The Japan Navigator

How Salary, Bonuses, and Payslips Work in Japan Japanese payslips can be difficult to decipher when you first start working in Japan. Base salary, allowances, social insurance contributions, income tax, bonuses, and resident tax all appear as separate items, often with unfamiliar terminology. This guide explains how salaries and payslips work in Japan in 2025, why certain deductions are made, and how your take-home pay is calculated. 1) How Salary Is Structured in Japan Most full-time employees receive a fixed monthly salary. Companies usually describe compensation as “monthly salary + bonus,” not annual salary, which often surprises foreign residents. Understanding what makes up your monthly income is essential for budgeting and negotiating offers. Typical components: Base salary (基本給) — the main part of your compensation. Allowances (手当) — such as transportation, housing, overtime, or family support. Bonuses (賞与) — usually paid twice per year. Why Japanese c...

Saving Money in Japan - 2025 Guide Japan is not cheap, but living well here doesn’t have to mean overspending. This practical guide shows how to reduce monthly costs across housing, utilities, food, transport, banking, and everyday purchases—without sacrificing quality of life. It’s written for expats, professionals, and long-term residents who want a serious, no-fluff playbook for 2025. 1) Housing & Utilities Target 10–15 year old buildings: Safer construction standards than older stock, usually cheaper than new builds. Zero key money / reduced deposit listings: Ask agencies to filter for reikin 0 and shikikin 0–1 . Negotiate renewals: Renewal fees ( koshin-ryo ) are often one month’s rent; you can negotiate the fee or a rent adjustment with long tenancy and good payment history. Energy control: Use eco modes on AC, LED bulbs, low-hot-water settings, and a dehumidifier during rainy season to cut electricity. Check building interne...

How to Send and Receive Money from Japan International transfers from Japan can be slow and expensive if you only use traditional banks. Requirements also vary by provider: some ask for My Number, others for specific proof of purpose. This guide explains the practical options in 2025, what documents you need, how to reduce fees, and when to choose banks vs. fintech services. 1) How International Transfers Work from Japan Traditional banks: MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, Japan Post Bank send money via SWIFT. Reliable but fees add up: sender fee + intermediary fee + poor FX. Online/fintech services: Wise, Revolut, Payoneer use local accounts/networks to cut FX and speed up settlement. Clear fee breakdown and app-based tracking. Compliance/KYC: All providers verify identity and may ask for purpose of remittance and source of funds. Limits increase after full verification. 2) Documents You’ll Typically Need Residence card and passport My Num...

Best Credit Cards in Japan 2025 Choosing a credit card in Japan can be confusing for foreign residents. Approval standards are conservative, requirements vary by issuer, and English support is limited. This guide explains how screening works, what documents you need, which cards are realistic for expats, and how to improve your odds of approval—so you can pay bills, book travel, and manage day-to-day expenses with confidence. 1) Eligibility & What Issuers Check Residency & ID: Residence card (在留カード) and passport; some issuers ask for My Number (個人番号). Stability: Months at current address, employment status, employer, and income level. Payment capacity: Existing liabilities and requested limit. Credit references: Payment history held by Japanese bureaus (e.g., CIC). Multiple recent applications can reduce approval odds. Tip: A Japanese mobile number and a domestic bank account for auto-pay are practically mandatory. 2) Docu...

Opening a Bank Account in Japan Opening a bank account in Japan can be surprisingly complex for newcomers. Requirements depend on your visa type, length of stay, and even the language ability expected at each branch. This guide outlines practical, legitimate steps for opening a bank account in Japan — whether you’re a long-term resident, an employed professional, or newly arrived expat. 1) Basic Requirements Most banks in Japan follow similar requirements for new account openings. You’ll typically need: Residence card (在留カード) – proof of legal stay in Japan. Passport – identification and nationality confirmation. Japanese address – utility bill or residence certificate ( juminhyo ). Personal seal (hanko) – optional, though some banks still require it. Phone number – a working Japanese mobile number for verification. My Number (マイナンバー) – most banks now require it for anti–money laundering compliance. Some banks may ask f...