--- title: Moving to Japan: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: Moving to Japan can suit families and individuals. Whether relocating for work, study, family reunification, or a temporary visit, understanding the local cultu image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Advertisement728 × 90AdSense zone Japan flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fjp.png&w=3840&q=75] MOVING TO JAPAN: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE Japan flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw320%2Fjp.png&w=3840&q=75] Moving to Japan: this free immigrant guide covers cost of living, visa options, banking, healthcare, laws, and settlement steps for living in Japan. Always confirm rules on the official immigration portal. Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites. Moving to Japan can suit families and individuals. Whether relocating for work, study, family reunification, or a temporary visit, understanding the local culture and systems is essential for a easier move. Japan combines traditional and modern lifestyles, appealing to a diverse range of expatriates. In your first three months, immerse yourself in the local environment while addressing your legal and practical needs.\n\nAs you prepare for your move, explore various visa options, such as the Business Manager Visa or the Highly Skilled Professional Visa. Each option has specific requirements and benefits, so choose what best fits your situation. Focus initially on securing your visa, arranging temporary housing, and setting up essential services to help you settle in comfortably. Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html] Review due soon MigrantIQ research desk [/about/editorial/]3 min readData confidence: 82/100 11 published visa guides · 7 editorially reviewed in Q4 2026 Save to planner Verify before you move MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN JAPAN Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Capital Tokyo Region Asia (Eastern Asia) Currency JPY Cost of Living Index 47.5 Net Monthly Salary 6861 Healthcare Universal/Insurance Safety Index N/A Rent Index 14.7 Quality Index 8.8 COST OF LIVING IN JAPAN Japan has a cost of living index of 47.5, indicating that living expenses can vary based on location. Urban centers like Tokyo may have higher costs compared to rural areas. The rent index is 14.7, highlighting that housing costs are a significant part of your budget. With a typical net monthly salary of 6861 JPY, careful financial planning is important for a comfortable lifestyle in Japan. Costs may fluctuate based on personal choices and city dynamics. JAPAN COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in Japan on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, which is about 380 miles southwest of Kyushu. About 3,000 smaller islands are included in the archipelago. About 71% of the… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 229 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Japan sits in Eastern Asia, Asia, with Tokyo as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include Japanese. English proficiency is listed as medium. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin Early practical steps people actually use in Japan include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Migration; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Population 123,201,945 Population Growth Rate -0.43% Population Distribution all primary and secondary regions of high population density lie on the coast one-third of the population resides in and around Tokyo on the central plain (Kanto Plain) Urban Population * population: 92% of total population (2023) rate of * urbanization: -0.25% annual rate of change Population in Major Urban Areas 37.194 million TOKYO (capital), 19.013 million Osaka, 9.569 million Nagoya, 5.490 million Kitakyushu-Fukuoka, 2.937 million Shizuoka-Hamamatsu, 2.666 million Sapporo Population: Male/Female * male: 59,875,269 * female: 63,326,676 AGE & FAMILY Show 12 12 facts — expand for details. Age Structure * years: 12.1% (male 7,701,196/female 7,239,389) 15-64 [tel:3891564] * years: 58.4% (male 36,197,840/female 35,777,966) 65 years and * over: 29.5% (male 15,976,233/female 20,309,321) Median Age * total: 49.9 years * male: 48.3 years * female: 51.3 years Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 7 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 11.9 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 1.4 Gross reproduction rate 1 Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49 39.8% Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49 39.8% Currently married women (ages 15-49) 46.8% Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49) 30.7 Mother's mean age at first birth 30.7 Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female * birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 * years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 * years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and * over: 0.79 male(s)/female total * population: 0.95 male(s)/female MIGRATION Hide Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population .7 ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE Hide Ethnic Groups Japanese 97.5%, Chinese 0.6%, Vietnam 0.4%, South Korean 0.3%, other 1.2% (includes Filipino, Brazilian, Nepalese, Indonesian, American, and Taiwanese) Language Note Japanese Nationality Noun * noun: Japanese (singular and plural) * adjective: Japanese EDUCATION Hide Literacy Definition Age 15 and over can read and write Education Expenditures - percent of GDP 3.4% Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary) * total: 15 years * male: 15 years * female: 15 years HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS Show 12 12 facts — expand for details. Life Expectancy at Birth * population: 85.2 years * male: 82.3 years * female: 88.2 years Infant Mortality Rate * total: 1.9 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 2 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 1.7 deaths/1,000 live births Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births * total: 1.9 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 2 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 1.7 deaths/1,000 live births Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births 4 Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population 2.48 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population 13 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 10.9% Obesity - adult prevalence rate 4.3% Tobacco Use * total: 20.1% * male: 30.1% * female: 10% Alcohol consumption per capita * total: 8.36 liters of pure alcohol * beer: 1.35 liters of pure alcohol * wine: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol * spirits: 1.63 liters of pure alcohol other * alcohols: 5.09 liters of pure alcohol Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: NA * rural: NA * total: 99.1% of population * unimproved: urban: NA * rural: NA * total: 0.1% of population Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: NA * rural: NA * total: 99.9% of population * unimproved: urban: NA * rural: NA * total: 0.1% of population ECONOMY IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 223 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing Japan with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 38,200. Recent growth is listed at 0.6 percent. Unemployment is listed at 4.4 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 6,861. The cost-of-living index is 48. The rent index is 15. