Glossary & FAQ for Foreigners in Japan

Yes. Under immigration law, foreign residents must carry their Residence Card at all times. Police can ask to see it. Failure to carry it can result in a fine of up to ¥200,000. A My Number Card is not a substitute.

Register your address at your ward office within 14 days. This unlocks everything else: health insurance, bank accounts, phone contracts, My Number. See our checklist generator for a personalized timeline.

It's very difficult. Most banks require a Japanese phone number for SMS verification. Get a SIM card first (possible with just your Residence Card at some providers), then open a bank account.

Some banks (like Shinsei/SBI, SMBC Prestia, JP Bank) allow account opening shortly after arrival. Major banks (MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC) may require you to have lived in Japan for 6 months. Online banks like Sony Bank and Rakuten Bank are generally easier for foreigners.

Yes, pension enrollment is mandatory for all residents aged 20-59. However, if you leave Japan after contributing for 6+ months, you can claim a lump-sum withdrawal payment (脱退一時金) within 2 years of departure.

Yes, but you need a "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted" (資格外活動許可). Apply at the Immigration Bureau. The limit is 28 hours per week during school terms and 40 hours during official breaks.

Overstaying is a serious immigration violation. You may be detained, deported, and banned from re-entering Japan for 5-10 years. If you realize you've overstayed, consult an immigration lawyer immediately. Voluntary departure through the proper process may reduce the re-entry ban.

If you have a license from certain countries (e.g., UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, etc.), you can convert it with a simple test. For other countries (including the US), you must take a practical driving test at a driving center. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for 1 year but cannot be renewed in Japan.

No. My Number is the 12-digit number itself — assigned automatically when you register your address. The My Number Card is a physical IC card with your photo that you must separately apply for. The card is optional but increasingly useful.

Foreign insurance is not accepted at Japanese hospitals as primary insurance. You must enroll in Japanese health insurance (NHI or Employee Insurance). Some foreign insurance policies may reimburse you after you pay out of pocket, but you should not rely on this as your primary coverage.

Some major banks (MUFG, Mizuho, SMBC) have an informal practice of requiring foreign residents to have lived in Japan for at least 6 months before opening an account. This is not a law — it's the bank's internal policy. Alternatives include JP Bank (ゆうちょ), online banks, and Shinsei/SBI.

Earthquake damage is not covered by standard fire insurance (火災保険) in Japan. Earthquake insurance (地震保険) is a separate add-on. Whether you need it depends on your situation, but it's generally recommended — Japan averages 1,500+ earthquakes per year. For renters, renter's insurance with earthquake coverage is affordable (¥4,000-8,000/year).