pack. An A4 letter pack can be easily purchased and sent off from your local convenience store for about ¥430.

© Photo by SavvyTokyo

Make sure you have the correct mailing address for the charity of your choice, seal it all up and send it off!

Extra Details

© Photo by SavvyTokyo

Thanks to Chie, the whole hair-cutting process was so easy for me. Her salon in Harajuku was very relaxing and smelled amazing. Chie speaks English, so I was easily able to communicate the kind of hairstyle I was after.

If you’re looking for a friendly English-speaking salon, I highly recommend visiting Chie’s salon Silvia Papilio, whether you’re looking to donate your long hair or just after a usual hair appointment.

Silvia Papilio

• Address: Galleria Harajuku 2F, 3-6-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo (Google Map Link)
• Business hours: Tue-Sun from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. (Closed Mon)
• Instagram: @chie_funakura_silvapapilio
• Salon Note: Our color products are imported from Europe

Japan Hair Donation and Charity (JHDAC)

• Donatable hair types: All natural hair types are welcome, as well as artificially colored, permed, or bleached hair, as long as it’s not highly damaged.
• Address: NPO JHD&C, Chiyoda North 7A 13-38 Naniwa-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan 530-0022
• What to include in the envelope: Your hair, donor sheet form and a separate envelope with your address on the front with a stamp and JHDAC address on the back (only if you want proof of receipt)

Growing out my hair for donation took a long commitment and many bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Still, it was definitely a rewarding experience and all worth it.

For more details about donating hair in Japan, check out my article on Gaijinpot, or if you want to watch a video of my personal experience, check out this video on YouTube:

Have you ever donated hair in Japan before? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

This article has been republished for 2025.

Anthony Bourdain often waxed lyrical about his time in Tokyo. He went so far as to point out that it would be impossible to eat at every one of the city’s tens of thousands of restaurants. While that remains true, only a small fraction are run by foreigners, and even fewer are led by women. Discover five of those rare foreign-female owned eateries in Tokyo. These women are not only cooking but making their mark on Japan’s renowned foodie scene.

1. Katy Cole (U.S.): Locale

Locale has been described as “your best friend’s counter”, a “home away from home” and more—all glowing words that reflect the essence of this heartwarming Meguro bistro. Strangers dining at Locale for the first time quickly warm up over glasses of wine, which Chef Cole herself is no prude about sipping as she cooks. The menu is authentic farm-to-table food with weekend brunch and Katy’s version of a tasting menu, all packed with traceable ingredients. She describes the restaurant as a nightly dinner party. The intimacy and honesty that comes in each box of hand-tended produce is maintained in Katy’s cooking.

Chef Cole studied at Le Cordon Bleu and worked in San Francisco before moving to Japan. She was inspired after a brief trip to return for half a year, working on popups and forging bonds with farms and fellow restaurateurs. The story behind Locale’s ultimate success is mostly serendipitous—a spate of good luck and connections leading to what would become a family of regulars around a cozy kitchen counter. When one of Katy’s regular haunts closed, she took up the space to found Locale. Now, Locale also has some younger siblings in Wine Bar Juni and Kyoto’s Kosa.

• Address: 1-17-22 Meguro, Meguro ward, Tokyo
• Hours: Wed-Sat: 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Brunch: Sat and Sun: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• What to order: A little of everything (tasting menu)

2. Stacey Ward (U.K.): Mornington Crescent Bakery

Savvy Tokyo actually interviewed Stacey Ward in 2016, when Mornington Crescent had been in business for just three years. At that time, the thoughts of the changes coming to Azabu and Covid-19 were still a long way off. Stacey first came to Tokyo with the JET program and worked in marketing before being inspired to open her own bakery. Today, Mornington Crescent continues in much the same shape as it did nearly a decade ago. Stacey still splits her time between offering her home-baked goods a couple of Saturdays a month and introducing the people of Tokyo to British delights with her cooking class. She has also published a book and started selling through her online storefront.