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 470. A monthly groceries signal is 284. Purchasing-power index: 118. Quality-of-life index: 9. Local currency code: JPY. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Economic Overview Over the past 70 years, government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (slightly less than 1% of GDP) have helped Japan develop an advanced economy. Two notable characteristics of the post-World War II economy were the close interlocking structures of manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, known as keiretsu, and the guarantee of lifetime employment for a substantial portion of the urban labor force. Both features have significantly eroded under the dual pressures of global competition and domestic demographic change. Measured on a purchasing power parity basis that adjusts for price differences, Japan in 2017 stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world after first-place China, which surpassed Japan in 2001, and third-place India, which edged out Japan in 2012. For three postwar decades, overall real economic growth was impressive - averaging 10% in the 1960s, 5% in the 1970s, and 4% in the 1980s. Growth slowed markedly in the 1990s, averaging just 1.7%, largely because of the aftereffects of inefficient investment and the collapse of an asset price bubble in the late 1980s, which resulted in several years of economic stagnation as firms sought to reduce excess debt, capital, and labor. Modest economic growth continued after 2000, but the economy has fallen into recession four times since 2008. Japan enjoyed an uptick in growth since 2013, supported by Prime Minister Shinzo ABE’s "Three Arrows" economic revitalization agenda - dubbed "Abenomics" - of monetary easing, "flexible" fiscal policy, and structural reform. Led by the Bank of Japan’s aggressive monetary easing, Japan is making modest progress in ending deflation, but demographic decline – a low birthrate and an aging, shrinking population – poses a major long-term challenge for the economy. The government currently faces the quandary of balancing its efforts to stimulate growth and institute economic reforms with the need to address its sizable public debt, which stands at 235% of GDP. To help raise government revenue, Japan adopted legislation in 2012 to gradually raise the consumption tax rate. However, the first such increase, in April 2014, led to a sharp contraction, so Prime Minister ABE has twice postponed the next increase, which is now scheduled for October 2019. Structural reforms to unlock productivity are seen as central to strengthening the economy in the long run. Scarce in critical natural resources, Japan has long been dependent on imported energy and raw materials. After the complete shutdown of Japan’s nuclear reactors following the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011, Japan's industrial sector has become even more dependent than before on imported fossil fuels. However, ABE’s government is seeking to restart nuclear power plants that meet strict new safety standards and is emphasizing nuclear energy’s importance as a base-load electricity source. In August 2015, Japan successfully restarted one nuclear reactor at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima prefecture, and several other reactors around the country have since resumed operations; however, opposition from local governments has delayed several more restarts that remain pending. Reforms of the electricity and gas sectors, including full liberalization of Japan’s energy market in April 2016 and gas market in April 2017, constitute an important part of Prime Minister Abe’s economic program. Under the Abe Administration, Japan’s government sought to open the country’s economy to greater foreign competition and create new export opportunities for Japanese businesses, including by joining 11 trading partners in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Japan became the first country to ratify the TPP in December 2016, but the United States signaled its withdrawal from the agreement in January 2017. In November 2017 the remaining 11 countries agreed on the core elements of a modified agreement, which they renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Japan also reached an agreement with the European Union on an Economic Partnership Agreement in July 2017 and is likely to seek to ratify both agreements in the Diet this year. Industries Among the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods GDP - per capita (PPP) $38,200.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 0.6% GDP & GROWTH Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $5,224,850,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $38,200.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 0.6% GDP - official exchange rate $4,127,000,000,000 (USD) GDP - composition, by end use * consumption: 59.6% Government * consumption: 20.4% Investment in fixed * capital: 21.2% Investment in * inventories: -0.3% Exports of goods and * services: 18.5% Imports of goods and * services: -19.4% GDP by Sector- agriculture 1.2% GDP by Sector- Industry 26.6% GDP by Sector- services 72.2% Industrial Growth Rate -3.5% PRICES & MONEY Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Inflation Rate 0.1% Exchange Rate per US Dollar 132.44 Currency Name and Code Yen (JPY) Fiscal Year 1 April - 31 March Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 1.5% EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Labor Force 65,020,000 Unemployment Rate 4.4% Major Industries Among the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods Agriculture Products * Rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit * pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs * fish Population Below Poverty Line 16% LABOR BY OCCUPATION Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 3.9% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 26.2% Labor Force By Occupation- services 69.8% PUBLIC FINANCE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Annual Budget $2,025,000,000,000 (USD) Public Debt (% of GDP) 214.3% Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP -8.2% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 34.7% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 237 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Japan's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Confirm current forms and fees on https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html. In the planning dataset, permanent residence is listed at 18037010 years of qualifying stay; citizenship is listed at 5 years; dual citizenship is listed as restricted. