The Japan Navigator

Why Your Employer Handles Your Taxes in Japan (Until They Don’t) One of the most reassuring things for new employees in Japan is being told that their employer “handles taxes for them.” In many cases, this is true — but only within clearly defined limits. When those limits are crossed, responsibility quietly shifts back to the individual, often without much explanation. This article explains how employer-handled taxes work in Japan , what is actually covered, and when you are suddenly expected to take over. The Basic Idea: Withholding at the Source For most full-time employees in Japan, income tax is withheld directly from salary. This system is known as withholding at the source , and it means: Your employer deducts income tax from each paycheck You receive your salary after tax You usually do not file a tax return yourself This setup creates the impression that taxes are fully “taken care of.” The Year-End Adjustment (年末調整) The key mechanism that m...

How Much Money Should You Save Before Moving to Japan? One of the most common questions people ask before moving to Japan is simple, but stressful: how much money do I actually need? Online answers range from wildly optimistic to unnecessarily alarming. The reality depends on your situation — but there are realistic minimums, and there are common mistakes that leave people financially exposed in their first months. This article explains how much money you should save before moving to Japan, based on real costs, timing gaps, and what newcomers consistently underestimate. Why Your First Months in Japan Cost More Than You Expect Even if you already have a job lined up, Japan has a timing problem that affects cash flow. Common reasons: Your first salary is often paid 4–6 weeks after you start working Initial housing costs are front-loaded Administrative costs arrive early Nothing feels “monthly” at the beginning This means you need a buffer — not just eno...

Being Self-Employed in Japan: Hidden Costs No One Warns You About Being self-employed in Japan often looks attractive on paper: flexibility, autonomy, and higher gross income potential. In reality, many freelancers and solo business owners underestimate the hidden costs that only appear after the first year. This article explains the main financial blind spots for self-employed residents in Japan — especially foreigners — and why cash flow often feels tighter than expected even when income is decent. The First-Year Illusion Many self-employed people feel financially comfortable in their first year. This is usually temporary. Common reasons: No residence tax yet Low National Health Insurance premiums Limited pension contributions in the prior year In year two, all of these costs arrive at once. National Health Insurance Is Income-Based — and Expensive Self-employed residents are enrolled in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) , which is man...

National Pension vs Employee Pension in Japan (What You Actually Get) Japan’s pension system is often described as simple, but in practice it is widely misunderstood — especially by foreign residents. Many people contribute for years without a clear idea of what they will actually receive in retirement. This article explains the difference between National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) and Employee Pension (Kōsei Nenkin) , how payouts are calculated, and what you can realistically expect based on income and years of contribution. The Two-Tier Pension System in Japan Japan’s public pension system has two main layers: National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) – the base pension for all residents Employee Pension (Kōsei Nenkin) – an additional earnings-based pension for employees Which pension you contribute to depends entirely on your employment status. National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) National Pension applies if you are: Self-employed or freelance Unemployed ...

How Japanese Health Insurance Premiums Are Calculated (With Real Salary Examples) If you live and work in Japan, health insurance costs can feel confusing and unpredictable. Premiums often change, sometimes sharply, and frequently do not match your current salary. This is not an error — it is how the Japanese system is designed. This article explains how Japanese health insurance premiums are actually calculated , why many foreign residents are surprised by higher bills in their second year, and how costs differ depending on whether you are an employee or self-employed. Realistic salary examples are included to help you estimate your own situation. The Two Health Insurance Systems in Japan Japan has two main public health insurance systems. Which one you are enrolled in determines how your premiums are calculated. Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) This applies if you are a full-time employee — or a qualifying part-time employee — at a company. You are enroll...

Renewal Fees (更新料) in Japan — Why They Exist, When You Must Pay Them, and How to Avoid Them If you rent an apartment in Japan, you may eventually encounter a charge called 更新料 (kōshinryō) , meaning “renewal fee.” This fee surprises many foreigners because it is rare outside Japan, and it is not well explained by most resources. So what is this fee, why does it exist, and do you really have to pay it? What Renewal Fees (更新料) Are 更新料 is a payment tenants make to continue using the rental property after their initial contract period (usually two years). Most commonly: The renewal fee applies every 2 years The fee amount is typically 1 month of rent It is paid directly to the landlord or property owner It is not refunded It does not cover maintenance, repairs, insurance, or cleaning — it is simply a continuation fee to renew the contract. Why Japan Has Renewal Fees (And Why They Surprise Foreigners) In many countries, rental contracts are either mon...

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...