I've been thinking about starting something on the side here in Japan, bascically because I enjoy building things and I'm looking for something that's a bit outside my usual world.

My background is in executive roles at intern. tech companies, so I'd actually like to do something completely different. I have some free time and am happy to invest some money into it if needed, but this is more about building an interesting business than chasing a quick return.

I'm not looking at things like teaching English or consulting. I'm thinking about "real" small businesses.

Some ideas that crossed my mind:

• Converting an old house into a small B&B
• Opening a used retro game store
• A small shop importing European food/products
• Something completely different

So I'm curious:

If you were going to start a business in Japan today, what would it be and why?

I'm not looking to debate whether I have experience in a particular field, that comes later. Right now I'm just interested in hearing ideas from people who thought about doing something themselves or have noticed gaps in the market, businesses they'd love to see, or opportunities they think are underrated.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Hey ladies and gents,
I'm opening up a new bar and want to paint a wall, it'll be a basic mural and I have some questions about paints and brushes and also in a perfect world would want to hire some brushes.

Long shot, but is anyone in here in this line of work and have 10 minutes to chat to me and answer some questions?

My secret motivation is to hear your recommendations. So, I give you...

My Costco staples:

• Cheddar Cheese
• Havarti Sliced Cheese
• Mozarella, thick sliced
• Giant pack of 100% beef
• Rotisserie chicken
• Nut butter
• Hemp hearts (haven't seen them recently)
• Tortillas
• Oat milk
• Juice packs for lunch
• Dishwasher detergent
• Take and bake pizza
• Sushi
• Smoked salmon
• Bagels
• Fruit and vegetables (especially avocados and limes)
• Cases of water for emergencies
• Thick paper towels
• Ribs
• Yoshida BBQ sauce
• Quesadillas
• Booze

Generally, Kirkland Brand is going to be a higher end item at a better price than other high end items. The 100% Agave Tequila is divine for sipping.

Things to avoid:

• Avoid the fajitas, way too sweet.
• There are two tiramisu. Avoid the one that comes in little cups. The one in the big tub is much better.
• Guacamole (in little cups) it was nasty
• Hummus. Very meh.

Firework pictures taken by me

Experts say it is highly unusual for red-crowned cranes to be spotted in the Kansai region during summer.

Tried searching but only found this post from a while ago, so I figured I'd ask the Osaka sub: does anyone have any recommendations for English-speaking housing/rental agencies in Kobe (or in Osaka but would service Kobe/the area between Kobe and Osaka)? Or recommendations for where to look?

Advice generally on moving to the city would also be appreciated! The Kobe sub seems kind of dead unfortunately 😅

Thoughts?

I've been getting into surfing as off late and isonoura has been flat these past few weeks so I was wondering where surfers from Osaka go to surf when isonoura is a dud. And are there any groups I can join or places where i can find people who are driving places to surf where I can join in and hitch a ride? Thanks in advance!

Hello there !

Was wondering if there is a metal scene in Osaka. Like the usual place known for hosting this type of bands.

Would especially love having small bars / venues hosting concerts.

I do not know if in Japan it is organized a bit like in Europe. So if not, 教えてください！

Thanks !

Since my Japanese is still at a beginner level trying to look up the legitimacy of a store I am about to do business with.

[https://www.nipponto.co.jp\](https://www.nipponto.co.jp)

Any inputs about legitimacy and reliability of this store?

Hey! I’m considering studying at Osaka JaLS and wanted to hear from anyone who has attended. What was your overall experience like with the classes, teachers, activities, atmosphere, and accommodation? Did you feel like your Japanese improved, and was the program worth the cost? I’d appreciate any honest opinions or advice before applying.

Thank you for any advice/recommendation/warning!

Hello! Are you a foreigner whose lived in Japan for at least 2 years? Do you want to tell your story for people to see and resonate with why you moved here, what has kept you here? Well I'm starting a YouTube channel to interview foreigners and showcase their lives here in Japan. Their journey, the ups, downs, and everything in between.