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin Early practical steps people actually use in Japan include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Full Country Name None Country Name Japan Local - Long Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku Local - Short Nihon/Nippon Etymology- history of name the English word for Japan comes via the Chinese name for the country "Cipangu"; both Nihon and Nippon mean "where the sun originates" and are frequently translated as "Land of the Rising Sun" Independence * 3 May 1947 (current constitution adopted as amendment to Meiji Constitution) * notable earlier dates: 11 February 660 B.C. (mythological date of the founding of the nation by Emperor JIMMU) * 29 November 1890 (Meiji Constitution provides for constitutional monarchy) National Holiday Birthday of Emperor NARUHITO, 23 February (1960); note - celebrates the birthday of the current emperor POLITICAL SYSTEM Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Government Type parliamentary constitutional monarchy Constitution * history: previous 1890; latest approved 6 October 1946, adopted 3 November 1946, effective 3 May 1947 * amendments: proposed by the Diet; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of both houses of the Diet and approval by majority in a referendum; note - the constitution has not been amended since its enactment in 1947 Legal System: * civil law system based on German model * system also reflects Anglo-American influence and Japanese traditions * judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court Executive Branch: * chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019) * head of government: Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA (since 1 October 2024) * cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister election/appointment * process: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister * election results: 2024: Shigeru ISHIBA (LDP) elected prime minister on 27 September 2024; upper house vote - 143 of 242 votes; lower house vote - 291 of 461 votes 2021: Fumio KISHIDA reelected prime minister on 10 November 2021; upper house vote - Fumio KISHIDA (LDP) 141, Yukio EDANO (CDP) 60; lower house vote - Fumio KISHIDA 297, Yukio EDANO 108 * note: Shigeru ISHIBA resigned as prime minister on 11 November 2024 after legislative elections but was re-elected in the second round of voting in the lower house Legislative Branch: * Description: bicameral National Diet or Kokkai consists of: House of Councillors or Sangi-in (248 seats; 148 members directly elected in multi-seat districts by simple majority vote and 100 directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 6-year terms with half the membership renewed every 3 years) House of Representatives or Shuugi-in (465 seats; 289 members directly elected in single-seat districts by simple majority vote and 176 directly elected in multi-seat districts by party-list proportional representation vote; members serve up to 4-year terms) * Elections: House of Councillors - last held on 10 July 2022 (next to be held in July 2025) House of Representatives - last held on 31 October 2021 (next to be held by October 2025) * Election Results: House of Councillors - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/grouping as of January 2024 - LDP 116, CDP-SDP 40, Komeito 27, JCP 11, Ishin-FEFA 21, DPFP 11, Reiwa 5, OW 2, NHK 2, independent 12; * Composition: 182 men, 66 women; percent of women 26.6% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/grouping as of January 2024 - LDP 260, CDP 96, Ishin 41, Komeito 32, JCP 10, DPFP 7, Yushi no Kai 4, FEFA 4, Reiwa 3, independents 7; * Composition: 416 men, 48 women; percent women 10.3%; * Note: total National Diet percent of women 16% * Note: the Diet in June 2017 redrew Japan's electoral district boundaries and reduced from 475 to 465 seats in the House of Representatives; the amended electoral law, which cuts 6 seats in single-seat districts and 4 in multi-seat districts, was reportedly intended to reduce voting disparities between densely and sparsely populated voting districts Judicial Branch: * office: Supreme Court chief justice designated by the Cabinet and appointed by the monarch; associate justices appointed by the Cabinet and confirmed by the monarch; all justices are reviewed in a popular referendum at the first general election of the House of Representatives following each judge's appointment and every 10 years afterward * subordinate courts: 8 High Courts (Koto-saiban-sho), each with a Family Court (Katei-saiban-sho); 50 District Courts (Chiho saibansho), with 203 additional branches; 438 Summary Courts (Kani saibansho) Regions or States: 47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi, Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka, Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi Political Parties and Leaders: * Collaborative Party or The Party to Protect People from NHK or NHK Party [Ayaka OTSU (de jure) * Takashi TACHIBANA (de facto)] * Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan or CDP [Kenta IZUMI] * Democratic Party for the People or DPFP or DPP [Yuichiro TAMAKI] * Free Education for All or FEFA [Seiji MAEHARA] * Japan Communist Party or JCP [Tomoko TAMURA] * Japan Innovation Party or Nippon Ishin no kai or Ishin [Nobuyuki BABA] * Komeito [Natsuo YAMAGUCHI] * Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Fumio KISHIDA] * Okinawa Whirlwind or OW [N/A] * Reiwa Shinsengumi [Taro YAMAMOTO] * Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mizuho FUKUSHIMA] * Yūshi no Kai [Shuji KIRA] Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Citizenship Criteria: * birth: no citizenship by descent * only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Japan dual citizenship * recognized: no residency requirement for * naturalization: 5 years CAPITAL & TIME Hide Capital Name Tokyo Capital - geographic coordinate 35 41 N, 139 45 E Capital Time Difference UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. International Organization Participation: * ADB * AfDB (nonregional member) * APEC * Arctic Council (observer) * ARF * ASEAN (dialogue partner) * Australia Group * BIS * CD * CE (observer) * CERN (observer) * CICA (observer) * CP * CPLP (associate) * EAS * EBRD * EITI (implementing country) * FAO * FATF * G-5 * G-7 * G-8 * G-10 * G-20 * IADB * IAEA * IBRD * ICAO * ICC (national committees) * ICCt * ICRM * IDA * IEA * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * IGAD (partners) * IHO * ILO * IMF * IMO * IMSO * Interpol * IOC * IOM * IPU * ISO * ITSO * ITU * ITUC (NGOs) * LAIA (observer) * MIGA * NEA * NSG * OAS (observer) * OECD * OPCW * OSCE (partner) * Pacific Alliance (observer) * Paris Club * PCA * PIF (partner) * Quad * SAARC (observer) * SELEC (observer) * SICA (observer) * UN * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNHCR * UNHRC * UNIDO * UNMISS * UNOOSA * UNRWA * UNWTO * UPU * Wassenaar Arrangement * WCO * WFTU (NGOs) * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO * ZC International Law Organization Participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Rahm EMANUEL (since 25 March 2022) * Embassy: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 [tel:1078420] * Mailing Address: 9800 Tokyo Place, Washington DC 20521-9800 [tel:205219800] * Telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000 [tel:0332245000] * FAX: [81] (03) 3224-5856 [tel:0332245856] * Email: TokyoACS@state.gov * Website: https://jp.usembassy.gov/ [https://jp.usembassy.gov/] * Consulate(s) General: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador YAMADA Shigeo (since 27 February 2024) * Chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 * Telephone: [1] (202) 238-6700 [tel:2022386700] * FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187 [tel:2023282187] * Website: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html [https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html] * Consulate(s) General: Anchorage (AK), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver (CO), Detroit (MI), Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville (TN), New York, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), Seattle (WA) GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 157 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Japan's capital is Tokyo in Eastern Asia, Asia. Traffic keeps to the left. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Geographic Location Asia Geographic Coordinates 36 00 N, 138 00 E Total Area 145,913 Square Miles 377,915 Square Kilometers Land Area 140,728 Square Miles 364,485 Square Kilometers Water Area 5,185 Square Miles 13,430 Square Kilometers Coastline 18,486 Miles 29,751 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Terrain Mostly rugged and mountainous Highest Point 3,776 Meters Highest Point Location Fujiyama (Mount Fuji) 3,776 m Lowest Point -4 Meters Lowest Point Location Hachiro-gata -4 m Natural Resources Negligible mineral resources, fish Note: With virtually no energy natural resources, Japan is the world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second largest importer of oil Irrigated Land 9,653 Square Miles 25,000 Square Kilometers CLIMATE & TIME Hide Time Zone UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Climate Temperature extremes are fewer than in the U.S. since no part of the interior is more than 100 miles from the coast. At the same time, because the islands run almost directly north-south, the climate varies. Sapporo, on the northern island, has warm summers and long, cold winters with heavy snowfall. Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, on the southern part of the largest island of Honshu, experience relatively mild winters with little or no snowfall and hot, humid summers. Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu, has a climate with mild winters and short summers. Okinawa is subtropical. Spring, with its profusion of cherry blossoms and other flowering trees and shrubs, and autumn, with its gold and flaming red trees and lovely fall flowers, are the most pleasant seasons. The hot, humid summers are difficult in the cities, but the sandy beaches along the coast and the many fine mountain resorts provide pleasant relief. With rather mild and dry winters it rarely snows or rains in the Tokyo area at this time of year. Terrain Mostly rugged and mountainous Location Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula Total Area 145,913 Square Miles 377,915 Square Kilometers ENVIRONMENT Hide Environment - Current Issues * Air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain * acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life * Japan is one of the largest consumers of fish and tropical timber, contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere Environment - International Agreements Party To: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling Signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements TRADE IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 160 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for Japan help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in JPY. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Exports $792,900,000,000 (USD) Imports $856,900,000,000 (USD) Major Exports * Motor vehicles 13.6% * semiconductors 6.2% * iron and steel products 5.5% * auto parts 4.6% * plastic materials 3.5% * power generating machinery 3.5% Major Imports * Petroleum 15.5% * liquid natural gas 5.7% * clothing 3.9% * semiconductors 3.5% * coal 3.5% * audio and visual apparatus 2.7% TRADING PARTNERS Hide Top Export Partners China 19.7%, United States 15.5%, South Korea 8%, Hong Kong 5.2%, Thailand 4.6% Top Import Partners China 21.5%, United States 8.9%, Australia 6.6%, Saudi Arabia 5.9%, United Arab Emirates 5%, South Korea 4.7% PARTNERS (SUMMARY) Hide Export Partners China 19.7%, United States 15.5%, South Korea 8%, Hong Kong 5.2%, Thailand 4.6% Import Partners China 21.5%, United States 8.9%, Australia 6.6%, Saudi Arabia 5.9%, United Arab Emirates 5%, South Korea 4.7% TRAVEL & SAFETY IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 235 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in Japan is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is listed as generally safe in the planning dataset. Healthcare system type: Universal/Insurance. Immigrant health access note: Full. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 0 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin Early practical steps people actually use in Japan include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Hide Country Description Japan is a stable, highly developed parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available, except in coastal areas of Northeast Japan still recovering from the aftermath of the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami. Safety & Security There have been no major terrorist incidents in Japan since 1995. However, you should be aware of the potential risks and take these into consideration when making travel plans. The Government of Japan maintains heightened security measures at key facilities and ports of entry as antiterrorism precautions. At times, these security measures may increase because of regional tensions. The Government of Japan is vigilant in tracking terrorist threat indicators and remains on a high state of alert. You can contact local police substations (koban) and police emergency dispatchers (tel. 110) to report any suspicious activity. CRIME & LAW Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Crime The general crime rate in Japan is well below the U.S. national average. Crimes against U.S. citizens in Japan usually involve personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. Violent crime is rare, but it does exist. Sexual assaults are not often reported, but they do occur, and females may be randomly targeted. Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur, although some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of comments or actions because of their nationality or their race. U.S. citizens have reported incidents of pickpocketing in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports. Every year, a number of U.S. citizens report their passports lost or stolen at international airports, especially passports that were carried in their pockets. Robberies committed after a victim has been drugged or “drink spiked” are increasing (see below). Some U.S. citizens report that Japanese police procedures appear to be less sensitive and responsive to a victim's concerns compared to the procedures in the United States, particularly in cases of domestic violence or sexual assault, or when both the victim and the perpetrator are foreigners. Few victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, and they are generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships. The quality of Japanese-English interpretation services can vary, and for some U.S. citizen victims, this has caused a problem. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are such goods illegal in the United States, but if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. Concerns Regarding Roppongi and other Entertainment and Nightlife Districts in Tokyo: Roppongi is an entertainment district in Tokyo that caters to foreign clientele and is considered a high-risk area for crime, particularly the misappropriation of credit card information in bars to make fraudulent credit card charges. Other high-risk areas for crime in the Tokyo area include Shinjuku (especially the area of Kabuki-cho), Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. However, you should use caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan. Incidents involving U.S. citizens in these areas include physical and sexual assaults, drug overdoses, theft of purses, wallets, cash, and credit cards at bars or clubs, and drugs allegedly slipped into drinks. Never accept drinks from strangers or turn your back to your drink while in a bar or club. Drink-spiking at bars and entertainment venues, especially in areas such as Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, near Shinjuku, has routinely led to robbery and has also resulted in physical and sexual assaults. In most drink-spiking reports, the victim unknowingly drinks a beverage that has been mixed with a drug that makes the victim unconscious or dazed for several hours, during which time the victim’s credit card is used for large purchases or the card is stolen. Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or in other unknown locations. Several U.S. citizens have also reported being charged exorbitant bar tabs in some bars and clubs in Roppongi and other entertainment and nightlife districts. Although firearms and brandishing knives in public are illegal in Japan, there have been reports by U.S. citizens of being threatened with gun or knife violence in such venues in order to force them to pay bar tabs or withdraw money. There have also been reports of beatings of U.S. citizens who have refused to pay or hand over money. There have been recent reports of U.S. citizens being forcibly taken to ATM machines and robbed, or forced to withdraw funds after being unable to pay exorbitant bar tabs. Please be aware that Roppongi and other entertainment and nightlife districts have also been the scenes of violence be Criminal Penalties * Drugs: Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs, including marijuana, are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. In most drug cases, suspects are detained and barred from receiving visitors or corresponding with anyone other than a lawyer or a U.S. consular officer until after the first hearing, which at times has taken a year to take place. Solitary confinement is common. You could be convicted of drug use based on a positive blood or urine tests alone, and several U.S. citizens are now serving time in Japanese prisons as the result of sting operations that used informants. The Japanese police routinely share information on drug arrests with Interpol, assuring that notification of the arrest will reach U.S. law enforcement agencies. The majority of all U.S. citizens now in prison in Japan are incarcerated for drug-related crimes. In recent months, there have been arrests of individuals selling and possessing synthetic drug-like substances, such as the synthetic marijuana called "spice." Japanese authorities aggressively pursue drug smugglers with sophisticated detection equipment, "sniffing" dogs, and other methods. When entering Japan, you and your luggage will be screened at ports of entry. Incoming and outgoing mail, as well as international packages sent via DHL or FedEx, are also checked carefully. The Japanese police make arrests for even the smallest amounts of illegal drugs. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested, tried, and convicted after having mailed illegal drugs to themselves from other countries, or for having tried to bring drugs into Japan as paid couriers working out of Southeast Asia or Europe. In 2013, several U.S. citizens were arrested at Japanese airports for smuggling illegal drugs on flights originating in India. All claim that they did not realize they were carrying drugs. When traveling to Japan, never transport packages that do not belong to you, and keep immediate control of your luggage at all times. * Knives: Possession of a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade that is longer than 5.5 cm (a little more than two inches), is illegal in Japan. U.S. citizens and U.S. military personnel have been arrested and detained for more than 10 days for carrying pocket knives that are legal in the United States but illegal in Japan. Immigration * Penalties: Japanese work visas are not transferable and are issued outside of Japan for a specific job with a specific employer at a specific place of employment. It is illegal for you to work in Japan while in tourist or visa-waiver status. Japanese authorities do not allow foreigners to change their immigration status from visa-waiver status to work status while in Japan. Japanese immigration officers may deny you entr HEALTH & ROADS Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Medical Facilities While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to U.S. citizens’ expectations are expensive and not widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system that is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan. U.S.-style and standard psychiatric care can be difficult to locate in major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of Japan's major cities. Extended psychiatric care for foreigners in Japan is difficult to obtain at any price. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider. Certain medications, including some commonly prescribed for depression and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), are not widely available. Traffic Safety While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Japan is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Driving in Japan is quite complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be as high as $1 (U.S.) or more per mile. City traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside parking, however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those who illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States. Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan. Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan. Other than a few exceptions, turning on red lights is generally not permitted. Japanese law provides that all drivers in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties. Japan has a national zero percent blood-alcohol level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you’re found guilty of "drunken, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury" you are subject to up to 15 years in prison. All passengers are required to fasten their seat belts. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. Emergency Assistance: Within Japan, please dial 110 for police, and 119 for an ambulance. For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 [tel:0357300111] in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 [tel:0726450111] in Osaka, 011-857-8139 [tel:0118578139] in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 [tel:0928415000] in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 [tel:0988779163] in Okinawa. For specific information concerning Japanese driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please refer to the Japan National Tourist Organization website for locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. In addition, information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) website. International Driving Permits (IDPs): An international driving permit (IDP) issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of short-term visitors who drive in Japan. You must obtain an IDP issued in your country of residence prior to arriving in Japan. The U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 161 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in Japan affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 160 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Pipelines; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. Airports - total 175 Airports with Paved Runways 142 Heliports 16 Railways 16,890 Miles 27,182 Kilometers Roadways- total 752,015 Miles 1,210,251 Kilometers Roadways- paved 604,739 Miles 973,234 Kilometers Waterways 1,100 Miles 1,770 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Chiba, Kawasaki, Kobe, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Tomakomai, Yokohama Merchant Marine * type: bulk carrier 168, cargo 34, carrier 3, chemical tanker 29, container 2, liquefied gas 58, passenger 11, passenger/cargo 117, petroleum tanker 152, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 52, vehicle carrier 54 Registered in other * countries: 3,122 (Bahamas 88, Bermuda 2, Burma 1, Cambodia 1, Cayman Islands 23, China 2, Cyprus 16, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 79, Indonesia 8, Isle of Man 19, Liberia 110, Luxembourg 3, Malaysia 2, Malta 5, Marshall Islands 59, Mongolia 2, Netherlands 1, Panama 2372, Philippines 77, Portugal 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Sierra Leone 4, Singapore 164, South Korea 14, Tanzania 1, United Kingdom 5, Vanuatu 39, unknown 7) (2010) PIPELINES Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Pipelines: Gas 2,769 Miles 4,456 Kilometers Pipelines: Oil 108 Miles 174 Kilometers Pipelines: Oil/Gas/Water 65 Miles 104 Kilometers COMMUNICATIONS Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Telephones 64,668,000 Cell Phones 132,760,000 Internet Users 99,182,000 Internet Country Code .jp Internet Hosts 64,453,000 Broadcast Media * A mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio stations * 6 national terrestrial TV networks including 1 public broadcaster * a large number of radio and TV stations available provide a wide range of choices * satellite and cable services provide access to international channels Telephone System * Assessment: excellent domestic and international service * Domestic: high level of modern technology and excellent service of every kind * International: country code - 81; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and United States; satellite earth stations - 7 Intelsat (Pacific and Indian Oceans), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region), 2 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions), and 8 SkyPerfect JSAT ENERGY Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 859,700,000,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 936,200,000,000 Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 112,600,000,000 Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m) 122,200,000,000 Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m) 3,273,000,000 Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m) 20,900,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 4,464,000 Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 3,472,000 Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 17,480 Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 44,120,000 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN JAPAN: PLANNING NOTES 143 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Japan. