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Leaving Japan in the Right Order: Residence Tax, Exit Notification & Your Pension Refund (2026)
Leaving Japan in the right order: settle residence tax, appoint a tax agent, file the exit notification, claim your pension refund and reclaim the 20.42% tax.

ATMs That Accept Foreign Cards in Japan: Seven Bank & Japan Post Guide
Which Japan ATMs accept overseas cards? Seven Bank and Japan Post (Yucho) hours, fees, withdrawal limits, and tips for tourists and residents.

Furikomi: How to Make a Bank Transfer in Japan (ATM & Online)
How to send money by bank transfer (furikomi) in Japan — at the ATM and via online banking, the fees, what each kanji on the screen means, and how to avoid sending to the wrong account.

Japan Point Cards Explained: A Foreigner's Guide to Loyalty Points
Confused by the point card at every register in Japan? A plain-English guide to the big loyalty programs (Rakuten, d, PayPay, T/V, Ponta), how to pick one, and how not to lose points.

How to Build Credit History in Japan as a Foreigner (Credit Score, Cards & Loans)
How credit works in Japan for foreigners: why your home-country score doesn't transfer, how shinyo joho (credit info) and CIC work, how to build a record, and why a first credit card matters for phones, loans and mortgages.

Crypto Exchanges in Japan for Foreign Residents: How to Open an Account (& the Tax)
Can foreign residents use a Japanese crypto exchange? Yes, with KYC (residence card + bank). bitFlyer vs Coincheck, how to open an account, and the heavy tax.

Best Debit & Prepaid Cards in Japan for Foreigners (No Credit Check)
Can't get a credit card in Japan yet? Debit and prepaid cards need no credit check. Revolut, Kyash and Sony Bank WALLET compared — fees, FX, and which to pick.

iDeCo for Foreign Residents in Japan: Eligibility, Tax Break & the Leaving-Japan Catch
Can foreign residents use iDeCo? Yes, if you pay into the pension. The tax break, contribution limits, and the catch: it's hard to cash out if you leave Japan.

Cheapest Way to Send Money to Japan from Abroad (2026)
Sending money to Japan from overseas? We compare Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and bank wire for fees, exchange rates, and delivery speed — so the maximum amount reaches your Japanese bank account.
![[Ultimate Guide] Can't Pay Your Japanese Pension? How to Apply for Exemption and Protect Your Visa](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/ebea9d6d7e6826af752116d05b87930d3468ec4e-1024x559.jpg?auto=format&q=72&fit=max&w=720)
[Ultimate Guide] Can't Pay Your Japanese Pension? How to Apply for Exemption and Protect Your Visa
Your monthly ¥17,000 National Pension bill can legally become ¥0 with the right procedure. Ignoring it puts your visa renewal at risk. Learn how to apply for Student Exceptions or Exemptions in just 5 minutes.
![[2026 Guide] File Taxes in English! The 3-Hour Japan Tax Return for Side Hustles & Crypto](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/2d3b004b065a5f0449e073c3e97559e2b1ec93ae-1024x572.jpg?auto=format&q=72&fit=max&w=720)
[2026 Guide] File Taxes in English! The 3-Hour Japan Tax Return for Side Hustles & Crypto
Dreading the "Kakutei Shinkoku"? This guide explains the dangerous "200,000 yen misconception," how to hide side hustles from your company, and the best English-friendly accounting software (freee/Taxnap) to finish your taxes in 3 hours.
![[2026 Guide] Japan's ¥30,000 & ¥100,000 Benefits for Foreigners: Eligibility, Deadlines & Plan B](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/bdab5d7e183e6108a05e642a15345b9ebfd64237-1024x559.jpg?auto=format&q=72&fit=max&w=720)
[2026 Guide] Japan's ¥30,000 & ¥100,000 Benefits for Foreigners: Eligibility, Deadlines & Plan B
"I heard about the ¥100,000 benefit, but I got nothing..." We explain the "Jan 1 Rule" and "Dependent Trap" blocking your payout, plus a "Plan B" to get ¥20,000 on your own immediately.