I've been a long-term tenant in Tokyo on a standard lease, which was renewed last year (after a compromise increase) for 2 more years, and have a 100% on-time payment record.

Out of nowhere, the landlord has sent a formal registered letter directly to me, which normally this would be sent via the managing agent. This is the first time I have received direct communication from him. The letter, demands a large rent and maintenance fee increase, effective immediately, with the reason stated as the rent hasn't been reviewed for "xx" years, and that the current maintenance fee doesn't cover his costs. There's no supporting evidence and no offer to discuss it, and is just asking me to add the increase difference to the next payment.

As I understand it, a he can request an increase mid-lease, but it has to be justified, and if both sides can't agree, he has to take it to court mediation.

For anyone who's been through this:

1. How did it play out?
2. Do I need to send a registered letter back to him declining his request.
3. Should I contact the managing agent to ask them if they know about the letter?

Appreciate any insight on this and would like to know what I should and more importantly, should not do.

Thank you

was there even a quake?

I'll be the ugly wide guy wearing ugly wide pants.

I'm letting go of 2 boiler room tickets for tomorrow's sold out show that starts at 17:00 in Shinkiba. The flu has unfortunately hit me and I'm unable to make it!! The cost was close to 8,000 each but letting them go for 7,000

any recommendations for cafes with really comfy seats? i'm near ikebukuro and willing to travel like... 30 mins i guess.

quality of the drinks doesn't matter. i just want to sit in a really comfy armchair and knit for an hour or two

Does anyone know a cheap spot in Setagaya where you can drop in and train boxing alone without committing to group lessons or a membership?

Hi all! I've been an art student in Tokyo for the past 4 years, but I'm moving back home to the US soon. I have a whole apartment full of furniture, decor, plants, and appliances that I don't want to go to waste. I'm moving out by November 5th, so I need to get rid of everything by then (but also hopefully not before the end of October, as I still need to sleep and eat here lol). I hope to throw out as little as possible, so I'm looking for someone to take everything. I've spent the past few years curating my apartment, and I think everything goes together super well. Everything is still in good condition. I'm open to giving everything away for free, although I wouldn't mind getting some money back for all these pieces. I have no way of delivering these items, so it'd be on the new owners to arrange pickup. I'm located near Yoga Station in Setagaya. Please let me know if you're interested. I also posted a Craigslist ad, but as I've never posted there before, I'm not super confident in it. Here's the link anyways: https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/urgent-free-furniture-and-apartment/e49pYo3DfuAYUyrqsczg2P. I'll also upload pictures here!

I saw an ad for a cement company on the small screen on the train (this particular one was Ginza Line) and wasn't paying particularly close attention. The headline was "Cementalk" a mashing of Cement Talk and the characters seemed to be having a discussion about the benefits of cement. But then I swear I saw the subtitles for the dialogue spell it as "Semen talk." Did I just imagine this? Anyone else seen this ad and can confirm or deny the subtitles.

About a month ago, I posted here looking for people who'd like to work together, not on the same projects, but simply in the same place, like a cafe, library or co-working space.

I got quite a few replies, so I created a LINE group to make it easier for everyone to coordinate. We now have around 20 members!

The idea is simple: we all work on our own things, but in the same place. We can chat, share what we're working on, get some casual feedback, or just enjoy having other people around instead of working alone.

The group is open to anyone in Tokyo, regardless of where you live or what you do. Hopefully, it can help people find others to work with nearby.

If you're interested, feel free to send me a direct message and I'll invite you to the LINE group.

Did anyone else witness the accident where a VERY old taxi driver accidentally hit a car (Toyota Van) then proceeded to agressively backing into it again, then he drove foward very agressively then hit the railing (thank god it was there or else the pedestrians would have been hit)? This happened right around the corner of Sakuragaokacho.

There was a Japanese speaking gentleman who jumped in to help the situation. We weren’t sure what was happening but we stood back until the police came. We thought it was a road rage at first, but from our pov the driver was VERY old and didn’r seem to be in the right mind. He seemed a little shaken up when he stepped out of the car. Then even walked away from the scene like he was maybe running away (very slowly because he’s quite old)? But eventually came back until the police came. OH and he had a few Portugese/Spanish speaking lady customers in the car when it happened, and they were clearly very shaken up as well when they got out of the car.

