Hey there! Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I’m Mari, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that with a bit of grit, a sense of humour, and a whole lot of trial and error, you can not only survive but really thrive in Japan!

I arrived in this beautiful country about five years ago, right when COVID was starting to reshape the world, and I quickly learned how to navigate my new life here all on my own. A little about me: I’m a third-culture kid who has lived in eight different countries, soaking up all the diverse cultures along the way! I had a busy career in Dubai working as an event and commercial coordinator for a major TV broadcast company. But deep down, I always wanted to be a teacher. So, I decided to make a change! I saved up, got my teaching certificate, and took the leap into an exciting new chapter that led me to Japan. When I first boarded that train in Japan, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had finally found my true home.

But life had a surprise waiting for me—just two weeks in, COVID turned everything upside down! I had to sharpen my survival skills quickly in ways I never expected. Now, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and stories with you—from the funny hurdles to the sweet victories in the hopes that my experiences can help you adjust a little easier. If my advice doesn’t quite fit what you’re looking for, that’s totally okay! I’m just glad you stopped by. Enjoy the journey, and welcome to Japan Survival 101!