Immigration & Government

Information regarding Immigration in Japan, Visas, Taxes, Japanese laws, and more.

Gathered here is a collection of articles containing information about immigration in Japan as well as information about various laws, along with Japan's administrative system and its procedures that are necessary for everyone residing in Japan.

Our guides listed below contain information covering topics such as the "My Number" system, the Residency Management System, income tax payments, various age limits, a list of embassies in Tokyo and more.

Foreign Embassies in TokyoList of each country's embassy in Tokyo.

Japan Rent Relief Grants - Housing Security Benefits

The Japanese Government provides Rent Relief Grants - Housing Security Benefits (住居確保給付金 - Jûkyo Kakuho Kyûfukin) for a certain period of time for people who have trouble with paying rent due to the loss of job, closing of a business, or falling into a situation equivalent to these. This system's p…

Covid-19: The Current Situation in Japan and Countermeasures

Japan has downgraded COVID-19 to the same level as seasonal influenza and abolished coronavirus control measures with effect from 8 May. As a result, the Japanese government will no longer uniformly require temperature checks when entering shops, hand sanitation at entrances, acrylic boards, plasti…

A Guide to Getting Married in Japan

While holding a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony at a Shinto shrine or exchanging marriage vows in a chapel in a western style may be popular, no religious ceremony can be a substitute for official marriage registration. Therefore, if you want your marriage to be legally recognized in Japan, y…

How to Start a Business in Japan

For those who already have an established company abroad and would like to expand their business to Japan, there are 3 types of operations you can choose from to incorporate your business. You can either establish a Representative Office, a Branch Office, or a Subsidiary Company. In Japan, a Repres…

Japan's National Pension System

What Is the Japan National Pension System and How Does It Work? While Japan offers many protections for working residents, often times the rules are confusing and circular; and with much of the paperwork in complex Japanese, it can be difficult for expats to understand. Whether deducted from your m…

Japan’s Residency Management System for Foreign Nationals

If you're moving to Japan, one thing you definitely need to be aware of is what's called the "Residency Management System". This is what the Immigration Bureau of Japan calls their system for tracking the residency of foreigners in Japan. Short Term Residents If you are staying in Japan for less t…

How to register or change your address in Japan

Once you are in Japan and have a fixed residence or are staying at a service apartment that allows their address to be registered as your residence, the first thing you will need to do is head to the municipal office and register your address. This article will cover the procedures used to registe…

The My Number System in Japan and how it affects non-Japanese

Every citizen in Japan has an Individual Number (called My Number). We would like to provide guidance especially for mid and long term foreign residents in Japan, regarding the “My Number” system. About Foreign Residents A “My Number” will be issued to all registered residents who have a residentia…

Japan National Census 2020

Once every 5 years, the Japanese government conducts a nationwide Census which is to be the most important statistical survey. This year (2020) is the Census (Kokusei Chousa) year and the deadline of its submission is on October 7th. This Census covers everyone who has lived or plans to live in Jap…

Bringing Medication to Japan: What to Know Before You Travel

Japan has strict rules on bringing medication to Japan. Be sure to read our guide before you travel with or import medicine from foreign countries into Japan.