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'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…

Age Restrictions in Japan: Drinking, Smoking, Voting & More

A Japanese person's age is significantly linked to their social position from their early school years until they obtain a job and even into retirement. For around 140 years, the age of adulthood in Japan was set at 20 years old and even a special celebration called “Seijin no Hi” (or Coming-of-Ag…

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…

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…

Taxes in Japan: Resources for Filing Japanese Income Tax in Tokyo

For many foreign residents living in Japan it’s possible that the confusion and hours or research spent in filing Japanese taxes are negligible since their companies file on their behalf. However, if 1) you’re self-employed, 2) your company happens to be based overseas, or 3) your company doesn’t…

Accounting in Tokyo: Bilingual Accounting & Consulting Firms

Whether you are filing individual tax returns or hoping to establish a new business, financial issues can be complicated. These difficulties will no doubt be compounded upon moving to a country like Japan, where you will face the intricacies of a different financial system on top of linguistic and…

Corporate Tokyo Law Firms: English-Speaking Attorneys

Access to timely and competent legal representation is crucial wherever you in the world you happen to reside. However, in countries like Japan, differing legal systems coupled with huge cultural and linguistic barriers, may hinder your ability to get the best possible legal help. Here at PLAZA H…

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.