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in Japan for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Japan-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for Japan are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okin When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM Hide Anthem Lyrics * Kanji: 君が代は 千代に八千代に さざれ石の 巌となりて 苔の生すまで * Hiragana: きみがよは ちよにやちよに さざれいしの いわおとなりて こけのむすまで Anthem Lyrics English Thousands of years of happy reign be thine; Rule on, my lord, till what are pebbles now By age united to mighty rocks shall grow Whose venerable sides the moss doth line. Verified immigration updates for Japan → [/countries/japan/immigration-updates/] GOVERNMENT JOBS IN JAPAN * Japan Government Jobs [/government-jobs/government-careers-jp/] · Japan Personnel Authority / public service All government jobs for Japan → [/government-jobs/?country=japan] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN JAPAN Japanese OFFICIAL LINKS FOR JAPAN * Immigration Services Agency of Japan [https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official portal of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan is a key resource for accurate information on visas and immigration procedures. Be cautious of lookalike sites that may charge for forms available for free. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST FOR JAPAN * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required. * •Set up a local phone plan to stay connected. * •Open a Japanese bank account for easier transactions. * •Register for health insurance to access the universal healthcare system. * •Learn about local emergency numbers and services. * •Learn basic Japanese phrases to ease daily interactions. * •Understand local tax obligations and registration processes. LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP IN JAPAN Healthcare access: Full Health waiting period: 0 day(s) SETTLEMENT FUNDS & FINANCIAL NOTES FOR JAPAN Settlement funds: No formal savings requirement for HSP or Engineer/Specialist visas. Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of income (JPY 10M/year). Business Manager visa requires JPY 5M capital. Moving to Japan requires significant upfront cash for housing (4-6 months of rent for deposits, key money, and agency fees). Japan's hidden costs catch newcomers off guard. Housing move-in costs are brutal: key money (reikin, 1-2 months non-refundable), security deposit (shikikin, 1-2 months), agency fee (1 month), guarantor company fee (0.5-1 month). Total: 4-6 months of rent upfront. National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums are based on previous year's income. Pension contributions (kosei nenkin) are mandatory at ~18.3% of salary (split with employer). Residence tax (juuminzei) is ~10% of income, billed the following year. Budget EUR 3,000-6,000 for immigration attorney and incorporation fees if using the Business Manager route. When settling in Japan, proof of funds is often necessary for transactions like renting a home or opening a bank account. Have sufficient savings to cover initial expenses while establishing your income. Setting up a local bank account can simplify everyday transactions and help manage finances effectively. Understanding the local tax system will be beneficial for long-term residency. COST OF LIVING BY CITY IN JAPAN Monthly living-cost signals in JPY. Figures are planning estimates — rent and lifestyle vary by neighbourhood. CitySingle monthly (JPY)Family monthly (JPY)1BR center (JPY)Fukuoka¥219,825¥457,236¥107,275Osaka¥263,790¥536,373¥139,457Tokyo¥339,410¥668,268¥197,491 TAKE-HOME PAY IN JAPAN (2026) Educational wage-tax examples from the MigrantIQ tax calculator in JPY. Not filing software — confirm with official rules and a licensed adviser. Entry / mid offer Gross ¥4,000,000 ¥3,013,500net / year ~¥251,125 / month · effective 24.7% Solid mid career Gross ¥8,000,000 ¥5,568,000net / year ~¥464,000 / month · effective 30.4% High earner Gross ¥20,000,000 ¥11,726,000net / year ~¥977,167 / month · effective 41.4% Open Japan tax calculator → [/tools/tax-calculator/japan/] · compare take-home vs other destinations [/tools/tax-compare/] Country hub: /countries/japan/ · Tax year 2026. State or provincial tax may apply on top of federal models. WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR JAPAN * Healthcare WorkersHard Best visa: Engineer/Specialist visa (for researchers) or specific medical visas * InvestorsModerate Best visa: Business Manager Visa (Keiei Kanri) * Remote WorkersModerate Best visa: Digital Nomad Visa (if earning JPY 10M+/year) or tourist visa for short stays * RetireesHard Best visa: No dedicated retiree visa — limited options * Skilled TradesHard Best visa: Specified Skilled Worker visa (Tokutei Gino) * Tech WorkersEasy Best visa: Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) — most tech workers with a degree and 3+ years of experience can reach 70+ points easily * work Ideal for professionals seeking opportunities in technology, engineering, or business management. * study Great for students looking to experience a rich educational environment. * family Suitable for families wishing to reunite or explore new cultural experiences together. OFFICIAL VS REALITY WHEN MOVING TO JAPAN BUREAUCRACY Official: Efficient, organized immigration process Reality: Immigration processing is actually reasonably fast by international standards (the HSP visa's 14-30 day processing is impressive). But daily bureaucracy is extraordinarily paper-based. Expect to visit your local city hall (shiyakusho/kuyakusho) multiple times with physical documents for: residence registration, NHI enrollment, pension registration, My Number card. Many forms are Japanese-only. HEALTHCARE Official: Universal healthcare under National Health Insurance with 30% copay Reality: Japan's healthcare is excellent and genuinely affordable. NHI covers nearly everything with a 30% copay (and caps on monthly out-of-pocket costs). Hospitals and clinics are abundant. The problem for foreigners: finding English-speaking doctors outside of major Tokyo hospitals is difficult. Medical forms, prescriptions, and instructions are in Japanese. Mental health services in English are particularly scarce. HOUSING FOR FOREIGNERS Official: Adequate housing available for foreign residents Reality: Housing is surprisingly affordable compared to London, Sydney, or San Francisco. But: key money (reikin, 1-2 months non-refundable), guarantor company required, and many landlords still refuse foreigners outright. The refusal is legal — Japan has no anti-discrimination housing law comparable to Western countries. UR apartments (government-managed) require none of these extras and are the most foreigner-friendly option. Large employers often provide housing assistance. HSP POINTS SYSTEM Official: Transparent, self-calculable points-based visa with 70+ point threshold Reality: The HSP points system is genuinely one of the most generous skilled immigration pathways in the world. 