[{"content":"Getting a credit card in Japan as a foreigner is possible — but you need to know which cards actually approve foreigners and which ones will waste your time. Here\u0026rsquo;s the real breakdown.\nCan Foreigners Get a Japanese Credit Card? Yes. Most major credit cards in Japan accept foreign residents. What they\u0026rsquo;re looking at:\nResidence card with valid status Japanese bank account for automatic payments Stable income — employed or self-employed Some cards want to see 1+ year of residence in Japan The key word is residents. If you\u0026rsquo;re here on a tourist visa, it\u0026rsquo;s not happening. But if you\u0026rsquo;re a proper resident, you\u0026rsquo;ve got options.\nBest Credit Cards for Foreigners 1. Rakuten Card — Start Here Feature Details Annual fee Free Points 1 Rakuten point per ¥100 Application Online, English-friendly Foreigner approval High Rakuten Card is where most foreigners start, and for good reason — it has the most foreigner-friendly approval criteria of any major card in Japan. No annual fee, points you can actually use everywhere, and an English app that works well.\nStart with this one.\n2. Epos Card — Great for New Arrivals Feature Details Annual fee Free Points 1 point per ¥200 Application Online or in-person at Marui stores Foreigner approval High Epos is another solid option with high approval rates for foreigners. You can apply in-person at any Marui department store counter, which is useful if you\u0026rsquo;d rather not do it all online. Works great for restaurants and travel bookings.\n3. Amazon Mastercard — If You Shop on Amazon Feature Details Annual fee Free Points 1.5% back on Amazon, 1% elsewhere Application Online Foreigner approval Good If you\u0026rsquo;re a heavy Amazon shopper — and a lot of people in Japan are — the cashback rate here beats Rakuten Card on Amazon purchases. Simple, no annual fee, does what it says.\n4. Saison Card — Good for Flexibility Saison offers a range of card types so you can find one that fits your spending habits. Reasonable approval rates for foreigners and no annual fee on the basic version.\nCards to Skip for Now Don\u0026rsquo;t bother applying for premium cards (Amex, Diners, high-tier JCB) until you\u0026rsquo;ve built up credit history in Japan. They\u0026rsquo;ll probably reject you and every rejection makes the next application slightly harder.\nWhy Getting a Card Is Harder Here Japan\u0026rsquo;s credit system starts from zero when you arrive. Nobody knows you. The banks look at:\nHow long you\u0026rsquo;ve lived in Japan Whether you have stable employment Your income level Payment history on any existing accounts (like your phone bill) If you get rejected, don\u0026rsquo;t panic. Wait 6 months, build up some track record, and try again. Your odds improve significantly with time.\nTips to Improve Your Approval Chances Open a bank account first. Almost every credit card requires a Japanese bank account for automatic payments. Get that sorted before you apply.\nApply for Rakuten Card first. It has the most flexible criteria. If any card is going to approve you, it\u0026rsquo;s this one.\nDon\u0026rsquo;t apply for multiple cards at once. Multiple applications in a short period show up on your credit report and hurt your score. Pick one, wait for the answer, then apply for another if needed.\nPay your phone bill on time. Your mobile contract payment history is checked as part of the credit assessment. On-time payments help.\nDebit Cards as a Backup If you can\u0026rsquo;t get a credit card yet, a Visa debit card is accepted almost everywhere credit cards are:\nSony Bank Wallet — Visa debit, accepted worldwide Rakuten Bank debit card — easy to get alongside a Rakuten bank account Not as good for building credit, but they get the job done while you wait.\nSummary Card Annual Fee Best For Rakuten Card Free First card in Japan Epos Card Free New arrivals Amazon Mastercard Free Amazon shoppers Saison Card Free General use Start with Rakuten Card. It\u0026rsquo;s the most foreigner-friendly option out there, it\u0026rsquo;s free, and the points are genuinely useful.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/money/credit-card-guide-foreigners-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eGetting a credit card in Japan as a foreigner is possible — but you need to know which cards actually approve foreigners and which ones will waste your time. Here\u0026rsquo;s the real breakdown.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"can-foreigners-get-a-japanese-credit-card\"\u003eCan Foreigners Get a Japanese Credit Card?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Most major credit cards in Japan accept foreign residents. What they\u0026rsquo;re looking at:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidence card\u003c/strong\u003e with valid status\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese bank account\u003c/strong\u003e for automatic payments\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStable income\u003c/strong\u003e — employed or self-employed\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome cards want to see 1+ year of residence in Japan\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key word is \u003cem\u003eresidents\u003c/em\u003e. If you\u0026rsquo;re here on a tourist visa, it\u0026rsquo;s not happening. But if you\u0026rsquo;re a proper resident, you\u0026rsquo;ve got options.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Credit Card Guide for Foreigners in Japan (2025)"},{"content":"Save this page right now. Before you actually need it.\nThe Numbers You Need Situation Number Police 110 Fire / Ambulance 119 Coast Guard 118 Medical advice (non-emergency) #7119 (major cities) These are free calls from any phone in Japan.\nCalling 110 (Police) Call 110 for:\nCrime — you\u0026rsquo;re a victim or you\u0026rsquo;ve witnessed one Traffic accidents Someone threatening or suspicious behavior What to say:\n\u0026ldquo;English please. I need police. I am at [your address or landmark].\u0026rdquo;\nMost dispatch operators have some English capability. Speak slowly and clearly.\nOne thing worth knowing: police in Japan are generally very safe to contact. You won\u0026rsquo;t get into trouble just for calling.\nCalling 119 (Ambulance or Fire) Call 119 for:\nMedical emergencies Fire Someone unconscious or seriously injured What to say:\n\u0026ldquo;Ambulance please. I\u0026rsquo;m at [address]. I speak English.\u0026rdquo;\nAmbulances in Japan are free. Don\u0026rsquo;t hesitate because you\u0026rsquo;re worried about the cost. Call.\nEarthquakes — What to Actually Do Japan gets earthquakes. Most are small and you\u0026rsquo;ll barely notice them. Some aren\u0026rsquo;t. Here\u0026rsquo;s what to do:\nWhile it\u0026rsquo;s shaking:\nGet low — under a desk or table if possible Protect your head with a bag, cushion, or your arms Stay away from windows and anything that could fall Don\u0026rsquo;t run outside immediately — falling glass and debris are the danger zone right after shaking starts After it stops:\nCheck yourself and people around you for injuries If you smell gas, open windows and get out immediately — don\u0026rsquo;t use light switches or your phone inside Head to an open outdoor space Listen for emergency broadcasts (NHK World Radio in English) Your phone will alert you. Japan\u0026rsquo;s J-Alert system sends automatic earthquake and tsunami warnings to all phones in the affected area. The sound is loud and unmistakable. Take it seriously and act immediately.\nDownload the Safety Tips App Safety Tips is a free app that sends earthquake, tsunami, and weather alerts in English (and other languages). Download it now, before you need it.\nIt\u0026rsquo;s one of the few things the Japanese government has done specifically to help foreign residents in emergencies. Use it.\nFind Your Evacuation Site Every neighborhood in Japan has a designated evacuation site (避難場所) — usually a park, school, or community center.\nLook for the evacuation symbol signs near your home Check your local city hall website for the nearest site to your address Do this before anything happens, not during English Emergency Resources Resource Details NHK World (nhk.or.jp/nhkworld) English emergency news and alerts 24/7 Safety Tips app Free, earthquake and tsunami alerts in English JNTO Visitor Hotline 050-3816-2787 — 24 hours, English available AMDA Medical Info 03-5285-8088 — English medical guidance If You\u0026rsquo;re a Crime Victim Call 110 or walk into the nearest police box (交番) You can file a report in English — bring Google Translate if needed Contact your country\u0026rsquo;s embassy — they exist specifically to help citizens in situations like this Embassy numbers in Tokyo:\nCountry Number Philippines 03-5562-1600 Vietnam 03-3466-3313 Indonesia 03-3441-4201 Lost Your Residence Card or Passport? Lost residence card: Report to immigration within 14 days. Bring your passport and a photo to the nearest immigration office to apply for a replacement. Don\u0026rsquo;t wait on this — being without a residence card for too long creates problems.\nLost passport: Contact your embassy immediately. They can issue emergency travel documents. This is exactly what embassies are for.\nSave These Right Now Police: 110 Ambulance/Fire: 119 Medical advice: #7119 JNTO Hotline: 050-3816-2787 And download Safety Tips from the App Store or Google Play.\nHopefully you never need any of this. But knowing it beforehand makes a real difference when something actually happens.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/culture/emergency-guide-foreigners-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eSave this page right now. Before you actually need it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"the-numbers-you-need\"\u003eThe Numbers You Need\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eSituation\u003c/th\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eNumber\u003c/th\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003ePolice\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e110\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eFire / Ambulance\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e119\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eCoast Guard\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e118\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eMedical advice (non-emergency)\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#7119\u003c/strong\u003e (major cities)\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are free calls from any phone in Japan.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"calling-110-police\"\u003eCalling 110 (Police)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCall 110 for:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrime — you\u0026rsquo;re a victim or you\u0026rsquo;ve witnessed one\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraffic accidents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSomeone threatening or suspicious behavior\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to say:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;English please. I need police. I am at [your address or landmark].\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Emergency Guide for Foreigners in Japan (Police, Fire, Hospital)"},{"content":"So your situation in Japan has changed. New job type, got married, starting a business — whatever it is, your current visa might not cover it anymore. Here\u0026rsquo;s what you actually need to do.\nDo You Even Need to Change? You need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請) when your life situation shifts in a way your current visa doesn\u0026rsquo;t cover:\nSituation Change needed New job is a different category from your current visa e.g., Factory → Office work Getting married to a Japanese national To spouse visa Starting your own company To business manager visa Graduating and starting work From student visa to work visa Switching from technical intern to Tokutei Gino Visa category change If you\u0026rsquo;re not sure whether your situation requires a change, the safest move is to ask an immigration lawyer. Better to ask now than figure it out after you\u0026rsquo;ve already started the wrong job.\nReal Talk: Don\u0026rsquo;t Work Without the Right Visa Seriously. Working in a job category that doesn\u0026rsquo;t match your current visa is illegal — even while your application is being processed.\nApply before you start the new job if there\u0026rsquo;s a mismatch. No exceptions.\nCommon Visa Status Changes Student to Work Visa (Gijinkoku) This is the most common change for people finishing university here. You\u0026rsquo;ll need a job offer letter from a Japanese company, your diploma, and your transcript.\nApply about 3 months before graduation. Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks — don\u0026rsquo;t wait until the week before you start.\nGijinkoku to Spouse of Japanese National If you marry a Japanese citizen, you\u0026rsquo;ll need to switch. Required documents: marriage certificate, your spouse\u0026rsquo;s family register (戸籍謄本), and photos showing your life together.\nApply after you\u0026rsquo;ve registered the marriage. Processing: 2–4 weeks.\nTechnical Intern to Tokutei Gino Japan created a direct pathway for this one. You\u0026rsquo;ll need to pass the relevant Tokutei Gino skills test (or qualify for an exemption based on your training category), plus JLPT N4 or the Japanese skills test.