This spring, Mornington Crescent is pumping out hot cross buns just in time for Easter. Classic British pastries like these keep homesick Brits lining up on open bakery days and curious locals booking up classes faster than they can say “Mornington Crescent”. Seasonal selections are always in high demand, from mince pies to simnel cake, but classic comfort foods are available year-round. Battenberg, scones and towering Victoria sponge with smears of jam are hard for any gluten fan to resist.

• Address: Casa do Namiki 101, 2-14-3 Higashi Azabu, Minato ward, Tokyo
• Hours: Open bakery days: roughly twice a month. (Check website for details.)
• What to order: Battenberg cake, Victoria sponge, scones

3. Burcu Alkurt-Firat (Netherlands): Pide Kamakura

© Photo by Pide Kamakura

Pide (PEA-day) in Kamakura has exploded on social media in a few short weeks. The tiny shop was opened in early 2025 by Burcu Alkurt-Firat and her husband. Pide is the name of a favorite bread from Burcu’s father’s bakery. Their dream is for Pide to become a community center of sorts, where shared happiness and culture bloom through yeasty sourdough loaves and hand-whipped butter. From noon to gone on weekends, the cubby-sized bakery is wrapped in customers of all ages and ethnicities.

© Photo by Pide Kamakura

Burcu’s parents were Turkish immigrants who operated a bakery in Amsterdam. At 25, she moved to Norway, where she became enamored with sourdough bread. After coming to Japan, it took some time for Burcu to acclimate herself to a new country—different palates and ingredients were a hurdle at first. However, Pide is now quickly becoming the type of relationship-centric space its owners dreamed of creating. Despite only operating for a few months at the time of publishing, it’s clear the bakery has already become a special weekend pilgrimage spot.

• Address: 4-1-1 Omachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Hours: Sat and Sun 12 p.m. to sold out
• What to order: BMO (bread, butter and cheese), cardamom buns

4. Lauren Rose Kocher (U.S.): Buy Me Stand

Buy Me Stand, a beloved grilled-cheese shop in Shibuya, has been slinging sandwiches for over a decade. At the new location, diners can enjoy the same classics in speedy fashion with the permanent food-truck trailer. Of course, there’s the eponymous “Buy Me” sandwich, but also interesting creations like cinnamon toast with a side of milk for dipping and the “Son of the Cheese,” a four-cheese blend that is also the name of the founder’s fashion brand.

© Photo by Kazuharu Igarashi

The Sendagaya opening marked a bittersweet milestone. The shop was never meant to be Lauren Rose Kocher’s business, and until the untimely death of her husband, Kaito, it wasn’t. A successful founder herself and a skilled professional, Kocher took up the reins to keep her husband’s business—and legacy—thriving. Her own venture, Vegas PR, is in the entertainment business, working on PR and marketing for anime, musicians, and other creative media with a need for English communications.

• Address: Tokyo Apartment Namiki Bridge 202, 1-31-19 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Breakfast: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.; Lunch: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• What to order: Son of the Cheese, Hella Green

5. Holly Graham (U.K.): Tokyo Confidential Bar

© Photo by Tokyo Confidential Bar

Holly Graham hails from the UK, but her career is rooted in Asia. From a brief stint as an English teacher in Thailand and Korea, to a decade living in Hong Kong, where she was the Food and Drink Editor of Time Out, before bartending at The Old Man and returning to writing as the Managing Editor of DRiNK Magazine and author of Cocktails of Asia. In late 2023, she moved to Tokyo, and the explosive opening of her first bar, Tokyo Confidential, made Holly an important figure in Asia’s food and dining scene. Her creative cocktails and boundless energy find an easy home in Tokyo, especially when paired with the bar’s infamous hot dogs and globally-inspired drinks that utilise local ingredients at Tokyo Confidential.

