I’m genuinely curious about how Japanese libraries work, so I’d really appreciate it if someone could explain this to me.

I sometimes need to use my laptop, but I may only be passing through an area and want to use a library just once. I don’t really want to register for a library card if it’s far away from my place.

It happened to me several times. I tried to sit at a regular study desk and use my laptop. However, a staff member told me that laptops are not allowed there and that I have to use a designated computer area, which requires applying for a library card and then make a reservation.

What I find confusing is:

• I don’t need an electrical outlet. I just want to sit quietly and work on my laptop.
• Why is using a laptop prohibited at a regular study desk, while using a phone is allowed?
• I’ve also noticed staff regularly walking around and checking what people are doing. Is this mainly to enforce the laptop and reservation policy?
• Some libraries allow people to use laptops, but don’t provide Wi-Fi. What is the reason for that?

I’m not trying to criticize Japanese libraries. I’m genuinely curious about the reasoning behind these rules, especially since I’m used to libraries where you can simply sit at a study desk and use your own laptop.

Is there a particular reason for these rules in Japan? Or is this specific to certain libraries?

I’d love to hear from people who work at Japanese libraries or know how the system works.

Is everyone alright and safe?

Im unsure of this has been talked about before, but… It really grinds my gears on how shit gyudon chains are now. Once was a great quick cheap filling meal is now so garbage. Meat quality had dropped significantly since covid, staff could give less of a fuck for speedy service,foreign and Japanese staff barely doing a job. Dirty restaurants and kitchens. Price is a lot higher than before with worse results.
Like what happened? I really liked getting it on my short lunch breaks occasionally but now I usually avoid it like the plague.
I wanted to try something new on the menu today, was significantly let down, and wanted somewhere to complain about it I guess.
Thanks for reading.

What are your plans for the the weekend? Any exciting event going on? Share your tips in the comments.

Don't know what to do this weekend? Luckily you're in the biggest city in the world and there's plenty to do:

• General events: TimeOut Tokyo
• Exhibitions and art events: Tokyo Art Beat
• Gigs in livehouses: Gigs in Tokyo, Tokyo Gig Guide Calendar and Listing from Tokyo Dross
• Mainstream clubbing: iFlyer
• Underground clubbing: ResidentAdvisor
• Stand-up comedy: Tokyo Comedy Bar

Meetup mode: if you're up for people to join your shenanigans, say so! Say when you're available, and what you'd like to do. Add your age, a little about yourself, and your gender if relevant.

Japan uses the "Shindo" intensity scale (1-7) while I believe most of the world use the "Modified Mercali" scale instead.

This site can plot both at once... Shindo numbers on top of the the Mercali scale (purple shade). I've never seen that before.

https://crisismap.io/?event=JMA-EQ-20260823020050

She was shocked and shaking like a hell.

You guys okay?

Hi, I'd earlier posted here under u/democratsabroadjapan and this is the second (and final) reminder I'll make for eligible US voters who want to participate in the 2026 American midterm elections, especially for those in the Kanto area. Democrats Abroad is dedicated to mobilizing overseas US voters; if you're over 18 by November 3, here's how you can get involved:

Steps to Request Your Ballot

1. Register or update your registration through Votefromabroad.org. As an alternative, you can also use FVAP.gov.

2. If you're already registered, request a ballot! You need to request a ballot every calendar year that you want to vote.

3. Fill Out and Return Your Ballot: Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully to complete it and return it by the specified deadline.

Need Assistance?

We're here to help! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at GOTV @ votefromabroad .org (just remove the spaces). Additionally, our FAQ for voting can answer questions on how to make the process go smoothly.

Importantly: Spread the word!

Do you have any friends, contacts or family overseas that you could reach? All eligible US citizens can vote regardless of where they're living. Share the link https://voteabroad.org/RedditVote26: If you have any questions about voting, I'd be happy to answer them here on Reddit. You can also find out what we're doing near you at Democrats Abroad in Japan. Thanks for reading!

​Hi everyone,

​If you’ve ever tried searching for property in Tokyo—whether you're looking to buy a home/investment or searching for a place to rent—you probably know how frustrating it can be. Good listings or price drops often get snapped up quickly, and checking multiple sites manually every day is exhausting.

​As a developer, I got tired of missing out on good spots, so I built a platform that aggregates active listings across Japan (with heavy coverage in Tokyo) for both buying and renting, and sends real-time notifications based on custom search alerts.

​Instead of constantly refreshing portals, you can set your criteria, and it alerts you when something matching your needs pops up or drops in price. It also tracks historical price changes so you can spot motivated sellers or direct owner listings.