\nDocuments You\u0026rsquo;ll Need Document Notes Application form (在留資格変更許可申請書) Available at immigration or online Passport Original Current residence card Original Photo (4cm × 3cm) Recent, plain background Documents proving your new status Depends on visa type (see below) Application fee: ¥4,000 Revenue stamps, paid when you collect Additional documents by visa type:\nNew Visa Extra Documents Needed Work (Gijinkoku) Job offer letter, company registration, diploma Spouse of Japanese Marriage certificate, spouse\u0026rsquo;s family register Business Manager Business plan, office lease, financial records Tokutei Gino Skills test result, Japanese test result How the Process Actually Works Prepare Your Documents Gather everything on the list above. Realistically this takes 1–2 weeks — especially if you\u0026rsquo;re chasing down documents from your company\u0026rsquo;s HR department.\nSubmit at Immigration Go to your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau. Bring originals AND photocopies of everything — they\u0026rsquo;ll keep the copies.\nTake a number and wait. Budget 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day.\nYou\u0026rsquo;ll Get a Stamp on Your Card Immigration will stamp your current residence card with a note letting you stay in Japan while your application is being processed. Don\u0026rsquo;t lose that card.\nWait for the Decision Processing time is 2 weeks to 3 months — most straightforward cases land on the shorter end. You\u0026rsquo;ll get a postcard in the mail when it\u0026rsquo;s ready.\nPick Up Your New Residence Card Go back to immigration with your passport, current residence card, receipt slip, and ¥4,000 in revenue stamps. Your new card is issued on the spot.\nCan You Work While You\u0026rsquo;re Waiting? It depends on what you\u0026rsquo;re switching from.\nIf you already have work permission on your current visa: yes, keep working as normal. If you\u0026rsquo;re switching from student to work visa: you have to wait for approval before you start. When in doubt, talk to an immigration lawyer (行政書士). That\u0026rsquo;s what they\u0026rsquo;re there for.\nWhat If Your Application Gets Rejected? It happens, but it\u0026rsquo;s not common if your paperwork is in order. If you do get rejected, you\u0026rsquo;ll have a limited time to either leave Japan or appeal. Don\u0026rsquo;t sit on this — contact an immigration lawyer (行政書士) immediately.\nQuick Summary 1. Confirm you need a status change 2. Gather documents (1–2 weeks) 3. Submit at immigration 4. Wait 2–4 weeks 5. Collect new residence card Change your visa before your current one causes a mismatch. Don\u0026rsquo;t wait until the last minute — you can\u0026rsquo;t work in the gap.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/visa/how-to-change-visa-status-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eSo your situation in Japan has changed. New job type, got married, starting a business — whatever it is, your current visa might not cover it anymore. Here\u0026rsquo;s what you actually need to do.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"do-you-even-need-to-change\"\u003eDo You Even Need to Change?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou need to apply for a \u003cstrong\u003eChange of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可申請)\u003c/strong\u003e when your life situation shifts in a way your current visa doesn\u0026rsquo;t cover:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eSituation\u003c/th\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eChange needed\u003c/th\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eNew job is a different category from your current visa\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003ee.g., Factory → Office work\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eGetting married to a Japanese national\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eTo spouse visa\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eStarting your own company\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eTo business manager visa\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eGraduating and starting work\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eFrom student visa to work visa\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eSwitching from technical intern to Tokutei Gino\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eVisa category change\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re not sure whether your situation requires a change, the safest move is to ask an immigration lawyer. Better to ask now than figure it out after you\u0026rsquo;ve already started the wrong job.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Change Your Visa Status in Japan (Step-by-Step)"},{"content":"Nobody loves dealing with taxes. But in Japan, the process is actually pretty painless for most people — especially if you work at a regular company. Here\u0026rsquo;s everything you need to know.\nDo Foreigners Have to Pay Tax in Japan? Yes. If you live in Japan and earn money here, you pay Japanese income tax. This applies to everyone regardless of nationality. There\u0026rsquo;s no getting around it, and you wouldn\u0026rsquo;t want to — unpaid taxes can wreck a visa renewal or permanent residency application down the line.\nTwo Types of Tax Residents Japan separates taxpayers into two buckets:\nType Who What\u0026rsquo;s taxed Resident Lived in Japan 1+ year All worldwide income Non-resident Less than 1 year Japan-source income only If you\u0026rsquo;ve been here over a year, you\u0026rsquo;re a resident for tax purposes. Most working foreigners fall into this category.\nDo You Actually Need to File a Tax Return? Here\u0026rsquo;s the thing most people don\u0026rsquo;t realize: if you work full-time at a Japanese company, your employer handles everything for you.\nYour company deducts income tax from your monthly paycheck, then does a year-end tax adjustment (年末調整) in December. You get a tax withholding slip (源泉徴収票) in January confirming everything\u0026rsquo;s been handled. Done.\nWho DOES Need to File You need to file a 確定申告 (Kakutei Shinkoku) yourself if:\nYou have two or more jobs You\u0026rsquo;re self-employed or freelance Your annual income exceeds ¥20 million You changed jobs mid-year and have income from multiple companies You have income from overseas You want to claim deductions (big medical bills, donations, home loan) Filing Period February 16 – March 15 each year.\nFor the 2024 tax year → file between February 16 – March 15, 2025. Miss this window and you\u0026rsquo;ll need to file late, which can cause headaches.\nHow to File Method 1 — e-Tax Online (Recommended) Get a My Number Card with the IC chip activated Go to e-tax.nta.go.jp Log in with your My Number Card Enter your income and deductions Submit — takes about 30 minutes once you know what you\u0026rsquo;re doing This is by far the easiest way. No lines, no waiting.\nMethod 2 — In Person at the Tax Office Go to your nearest Tax Office (税務署) Bring: My Number Card or notification, all income documents, bank account details Staff will walk you through the form Fair warning: tax offices are packed in February and March. Go early in the morning or go in January when it\u0026rsquo;s quieter.\nJapan\u0026rsquo;s Income Tax Rates Annual Income Tax Rate Up to ¥1,950,000 5% ¥1,950,001 – ¥3,300,000 10% ¥3,300,001 – ¥6,950,000 20% ¥6,950,001 – ¥9,000,000 23% ¥9,000,001 – ¥18,000,000 33% Over ¥18,000,000 40–45% On top of this, add roughly 10% for resident tax (住民税) — billed separately starting in June each year.\nResident Tax — The One That Surprises People Resident tax is a separate bill that shows up in June. It\u0026rsquo;s based on your previous year\u0026rsquo;s income, not your current income.\nRate: approximately 10% of last year\u0026rsquo;s income Paid in 4 installments, or deducted monthly from your salary New arrivals: You pay nothing in your first year in Japan, since you had no income here the year before. Enjoy it while it lasts. Why This Matters for Your Visa Immigration checks your tax payment history when you apply for visa renewal or permanent residency. Missing taxes — or having unpaid resident tax bills — can seriously hurt your application. Pay on time, keep your documents, and you\u0026rsquo;ll be fine.\nBottom Line Working full-time at a Japanese company → your employer handles it, no action needed Self-employed or multiple income sources → file Kakutei Shinkoku by March 15 Hold on to your withholding slip every January Pay those resident tax bills when they show up in June ","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/money/how-to-file-taxes-japan-foreigner/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eNobody loves dealing with taxes. But in Japan, the process is actually pretty painless for most people — especially if you work at a regular company. Here\u0026rsquo;s everything you need to know.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"do-foreigners-have-to-pay-tax-in-japan\"\u003eDo Foreigners Have to Pay Tax in Japan?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. If you live in Japan and earn money here, you pay Japanese income tax. This applies to everyone regardless of nationality. There\u0026rsquo;s no getting around it, and you wouldn\u0026rsquo;t want to — unpaid taxes can wreck a visa renewal or permanent residency application down the line.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to File Taxes in Japan as a Foreigner (2025 Guide)"},{"content":"Permanent residency (永住者) is the holy grail for long-term residents here. No more renewals, no job restrictions, no depending on your employer to keep you in the country. Once you have it, you have it.\nHere\u0026rsquo;s how to get there.\nWhat PR Actually Gets You Permanent residency means you can:\nLive in Japan indefinitely without renewing your visa Work in any job without restriction Start your own business freely Stay in Japan even if you lose your job You still need to renew your residence card every 7 years — that part doesn\u0026rsquo;t go away. But your status itself is permanent.\nWhat You Actually Need to Qualify Length of Stay Standard requirement: 10 years continuous residence in Japan, including at least 5 years on a work or residence visa.\nYeah, 10 years is a long time. But there are faster paths:\nSituation Required years Married to Japanese national 1 year in Japan (3 years married) Highly Skilled Professional visa 1–3 years Tokutei Gino 2 Eligible to apply Special permanent resident Separate category Good Behavior No criminal record in Japan, no immigration violations, no history of overstaying. A clean record matters a lot here.\nFinancial Stability You need to show you can support yourself. No history of public welfare assistance, and a stable income. More on the salary numbers below.\nTaxes and Pension — This Is Where Applications Die Honestly, this is the thing that catches people off guard. Immigration checks everything.\nAll income taxes must be paid — for every single year you\u0026rsquo;ve been in Japan National pension (国民年金) must be paid — no missing payments Even one missed pension payment can get you rejected. If you\u0026rsquo;ve got gaps, go pay them before you apply. I\u0026rsquo;m serious.\nDocuments You\u0026rsquo;ll Need Document Where to get it Application form Immigration website Reason for application letter Write yourself (Japanese preferred) Passport (all pages) You have this Residence card You have this Certificate of residence (住民票) City Hall Tax payment certificate (納税証明書) Tax office Pension payment records (年金記録) Nenkin.go.jp or pension office Employment certificate HR department 3 years of tax withholding slips HR or accounting Bank statements (3–6 months) Your bank Photo 4cm × 3cm Photo booth The Application Process Check Your Eligibility First Before you do anything else, confirm you meet the years of residence requirement and that your taxes and pension are fully paid up. Don\u0026rsquo;t skip this step.\nGather Your Documents — Give Yourself Time This is the most time-consuming part. Budget 1–2 months to collect everything, especially if you need to track down old tax documents or pension records.\nWrite Your Reason Letter You need to write a letter explaining why you want permanent residency. Include:\nHow long you\u0026rsquo;ve lived in Japan Your job and how you contribute to Japan Your future plans in Japan Family ties in Japan (if any) Japanese is preferred, but a well-written English letter with translation can work. This letter matters — write it carefully.\nSubmit at Immigration Go to your nearest Regional Immigration Bureau with all your documents. The fee (¥8,000 in revenue stamps) is only paid when you collect your card if approved — not at submission.\nWait And wait. And wait some more.\nProcessing time is 4 months to 1 year. The average lands around 6–8 months. Plan accordingly.\nGet Your Result You\u0026rsquo;ll receive a postcard. If approved, head to immigration with your passport and residence card to pick up your new PR residence card.\nThings That Actually Improve Your Chances Pay all taxes and pension on time — without exception. Immigration checks this carefully. There\u0026rsquo;s no wiggle room.\nHave a stable, well-paying job. No official minimum salary is stated, but being above ¥3 million/year helps significantly. The more stable and senior your position, the better.\nWork with an immigration lawyer (行政書士). The PR application is genuinely complex. An immigration lawyer (gyosei shoshi) can review your documents and flag problems before you submit. Fees run ¥50,000–¥150,000, and it\u0026rsquo;s often worth it for the peace of mind alone.