© Photo by Tokyo Confidential Bar

The bar distills Holly’s passions for communication and imbibement into one raucous, nightly party. The salvaged tori gate wooden reverse horseshoe bar makes the space feel both open and intimate, a fitting scene for Tokyo Confidential’s motto of Pull Up, Fess Up. Holly can be seen behind the counter as often as jumping on top of it, hamming up her huge personality for the crowd. The friendly vibes at Tokyo Confidential are inviting, but the cocktails themselves are works of art only a seasoned professional could pour.

• Address: The V-City Azabujuban Place 9F, 1-6-1 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 6 p.m.-late. Until midnight on Sundays.
• What to order: Cheung Fun Old Fashioned, Mugi Boogie, hot dogs

We Want To Keep Growing This List!

Tokyo’s female-led eateries and watering holes feature the distinct character and history of their owners. For a taste of home—yours or theirs—make a visit to one of the locations listed above.

If you know of any other foreign-female owned eateries in Tokyo, let us know! Contact us or comment down below!

Amid all the snuggles and warm fuzzies, becoming a mom can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially abroad. Finding mom friends in Japan has been essential to feeling grounded and supported during this stage of life. It can be easy and natural to make friends with other expat families in Tokyo. But if you’re planning to stay in Japan long-term, these friendships, while valuable, can sometimes feel fleeting. Expats often come and go, leaving your social circle in a constant state of flux.

Instead, you may find a more profound connection by forming friendships with local families in your neighborhood. That can feel daunting at first, but the good news is that Japan has a strong culture of building community among parents, and even a word for it.

Mama-tomo (ママ友) is a blend of mama and tomodachi (friend), describing the friendships moms make through their kids. These connections are often a lifeline during early parenting.

Here are our five favorite hotspots for meeting your future mama-tomo right in your neighborhood!

1. Mothers’ Groups

There are a number of established mothers’ groups primarily focused on foreign moms living in Tokyo. One of them is Tokyo Mothers Group—an online community where you can reach out to find moms and playgroups in your area. There are also international groups that cater equally to both Japanese and foreign moms, such as Tokyo Kids, Mums & Families (a bilingual family group that holds monthly events, including online, and weekly hangouts).

If you are looking for a group closer to home, it is worth inquiring at your local ward office. It is likely that they organize something, perhaps even in English, specifically catering to foreign moms.

2. Play Centers

In Japan, most ward offices provide children’s play centers called 児童館 (jidōkan), maybe also called 子供文化センター (kodomo bunka sentaa), and childcare support centers 子育て支援センター (kosodate shien sentaa). Both are free of charge and equipped with safe play areas for babies, toys and nursing rooms. They are a godsend for moms living in small apartments with active kids!

In particular, childcare support centers are focused specifically on younger children (babies and toddlers) and tend to encourage a community environment in order to foster friendships between moms. They are usually attached to a 保育園 (ho-ikuen; “daycare”) and are staffed with qualified childcare workers who can help entertain your kids while you chat with the other moms. 児童館 (jidōkan; “children’s center“), on the other hand, tends to be focused on elementary school children, but also has play spaces for babies and provides the opportunity to meet other moms.

Make a visit to your ward office to find out about play centers in your area.

3. Routine Checkups & Vaccinations

Routine health checkups and vaccinations are provided either at your local health center or at your choice of pediatrician. Either way, they tend to be done en masse, which means they are an excellent opportunity to meet moms in your neighborhood with similarly aged kids.

Make the most of your time in the waiting room to strike up a conversation while gawking at all the cute babies!

4. Baby Classes

From baby swimming classes to music and craft classes to yoga and pilates classes—with a bit of research, you might be able to find a class that interests you in your area. Your local YMCA, gym or kindergarten/daycare might be a good place to start making inquiries. Not only can you sneak in a bit of exercise or entertainment while bonding with your precious one, but you are also likely to meet other moms with similar interests. Win-win!

5. Libraries

© Photo by iStock: FatCamera

Every time I visit my local library, I find it full of kids and at least one mom with a young baby. Most city libraries have a children’s area where you can let your baby crawl around and/or read them a book or two. Many libraries also host a “story time” for kids, which is excellent not only for Japanese language development but also for meeting other moms.