80+ points = PR in 1 year, which no other major country offers. The system favors younger, higher-earning professionals with advanced degrees. It is transparent and you can calculate your score before applying. The catch: the visa itself is straightforward, but everything around it (housing, daily life, language) is where the difficulty lies. OVERLOOKING VISA REQUIREMENTS Newcomers often underestimate the importance of understanding specific visa requirements. Ensure you have all necessary documents prepared and submitted on time to avoid delays. NEGLECTING LANGUAGE BARRIERS Failing to learn basic Japanese can complicate daily life, as not everyone speaks English fluently. Invest time in learning essential phrases to facilitate communication. IGNORING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Japan has a unique culture that may differ from your home country. Being unaware of social customs can lead to misunderstandings. Research and respect local traditions. SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR JAPAN Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * MigrantIQ country profile Summary profile maintained for planning. Last updated 2026-05-07. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for Japan where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN JAPAN 373 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate of Belarus in Akita, Japan [/embassies/mission/belarus-in-japan-akita-consulate/] — 🇧🇾 Belarus, Akita * Consulate of Fiji in Akita, Japan [/embassies/mission/fiji-in-japan-akita-consulate/] — 🇫🇯 Fiji, Akita * Consulate General of China in Fukuoka, Japan [/embassies/mission/china-in-japan-fukuoka-consulate-general/] — 🇨🇳 China, Fukuoka * Consulate General of Ghana in Fukuoka, Japan [/embassies/mission/ghana-in-japan-fukuoka-consulate-general/] — 🇬🇭 Ghana, Fukuoka * Consulate General of Micronesia in Fukuoka, Japan [/embassies/mission/micronesia-fed-sts-in-japan-fukuoka-consulate-general/] — 🇫🇲 Micronesia, Fukuoka Browse all embassies in Japan → [/embassies/in/japan/] Important — not legal or government advice MigrantIQ lists diplomatic missions for planning reference only. We are not a government service. Contact details may be incomplete or outdated — always confirm appointments, fees, and requirements on the official mission website or your destination government portal before you travel or apply. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report inaccurate data [/contact/] Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO JAPAN WHAT IS THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM LIKE IN JAPAN? Japan has a universal healthcare system that provides full access to medical services for residents. Register for health insurance upon arrival to benefit from this system. HOW CAN I FIND HOUSING IN JAPAN? Housing can be found through online platforms, real estate agents, or local listings. Consider proximity to public transport and amenities when choosing a location. WHAT ARE THE COMMON CHALLENGES FACED BY EXPATRIATES IN JAPAN? Expatriates often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and bureaucratic processes. Building a local network can help ease these challenges. RELATED JAPAN GUIDES Visa Japan Visa Hub Read guide → [/visas/japan/]Legal Japan Laws Read guide → [/laws/japan/]Safety Japan Scam Alerts Read guide → [/scam-alerts/japan/]Checklist Japan Arrival Checklist Read guide → [/checklist/japan/]Work & Employment Japan Plans to Reopen SSW Meal Service Intake for Hospitals and Schools Read guide → [/blog/japan-plans-to-reopen-ssw-meal-service-intake-for-hospitals-and-schools/]Citizenship & Permanent Residence Japan Raises Permanent Residence Fee to 200,000 Yen From 1 October 2026 Read guide → [/blog/japan-raises-permanent-residence-fee-to-200-000-yen-from-1-october-2026/]Policy Updates New Schengen Border Restrictions and U.S. Visa Reorganizations Are Transforming Read guide → [/blog/new-schengen-border-restrictions-and-u-s-visa-reorganizations-are-transform/]Policy Updates Qatar Trims Expat Departure Window, Japan Revises Visa Fee Structure, Poland Mandates EU Residence Card Replacements Read guide → [/blog/qatar-trims-expat-departure-window-japan-revises-visa-fee-structure-poland/]Blog Migration blog Read guide → [/blog/] Advertisement300 × 250AdSense zone VISA OPTIONS 11 published * Business Manager Visa [/visas/japan/business-manager-visa/]Business / Management * Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/japan/family-spouse/]Family * Spouse of Japanese National [/visas/japan/spouse-of-japanese/]Family * Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities) [/visas/japan/digital-nomad-visa-designated-activities/]Remote Work / Migration * Permanent Residency / Settlement [/visas/japan/permanent-residency/]Residency * Student Visa [/visas/japan/student-visa/]Student * Short-Term Stay (Tourist) [/visas/japan/short-term-stay/]Tourist * Tourist / Visitor Visa [/visas/japan/tourist-visitor/]Tourist / Visitor * Engineer / Specialist in Humanities [/visas/japan/engineer-specialist-humanities/]Work * Work / Employment Visa [/visas/japan/work-employment/]Work * Highly Skilled Professional [/visas/japan/highly-skilled-professional/]Work / Accelerated Residency Open visa hub → [/visas/japan/] KEY LAWS * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/japan/work-authorisation-rules/]critical * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/japan/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]high * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/japan/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]critical * Address Registration and Identity Duties [/laws/japan/address-registration-and-id-duties/]medium ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/japan/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]medium * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/japan/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]medium * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/japan/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]medium Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Countries","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Japan","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/japan/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/japan/#webpage","name":"Moving to Japan: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Moving to Japan can suit families and individuals. 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