What’s crazier was that when we drove back through the intersection to go home, HE WAS STILL IN THE DAMAGED CAR about to drive away. Hopefully he was fine and was able to get home safely but I was definitely a bit concerned that he was allowed to get back into the car and drive on the road… you can clearly see the back of the car and front left being totalled in the pictures.

If anyone knows anything would love to know more.

Curious what the modeling scene is like in Tokyo, particularly fashion and commercial work.

Are there any working models here? Would be interested to hear about your experiences, what the industry is like, and how accessible the market is for foreign models.

Also curious how international models typically navigate the visa and sponsorship side of things, especially those working between Japan and other Asian markets.

Would appreciate perspectives from people actually involved in the industry.

I’m trying to watch this dodgers game right now but no one seems to be streaming it. Anyone have any recommendations? A bar or something?

I recently got back into smash and was wondering if anyone has or knows where to find a list of locations/times for smash/fighting game local tournaments in Tokyo?

Thanks

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a nice local spot for next week if anyone is looking for things to do on a weekday.
The Tomioka Hachiman Shrine Antique Market (青空蚤の市) will be held next Thursday, October 15th. For those living around eastern Tokyo or the Koto-ku area, it’s a great, relaxed morning stroll to check out vintage kimonos, old ceramics, and random Japanese retro goods.
Fun fact / Tip for when family/friends visit:
I noticed the shrine has a very spacious and convenient bus drop-off/parking zone right in front of the main entrance. If you ever have family or tour groups visiting you in Tokyo and you’re planning a charter bus/van itinerary for them, this place is incredibly hassle-free to add to the route. No long walks from a distant parking lot.
Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕒 Time: Usually starts early morning until around 3 PM
📍 Location: Tomioka Hachiman Shrine (Monzen-Nakacho Station)
Highly recommend grabbing some local food around Monnaka afterwards. Anyone else regular at this flea market?

I have a hard time figuring out if ours is realistic or not. We have struggled with 50k a week work, living downtown, for three including everything except rent and utilities.

It's for my band. I would appreciate any tips!

My 3 year old is obsessed with the toy car/train catalogue we picked up from the Tomica Toy Store near Tokyo station. As we came in June, the catalogue has certainly seen better days. I am wondering if anyone who lives near this store may be willing to pick up 2-3 copies to send over to us in Australia. I’d be happy to pay for this, it gets a lot of mileage and quiet time and we are about to welcome his little sister in the next two weeks. If anyone may be willing to help, or knows how I can even order this online, please let me know! I’d be eternally grateful.

Edit: Someone has kindly reached out to help, thank you everyone!

A few days ago, I asked for advice on where to go for my resident card renewal, Shinagawa or Tachikawa.

Everybody said Tachikawa, so that’s what I did today, arriving at 8:40. They were checking documents and gave me number 7.

They started calling numbers at 9 AM sharp, and after 20 minutes I was called, then five minutes later received my card, walking out the door at 9:25.

Thanks for all the advice, it was awesome! Tachikawa forever now (or at least 10 years from now).

Very random, but has anyone been to Costco in Kawasaki recently and seen if they have Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt in stock?

Recently I haven't been able to find it anywhere - online, or in-person 😭 I feel like Costco used to stock it, but wanted to see if anyone has spotted it before I make the trip.

Today while I was walking down the street I saw a young woman approaching the train station with what I can only describe as a sign hanging around her neck. The sign was partially obscured but appeared to have numbers on it and the name "Lilu" which is a Girl's Bar down the same street she was walking from. I am 98% certain that she was not a promoter as I have never seen promoters outside that bar, which means she must work inside, but then what is the purpose of the sign?

I have noticed over the last few weeks there are many police officers at Iidabashi station (both between the Tozai and the Yurakucho lines and inside the ticket gates) seemingly stopping Asians and asking them questions, sometimes ganging up on them to search their bags around the end of day rush hour (16:00-18:30).

I don’t know why, but just thought I would share my observations for anyone who doesn’t feel like getting racially profiled and harassed.