While you are there, you might want to check out the library’s English section. Many have a small selection of English children’s books in addition to the Japanese children’s books. It’s never too early to start enjoying books with your children!

And Finally… Some Useful Phrases

A huge barrier to making new friends in Japan is, of course, language. However, even if you don’t speak Japanese well, you are likely to find moms in your neighborhood who speak a little English. Either way, here are some useful and simple phrases (“pick-up lines”, shall we say?) to get you started. Most conversations between moms with babies tend to follow a similar pattern, so you will quickly get used to it and be a pro in no time.

Armed with these mama-tomo pick-up lines and a little action and boldness, you’ll be making mom friends in Japan in no time. And remember, the moms you meet are probably craving friendship just as much as you, so don’t be afraid to reach out. It’ll be worth it!

This article has been republished for 2025.

According to the latest statistics, there are just a little over 3.7 million foreigners currently residing in Japan. Although this may seem a significant number, perhaps it loses its weight when compared to the colossal 123.1 million of the country’s entire population. Naturally, the native people of Japan heavily outnumber the foreigners. In other words, when living in the very inaka (rural Japanese countryside), everyone is Japanese except you. You may even feel like you’re the only outsider in your Japanese community.

Now, if you love the attention, that might be ok with you. But if you’re a sensitive gal like me, this can make your life pretty darn tricky, especially if you’re coming from an increasingly multicultural country such as New Zealand. Why does it matter? Well, theoretically it shouldn’t, but we’re flawed human beings with a heck of a lot of feelings, and sometimes, we can’t help but feel like a complete and utter outsider (with four legs).

My Many Inaka Tears

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

I can’t speak for urban expats, but for me, being a foreigner in my incredibly rural Japanese Okayama village posed various discomforts. For one, almost everyone openly stared (sometimes with their mouths wide open!).

In their defense, I look noticeably different: my skin is darker, my nose is longer, my hair is way curlier and my butt and thighs are bigger. Also, my mannerisms were unlike theirs. For example, my bento (lunch box) usually contains lots of nuts and legumes and things vegetarian—a term almost non-existent in my deer and boar-hunting village.

In addition, I don’t peel my persimmons, figs or grapes; I hardly ever use an umbrella (both for sunshine and rain); I like getting a sun tan, and I clock out of work when my shift ends. All of this contributes to feelings of being treated like an outsider—or at least perceived as one.

Don’t get me wrong, this happens everywhere. And it’s perhaps normal.

Even in New Zealand, a super diverse nation, my Iranian family and I were and still occasionally are subject to prejudice, more so when we were small-town dwellers. At school, my sister and I were the butt of “bomb” and “terrorist” jokes. Worse off was my father, a walking stereotype; a Middle Eastern taxi driver with thick black facial hair.

However, when looking past the ignorants making the offensive comments, we’d see an Indian person, a Chinese individual and a Samoan/Tongan/Fijian/you-name-it family all sharing the same walkway, which helped us feel a little less marginalized. However, in my very rural, very Japanese village, my tactic of adjusting to the local lifestyle was ineffective since looking outside (at others) for solace was evidently out of the question. This was a situation that used to leave me in tears more often than not.

Learning To Cope

The tears eventually brought me to the revelation that I shouldn’t have sought solace like that in the first place. In the end, for me, the way to cope came down to two obvious parallel steps.

1. Share Your Culture

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

As often as you can. Pick something from your culture—now, by that I don’t mean something from the country you’re from (though it can be), but rather something from your personal culture.

For me, that’s food!

I believe there’s little in our world that can beat a good taco… or a freshly baked crumble… or my specialty: a too-pretty-to-eat smoothie bowl. So, I started by inviting one colleague over to my humble abode (trust me, asking was nerve-wracking) and making them a smoothie bowl.

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

Of course, it was successful—who doesn’t appreciate a smoothie bowl? Inevitably, word of mouth spread, and in no time, my colleagues and I were having a potluck, mixing and matching our favorite recipes every week! Also, my original guest became a smoothie bowl fanatic.

