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Plain-English guides for every stage of life in Japan — from your first week to building a home. Written from experience, updated when things change.

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Official Japan

How to Renew Your Residence Status in Japan

Your residence status comes with an expiry date, and renewing it before that date is not optional. This guide covers when to apply, what to…

8 min read Updated Jul 2026
News

Japan’s New Combined Residence Card Launches June 14, 2026

From June 14, 2026, Japan is rolling out the Specified Residence Card — a single IC chip card that combines your residence card and My…

3 min read Updated Jul 2026
Moving Here

How to Register Your Address in Japan

Registering your address at the ward office is the first thing you need to do after arriving in Japan, and almost everything else depends on…

9 min read Updated Jul 2026
Official Japan

How to Get Your My Number Card in Japan

Japan assigns every registered resident a 12-digit My Number. The physical card that carries it — the My Number card — is now essential for…

9 min read Updated Jun 2026
"Google Japan office" by codepo8 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Moving Here

Your First Month in Japan

From collecting your residence card at the airport to opening a bank account — everything a new foreign resident needs to take care of in…

12 min read Updated Jun 2026
Infographic outlining Japan's health insurance categories, enrollment requirements, benefits, co-payments, and additional services.
Official Japan

How Health Insurance Works in Japan

Everyone living in Japan is required to have health insurance. Which system covers you depends on how you work. This guide explains both options, how…

12 min read Updated Jul 2026

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Real answers for foreign residents living in Japan. Built from years of experience as a long-term resident and parent.


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