All guides
Suica & IC Cards in Japan: The Complete Guide (Mobile, Welcome Suica, Tourists & Residents)
Suica, PASMO and IC cards explained: tap for trains, buses and shops. Mobile vs physical cards, Welcome Suica for tourists, deposits, refunds, and how to charge.
Japan Spouse Visa Guide: Requirements, Documents, COE & Renewal
Marrying a Japanese national? The spouse visa lets you work in any job. Requirements, documents, the COE process, renewal, and the divorce/death 14-day rule.
Japan eSIM for Tourists (2026): Best Plans, Setup & eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi
Getting an eSIM for your Japan trip? How eSIM works, phone compatibility, the best providers, rough prices, step-by-step setup, and eSIM vs pocket Wi-Fi vs SIM.
National Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners: Kokuho Enrollment, Cost & Coverage
Living in Japan 3+ months without employer insurance? You must join National Health Insurance (Kokuho). Who enrolls, cost, 14-day signup, and the 2027 visa rule.
Japan Tax-Free Shopping in 2026: Who Qualifies & How to Save
Can you shop tax-free in Japan? Tourist vs resident rules, the ¥5,000 minimum, the Nov 1 2026 refund change, and how to save on electronics — explained simply.
Filing Taxes in Japan as a Foreign Resident: The Complete 確定申告 Guide
If you live in Japan, you likely need to file an annual tax return (確定申告, kakutei shinkoku). This guide explains who must file, what to include, deadlines, and how to complete the process if your Japanese is limited.
Divorce in Japan for Foreigners: Complete Guide Including the 2026 Joint Custody Reform
Getting divorced in Japan as a foreigner involves civil registration procedures, visa consequences, and — since the 2026 Civil Code reform — Japan's first-ever joint custody system. This guide explains how divorce works, what the new law means for you, and what to check before, during, and after the process.
First Week in Japan Checklist: Set Up the Basics in 7 Days
Start with a phone number, address procedures, banking, housing, and work or school preparation in the order that reduces confusion.
Japan’s Specified Residence Card Starts June 2026: What Foreign Residents Need to Do
Japan will start the Specified Residence Card system on June 14, 2026. Here is what changes, who can apply, whether it is mandatory, and what to check before renewal or moving.
The Latest for 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the Best SIM Cards for Foreigners in Japan (Sakura vs Mobal vs GTN)
日本生活必备！2026最新版全面比较Sakura Mobile、Mobal和GTN Mobile，帮您找到最适合您的日本SIM卡。
![[2026 Guide] Juminhyo for Foreign Driver’s License Conversion: How to Avoid Rejection](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/363cbd5f236e53e6abe33e2e4117c1a708dfe1b5-1024x572.jpg?auto=format&q=72&fit=max&w=720)
[2026 Guide] Juminhyo for Foreign Driver’s License Conversion: How to Avoid Rejection
Since the October 2025 rule tightening, a specific Juminhyo is absolutely mandatory for converting your foreign driver's license. Learn the crucial mistakes to avoid—like convenience store printing and My Number inclusion—to ensure your application is accepted immediately.
![[2026 Edition] The Complete Guide to the Japanese Zairyu Card: Rules, Penalties, and Bypassing Phone Screenings](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/3b82e1d2c2eee5ef785d2b928a6dc2597bf7598d-1024x559.jpg?auto=format&q=72&fit=max&w=720)
[2026 Edition] The Complete Guide to the Japanese Zairyu Card: Rules, Penalties, and Bypassing Phone Screenings
The Zairyu Card is an essential item for foreigners living in Japan. From strict rules like the obligation to carry it and the 14-day address change rule, to overcoming the "Zairyu Card Wall" when applying for smartphones and bank accounts, we explain everything you need to know.