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

And, flash forward two years, your so-called “staring neighbor” is now staying with you in New Zealand!

2. Appreciate Their Culture

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not about assimilation—I’m not asking you to suddenly know how to do a perfect 45-degree bow or do everything Japanese, but merely to appreciate the unique culture of your Japanese countryside. Remember, most visitors to Japan will never encounter the incredibly rich and traditional culture you get to be a part of.

For me, that was participating in rural events such as peach picking (Okayama’s specialty), pounding mochi at Miyamoto Musashi’s festival and attempting the beautiful yet surprisingly difficult art of pottery.

If I interpret the unfriendly stares of my neighbors or one colleague’s snarky comments when I ate a raw capsicum as a treatment I am only receiving because of my “foreignness,” then I myself am actively contributing to the problem. For what am I to make of the endless love and generosity showered upon me by members of the same race?

There’s No Big Difference When You Dream Alike

© Photo by Anisa Kazemi

In her novel Change of Heart, Jodi Picoult says:

“When you’re different, sometimes you don’t see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn’t.”

This is a profound statement that sometimes takes longer to realize how true it is. It suggests that unity is, in fact, a conscious decision. However, I want to take Picoult’s idea a step further.

Apart from our physical features and man-made nationalities, are we actually that different? How often have you met someone from a completely different walk of life who shares your same hopes, dreams, worries or interests? Heck, my American fiancé and I are the living proof of this.

Unity is, in fact, a conscious decision.

My new realization is this: if we stop viewing ourselves as different from one another, we obliterate the idea of difference, of foreignness, and instead come to believe that we are all, in Bahá’u’lláh’s words, “the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.” No matter how alien we are in our appearance and in our behavior, we see a little part of ourselves in one another, becoming less sensitive to prejudice and helping eradicate it.

Above is a photo of my gorgeous Japanese colleagues, who live in the same rural village, throwing me a surprise ladies’ luncheon for my birthday. I am still grateful for that day. And if they ever come to see me here, I’d do the same for them.

Have you felt like the only outsider in your Japanese community before? How did you cope?

This article has been republished for 2025.

Since moving to Tokyo last year, I have missed growing vegetables, a hobby I used to love. Living on the third floor in a small apartment means I can have a couple of pots of herbs on my balcony, but there is no space for a proper vegetable garden. That all changed earlier this year, when some friends invited me to join them in renting a plot in a community garden nearby!

I love gardening because it helps me connect with nature, release stress and learn some practical skills. I also love the pleasure of eating freshly picked food. The veggies I grow are so much tastier and crisper than the ones I buy in the supermarket.

As climate change continues to alter our world, there has been a resurgence of interest in urban gardening. It’s one way to live a more sustainable life and to learn skills that previous generations took for granted. Community gardens, also known as allotments, are an excellent option for people who don’t have space to grow food at their own house.

How My Community Garden Works

© Photo by Melanie Barnes

The community garden I’m involved in is located on a small, privately owned farm in Kunitachi, western Tokyo. The farmer has divided the farm into about 40 separate lots.

My family shares a plot with two other families. Sharing a plot is great because we split up the workload, which means that I can take a few days off if I need to! Even more importantly, we share whatever we grow, which means that I don’t have to worry about what to cook with 16 eggplants when they all ripen in the same week.

During summer, when the veggies ripen quickly, it’s necessary to visit at least two or three times a week to pick the quickly ripening vegetables. However, during the change of season, the workload drops significantly, and we may only need to visit two or three times a month.

Right now, we are close to harvesting beans, radishes, eggplants, onions, potatoes, lettuce, capsicum and cucumber. We also have tomatoes and corn on the way. Despite sharing, the amount of vegetables we harvest each week is more than enough. It has replaced about half of the vegetables we used to buy.