\nDon\u0026rsquo;t leave Japan for long stretches. Extended absences — especially anything over 3 months at a time — can mess with your continuous residence record. Keep your trips short during the lead-up to your application.\nSummary Requirement Detail Years in Japan 10 years (standard), 1–3 years (fast track) Taxes All years must be paid Pension No missing payments Behavior Clean record Processing time 6–12 months PR is absolutely worth pursuing if you\u0026rsquo;re planning to stay in Japan long-term. Start getting your tax and pension records in order 1–2 years before you plan to apply — don\u0026rsquo;t wait until the last minute.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/visa/how-to-get-permanent-residency-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003ePermanent residency (永住者) is the holy grail for long-term residents here. No more renewals, no job restrictions, no depending on your employer to keep you in the country. Once you have it, you have it.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s how to get there.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-pr-actually-gets-you\"\u003eWhat PR Actually Gets You\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePermanent residency means you can:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive in Japan \u003cstrong\u003eindefinitely\u003c/strong\u003e without renewing your visa\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWork in any job\u003c/strong\u003e without restriction\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStart your own business\u003c/strong\u003e freely\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStay in Japan even if you lose your job\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou still need to renew your \u003cstrong\u003eresidence card\u003c/strong\u003e every 7 years — that part doesn\u0026rsquo;t go away. But your status itself is permanent.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Get Permanent Residency in Japan (Foreigner's Guide 2025)"},{"content":"Japan has a reputation for being expensive. And yeah, Tokyo rent isn\u0026rsquo;t cheap. But a lot of day-to-day living here is actually very affordable if you know where to look. Here\u0026rsquo;s how to keep more money in your pocket.\n1. Cut Your Phone Bill First This is the single biggest win for most foreigners. A lot of people arrive in Japan and end up on a big carrier plan out of convenience — and pay for it.\nWhat you might be paying: ¥5,000–¥8,000/month with Docomo, au, or Softbank\nWhat you should be paying: ¥900–¥2,000/month with IIJmio, Mineo, or LINEMO\nSame coverage. Much lower price. Switching takes about 30 minutes online.\nAnnual saving: ¥36,000–¥72,000. That\u0026rsquo;s real money.\n2. Shop at 100-Yen Stores Seriously Daiso, Seria, Can Do — these places sell genuinely good stuff for ¥110. Before you buy anything household-related, check a 100-yen store first.\nKitchen tools, storage containers, cleaning supplies, stationery, cosmetics, seasonal items — you\u0026rsquo;d be surprised what they carry. In Japan, 100-yen stores aren\u0026rsquo;t just for random junk. A lot of locals do serious shopping there.\n3. Hit the Supermarket Late This is one of the best-kept secrets of daily life in Japan. Supermarkets discount prepared food heavily in the evenings:\nAfter 7pm: 20–30% off discount stickers appear on bentos, sushi, prepared dishes After 8–9pm: 30–50% off (look for the orange stickers) High-quality sushi and bento boxes at half price. It\u0026rsquo;s completely normal to shop this way — locals do it all the time.\n4. Cook More Than You Think You Need To Eating out in Japan is cheap compared to the US or Europe. But cooking at home is still significantly cheaper:\nCost per meal Restaurant lunch ¥800–¥1,500 Convenience store meal ¥500–¥800 Cooked at home ¥200–¥400 If you\u0026rsquo;re eating out for every meal, that adds up to ¥60,000–¥130,000 a month just on food. Cook a few times a week and you\u0026rsquo;ll notice the difference.\n5. Stack Your Point Apps Japan has an obsessive point culture, and you should take full advantage of it.\nPayPay — cashback deals at tons of restaurants and stores Rakuten Point — earn at McDonald\u0026rsquo;s, FamilyMart, online shopping T-Point / V-Point — FamilyMart, Doutour, GEO Nanaco — 7-Eleven Link your IC card (Suica/ICOCA) to a credit card that earns points. You\u0026rsquo;ll accumulate points without thinking about it, and they add up over time.\n6. Use the Library Japan\u0026rsquo;s public libraries are excellent and completely free. You can borrow:\nBooks in Japanese and other languages Magazines DVDs and CDs (free at many libraries) Use the space as a quiet workspace Get a library card at your local branch — just show your residence card. It takes five minutes.\n7. Check If You Qualify for a Health Insurance Discount If your income was low last year (under ¥1 million), you may qualify for a reduced National Health Insurance premium. Go to City Hall, bring your tax records, and ask about it.\nPotential saving: ¥50,000–¥100,000/year. Worth checking.\n8. Use Public Sports Facilities Private gyms in Japan can run ¥7,000–¥10,000/month. Municipal sports centers (スポーツセンター) offer the same equipment for ¥200–¥600 per visit — and they\u0026rsquo;re usually well-maintained.\nSame deal with public baths (銭湯): ¥400–¥600 for a soak that beats most home setups.\n9. Send Money Home More Efficiently If you send money to your home country regularly, the method matters a lot.\nUsing a Japanese bank transfer: ¥2,500–¥5,000 in fees plus a bad exchange rate Using Wise or SBI Remit: fraction of the cost If you\u0026rsquo;re sending ¥50,000/month, switching from bank transfers to Wise can save you ¥3,000–¥6,000 per transfer. Over a year, that\u0026rsquo;s significant.\nMonthly Budget Reality Check Here\u0026rsquo;s what living in Tokyo actually costs, budget vs. average:\nExpense Budget-Friendly Average Rent (share house) ¥50,000 ¥80,000 Food ¥25,000 ¥40,000 Phone ¥1,500 ¥6,000 Transport ¥8,000 ¥12,000 Utilities ¥8,000 ¥12,000 Entertainment ¥10,000 ¥20,000 Total ¥102,500 ¥170,000 The gap between budget and average is almost ¥70,000 a month — and most of it comes from small choices repeated daily.\nBottom Line Japan actually rewards careful spending. The infrastructure is there — cheap SIMs, discount stores, point systems, public facilities. You just have to use them. Start with the phone plan, then work down the list.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/money/saving-money-in-japan-tips/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eJapan has a reputation for being expensive. And yeah, Tokyo rent isn\u0026rsquo;t cheap. But a lot of day-to-day living here is actually very affordable if you know where to look. Here\u0026rsquo;s how to keep more money in your pocket.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"1-cut-your-phone-bill-first\"\u003e1. Cut Your Phone Bill First\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the single biggest win for most foreigners. A lot of people arrive in Japan and end up on a big carrier plan out of convenience — and pay for it.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Save Money Living in Japan: Tips for Foreigners"},{"content":"Going to the doctor in Japan for the first time can feel a little overwhelming — but it\u0026rsquo;s actually pretty painless once you know what to expect. Here\u0026rsquo;s exactly what to do.\nWhat to Bring Every Time Always bring:\nHealth insurance card (保険証) — reduces your cost to 30% My Number Card — now accepted at most hospitals instead of the insurance card Residence card — for ID if asked Cash — many small clinics don\u0026rsquo;t accept cards List of any medications you take (in Japanese if possible) That first item is the important one. Without your insurance card, you\u0026rsquo;re paying 100% upfront. Don\u0026rsquo;t leave home without it.\nFind a Clinic or Hospital For minor issues — cold, fever, stomach pain: Go to a local clinic (クリニック or 診療所). These are small, fast, and cheap. You\u0026rsquo;re in and out within an hour most of the time.\nFor serious issues: Go to a hospital (病院). Larger hospitals have specialist departments for specific conditions.\nFinding an English-speaking doctor:\nAMDA International Medical Information Center: 03-5285-8088 himawari.metro.tokyo.lg.jp — Tokyo medical institution search (English) Google Maps: search \u0026ldquo;English doctor near me Japan\u0026rdquo; Honestly, Google Maps has gotten pretty good at surfacing English-friendly clinics in major cities.\nRegister at Reception When you arrive, go to the reception desk (受付).\nSay:\n\u0026ldquo;初めてです。保険証を持っています。\u0026rdquo; Hajimete desu. Hokensho wo motte imasu. \u0026ldquo;This is my first visit. I have my insurance card.\u0026rdquo;\nHand over your insurance card. You\u0026rsquo;ll fill in a short form about your symptoms. Staff are used to helping foreigners with this.\nUseful words to know:\nEnglish Japanese Fever 熱 (Netsu) Headache 頭痛 (Zutsuu) Stomachache 腹痛 (Fukutsuu) Cold / flu 風邪 (Kaze) Cough 咳 (Seki) Sore throat 喉の痛み (Nodo no itami) Allergy アレルギー (Arerugi) See the Doctor The doctor will ask about your symptoms. Use Google Translate on your phone if you need to — most doctors here are patient with this. Point at your phone, point at yourself, they\u0026rsquo;ve seen it before.\nGoogle Translate and DeepL both work well in real time. Download them before you go, not in the waiting room.\nGet Your Prescription If the doctor prescribes medicine, you\u0026rsquo;ll get a prescription slip (処方箋).\nTake it to any pharmacy (薬局) nearby — there\u0026rsquo;s usually one right next to the clinic.\nSay at the pharmacy:\n\u0026ldquo;処方箋をお願いします。\u0026rdquo; Shohousen wo onegaishimasu. \u0026ldquo;I have a prescription.\u0026rdquo;\nHand over the slip and they\u0026rsquo;ll handle the rest.\nPay the Bill After seeing the doctor, pay at reception. With your insurance card, you pay 30% of the total cost.\nTypical costs with insurance:\nBasic clinic visit: ¥500–¥1,500 With blood test: ¥2,000–¥4,000 Prescription medicine: ¥200–¥2,000 So yeah — a sick day doctor visit in Japan is often cheaper than a co-pay in the US. The system works.\nEmergency: Call 119 Japan\u0026rsquo;s emergency number: 119 (both fire and ambulance)\nAmbulances in Japan are free. Don\u0026rsquo;t hesitate to call if it\u0026rsquo;s a real emergency.\nIf you need to explain in English: say \u0026ldquo;ambulance please\u0026rdquo; and your address. Most dispatch operators have some English capability.\nAfter-Hours Medical Care If you get sick outside of clinic hours:\n#7119 — Medical consultation hotline (available in some cities, limited English) Search for 夜間救急 (nighttime emergency) near you on Google Maps Large hospitals have 24-hour emergency departments (救急) Mental Health Resources in English Finding English-language mental health support in Japan is harder but not impossible:\nTELL Japan (telljp.com) — English counseling and support line: 03-5774-0992 AMDA — Can refer you to English-speaking psychiatrists JACS (Japan Association of Collegiate Schools) — Counseling for English speakers If you\u0026rsquo;re struggling, these people exist specifically to help. Use them.\nSummary Bring your insurance card every time Go to a local clinic for minor issues Use Google Translate to communicate Pay 30% of the cost with insurance In emergencies call 119 ","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/health/how-to-see-a-doctor-japan-foreigner/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eGoing to the doctor in Japan for the first time can feel a little overwhelming — but it\u0026rsquo;s actually pretty painless once you know what to expect. Here\u0026rsquo;s exactly what to do.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-to-bring-every-time\"\u003eWhat to Bring Every Time\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways bring:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHealth insurance card (保険証)\u003c/strong\u003e — reduces your cost to 30%\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Number Card\u003c/strong\u003e — now accepted at most hospitals instead of the insurance card\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidence card\u003c/strong\u003e — for ID if asked\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCash\u003c/strong\u003e — many small clinics don\u0026rsquo;t accept cards\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eList of any medications you take\u003c/strong\u003e (in Japanese if possible)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat first item is the important one. Without your insurance card, you\u0026rsquo;re paying 100% upfront. Don\u0026rsquo;t leave home without it.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to See a Doctor in Japan as a Foreigner (Complete Guide)"},{"content":"Japan\u0026rsquo;s train system is genuinely one of the best in the world. Punctual, clean, comprehensive — once you understand how it works, you\u0026rsquo;ll wonder how you ever got around without it. Here\u0026rsquo;s everything you need to know to get started.\nFirst Thing: Get an IC Card Before you do anything else, get an IC card. This is the rechargeable card you tap on the gates to pay for trains automatically. You don\u0026rsquo;t need to buy a ticket every single time.\nThe main IC cards:\nCard Region Where to get Suica Tokyo and nationwide JR stations, vending machines ICOCA Osaka/Kansai JR stations in Kansai TOICA Nagoya JR stations in Nagoya Pasmo Tokyo (private lines) Station vending machines If you\u0026rsquo;re in Tokyo, get Suica. It works on almost every train and subway nationwide, and you can also use it at convenience stores and vending machines.