Contributor

Liam Carrigan

Scotland-born Liam has lived in Asia since 2006. He has spent more than 6 years in Japan, and currently works in Osaka as a writer and English teacher.

Articles

Live

Smartphones in Japan: How To Buy, Unlock and Change Plans

Japanese mobile service is notoriously convoluted. Here's what to do if you plan to bring a phone over from home or sort yourself out with a new one while you're here.

By 10 min read 6

Work

Tips for Teaching After Natural Disasters and Other Trauma

Traumatic events can have a lasting impact on your students. What can you do in the classroom to help?

By 6 min read

Explore

Nightmare on Dotonbori: Top Halloween Spots in Osaka

Five spooktastic places for to get your monster mash on this Halloween in Osaka.

By 4 min read

Work

How to Take Sick Leave If You’re an ALT

In Japan, sick leave is not a statutory right but that doesn't mean you can't take it.

By 6 min read

Live

Why Are These Things So Expensive in Japan?

Movies, pizza, bullet trains and mobile phones seem more expensive in Japan than elsewhere. Here's how you can save.

By 8 min read

Learn

Learn Japanese with These Classic Video Games

Maybe you play games instead of studying Japanese. What if you could do both at the same time?

By 9 min read

Live

Vote in Your Home Country if You Live in Japan

Moving to Japan doesn’t deprive you of a say in the running of your home country — make your voice heard!

By 9 min read

Work

Earning Extra Income for English Teachers in Japan

How can English teachers make some extra money and what types of jobs are available?

By 9 min read

Live

Managing the Cost of Healthcare in Japan

Make sure your next trip to the hospital doesn’t leave your wallet feeling sick, too.

By 10 min read

Explore

Golden Week 2019: Make the Most of This Year’s Super-Sized Break

Day trips, overnight stays or something longer, here are three “Platinum” Week options.

By 8 min read

Work

The Write Stuff: English Literacy Skills for Elementary Students in Japan

Reading and writing ability is often overlooked in the ALT's classroom. Here’s how to change that.

By 6 min read

Work

New Elementary School English Curriculum for 2020 Rolling Out in Japan

Improved and expanded English teaching materials are being adopted in Japan. Here’s a first look.

By 8 min read