Accessing The Garden

© Photo by Melanie Barnes

Members can access the garden at any time of the day, which is great. This means I can visit when it suits me, either early in the morning before it gets too hot or late in the afternoon. Importantly, during these times, the garden is rarely busy, which allows for some well-deserved quality time for myself and my family.

Size & Price

© Photo by Melanie Barnes

Besides the individual allotments, there are also larger plots planted with large-scale crops. One section of the farm is reserved for a rice paddy, potatoes and onions. Members come together at monthly meet-ups to plant or harvest the communal crops, which are shared amongst everyone.

Our plot is 20㎡, and altogether we paid ¥40,000 for one year. This includes the use of all gardening tools and seeds, and—most importantly—we get to take home all the food we grow.

Perfect For Beginners

© Photo by Melanie Barnes

The really good news for first-time gardeners is that help is available whenever it’s needed! At my garden, several farmers are on staff who guide us in what to plant and how to care for the plants. They taught me how to pick the lower leaves off the tomato plants to encourage them to grow upright, and if my plants get attacked by bugs or mildew, they are on hand to help me solve the problem.

It’s worth noting that not all community gardens have staff to support their members. Some gardens are set up to allow members to garden independently, which means they can grow what they want and supply their own equipment—these plots are usually cheaper to rent, too.

Nature School For Kids

© Photo by Melanie Barnes

My daughters, aged two and four, love coming to the garden. They help weed and pick the vegetables, and there’s plenty of space for them to chase each other around. It’s an excellent place to go bug-catching, and they have even learned there the difference between a tento mushi (ladybug) and a dango mushi (slater bug).

My kids’ diet has also benefited from being a member of the garden. My four-year-old typically refuses to eat anything green or leafy, but she couldn’t resist devouring a ripe cucumber she’d just picked off the vine!

I asked a friend who is also a member of my community garden what she likes about the place. She told me the garden is great for her four-year-old son and the other kids who come. “They catch crayfish in the canal and play with their friends. They get really dirty, and I think that’s great. They’re really active when they come here,” she said.

Finding Your Community Garden

© Photo by Melanie Barnes

There are more than 300 community gardens in Tokyo, half of which are located inside the 23 wards. Applications for plots open once or twice a year. But for many gardens, you might need to apply several months in advance—for example, applications might open in December for an April start.

Not all community farms use organic methods to grow vegetables. At my farm, we use synthetic fertilizers to boost plant growth and spray insecticides to kill bugs. We also use black plastic sheets on the soil to suppress weeds. However, if you are looking for an organic farm, Sharebatake has 46 farms across Tokyo. Its website says its farms are pesticide-free and only use organic fertilizers. The website is in Japanese only, but it’s not too hard to navigate using a translator.

Tips For Non-Japanese Speakers

If you are a non-Japanese speaker, don’t leave just yet: it’s still possible to join a community garden. The biggest barriers are locating a garden and finding someone to help you fill out the initial paperwork.

• Find a garden in your area. However, many privately run community gardens don’t appear online. So, if you see a farm in your neighborhood, pop in with a friend who speaks Japanese and ask if they have any space available.
• Once you’ve joined, there’s a good chance that someone on the farm will speak a little English and can help you if you get stuck. On a week-to-week basis, you can visit the farm by yourself and do jobs such as weeding, planting and picking vegetables without needing to speak Japanese.
• If you can’t join a community garden immediately, there are also farm stays where you can stay overnight. The Farm in Chiba is one place where you can stay in glamping-type accommodation and help with the vegetable harvest.
• For further help with gardening in general, the Japan Gardening Exchange Facebook group is an active group for English-speakers that is a great place to get advice about gardening in Japan.

Not up for dealing with a full garden yet? Start small with these Japanese vegetables to grow on your balcony or grow your own Japanese herbs and spices.

Do you have any experience joining a community garden in Japan? Let us know about it in the comments.

This article has been republished with the latest information for 2025.

There’s nothing like coming home to a wagging tail, a soft purr or a joyful hop. In a country where loneliness can quietly settle into daily life, adopting a furry friend can bring much joy and needed companionship. Yet, the pet adoption process in Japan isn’t without its challenges, and many people often look elsewhere before considering it as an option.