\nHow to Get a Suica Card The easiest way — add it to your phone: Suica works with Apple Wallet (iPhone) and Google Pay (Android). Add it directly from your phone and charge it with your credit card. You never need a physical card.\nThe physical card option:\nFind a green JR vending machine at any JR station Select \u0026ldquo;New Suica\u0026rdquo; Pay ¥500 deposit + balance (put in at least ¥1,000 to start) You\u0026rsquo;re done Using Your IC Card It\u0026rsquo;s simple:\nHold your card or phone up to the round sensor at the gate Gate opens, green light When you exit, tap again — the fare is automatically calculated and deducted If your balance is too low, the gate beeps and won\u0026rsquo;t open Recharge: At any station vending machine or convenience store (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart).\nHow to Navigate — Use Google Maps Don\u0026rsquo;t try to read train maps from scratch. Just use Google Maps.\nType your destination Tap the transit icon (the train symbol) Google will tell you exactly which line to take, where to transfer, which exit to use, and how long it takes It even tells you the train car number that puts you closest to the exit at your destination. It\u0026rsquo;s that good.\nNavitime is another popular option if you want something more Japan-specific, but Google Maps covers 95% of situations perfectly.\nReading Train Maps (The Basic Logic) Train maps look overwhelming until you realize they follow a simple system:\nEach line has a color and a letter code (e.g., Yamanote Line = green, marked \u0026ldquo;JY\u0026rdquo;) Each station has a number (e.g., Shibuya = JY20, JC01, DT01 depending on the line) To go somewhere, find the letter and number — you don\u0026rsquo;t need to read kanji The station code system was designed specifically so foreigners can navigate without Japanese. Use it.\nTypes of Trains on the Same Line On many lines in Japan, multiple train types run on the same tracks at different speeds:\nType Japanese What it means Local 各駅停車 Stops at every station Rapid 快速 Skips minor stations Express 急行 Stops at even fewer stations Limited Express 特急 Requires a separate ticket Google Maps accounts for all of this automatically. But it\u0026rsquo;s useful to know why some trains are faster than others.\nNote on Limited Express trains: These require a special ticket (特急券) on top of your IC card. Google Maps will flag this when it applies.\nRush Hour Is Real Tokyo rush hour: 7:30–9:30am and 5:30–8:00pm\nThese trains are packed to a degree that\u0026rsquo;s hard to describe if you haven\u0026rsquo;t experienced it. Station staff literally push people into cars at the busiest stops.\nTips for surviving it:\nLet people off the train before you get on Keep your bag in front of you or on the overhead rack Don\u0026rsquo;t talk on the phone Don\u0026rsquo;t eat If you can shift your commute by even 30 minutes, it makes a big difference Train Etiquette The unwritten rules that everyone follows:\nDo Don\u0026rsquo;t Give up priority seats (優先席) Talk on the phone Stay quiet Play audio without headphones Wait in line on the platform Push to get on before others get off Keep your bag out of the aisle Eat on regular trains Nobody will say anything if you get it wrong, but people will notice.\nTaking the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) The Shinkansen is a whole different experience — it\u0026rsquo;s fast, comfortable, and runs on time to the minute.\nFor long trips (Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Hiroshima, etc.), the JR Pass gives unlimited Shinkansen travel for a fixed price. It must be purchased outside Japan or at select airports and stations. Worth it if you\u0026rsquo;re doing a lot of travel.\nFor a single Tokyo–Osaka round trip, compare the JR Pass price to buying individual tickets before deciding.\nBottom Line Get Suica immediately — on your phone if you can Use Google Maps for navigation, always Tap in, tap out at every gate Avoid rush hour when you have a choice Stay quiet, give up priority seats, and you\u0026rsquo;ll be fine ","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/culture/how-to-use-trains-japan-foreigner/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eJapan\u0026rsquo;s train system is genuinely one of the best in the world. Punctual, clean, comprehensive — once you understand how it works, you\u0026rsquo;ll wonder how you ever got around without it. Here\u0026rsquo;s everything you need to know to get started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"first-thing-get-an-ic-card\"\u003eFirst Thing: Get an IC Card\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you do anything else, get an IC card. This is the rechargeable card you tap on the gates to pay for trains automatically. You don\u0026rsquo;t need to buy a ticket every single time.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Use Trains in Japan: A Foreigner's Guide"},{"content":"Japanese work culture is genuinely different from what most foreigners are used to. Some of it will make sense pretty quickly. Some of it will take longer. But understanding the basics upfront will save you from a lot of awkward moments and misread situations.\nPunctuality Means Something Different Here In most countries, showing up on time is fine. In Japan, showing up on time means you\u0026rsquo;re almost late.\nThe unwritten rule: arrive 5–10 minutes early. Exactly on time feels slightly disrespectful to many Japanese colleagues. Late without notice is a serious problem.\nIf you know you\u0026rsquo;re going to be late — traffic, train delays, whatever — call or message ahead of time. Every time.\nBusiness Cards (名刺, Meishi) If your company gives you business cards, the way you handle them matters.\nGiving a card:\nHold it with both hands Present it with the text facing toward the other person Bow slightly as you hand it over Receiving a card:\nAccept with both hands Actually read it for a moment — don\u0026rsquo;t just pocket it immediately During a meeting, place it on the table in front of you Never write on it, fold it, or shove it in your back pocket It sounds ceremonial because it is. People notice when you do it right, and they notice when you don\u0026rsquo;t.\nHierarchy Is Real Japanese workplaces have clear hierarchies, and they\u0026rsquo;re taken seriously.\nUse [name]-san or their title when addressing senior colleagues In meetings, let seniors speak first Don\u0026rsquo;t directly contradict your manager in front of others — if you disagree, find a way to raise it privately later Listen without interrupting, even if you\u0026rsquo;re used to more back-and-forth conversation styles This doesn\u0026rsquo;t mean you can\u0026rsquo;t have opinions. It means there\u0026rsquo;s a right way and a wrong way to express them.\nCommunication Is Often Indirect This is the thing that trips up a lot of Westerners. In Japan, people rarely say \u0026ldquo;no\u0026rdquo; directly.\n\u0026ldquo;That might be difficult\u0026rdquo; often means no Silence doesn\u0026rsquo;t mean agreement — it might mean they\u0026rsquo;re processing, or politely disagreeing Criticism tends to come wrapped in politeness When your manager says something is \u0026ldquo;a bit difficult (少し難しい),\u0026rdquo; don\u0026rsquo;t assume it\u0026rsquo;ll work out. Ask clarifying questions. What specifically is the concern? Is there a version of this that would work?\nGetting comfortable with indirect communication takes time, but it gets easier.\nAfter-Work Drinks (飲み会, Nomikai) Getting invited to a nomikai is part of working in Japan, especially in more traditional companies.\nA few things to know:\nShowing up — at least sometimes — is generally seen as a team-player move, especially when you\u0026rsquo;re new You don\u0026rsquo;t have to drink alcohol. Ordering soft drinks is increasingly accepted. Nobody\u0026rsquo;s going to force you. Nomikai is actually where a lot of informal conversations happen. People are more relaxed, more direct. It\u0026rsquo;s genuinely useful. Karaoke after drinks is common. Go at least once. Overtime Japan has a culture of staying late. It\u0026rsquo;s changing — new laws cap overtime at 45 hours/month — but it varies a lot by company.\nAt traditional companies, leaving before your manager can feel uncomfortable. At tech startups and international companies, this is much less of a thing.\nThe honest advice: watch what your team does in the first few weeks and calibrate from there. Don\u0026rsquo;t assume the rules are the same as back home, and don\u0026rsquo;t assume they\u0026rsquo;re more extreme than they are.\nDress Code Most Japanese offices lean formal or business casual:\nMen: suit or dress shirt with slacks Women: blouse with skirt or trousers Skip the heavy perfume or cologne Tattoos: keep them covered in most professional settings Tech startups and creative companies are often much more casual. Follow your team\u0026rsquo;s lead.\nWork Phrases Worth Knowing Japanese Meaning When to use お疲れ様です \u0026ldquo;Good work\u0026rdquo; / \u0026ldquo;Thanks for your effort\u0026rdquo; Greeting colleagues, leaving for the day よろしくお願いします \u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;m counting on you\u0026rdquo; / \u0026ldquo;Please and thank you\u0026rdquo; Starting projects, asking for help すみません \u0026ldquo;Excuse me\u0026rdquo; / \u0026ldquo;I\u0026rsquo;m sorry\u0026rdquo; Interrupting, minor mistakes ご確認をお願いします \u0026ldquo;Please review this\u0026rdquo; Sending work for feedback You\u0026rsquo;ll hear おつかれさまです constantly. Learn it, use it. It\u0026rsquo;s basically the Japanese version of \u0026ldquo;have a good one.\u0026rdquo;\nBottom Line Japanese workplace culture isn\u0026rsquo;t better or worse than what you\u0026rsquo;re used to — it\u0026rsquo;s just different. The key things: be punctual, show respect to hierarchy, communicate indirectly when giving negative feedback, and show up to at least a few nomikai. Get those right and you\u0026rsquo;ll fit in faster than you\u0026rsquo;d expect.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/culture/workplace-culture-japan-foreigners/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eJapanese work culture is genuinely different from what most foreigners are used to. Some of it will make sense pretty quickly. Some of it will take longer. But understanding the basics upfront will save you from a lot of awkward moments and misread situations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"punctuality-means-something-different-here\"\u003ePunctuality Means Something Different Here\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn most countries, showing up on time is fine. In Japan, showing up on time means you\u0026rsquo;re almost late.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unwritten rule: \u003cstrong\u003earrive 5–10 minutes early.\u003c/strong\u003e Exactly on time feels slightly disrespectful to many Japanese colleagues. Late without notice is a serious problem.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Japanese Workplace Culture: What Foreigners Need to Know"},{"content":"Japan has a lot of different work visa categories. Each one covers a specific type of work — and working outside your visa\u0026rsquo;s scope is a serious problem, so it\u0026rsquo;s worth understanding exactly which one you\u0026rsquo;re on and what it covers.\nHere\u0026rsquo;s a plain-English breakdown of every major type.\nThe Most Common Work Visas 1. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務) Commonly called: \u0026ldquo;Gijinkoku\u0026rdquo; (技人国)\nThis is the visa most foreigners working office jobs in Japan are on. If you\u0026rsquo;re in tech, business, finance, marketing, or similar fields, this is probably yours.\nWho it\u0026rsquo;s for:\nIT engineers and software developers Accountants, finance professionals Marketing, sales, business roles Translators, interpreters International business staff Requirements:\nUniversity degree (bachelor\u0026rsquo;s or higher) in a related field, OR 10 years of relevant work experience Validity: 1, 3, or 5 years (renewable)\n2. Tokutei Gino — Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能) Japan created this visa in 2019 to address labor shortages in specific industries. It\u0026rsquo;s growing fast.\nTwo levels:\nLevel Industries Japanese Required Tokutei Gino 1 16 industries including food, construction, agriculture JLPT N4 or industry test Tokutei Gino 2 9 industries, bring family Higher skills test Industries include:\nFood and beverage manufacturing Construction Nursing care Agriculture Hotel and hospitality Shipbuilding The big difference between Level 1 and Level 2: with Level 2 you can bring your family to Japan, and you have a clearer path to permanent residency.\n3. Technical Intern Training (技能実習) This visa is officially about learning Japanese work skills to take back to your home country. In practice, it\u0026rsquo;s complicated.\nImportant things to know:\nYou cannot freely change employers This visa has been criticized internationally for worker rights issues Japan is replacing it with a new \u0026ldquo;Ikusei Shurou\u0026rdquo; visa starting in 2027 If you\u0026rsquo;re already on this visa, know your rights. And know that the landscape is changing.\n4. Skilled Labor (技能) For people with specific professional skills that Japan officially recognizes.\nExamples:\nProfessional chefs (especially Chinese, Thai, French cuisine) Glassblowers Jewelers Sports instructors It\u0026rsquo;s a fairly narrow category, but if your craft is on the list, it\u0026rsquo;s a solid option.