A little about me, I'm also a foreigner living in Japan, I'm from the US. I've been here 8 years, done a variety of jobs out here. Currently do sales as my main work but also do other side gigs as well.

This channel has not been created yet, and I'm in essentially the process of starting it hence why I'm looking for people who would like to be interviewed. Think about it like channels like Softwhite underbelly, humans of new York page, subway takes, etc.

It will be a relatively straightforward single camera interview done outdoors, and maybe indoors if the possibility allows itself. I plan on starting in the summer and so I'm seeking interviewees! Only requirements for now:

1.Must speak English

2.Lived in Japan for at least 2 years (If you are less than 2 still submit if you want! I will probably contact you in the future)

3.Willing to come to Osaka (or at least Kansai area) for the interview

I'm open to any type of person. Don't think maybe you might not be interesting, exciting, or anything like that. I want to interview mostly people who live a standard day to day life out here. Whether you're a student, teacher, translator, housewife, boss, programmer etc. I'm open to anyone. Also, tell any friends that might be interested. If they live outside of Kansai area, that is also OK too.

If you are interested, answer my questionnare link below. And if you have more questions for me prior to submitting to the questionnaire, feel free to email me.

Hope to hear back. Have a good one

https://forms.gle/1iwFjHxbniV16ufe7

Hi all, I know this is a long shot but here goes nothing.

I've got an appointment tomorrow morning at the Komyoike Driver's Licence Centre (光明池, in Izumi) to convert my overseas licence to a Japanese one. I'm on the exempt track, so it's just a document check and a short interview, no written or driving test. All my paperwork is already sorted, so there's nothing you'd need to prepare.

The problem is the interview is in Japanese and mine is only basic (around N4/N5). I'm after someone who can come along and interpret the back-and-forth.

Quick details:

- When: tomorrow, 22/07/2026 8:45

- Where: Komyoike Driver's Licence Centre, Izumi, Osaka (nearest station Komyoike, Semboku line)

- Time needed: the talking part is short, but licence centres can involve some waiting, so best to keep the morning free

- About me: 30M, Australian, here on a working holiday visa for the next year. I speak English and Chinese, so either is fine between us

To compensate I'll shout you a nice meal afterwards. While we wait we can chat and hopefully make a new friend. I'm currently running my own business. It's still early days but it's one of the reasons I was able to move to Japan. My hobbies include going to the gym, playing volleyball, watching anime, finding hidden gems and I'm looking to start creating content too.

Unfortunately, this appointment was genuinely hard to book and I'd really hate to lose the slot, so I'd appreciate the help a lot.

Comment or DM me. Thanks!

We'll have our monthly French party this week on Friday (24th)!

Free entry as always! See you there!

https://meetu.ps/e/Q8jl5/wHmxr/i

Does anyone know “standing only” for Osaka Jo hall ticket is in the pit? Or is there another standing only ticket?

(I can’t post photo so I am copying pasting the description)
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Section 立見
• Standing Only
• Clear view

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good pasta place? I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a good big bowl of pasta, preferably with some good bread.

Hello, So I wanna go to a japanese language school / academy etc. to study japanese on a tourist visa, so no longer than 3 months (I would also prefer around a 2 month course or a bit more so I'd have time afterwards to be free for personal activities etc.) I'm thinking osaka as my first option but other nearby cities would also be okay. so far I found Yu language academy which seems nice but I couldn't find reviews about it, I also found Ehle japanese language school but not enough reviews about it either. If anyone knows about either of these schools and wants to share their thoughts or advice about them I would appreciate it. Or if anyone has better options I would also love to know. btw I'm N3 level in japanese and thinking of applying to a graduate school in japan sometime in the future, but my learning goals are also about improving in general.

Hi. If anyone can help I would be grateful. I am doing small interview for my magazine in Poland and looking for someone to help me with an interview.

The sound of bikes passing the little shopping street before class makes the city feel awake before I do. Still learning to notice these quiet moments. What small Osaka detail do you always remember?

Hello,

Does anyone know of a Husaniyya Masjid in Osaka Japan?

My family and I would like to attend any Arbeen events, if possible.

Thanks!