As more pets are abandoned—often due to irresponsible puppy/kitten mill breeders, unsold animals from shops or struggling elderly owners—countless animals are waiting for a loving home. While Japan’s pet shops remain popular, a growing “no-kill” movement around the world is encouraging people to rethink where we get our pets from, and how we care for sheltered animals that are still healthy and full of life.

Whether you’re a long-term or permanent resident, this guide will help you find reputable pet shelters, rescue organizations and pet adoption platforms, as well as help you prepare for your new furbaby in Japan.

Things To Consider Before Adopting A Pet In Japan

© Photo by iStock: kohei_hara

Welcoming a pet into your life is a wonderful long-term commitment. But living in Japan comes with its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to housing regulations and adoption organization requirements. Here are some things to consider:

Housing Restrictions

Many apartments in Japan have rules regarding pet ownership, so it’s a good idea to check with your landlord or look over your contract to see if pets are welcome. Some may only allow smaller pets or have a strict no-pet policy, so keep inquiring until you find the perfect home!

Size & Breed

What is your future pet’s size and personality? Small dogs, cats or rabbits may be overjoyed to roam cozy apartment spaces, but larger, adventurous pets may need a bit more room to run freely and explore.

Adoption Costs

The cost of adopting can vary from shelter to shelter, and they may cover essential services like vaccinations and neutering. It’s also a good idea to plan for ongoing expenses, such as food, veterinary visits and supplies that help keep your furbaby happy and healthy.

Maintenance Costs

In a 2023 survey, the annual overall cost of owning a dog in Japan was around ¥340,000, while a cat was around ¥170,000. Rabbits were estimated to cost around ¥130,302 and other small animals were ¥95,602. These annual costs take into account medical expenses, food and snacks, supplements, shampoo and haircuts, pet insurance, vaccinations, pet hotels and sitters, collars, leads and clothes, toys and play facilities, disaster prevention supplies, transportation expenses and more.

Application Process

Many organizations require interviews or home visits. If your lifestyle or future plans don’t align with their criteria, such as planning to move to another country, your application may not be accepted. But don’t be discouraged! A loving pet is still out there waiting for you.

Finding a Reputable Adoption Organization

© Photo by iStock: petesphotography

Finding a trustworthy shelter, adoption organization or ethical breeder is an important step in welcoming a new furry friend into your life. Whether you’re searching online, attending an adoption event or visiting a local rescue group, it’s essential to choose an organization that truly cares about the well-being of animals.

Useful Phrases for Web Searching

When searching for pets online, knowing a few Japanese phrases can be helpful:

You can use these phrases to research sites that connect prospective pet parents with furbabies in need of a home. Read the profiles of pets carefully to understand their individual personalities and needs. Here are some organizaitions to get you started:

Society for the Protection of Animals

© Photo by Society for the Protection of Animals

Society for the Protection of Animals is a non-profit rescue organization that stands out for its clean, well-maintained shelters. SPA is working to put a stop to “dream boxes,” a machine that puts animals to rest. With their app, you can see adorable photos of rescued pets patiently waiting to be adopted. Join a meet-and-greet to interact with your future furry friend in a comfortable environment.

• Location: 3-28-2 Sanno, Ota-ku, Tokyo and 4-27-14 Ikegami, Ota, Tokyo
• Adoption Fee: ¥60,000

Buddies

© Photo by Buddies

Buddies is a Tokyo-based rescue group dedicated to saving dogs from shelters that will soon put them to rest, even if they have many years left. Rescued animals live with foster parents until they’re ready for adoption, and their health is thoroughly checked before heading to a new home. Buddies also provide educational resources for first-time pet owners and holds stress-relieving, pet bonding events like doga—aka. dog yoga.