\n5. Business Manager (経営・管理) For people starting or managing a company in Japan.\nRequirements:\nBusiness office in Japan Capital of at least ¥5 million, OR At least 2 employees Starting a business in Japan is very doable — but the visa requirements mean you can\u0026rsquo;t just freelance informally. You need a real setup.\n6. Highly Skilled Professional (高度専門職) Japan\u0026rsquo;s points-based visa for high-earning, highly educated professionals. If you qualify, the benefits are significant.\nBenefits:\nFaster path to permanent residency (as fast as 1 year) Multiple activities allowed under one visa Family members can work Who qualifies: Score 70+ points based on salary, age, education, research achievements, and Japanese language ability. Use the official points calculator at the METI website to see where you stand.\n7. Designated Activities (特定活動) A flexible category that covers specific situations that don\u0026rsquo;t fit neatly elsewhere:\nJob-hunting visa — for graduates looking for work in Japan (6 months) Working holiday (for nationals of specific countries) Spouse of highly skilled professional Visa Comparison Table Visa Job Change? Family? Path to PR? Gijinkoku Yes (same field) Yes Yes (5 years) Tokutei Gino 1 Yes (same industry) No Via TG2 Tokutei Gino 2 Yes Yes Yes Technical Intern No No No Highly Skilled Yes Yes Fast (1 year) Business Manager Yes Yes Yes Not Sure What Visa You\u0026rsquo;re On? Flip over your residence card — it shows your visa status in Japanese on the back.\nJapanese English 技術・人文知識・国際業務 Engineer / Gijinkoku 特定技能1号 Tokutei Gino 1 特定技能2号 Tokutei Gino 2 技能実習 Technical Intern Training 技能 Skilled Labor 経営・管理 Business Manager 高度専門職 Highly Skilled Professional Bottom Line Most office workers, IT professionals, and business staff are on the Gijinkoku visa. Factory, food, and construction workers are often on Tokutei Gino. Check your residence card, confirm your visa type, and make sure whatever job you\u0026rsquo;re doing actually matches it — that\u0026rsquo;s the thing that matters most.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/visa/types-of-work-visa-japan-explained/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eJapan has a lot of different work visa categories. Each one covers a specific type of work — and working outside your visa\u0026rsquo;s scope is a serious problem, so it\u0026rsquo;s worth understanding exactly which one you\u0026rsquo;re on and what it covers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s a plain-English breakdown of every major type.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"the-most-common-work-visas\"\u003eThe Most Common Work Visas\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"1-engineer--specialist-in-humanities--international-services-技術人文知識国際業務\"\u003e1. Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommonly called: \u0026ldquo;Gijinkoku\u0026rdquo; (技人国)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the visa most foreigners working office jobs in Japan are on. If you\u0026rsquo;re in tech, business, finance, marketing, or similar fields, this is probably yours.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Types of Work Visa in Japan Explained (2025 Complete Guide)"},{"content":"Finding a job in Japan as a foreigner is very doable — but you need to be on the right platforms. Japanese job sites that work great for locals are often useless for foreigners. Here are the ones that actually work.\nBest Job Sites for English-Speaking Foreigners 1. GaijinPot Jobs — Best for English Speakers gaijinpot.com/jobs\nLook, GaijinPot is the starting point for most foreigners job hunting in Japan. It\u0026rsquo;s the largest English-language job board in the country, and a lot of the listings don\u0026rsquo;t require Japanese at all.\nMany jobs that don\u0026rsquo;t require Japanese Strong in: teaching English, IT, hospitality, customer service Free to use Best for: People with low Japanese level looking for English-environment jobs.\n2. Daijob — Best for Bilingual Professionals daijob.com\nOnce you\u0026rsquo;ve got some Japanese ability and want to move up into real corporate roles, Daijob is where it\u0026rsquo;s at. The jobs here are higher quality and the salaries are noticeably better.\nSpecializes in bilingual (Japanese + English) roles High-quality jobs at multinational companies Salary tends to be higher than average English interface available Best for: People with business-level English who want corporate careers.\n3. doda — Best for Mid-Career Professionals doda.jp\ndoda is one of Japan\u0026rsquo;s biggest job boards overall, and they have an English-support service specifically for foreigners. The recruiter support is genuinely useful — don\u0026rsquo;t skip it.\nOne of Japan\u0026rsquo;s largest job boards English-support service for foreigners Many job types: IT, engineering, sales, finance Recruiter support available Best for: People with 3+ years of work experience looking for career advancement.\n4. LinkedIn Japan — Best for Professional Networking linkedin.com\nLinkedIn works the same in Japan as it does everywhere else. And recruiters here definitely use it — especially for tech, finance, and management roles. Build your profile, connect with people, and let the algorithm work for you.\nGood for IT, marketing, finance, management roles Recruiters actively search here Build your profile in English Best for: Mid to senior level professionals, especially in tech and business.\n5. Wantedly — Best for Startup Jobs wantedly.com\nWantedly is popular in Japan\u0026rsquo;s startup scene. It\u0026rsquo;s a bit different from other job boards — companies post based on culture and mission, not just salary. A lot of the companies here are international-friendly.\nCompany culture focused — you apply based on values, not just salary English profiles accepted at many companies Many international-friendly environments Best for: Young professionals interested in startup culture.\n6. Indeed Japan — Best for Volume Search jp.indeed.com\nHonestly, if you want to cast a wide net, Indeed is useful. Filter by \u0026ldquo;英語OK\u0026rdquo; (English OK) or \u0026ldquo;外国人歓迎\u0026rdquo; (foreigners welcome) to cut through the noise.\nAggregates jobs from many sites Huge volume of listings Available in English Best for: Wide search across all industries.\nComparison Table Site Japanese Needed? Best Industry Level GaijinPot No Teaching, IT, hospitality Entry–mid Daijob Bilingual Corporate, finance Mid–senior doda Some All industries Mid–senior LinkedIn No Tech, business Mid–senior Wantedly Some Startups, tech Entry–mid Indeed Some All industries All levels Tips That Actually Help Write your resume in both English and Japanese. Even for English-environment jobs, many companies want a Japanese resume (職務経歴書). It shows effort and it\u0026rsquo;s often required.\nBe upfront about your visa status. State your visa type and expiry date in your application. Companies need to know they can legally hire you — hiding this doesn\u0026rsquo;t help anyone.\nUse multiple sites at the same time. Don\u0026rsquo;t put all your eggs in one basket. Register on 3–4 and apply broadly.\nTalk to a recruiter. Sites like doda and Daijob offer free recruiter support. Use it. They know what companies are actually looking for and they can help you position yourself.\nWhere to Start Start with GaijinPot if you want English-environment jobs with no Japanese required. Move to Daijob or doda when you\u0026rsquo;re ready to go after higher-paying corporate roles. And use LinkedIn to build your professional network while you\u0026rsquo;re at it — it\u0026rsquo;s not just for job searching, it\u0026rsquo;s for being found.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/jobs/best-job-sites-for-foreigners-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eFinding a job in Japan as a foreigner is very doable — but you need to be on the right platforms. Japanese job sites that work great for locals are often useless for foreigners. Here are the ones that actually work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"best-job-sites-for-english-speaking-foreigners\"\u003eBest Job Sites for English-Speaking Foreigners\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"1-gaijinpot-jobs--best-for-english-speakers\"\u003e1. GaijinPot Jobs — Best for English Speakers\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egaijinpot.com/jobs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLook, GaijinPot is the starting point for most foreigners job hunting in Japan. It\u0026rsquo;s the largest English-language job board in the country, and a lot of the listings don\u0026rsquo;t require Japanese at all.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Best Job Sites for Foreigners in Japan (2025)"},{"content":"Sending money home from Japan? You want it to arrive fast, with low fees, and at a decent exchange rate. Whatever you do, don\u0026rsquo;t use your Japanese bank to do it — I\u0026rsquo;ll explain why in a moment.\nHere are the best options in 2025.\nWhat Actually Matters When Choosing a Service Low fees — both fixed fees and percentage fees add up Good exchange rate — some services look cheap on fees but quietly give you a terrible rate Transfer speed — same day vs 2–3 days matters if someone\u0026rsquo;s waiting on the money Supported countries — make sure your home country is covered Best Money Transfer Apps from Japan 1. Wise (formerly TransferWise) — Best Overall Feature Details Fee ~0.5–1.5% of amount Exchange rate Mid-market rate (best available) Speed 1–2 business days Countries Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and 80+ more Wise is the one I recommend to basically everyone. The fees are transparent — you see exactly what you\u0026rsquo;re paying before you confirm. And they use the real mid-market exchange rate, not some marked-up version the banks use to pocket the difference.\nHow to use: Download the Wise app, verify your residence card and passport, link your Japanese bank account, and send.\n2. Revolut — Good for Frequent Transfers Feature Details Fee Free up to ¥150,000/month (standard plan) Exchange rate Near mid-market rate Speed Instant to 1 day Countries 150+ countries Best for: People who send money frequently and want zero fees up to a monthly limit. If you\u0026rsquo;re regularly sending smaller amounts, Revolut can beat Wise on total cost.\n3. SBI Remit — Best for Southeast Asia Feature Details Fee ¥0–¥1,000 fixed fee Exchange rate Slightly worse than Wise Speed Same day to Philippines, Vietnam Countries Philippines, Vietnam, China, and more SBI Remit is very popular among Filipino and Vietnamese workers in Japan, and for good reason — same-day transfers to popular destinations, low fixed fees, and support in Japanese and English. If speed matters more than getting the absolute best rate, this is your option.\n4. Remitly — Good for Philippines Feature Details Fee Varies by speed (Express vs Economy) Exchange rate Good rates for PHP Speed Express: minutes / Economy: 3–5 days Countries Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and more Best for: Sending to the Philippines specifically. The Express option gets money there in minutes, which is useful when someone needs it now.\nComparison Table Service Fee Speed Best For Wise ~1% 1–2 days Best rate overall Revolut Free (limit) Same day Frequent senders SBI Remit ¥0–¥1,000 Same day SE Asia specific Remitly Varies Minutes Philippines Bank transfer ¥2,500+ 2–5 days Avoid — too expensive How to Send Money with Wise Download the Wise app Create an account and verify your ID (residence card + passport photo) Add your Japanese bank account Enter the amount you want to send Add your recipient\u0026rsquo;s bank details Confirm and send Verification usually takes 1–2 business days the first time. After that, transfers go through quickly.\nSeriously, Avoid Regular Bank Transfers Sending money internationally through a Japanese bank — Mizuho, MUFG, whatever — typically costs:\n¥2,500–¥5,000 in fees A poor exchange rate that\u0026rsquo;s 1–3% worse than the real rate That adds up to a lot of wasted money over time. Use a dedicated transfer service instead.\nBottom Line Use Wise for the best exchange rate. Use SBI Remit if you need same-day delivery to Southeast Asia. And if you\u0026rsquo;re sending to the Philippines regularly and speed is your priority, Remitly is worth having installed too.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/money/best-money-transfer-apps-from-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eSending money home from Japan? You want it to arrive fast, with low fees, and at a decent exchange rate. Whatever you do, don\u0026rsquo;t use your Japanese bank to do it — I\u0026rsquo;ll explain why in a moment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are the best options in 2025.