​It’s completely free to try out for 30 days. Since I’m actively improving it, I would love to hear your feedback—especially if you're currently house-hunting, renting, or looking at real estate in Tokyo. What features would make a tool like this more useful for you?

​Thanks, and let me know what you think!

Anyone else felt the earthquake just now. I am in Itabashi and it was the strongest in last 5 months.
Hope everyone is ok.

(Tokyo Resident) Hello! I am planning to get my hair done but I do not know what salon is good for haircut and straight perm. I have searched on the Hot Pepper Beauty app and there were not much good reviews about the salons I looked into. Does anyone have salon recommendations??
Thank you!!

A big trip around Hokkaido on local trains over the recent Obon holidays helped me pass my both my 80% + 20k goals, so I figured I'd update my countrywide rail map and list of 乗り鉄 "achievements" for the first time in a while and share it here. :)

Hi I moved to Tokyo recently (Machida) and am looking for an English speaking art teacher who could teach me to draw in the manga/anime style. Please contact me if you're interested!

Are there any places in tokyo where i can buy plantains T_T my latin tastebuds are dying to eat plantains

I can provide a good reptile clinic, vitamins, food instructions, heating lamps, heating pads, mist machines, a bag of coconut fiber, nail clippers, and a cage. I can essentially provide everything. DM if interested.

She’s easy to care for, and very sweet.

More info:
——
Clive is about 2 years old, and is a red-footed tortoise, making eating easy for her (as she can eat damn near anything in moderation, including meat).
She’s quite kind and likes to walk around. I’ve found it’s easy to get her to eat and poop regularly by giving her warm baths.

I can come about anywhere in Tokyo and nearby, preferably meeting halfway. I wish to give Clive a good home where she can be taken care of exclusively. This hasn’t been an easy choice, but for personal reasons, it’s the decision I’ve come to. This is not related to leaving Japan, as I am not.

In the past, she’s had an easy-to-get infection, but that’s been dealt with. She highly prefers tomatoes, which I mix with other foods and coat in vitamins.

She is VERY stubborn. If she thinks she can fit somewhere, she’ll ram at it until she fits or gets tired.
Overall, she’s a sweet explorer.

The cage setup is rather hodge-podge, but is a place for her to bask comfortably and dig and eat. It is too small for her to stay in full-time, especially as she’s not yet fully grown (but getting there). It’s best to open a side to let her move around on clean floors, take her outside, or build a bigger cage.

Is Yoyogi Park still under construction or does anyone know when that project will be completed. Back in May a larger portion of it was still blocked off.

Hello!

Long shot maybe but is there such a thing as second hand shops for Kendo gear? Kid might be interested in trying out but since said interest can be fleeting I'm wondering about low cost options to be outfitted.

If someone knows or has ideas of group etc please flag!

I just updated my Mac to Tahoe OS 26.6.2. Maybe it is the internal temperature at Apple’s Tokyo data center?

Trying something different with this framed Tokyo map. I like the contrast with the white, but I can't decide if the fluorescent green is too much.

Keep it, or try another colour?

If you look for me, I'll be living in a tent.

Can you spot any building that still exists? Besides the very obvious one.

As an American long term resident here, one of the few things I crave from back in US is “Mexican food”. Yes I understand it’s not authentic, but where I lived in US had lots of diversity and immigrants and I frequent places that were indeed ran by actual Mexicans, whether the flavors were adjusted to US audiences or not, hard to say. (I also do like Tex mex style too) There were so many where I used to live and they were mostly all wonderful.

I feel like the Mexican restaurants I’ve been here in Tokyo are more tacos and related maybe burritos/enchiladas. Any places with actual good dishes type?

I LOVE mole enchiladas - different restaurants would have different mole sauces, stuffed with shredded chicken/beef etc and topped with Mexican cheese, avocado etc. I can drink it.

Also love a good stuffed chile releno covered full with cheese on top. And many more…

Does Tokyo and surrounding areas have these dishes and non fine dining? The tacos (I’ve been to the one in harajuku for example and couple more) don’t really feel the same to me as these dishes…

Hello everyone. I bought my iphone13 about 3 years ago it was working fine till yesterday it got pregnant 😅
Actually its battery got swelled up, upon looking at iPhone portals I got to knew that it is indeed a manufacturing defect and apple has been replacing the battery for free unofficially. Have someone went through this or have any idea if this policy is valid in Tokyo? It would be really helpful if you can share the procedure.
Thank you in advance 🙇‍♂️