The Japan Navigator

Admin Fatigue in Japan: Why Everything Feels Complicated (And How Locals Cope) At some point, many foreign residents in Japan hit a wall. It is not culture shock, language barriers, or even work — it is administration. Forms, stamps, counters, deadlines, repeated explanations. Individually, each task is manageable. Together, they can feel overwhelming. This feeling has a name many people recognize instinctively: admin fatigue . This article explains why administrative procedures in Japan feel so exhausting, even when things technically work well — and how Japanese people themselves cope with it. It’s Not That the System Is Broken One important point to understand is this: Japanese administration is not chaotic or inefficient in the usual sense. Most procedures are: Rule-based Predictable Designed to avoid ambiguity The problem is not disorder. The problem is density . Why Admin in Japan Feels So Heavy Everything Is a Separate Process In Japan, task...

How to Cancel or Change Your NHK Contract in Japan (Plus What the NHK “Tax” Actually Is) At some point, most people living in Japan encounter NHK. Usually, it happens when someone from NHK knocks on your door, shows an ID badge, and asks you to sign a form. Many foreigners understandably feel confused—“Is this mandatory? Why am I being charged? How do I cancel?” This guide explains what NHK actually is, why the “NHK tax” exists, and what to do if you want to change or cancel your contract in a simple, stress-free way. What Is NHK and Why Does It Charge Fees? NHK (日本放送協会) is Japan’s public broadcasting service. It operates TV and radio channels funded by viewing fees (受信料) rather than advertisements. The idea is similar to the BBC in the UK—residents pay to support public news and safety broadcasting. Because NHK broadcasts earthquake and emergency alerts, the government treats it as a public service. That’s why residents with a TV are expected to pay. Is It a “Tax”? Not...

How to Get a Japanese Driver’s License (2025 Guide – License Conversion & Full Test Route) Getting a driver’s license in Japan depends on whether your foreign license can be converted. Some nationalities can switch to a Japanese license with no driving test, while others must complete written and practical exams. This guide explains both routes clearly, including required documents, timelines, and official procedures. If you are handling other administrative tasks in Japan, our guide on how to rent an apartment in Japan may also help you prepare documents for ward offices and official registrations. Two Ways to Obtain a Japanese Driver’s License License Conversion (外国免許切替 / gaimen kirikae) – for holders of eligible foreign licenses Full Japanese Licensing Process – for those whose foreign license cannot be converted or who do not have a license 1. License Conversion (Gaimen Kirikae) Many countries offer a simple conversion process, without requiring a driv...

Leaving Japan? Essential Checklist Before You Go Planning to leave Japan soon? Before you board your flight, there are a few important legal and administrative steps to complete. From city hall notifications and unpaid taxes to pension withdrawals and phone contracts, here’s a full breakdown of what to do before departure—and why timing matters if you’re leaving around the end of the year. 1) File a Moving-Out Notification (転出届) Visit your city or ward office and submit a moving-out notification (転出届 / tenshutsu todoke) within 14 days before leaving Japan. This officially cancels your residence record and stops local residence tax from accruing after you leave. Bring your residence card and My Number card (or notification card). You’ll receive a Moving-Out Certificate (転出証明書) —keep this for airport or visa procedures. This also deactivates your enrollment in the national health insurance system, unless you have company coverage. 2) Taxes: Why Timing Matters Ja...

Japan’s My Number System Explained Japan’s “My Number” system (マイナンバー制度) is a unique system in Japan. It assigns every resident — Japanese or foreign — a unique 12-digit number for taxation, social security, and government-related procedures. Introduced in 2016, it’s now deeply integrated into Japan’s digital infrastructure and is required for most administrative and financial tasks. 1) What Is the My Number System? My Number is Japan’s version of a national identification number. It connects your personal information across government databases such as tax, pension, and health insurance. The goal is to streamline processes, prevent errors, and improve efficiency between institutions. Each resident — including foreign nationals who have lived in Japan for more than three months — receives a My Number notification card or My Number Card after registering their address at the local ward office. 2) What Is It Used For? My Number is required in many situatio...

How to Register Your Address and My Number After Moving in Japan After moving to a new home in Japan, it’s important to register your new address and update your My Number (マイナンバー) details. These two things are essential for everything from health insurance and taxes to opening a bank account or even signing up for utilities. This guide explains how the process works, what documents you need, and what to expect when visiting your local city or ward office. 1) Why Address Registration Matters When you move to a new apartment or house in Japan, you are required by law to notify your local ward or city office within 14 days of moving. This process is called tennyu todoke (転入届) or address registration. Once completed, your residence card is updated with your new address, and this change automatically links to government systems such as the National Health Insurance, pension, and tax records. 2) Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Address Go to your loca...