The Residence Card (在留カード) is the most important form of ID for foreigners in Japan: proving status of residence, opening bank accounts, buying SIM cards, registering an address, and working.
Sep 11, 2026
A step-by-step to-do list for your first 30 days in Japan: Residence card, address registration, My Number, SIM/eSIM, opening a bank account, housing, and Internet.
A complete guide to required documents, step-by-step procedures, costs, and processing times for opening a bank account in Japan for international students, technical interns, and workers — including key notes on the 6-month rule.
Lost residence card (zairyu card) in Japan: Report to the police, apply for a reissue at the Immigration Bureau within 14 days, required documents, and fees.
Just landed in Japan and your phone has no connection? Here is what you should do in your first 24 hours to get Internet access as fast as possible, along with estimated costs and common mistakes.
A step-by-step guide to moving procedures in Japan: tenshutsu/tennyu todoke, updating your residence card address, My Number, health insurance, utilities (electricity, water, gas), and mail forwarding.
Initial costs when renting an apartment in Japan typically amount to 4–6 months' rent. This article breaks down each expense, provides concrete calculation examples, and shares tips to reduce costs.
A foreigner's guide to Japan's My Number Card: Differences from the My Number itself, whether it's mandatory, how to apply, costs, processing time, and common mistakes.
A checklist of documents to bring when registering your address (jūmin tōroku) at a Japanese ward office, step-by-step instructions, the 14-day deadline, and common mistakes.