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-actually-matters-when-choosing-a-service\"\u003eWhat Actually Matters When Choosing a Service\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow fees\u003c/strong\u003e — both fixed fees and percentage fees add up\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood exchange rate\u003c/strong\u003e — some services look cheap on fees but quietly give you a terrible rate\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransfer speed\u003c/strong\u003e — same day vs 2–3 days matters if someone\u0026rsquo;s waiting on the money\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupported countries\u003c/strong\u003e — make sure your home country is covered\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"best-money-transfer-apps-from-japan\"\u003eBest Money Transfer Apps from Japan\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"1-wise-formerly-transferwise--best-overall\"\u003e1. Wise (formerly TransferWise) — Best Overall\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c/th\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c/th\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eFee\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e~0.5–1.5% of amount\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eExchange rate\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eMid-market rate (best available)\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eSpeed\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e1–2 business days\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eCountries\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003ePhilippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and 80+ more\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWise is the one I recommend to basically everyone. The fees are transparent — you see exactly what you\u0026rsquo;re paying before you confirm. And they use the real mid-market exchange rate, not some marked-up version the banks use to pocket the difference.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Best Money Transfer Apps from Japan (Cheap \u0026 Fast) 2025"},{"content":"Japan\u0026rsquo;s national health insurance is genuinely excellent. But it doesn\u0026rsquo;t cover everything — and there are some real gaps that private insurance can fill, depending on your situation.\nHere\u0026rsquo;s what you need to know.\nDo You Actually Need Private Health Insurance? Let\u0026rsquo;s be real: national health insurance already covers 70% of most medical costs. For a lot of people, that\u0026rsquo;s enough.\nBut private insurance is worth thinking about if:\nYou want coverage for income during hospitalization (when you can\u0026rsquo;t work) You want a private hospital room (national insurance covers shared rooms only) You want dental coverage beyond basic treatments You travel internationally and need overseas medical coverage Your national insurance hasn\u0026rsquo;t kicked in yet (that gap period when you first arrive) Best Private Health Insurance Options for Foreigners 1. Tokio Marine — Best Overall for Residents Tokio Marine is one of Japan\u0026rsquo;s biggest insurers, and they have English support. Their plans cover the things national insurance leaves gaps in — hospitalization, surgery, and daily income replacement while you can\u0026rsquo;t work.\nFrom approximately ¥1,500–¥5,000/month depending on age and coverage Best for: Long-term residents who want solid supplemental coverage on top of national insurance.\n2. AXA Life Insurance Japan — Best International Coverage If you travel regularly between Japan and your home country, AXA\u0026rsquo;s international coverage fills a real need. National insurance only covers you in Japan — AXA covers you overseas too.\nGood for people who travel frequently between Japan and home country Covers overseas medical treatment From approximately ¥2,000–¥8,000/month Best for: People who regularly travel internationally and want coverage in multiple countries.\n3. Aflac Japan — Best for Cancer Coverage Aflac is huge in Japan — their cancer insurance products specifically are incredibly popular here. You get a lump-sum payment upon cancer diagnosis, which covers all kinds of costs that national insurance doesn\u0026rsquo;t touch (transportation, accommodations, non-covered treatments).\nLump-sum payment upon cancer diagnosis Affordable monthly premiums from ¥1,000/month Japanese and English support Best for: People with family history of cancer or who want specific illness coverage.\n4. Allianz Care — Best for Expats (International Plan) Allianz is designed specifically for expats who need truly global coverage. It\u0026rsquo;s more expensive than the other options, but it\u0026rsquo;s comprehensive — claims process in English, international coverage, the works.\nGlobal coverage including Japan English support, international claims process Higher cost: from ¥15,000–¥50,000/month Best for: Expats on company assignment or those who need full global coverage.\nWhat National Insurance Doesn\u0026rsquo;t Cover Well Gap Private Insurance Solution Income while hospitalized Daily hospitalization benefit Private hospital room Room upgrade coverage Dental implants Dental insurance add-on Cancer treatment costs Cancer insurance Overseas medical care International plan How Much Should You Expect to Pay? A basic supplemental plan costs ¥1,500–¥5,000/month for most working adults under 40. That\u0026rsquo;s on top of your national insurance premiums.\nDo You Need Both? For most people, yes — but the private piece doesn\u0026rsquo;t need to be expensive:\nNational Insurance (mandatory) + Small private plan (¥2,000–3,000/month) = Very strong coverage at reasonable cost National insurance handles the big 70% base. Private insurance fills in whatever gaps matter most to you specifically.\nA Few Things to Check First Start with national insurance. Get enrolled and understand what\u0026rsquo;s already covered before you add anything on top.\nCheck your employer\u0026rsquo;s group benefits. Many Japanese companies offer group insurance through HR. Check with them before buying individually — you might already have more coverage than you think.\nCompare in English. Try comparison sites like 保険市場 (hokende.com) — some have English support. Or find a bilingual insurance broker who can walk you through options.\nSummary Insurance Type Monthly Cost Best For National insurance only ¥2,000–¥20,000 Basic coverage + Tokio Marine supplement +¥2,000–¥5,000 Hospitalization gaps + AXA international +¥3,000–¥8,000 Frequent travelers Allianz Care (expat plan) ¥15,000–¥50,000 Full global coverage For most foreigners working in Japan, national insurance plus one affordable supplemental plan is the sweet spot. You get strong coverage without overpaying.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/health/best-private-health-insurance-foreigners-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eJapan\u0026rsquo;s national health insurance is genuinely excellent. But it doesn\u0026rsquo;t cover everything — and there are some real gaps that private insurance can fill, depending on your situation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s what you need to know.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"do-you-actually-need-private-health-insurance\"\u003eDo You Actually Need Private Health Insurance?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s be real: \u003cstrong\u003enational health insurance already covers 70% of most medical costs\u003c/strong\u003e. For a lot of people, that\u0026rsquo;s enough.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut private insurance is worth thinking about if:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want coverage for \u003cstrong\u003eincome during hospitalization\u003c/strong\u003e (when you can\u0026rsquo;t work)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want a \u003cstrong\u003eprivate hospital room\u003c/strong\u003e (national insurance covers shared rooms only)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou want \u003cstrong\u003edental coverage\u003c/strong\u003e beyond basic treatments\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou travel internationally and need \u003cstrong\u003eoverseas medical coverage\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour national insurance hasn\u0026rsquo;t kicked in yet (that gap period when you first arrive)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"best-private-health-insurance-options-for-foreigners\"\u003eBest Private Health Insurance Options for Foreigners\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"1-tokio-marine--best-overall-for-residents\"\u003e1. Tokio Marine — Best Overall for Residents\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTokio Marine is one of Japan\u0026rsquo;s biggest insurers, and they have English support. Their plans cover the things national insurance leaves gaps in — hospitalization, surgery, and daily income replacement while you can\u0026rsquo;t work.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Best Private Health Insurance for Foreigners in Japan (2025)"},{"content":"Getting a phone plan in Japan as a foreigner used to be a pain. Now it\u0026rsquo;s pretty easy — as long as you know which SIM to actually go with and don\u0026rsquo;t accidentally end up paying ¥7,000 a month to one of the big carriers.\nCan Foreigners Get a SIM Card in Japan? Yes. You need:\nResidence card (在留カード) — proves you live in Japan Passport Bank account or credit card for payment If you\u0026rsquo;re a tourist, you can get data-only SIMs at airports. If you\u0026rsquo;re a resident, you can get a full plan with calls and data — and you should, because the budget options are genuinely good.\nBest SIM Cards for Foreigners in Japan 1. IIJmio — Best Overall Plan Data Price/month Voice + 2GB 2GB ¥850 Voice + 5GB 5GB ¥990 Voice + 15GB 15GB ¥1,500 IIJmio is the one I\u0026rsquo;d recommend to most people starting out. It runs on NTT Docomo\u0026rsquo;s network so coverage is solid nationwide, there\u0026rsquo;s English support, the online sign-up is straightforward, and you can cancel anytime. For under ¥1,000 a month, it\u0026rsquo;s hard to beat.\n2. Rakuten Mobile — Best for Heavy Users Plan Data Price/month Unlimited Unlimited ¥3,278 If you\u0026rsquo;re constantly streaming or using data heavily, Rakuten\u0026rsquo;s flat unlimited rate makes sense. The app is available in English, and calls within Rakuten users are free.\nDownside: Coverage is weaker in rural areas. In the major cities it\u0026rsquo;s fine.\n3. Mineo — Best for Flexibility Plan Data Price/month Voice + 1GB 1GB ¥1,298 Voice + 5GB 5GB ¥1,518 Voice + 10GB 10GB ¥1,958 Mineo has a unique feature where you can share unused data with other users in their community pool. They also offer three network options (Docomo, au, Softbank), which is useful if you already have a phone locked to a specific network.\n4. LINEMO — Best for LINE Users Plan Data Price/month Mini Plan 3GB ¥990 Standard 20GB ¥2,728 If LINE is your main communication tool — and for a lot of people in Japan it is — LINEMO makes sense because LINE calls and messages don\u0026rsquo;t eat into your data at all. Simple setup, runs on Softbank\u0026rsquo;s network.\nHow to Sign Up Go to the provider\u0026rsquo;s website Choose your plan Upload a photo of your residence card (front and back) Upload a photo of your passport Enter your bank account or credit card details Wait 3–5 days for your SIM to arrive by post That\u0026rsquo;s it. No going into a store, no Japanese-only paperwork. Most of these can be done entirely in English online.\nWhich One Should You Get? Light user (under 5GB/month) → IIJmio Heavy user (lots of YouTube/streaming) → Rakuten Mobile LINE user → LINEMO Want flexibility → Mineo Bottom Line Don\u0026rsquo;t overpay for a phone plan. Getting a cheap SIM in Japan with a residence card is easy, and the budget options genuinely work well. IIJmio is the safest starting choice — good coverage, cheap price, English support. Start there and switch later if your needs change.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/daily-life/best-sim-cards-for-foreigners-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eGetting a phone plan in Japan as a foreigner used to be a pain. Now it\u0026rsquo;s pretty easy — as long as you know which SIM to actually go with and don\u0026rsquo;t accidentally end up paying ¥7,000 a month to one of the big carriers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"can-foreigners-get-a-sim-card-in-japan\"\u003eCan Foreigners Get a SIM Card in Japan?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. You need:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidence card (在留カード)\u003c/strong\u003e — proves you live in Japan\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePassport\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBank account or credit card\u003c/strong\u003e for payment\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re a tourist, you can get data-only SIMs at airports. If you\u0026rsquo;re a resident, you can get a full plan with calls and data — and you should, because the budget options are genuinely good.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"Best SIM Cards for Foreigners in Japan (2025)"},{"content":"Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world — and as a foreigner living here, you\u0026rsquo;re required to join it. That\u0026rsquo;s actually a good thing, because it\u0026rsquo;s genuinely excellent value.\nHere\u0026rsquo;s how it all works.\nIs Health Insurance Mandatory for Foreigners? Yes. If you live in Japan for more than 3 months, you must join the national health insurance system. No exceptions.\nThere are two types:\nType Who it\u0026rsquo;s for Employee Health Insurance (健康保険) People employed full-time at a company National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) Self-employed, part-time workers, students If you work full-time at a Japanese company, your employer will enroll you automatically. You don\u0026rsquo;t have to do anything.\nHow Much Does It Cost? Employee Health Insurance:\nAbout 10% of your monthly salary Split 50/50 between you and your employer So you pay roughly 5% of your salary per month That\u0026rsquo;s a pretty good deal when you think about it — your employer covers half.