Anyone who has moved to Japan knows the first few months. You research for ages before a trip to the ward office, work out what key money and a guarantor are before you can rent, and check how many hours your visa lets you work before taking a part-time job. The information exists, but it's scattered, some of it out of date and some of it contradicting the rest.
That's what Machi is for. It's made for everyone living in Japan: students, working people and those who have only just arrived.
What's in Machi
- Local community. Notes and discussions from your own city, so you can ask the people around you.
- Jobs. Part-time work, experienced hires and graduate roles.
- Housing and second-hand. Finding a place, moving, and passing on what you no longer need.
- Life and travel. Food, things to do and where to go at the weekend.
- Japan guides. Residence status and everyday paperwork, explained step by step.
- Machi AI. Ask it when you have a specific question.
Everything is organised around the city you live in, in Chinese, Japanese and English.
Where to get it
Machi is on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and on the web at machicity.com. An Android version is in development.
If you live in Japan, give it a try, and tell us what's missing.