• Location: 2-14 Nishikata, Bunkyo, Tokyo
• Adoption Fee: ¥20,000

Japan Cat Network

© Photo by Japan Cat Network

The Japan Cat Network (JCN) is a non-profit organization devoted to rescuing and rehoming stray cats across Japan. Cats are cared for by foster parents before finding their forever homes. JCN also promotes Trap-Neuter-Return programs to help manage the stray population and offer ongoing support to adopters. They also have a cat cafe in a Kyoto machiya (traditional Japanese home).

• Location: Shelters/cat cafes in Tokyo and Kyoto. Contact for details.
• Adoption Fee: ¥20,000 

Animal Refuge Kansai

© Photo by Animal Refuge Kansai

Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) is one of the most well-established animal rescue organizations in Japan. It is dedicated to rescuing dogs, cats and small animals from situations of neglect, and its process ensures that each pet finds its perfect human. A trial period gives you a chance to bond and see if you’re a good match. ARK hosts adoption events, pet food drives, animal safety workshops and more. It is also caring for pets affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

• Location: 595 Nomaohara, Nose, Toyono District, Osaka
• Adoption Fee: Rabbits ¥3,000; Dogs and cats ¥30,000 (covers vaccination, microchip and spay/neuter)

Heart Tokushima

© Photo by Heart Tokushima

Heart Tokushima is a dog and cat shelter with a three-step vetting process that ensures each pet parent is a perfect fit. You take a questionnaire, have your home checked and sign a contract to bring your furbaby home. Their Tokushima Spay Clinic helps vaccinate and neuter pets before adoption. With donations, they have been able to rebuild their oldest shelter.

• Location: Minamidani, 95 Shibunocho, Tokushima
• Adoption Fee: ¥30,000 (dogs); ¥20,000 (cats)

Pet Home

© Photo by Pet Home

Pet Home is a platform that connects adopters with animals in need of a loving home. Their site allows individuals and organizations to showcase pets available for adoption. Whether you’re looking for a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile or other exotic animal, you’ll find profiles highlighting each pet’s age, health and personality. Search by pet type or by location.

• Location: Nationwide (online platform)
• Adoption Fee: Varies by shelter or individual

Others Platforms & Shelters

• Hug U
• Lifeboat
• Dog Shelter
• Anifare
• Chibawan
• JMTY
• Kanagawa Dog Protection

Preparing Your Home

© Photo by iStock: Kunihito Ikeda

Your furry friend is ready to come home! Now, it’s time to create a safe and welcoming environment. A little preparation can go a long way in helping your pet feel comfortable.

Pet Supplies

Gather food, bowls, bedding, toys and grooming supplies. For dogs, make sure to get a leash and collar with an ID tag. Cats need a litter box and scratching post. Rabbits need a litter box and organic toys that are safe for biting/ingesting. Supplies can be found at local pet shops and the pet section in large department stores. These days, most 100-yen shops also have various affordable pet goods!

Pet-proofing

Take a moment to secure electrical cords and potentially harmful objects. Keep breakable items out of reach, especially if your pet can jump up high!

Quiet Space

Set up a calm, quiet space where your pet can retreat, especially during the first few overwhelming days in their new home.

Completing the Adoption

© Photo by iStock: Alida Garcia

Pet adoption in Japan involves a few very important steps. Here’s what to expect:

• Application: Most shelters will ask you to fill out an application form detailing your living situation, schedule and current/previous pets. Some may even visit your home to ensure it’s a good fit.
• Government registration: In Japan, cats and small animals don’t require official registration. But all dogs must be registered with your local ward within 30 days. At the ward, you’ll fill out a form and pay a small fee.
• Veterinary care: Now that your new pet is finally home, schedule a check-up with your local vet. Staying on top of vet visits will help keep your furbaby healthy and happy!

By choosing a trustworthy shelter, adoption organization or ethical breeder, you’ll be well on your way to giving a deserving animal a loving home!

After 20 years, my sweet adopted pup passed away. Getting a bunny in Japan was the best decision I ever made. Are you interested in pet adoption in Japan? Let us know in the comments!