\nNational Health Insurance:\nBased on your previous year\u0026rsquo;s income Typically ¥2,000–¥20,000 per month What\u0026rsquo;s Actually Covered? Japanese health insurance covers 70% of most medical costs. You pay the remaining 30%.\nCovered:\nDoctor visits Hospital stays Surgery Prescription medicine Dental (basic treatments) Mental health Not covered:\nCosmetic procedures Some dental treatments (implants, whitening) Private hospital rooms That 30% you pay sounds like a lot, but in practice most clinic visits cost under ¥1,500 out of pocket. It\u0026rsquo;s very manageable.\nHow to Actually Use It It\u0026rsquo;s simpler than you\u0026rsquo;d think:\nWhen you visit a clinic or hospital, show your insurance card (保険証) You pay 30% of the treatment cost at checkout That\u0026rsquo;s it Example:\nDoctor visit total cost: ¥3,000 You pay: ¥900 (30%) Insurance pays: ¥2,100 (70%) How to Get Your Insurance Card If employed: Your company HR department will issue your card within a few weeks of starting. Just ask HR when to expect it.\nIf self-employed or a student: Go to your local City Hall (市役所). Bring your residence card, passport, and My Number card. Register for National Health Insurance and your card will arrive within 1–2 weeks.\nWhat If You Go to the Doctor Without a Card? You\u0026rsquo;ll pay 100% of the cost upfront. Keep the receipt — you can claim reimbursement later at City Hall. But it\u0026rsquo;s a hassle, so always bring your insurance card.\nThe High-Cost Medical Expense System (高額療養費) Here\u0026rsquo;s something that really sets Japan\u0026rsquo;s system apart: if your monthly medical bills get very high, Japan reimburses anything above a set monthly limit.\nFor most people earning standard income, that limit is around ¥87,000/month.\nSo even major surgery — even a hospital stay of weeks — is capped at a manageable cost. You won\u0026rsquo;t get a catastrophic medical bill here the way you might in the US.\nSummary Health insurance is mandatory for all residents You pay 30% of most medical costs Get your card from your employer (if employed) or City Hall (if self-employed) Major expenses are capped through the high-cost expense system Japan\u0026rsquo;s system is excellent value — use it without worry ","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/health/how-japanese-health-insurance-works-foreigners/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eJapan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world — and as a foreigner living here, you\u0026rsquo;re required to join it. That\u0026rsquo;s actually a good thing, because it\u0026rsquo;s genuinely excellent value.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere\u0026rsquo;s how it all works.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"is-health-insurance-mandatory-for-foreigners\"\u003eIs Health Insurance Mandatory for Foreigners?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. If you live in Japan for more than 3 months, you must join the national health insurance system. No exceptions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two types:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eType\u003c/th\u003e\n          \u003cth\u003eWho it\u0026rsquo;s for\u003c/th\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmployee Health Insurance (健康保険)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003ePeople employed full-time at a company\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNational Health Insurance (国民健康保険)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n          \u003ctd\u003eSelf-employed, part-time workers, students\u003c/td\u003e\n      \u003c/tr\u003e\n  \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you work full-time at a Japanese company, your employer will enroll you automatically. You don\u0026rsquo;t have to do anything.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How Japanese Health Insurance Works for Foreigners (2025)"},{"content":"Changing jobs in Japan as a foreigner feels scary. Will you lose your visa? Do you need to tell immigration? Can your new employer sponsor you?\nThe short answer: yes, you can change jobs — but there are rules you need to follow. Miss them and you\u0026rsquo;ve got a real problem.\nSo Can You Actually Change Jobs? Yes. Most work visas in Japan — like the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku) — are not tied to a specific employer.\nBut here\u0026rsquo;s the catch: your new job has to match your visa category. That\u0026rsquo;s the piece a lot of people miss.\nCheck Your Visa Category First Look at the back of your residence card (在留カード). It shows your current visa status.\nVisa Type Can Change Jobs? Engineer / Specialist (技人国) Yes, if new job matches Skilled Labor (技能) Yes, same field only Tokutei Gino (特定技能) Yes, within same industry Technical Intern Training (技能実習) No — you cannot freely change If you\u0026rsquo;re on the Technical Intern visa, your situation is different. You generally cannot switch employers freely under that status.\nReport the Change to Immigration Within 14 Days This is the step people forget — and it\u0026rsquo;s legally required.\nWithin 14 days of changing jobs, you need to notify immigration.\nHow to report:\nGo to immi-moj.go.jp (online) or visit your local immigration office Submit a \u0026ldquo;Notification of Change of Contract Organization\u0026rdquo; (契約機関に関する届出) You\u0026rsquo;ll need: your residence card, new company name and address, your job title It\u0026rsquo;s free and takes about 10 minutes online. There\u0026rsquo;s really no excuse to skip it.\nMake Sure Your New Job Actually Matches Your Visa This is the most important thing — and immigration will absolutely check it at your next renewal.\nExamples:\nVisa: Engineer → New job: Software developer ✅ Visa: Engineer → New job: Restaurant staff ❌ If your new job does not match your current visa category, you need to apply for a change of status before you start working. Not after. Before.\nWhat About the Gap Between Jobs? Good news: you don\u0026rsquo;t have to leave Japan while you\u0026rsquo;re job hunting. You can stay until your visa expiry date.\nIf you need more time than that, you can apply for a designated activities visa (特定活動) which gives you up to 6 months of additional job-hunting time. Ask an immigration lawyer if you think you\u0026rsquo;ll need it.\nBest Job Sites for Foreigners in Japan doda — large database, English support available Daijob — specifically for bilingual and foreign professionals GaijinPot Jobs — popular among expats LinkedIn Japan — good for professional roles Summary Check your visa type allows job changes Report to immigration within 14 days — don\u0026rsquo;t forget this Make sure your new job matches your visa category You have until your visa expiry to find a new job Changing jobs in Japan is very possible. The key is reporting on time and staying in the right job category. Nail those two things and you\u0026rsquo;re fine.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/jobs/how-to-change-jobs-with-work-visa-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eChanging jobs in Japan as a foreigner feels scary. Will you lose your visa? Do you need to tell immigration? Can your new employer sponsor you?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe short answer: \u003cstrong\u003eyes, you can change jobs\u003c/strong\u003e — but there are rules you need to follow. Miss them and you\u0026rsquo;ve got a real problem.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"so-can-you-actually-change-jobs\"\u003eSo Can You Actually Change Jobs?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Most work visas in Japan — like the \u003cstrong\u003eEngineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (Gijinkoku)\u003c/strong\u003e — are not tied to a specific employer.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Change Jobs with a Work Visa in Japan (2025 Guide)"},{"content":"A Japanese bank account is essential — you need it to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up automatic bill payments. The sooner you get one, the smoother everything else goes. Here\u0026rsquo;s how.\nWhat You Need to Open a Bank Account Residence card (在留カード) Passport Japanese phone number (most banks require this) Registered address in Japan (your home address on your residence card) Some banks also ask for a My Number card or a hanko (personal seal) — but not all of them, so don\u0026rsquo;t stress if you don\u0026rsquo;t have those yet.\nBest Banks for Foreigners in Japan 1. Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — Easiest to Open This is where most foreigners start, and for good reason. There\u0026rsquo;s a post office in basically every neighborhood, they accept foreigners with just a residence card, and there\u0026rsquo;s no minimum balance requirement.\nAvailable at every post office in Japan Accepts foreigners with just a residence card No minimum balance required English support available at major branches Best for: People who just arrived and need an account quickly.\n2. Sony Bank — Best Online Option Sony Bank is fully online, the website and app work in English, and they\u0026rsquo;ve got good exchange rates for international transfers. Free international ATM withdrawals are a real bonus too.\nEntirely online application English website and app Accepts foreigners on most visa types Free international ATM withdrawals Best for: Tech-savvy users who want everything in English.\n3. Shinsei Bank — Good English Support Similar to Sony Bank but with the added convenience of free ATM withdrawals at 7-Eleven — which is useful given how many 7-Elevens there are in Japan.\nEnglish-language banking Online application available Free ATM withdrawals at 7-Eleven Best for: People who want English customer service.\n4. Rakuten Bank — Best for Online Shopping If you\u0026rsquo;re already using Rakuten for shopping or services, adding a Rakuten Bank account makes sense. The app works in multiple languages and the setup is fully online.\nBanks That Are Harder for Foreigners The megabanks — Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho, Sumitomo — can be frustrating. They often require 6 months of residence history, operate in Japanese only, and sometimes reject applicants on certain visa types.\nDon\u0026rsquo;t start with them. Get a Japan Post Bank or online bank account first. You can always add a megabank later once you\u0026rsquo;ve built more of a track record in Japan.\nHow to Open at Japan Post Bank (Step by Step) Walk into any post office and find the ゆうちょ銀行 counter Take a number and wait Tell the staff: \u0026ldquo;口座を開きたいです\u0026rdquo; (koza wo hirakitai desu) — \u0026ldquo;I want to open an account\u0026rdquo; Show your residence card and passport Fill in the application form — staff will help you through it Your cash card arrives by post about 1 week later That\u0026rsquo;s genuinely it. It\u0026rsquo;s about as painless as banking paperwork gets in Japan.\nCan You Do This Without Speaking Japanese? Yes — especially at Japan Post Bank or the online banks. Bring a translation app just in case, but the staff at post offices are generally patient with foreigners. You won\u0026rsquo;t be the first person to walk in with a residence card and no Japanese.\nSummary Bank Difficulty English? Online? Japan Post Bank Easy Partial No Sony Bank Easy Yes Yes Shinsei Bank Easy Yes Yes Rakuten Bank Easy Partial Yes Megabanks Hard No No Start with Japan Post Bank if you need an account fast. Go with Sony Bank or Shinsei Bank if you want full English support and a modern online experience.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/daily-life/how-to-open-bank-account-japan-foreigner/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eA Japanese bank account is essential — you need it to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up automatic bill payments. The sooner you get one, the smoother everything else goes. Here\u0026rsquo;s how.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-you-need-to-open-a-bank-account\"\u003eWhat You Need to Open a Bank Account\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResidence card (在留カード)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePassport\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese phone number\u003c/strong\u003e (most banks require this)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegistered address in Japan\u003c/strong\u003e (your home address on your residence card)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome banks also ask for a \u003cstrong\u003eMy Number card\u003c/strong\u003e or a \u003cstrong\u003ehanko (personal seal)\u003c/strong\u003e — but not all of them, so don\u0026rsquo;t stress if you don\u0026rsquo;t have those yet.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Open a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreigner (2025)"},{"content":"Your work visa expiry date is printed on your residence card. Don\u0026rsquo;t miss it — working after your visa expires is illegal in Japan, full stop.\nThe good news is that renewing is pretty straightforward once you know what you\u0026rsquo;re doing. Here\u0026rsquo;s exactly how it works.\nWhen Should You Apply? Apply 3 months before your visa expires.\nImmigration actually recommends this because processing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Apply early and you won\u0026rsquo;t be sweating the deadline. If you wait until the last few weeks, you\u0026rsquo;re asking for stress you don\u0026rsquo;t need.