I arrived in Tokyo in 2004 with an empty wardrobe, a teacher’s salary, and no idea what Uniqlo was. A panicked ski trip to Niseko and one pair of HeatTech pants later, I was hooked for life. Twenty years on, Tokyo Becky, The Uniqlo Queen, breaks down everything you need to know about the brand that quietly changed the way the world gets dressed: from HeatTech and AIRism to the viral Round Mini Shoulder Bag, the UV protection line, wireless bras, and the best Uniqlo products to buy in Japan in 2026.
Top Japan Tips
The Best Cheap Places to Eat in Japan
Eating in Japan can actually be really cheap if you know where to look. This is my honest guide to my 13 favorite Japanese food chains, with a little history on each and exactly what to order when you walk through the door.
How to Watch Baseball in Japan (And It’s Totally Worth It!)
Have you ever thought about watching baseball in Japan? In our opinion, this is one of the best ways to see the Japanese at play, especially if you are from a baseball-loving country. Learn about how to buy tickets, stadium etiquette, and our favorite teams!
Japan for First-Time Visitors: 10 Insider Tips from 13 Years of Living in Tokyo
A 13-year Tokyo resident shares the 10 things every first-time visitor to Japan truly needs to know including calculating whether a JR Pass is worth it, setting up a Suica on your iPhone, finding tourist-friendly ATMs, and surviving onsen etiquette.
Can You Smoke Weed in Japan? Japanese Drug Laws Explained
Drug laws in Japan are some of the strictest in the world with zero tolerance for most substances. These rules reflect strong cultural opposition to drugs and aim to protect public health. So, for anyone asking "Can you smoke weed in Japan?" the clear answer remains...
26 Things NOT to Do in Japan
Knowing these things not to do in Japan
definitely helped me fit in much better during my 13 years in Japan, but it took years for me to learn all of them. Today, I’m giving you the shortcuts you need to be a Japan-savvy traveler TODAY, not tomorrow.
16 Japanese Phrases to Help You Impress the Japanese
Hey there, fellow Japan lovers! If you're dreaming of wandering the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, trying takoyaki in Osaka, or hiking the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku, you've probably realized that knowing even a little Japanese goes a long way. Sure, English is...
19 Japan Customs You Need to Know Before Your First Trip to Japan
As an American who lived in Tokyo for 13 years and continues to return every year, I have learned a lot about Japan customs. I have to admit that I arrived thinking I was culturally flexible and quickly learned that flexibility in Japan means observing, adjusting, and...
Finding Apartments in Japan for 1 Month or More
Searching for apartments in Japan for one month or more can feel overwhelming the first time you visit Japan. As someone who moved to Japan three different times within a 13-year stint and stayed in Japan for more than one month two other times, I can really speak from experience.
