Contributor

Shyam Bhardwa

Shyam is an expat from London, England, who has been in Japan for four years. When not writing, you can often catch him at one of his favorite cafes or unwinding through his love of cooking.

Articles

Explore

Akita in Winter: A Blend of Snow Sports, Culture and Heritage

Discover all that Akita has to offer—from thrilling ski resorts and relaxing hot springs to vibrant winter festivals, there’s something for everyone.

By 5 min read 2

Explore

The Best 24-Hour Coffee Shops and Internet Cafes in Tokyo

Missed the train? Have a to pull an all-nighter? Check out these options for all-night cafes.

By 4 min read

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Balancing Fun and Engaging English Lessons

Tips for managing fun with effective learning in the classroom.

By 5 min read 1

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Cultural Exchange: Building Rapport with Japanese Teachers

Making a positive and collaborative relationship with your fellow Japanese teachers is great for your work and integration into the culture.

By 4 min read 2

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Tips for Managing Disruptive Behavior in English Classes

Have students who just make a mess of your lessons? Here’s how you can modify or change the bad behavior.

By 4 min read 1

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Reviving the Classroom: Motivating a Quiet English Class

Is the class falling asleep on you today? Here are some ways you can wake them up.

By 4 min read 1

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Banking Made Easy: Why Suruga Bank is Best for Foreigners in Japan

Banking in Japan as a foreigner can be a pain, but with Suruga Bank, it doesn’t have to be.

By 4 min read 1

Live

Moving Made Easy: A Checklist for Moving to a New Apartment in Japan

When moving to a different neighborhood or city in Japan, there's much to remember to ensure a smooth transition. Here's a guide so you don't forget anything

By 4 min read

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Apartment Hunting Do’s and Don’ts in Japan

How to find an apartment using Japanese agencies and snap it up.

By 5 min read

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Ghosted: Non-confrontational Dating Culture in Japan

Getting a rejection in Japan isn’t always a clear no – sometimes, you have to read between the lines.

By 4 min read 1

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Best Train Lines for Living in Tokyo/Yokohama: The Shonan-Shinjuku Line

The line that takes you to work and gets you away—work and play on the Shonan-Shinjuku line.

By 7 min read

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Tips for New English Teachers and ALTs in Japan

Here's what to expect and how to approach your fellow teachers and your students, to be part of the school community in no time.

By 4 min read