\nGather Your Documents Required documents for most cases:\nDocument Where to get it Application form (在留期間更新許可申請書) Immigration website or immigration office Current residence card You already have this Passport You already have this Certificate of employment (在職証明書) Ask your HR department Tax withholding slip (源泉徴収票) Ask your HR or accounting department Resident tax certificate (住民税の課税証明書・納税証明書) City Hall Company registration documents HR will provide Photo (4cm × 3cm) Photo booth (証明写真) Application fee: ¥4,000 Revenue stamps (収入印紙) at immigration office The certificate of employment and tax documents are the ones that take time to collect. Email your HR department as soon as you decide to start the process.\nFill In the Application Form Download the form from the Immigration Services Agency website (immi-moj.go.jp).\nIt asks for basic stuff — your personal details, current employer, job title, salary, and reason for renewal. Filling it out in English is fine for most fields. It\u0026rsquo;s not complicated, just take your time and double-check the details.\nSubmit at the Immigration Office Go to your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau.\nTokyo: Minato-ku (品川) Osaka: Namba area Nagoya: Nagoya station area\nBring all original documents plus photocopies of each one — they keep the copies. Take a number at the counter and wait. Average wait time is 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day and time you go.\nWait for the Result After submitting, immigration gives you a receipt slip. Keep that safe.\nProcessing time: 1 week to 3 months — most cases come back in 2–4 weeks.\nYou\u0026rsquo;ll get a postcard in the mail when your result is ready. Don\u0026rsquo;t just show up at immigration without it.\nPick Up Your New Residence Card Go back to immigration with:\nReceipt slip Passport Current residence card ¥4,000 in revenue stamps (if not paid at submission) Your new residence card is issued on the spot. That\u0026rsquo;s it — you\u0026rsquo;re done.\nCan You Work While You\u0026rsquo;re Waiting? Yes. Your current visa status stays valid until a final decision is made. Keep working as normal.\nWhat If Your Application Gets Rejected? Honestly, this is rare if you\u0026rsquo;re employed and your paperwork is clean. The most common reasons for rejection are unpaid taxes, a job that doesn\u0026rsquo;t match your visa category, or a criminal record.\nIf you do get rejected, you can appeal or consult an immigration lawyer (行政書士).\nQuick Summary 3 months before expiry → gather documents Submit at immigration office → wait 2–4 weeks Receive postcard → pick up new residence card Apply early, get your HR to move fast on those documents, and you\u0026rsquo;ll be fine. Don\u0026rsquo;t wait until the last minute.\n","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/visa/how-to-renew-work-visa-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eYour work visa expiry date is printed on your \u003cstrong\u003eresidence card\u003c/strong\u003e. Don\u0026rsquo;t miss it — working after your visa expires is illegal in Japan, full stop.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe good news is that renewing is pretty straightforward once you know what you\u0026rsquo;re doing. Here\u0026rsquo;s exactly how it works.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"when-should-you-apply\"\u003eWhen Should You Apply?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply \u003cstrong\u003e3 months before\u003c/strong\u003e your visa expires.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImmigration actually recommends this because processing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Apply early and you won\u0026rsquo;t be sweating the deadline. If you wait until the last few weeks, you\u0026rsquo;re asking for stress you don\u0026rsquo;t need.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Renew Your Work Visa in Japan (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)"},{"content":"Renting in Japan as a foreigner is absolutely doable — but it takes more prep work than it would back home. Here\u0026rsquo;s what to expect and how to make it go smoothly.\nThe Guarantor Problem (And How It\u0026rsquo;s Actually Been Solved) Traditionally, Japanese landlords required a Japanese guarantor (保証人) — a Japanese person who\u0026rsquo;d agree to cover your rent if you couldn\u0026rsquo;t pay. Most foreigners obviously don\u0026rsquo;t have someone like that lined up.\nBut here\u0026rsquo;s the thing: the system has mostly moved on. Today, most landlords accept a guarantee company (保証会社) instead of a personal guarantor. You pay a fee — usually 50–100% of one month\u0026rsquo;s rent — and the company acts as your guarantor. It adds to your move-in costs, but it removes that whole \u0026ldquo;I don\u0026rsquo;t know anyone in Japan\u0026rdquo; barrier.\nDocuments You\u0026rsquo;ll Need Document Notes Residence card Shows you legally live in Japan Passport For ID verification Employment certificate (在職証明書) Proves you have income 3 months of payslips Shows your salary Bank statement Shows you have savings My Number card Some landlords require it Get these ready before you start apartment hunting. Popular apartments go fast, and you don\u0026rsquo;t want to be scrambling for documents while someone else snaps up your first choice.\nSet Your Budget Standard rule: rent should be no more than 1/3 of your monthly salary.\nIn Tokyo, expect to pay:\nStudio (1K): ¥60,000–¥100,000/month 1 bedroom (1LDK): ¥100,000–¥150,000/month Outside the city center: 30–40% cheaper Outside Tokyo — Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka — the numbers are significantly lower for the same amount of space.\nFind Foreigner-Friendly Agencies Not every real estate agency will work with foreigners, but these ones do:\nAble (エイブル) — Large chain, some English support Leopalace21 — Foreigner-friendly, furnished options Sakura House — Specifically for foreigners, share houses available Suumo / Homes — Online search portals (Japanese but easy to navigate) When you contact an agency, ask upfront if they work with foreign residents. Saves everyone time.\nView and Apply Visit the property with the agent. Check the usual stuff — nearest train station and walk time, noise level, sunlight, storage space, whether internet is available.\nWhen you apply, the landlord and guarantee company will check your income (usually must be 3x monthly rent), visa status and expiry date, and employment stability. Approval takes 3–7 days.\nThe Upfront Costs (Yes, They\u0026rsquo;re High) This is the part that shocks most newcomers. Moving into a Japanese apartment requires a significant chunk of money upfront:\nCost Amount Deposit (敷金) 1–2 months rent Key money (礼金) 0–2 months rent Agency fee (仲介手数料) 1 month rent Guarantee fee 0.5–1 month rent First month\u0026rsquo;s rent 1 month Total 3–6 months rent Yeah. Budget 3–6 months of rent just to move in. It\u0026rsquo;s a lot, and it\u0026rsquo;s just how it works here. Some newer apartments and share houses have lower upfront costs, so if you\u0026rsquo;re on a tight budget, look for those.\nTips That Actually Help Look for \u0026ldquo;外国人歓迎\u0026rdquo; listings. This means \u0026ldquo;foreigners welcome.\u0026rdquo; You can filter for this on most search sites. It saves you from wasting time on landlords who won\u0026rsquo;t consider you.\nConsider a share house first. Sakura House and similar places require way less paperwork and much lower upfront costs. They\u0026rsquo;re a great option for new arrivals who need housing fast and want to settle in before committing to a full apartment.\nHave your documents ready before you start. Seriously, get everything together first. Popular apartments in good locations get taken within days.\nCheck your visa expiry. Some landlords won\u0026rsquo;t rent to you if your visa expires within a year. If you\u0026rsquo;re coming up on renewal time, get that done before you start apartment hunting.\nSummary Renting in Japan as a foreigner is manageable if you:\nUse foreigner-friendly agencies Prepare all documents in advance Budget for 3–6 months of rent as upfront costs Consider a share house as an easier starting option ","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/daily-life/how-to-rent-apartment-japan-foreigner/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eRenting in Japan as a foreigner is absolutely doable — but it takes more prep work than it would back home. Here\u0026rsquo;s what to expect and how to make it go smoothly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"the-guarantor-problem-and-how-its-actually-been-solved\"\u003eThe Guarantor Problem (And How It\u0026rsquo;s Actually Been Solved)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, Japanese landlords required a \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese guarantor (保証人)\u003c/strong\u003e — a Japanese person who\u0026rsquo;d agree to cover your rent if you couldn\u0026rsquo;t pay. Most foreigners obviously don\u0026rsquo;t have someone like that lined up.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"How to Rent an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner (2025)"},{"content":"You\u0026rsquo;ve probably heard about the My Number card since arriving in Japan. Maybe someone at your ward office mentioned it. Maybe your employer asked about it. Here\u0026rsquo;s what it actually is and whether you really need one.\nWhat Is My Number? My Number (マイナンバー) is Japan\u0026rsquo;s national ID system. Every person living in Japan — including foreigners — gets a unique 12-digit number.\nYou received your My Number in the mail shortly after registering your address in Japan. It came in a thin envelope, probably looked unimportant, and hopefully you didn\u0026rsquo;t throw it out.\nMy Number vs My Number Card — They\u0026rsquo;re Not the Same Thing This trips a lot of people up. They\u0026rsquo;re two different things:\nMy Number My Number Card What it is A 12-digit ID number A physical IC card Required? Yes — everyone has one No — optional How you get it Assigned automatically You apply for it You already have the number. The card is optional — but increasingly useful.\nWhat the My Number Card Is Actually Used For The card is becoming more important every year in Japan. Right now it\u0026rsquo;s useful for:\nProof of identity — accepted everywhere instead of your residence card Health insurance card — many hospitals now use it instead of the separate insurance card Tax filing — required for e-Tax (online tax filing) Bank account verification — some banks require it Government services — access to the Myna Portal (online government services) COVID-19 vaccination record — linked automatically Honestly, the list keeps growing. More services are tying into it every year.\nShould Foreigners Get It? Yes. Get it.\nIt\u0026rsquo;s technically optional, but it makes daily life noticeably easier and that\u0026rsquo;s only going to be more true over time. If you\u0026rsquo;re staying in Japan for more than a year, just apply for it.\nHow to Apply for the My Number Card Method 1 — Online (Easiest) Find your My Number notification letter (the one sent by post when you registered your address) Go to mynumber.go.jp Take a photo of yourself (selfie) that meets the requirements: Plain white or light background Face clearly visible, no glasses No hat Upload via the QR code on your notification letter Wait 1–2 months Method 2 — At City Hall Go to your local City Hall (市役所) Bring: residence card, passport Fill in the application form — staff will help you through it Come back in 1–2 months to collect your card when you receive the postcard notification What If You Lost Your Notification Letter? Don\u0026rsquo;t panic. Visit City Hall and ask for a reissue. Bring your residence card and passport. It\u0026rsquo;s a quick process.\nIs the My Number Card the Same as the Residence Card? No. These are two completely different cards:\nResidence Card (在留カード) My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) Issued by Immigration City Hall Required? Yes — mandatory for foreigners No — optional Shows visa status? Yes No Used as ID? Yes Yes You always need your residence card — that one\u0026rsquo;s mandatory. The My Number Card is an extra, increasingly useful ID card on top of that.\nSummary Everyone in Japan has a My Number — it\u0026rsquo;s assigned automatically The My Number Card is optional but makes life easier Apply online or at City Hall — takes about 1–2 months Recommended: get it, especially if you\u0026rsquo;re planning to stay long-term ","permalink":"https://expatjapan.pages.dev/daily-life/what-is-my-number-card-japan/","summary":"\u003cp\u003eYou\u0026rsquo;ve probably heard about the My Number card since arriving in Japan. Maybe someone at your ward office mentioned it. Maybe your employer asked about it. Here\u0026rsquo;s what it actually is and whether you really need one.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-is-my-number\"\u003eWhat Is My Number?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy Number (マイナンバー)\u003c/strong\u003e is Japan\u0026rsquo;s national ID system. Every person living in Japan — including foreigners — gets a unique 12-digit number.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou received your My Number in the mail shortly after registering your address in Japan. It came in a thin envelope, probably looked unimportant, and hopefully you didn\u0026rsquo;t throw it out.\u003c/p\u003e","title":"What Is the My Number Card in Japan? Do You Need It?"}]