The Japan Navigator

How Health Insurance in Japan Works When You Change Jobs Changing jobs in Japan often creates confusion around health insurance. Many people assume coverage automatically continues, or that their new employer “handles everything.” In reality, health insurance during a job change depends heavily on timing , and small gaps can leave you temporarily uninsured without realising it. This article explains how health insurance in Japan actually works when you change jobs , what happens in the transition period, and what you should pay attention to. The Two Main Types of Health Insurance in Japan Most people in Japan are covered by one of these systems: Employee Health Insurance (through an employer) National Health Insurance (managed by your municipality) When you change jobs, you often move from one system to the other — even if only temporarily. What Happens When You Leave Your Job Your employee health insurance does not continue indefinitely after your last ...

What Happens If You Go to a Hospital in Japan Without Insurance One of the most stressful questions newcomers ask is simple and frightening: “What happens if I need to go to a hospital in Japan before my health insurance is set up?” This situation is more common than people realise. It can happen in your first weeks after arrival, between jobs, or during an unexpected illness. This article explains what actually happens if you go to a hospital in Japan without insurance , how hospitals handle it, what it can cost, and what you should (and should not) worry about. First, the Short Answer You will not be refused care for being uninsured. Hospitals in Japan will treat you, but: You will be asked to pay 100% of the cost upfront The bill can be significantly higher than expected Some options may exist later, but they are limited Understanding this in advance makes a big difference. How Japan’s Health Insurance Normally Works (Briefly) Under Japan’s publi...

Fire Insurance (火災保険) in Japan: What It Actually Covers vs. What Most People Think It Covers If you rent an apartment in Japan, you will almost always be required to purchase 火災保険 (kasai hoken) — “fire insurance.” Despite the name, it covers far more than just fire damage, and misunderstanding this insurance is one of the most common issues for foreign residents. This guide explains what fire insurance really covers , what it does not cover , how claims work, and why it is required for nearly all rental contracts in Japan. What Fire Insurance (火災保険) Actually Covers Fire insurance for renters is designed to protect both you and the landlord from unexpected damage. Although the name sounds limited, the scope is actually much broader. Typical Japanese fire insurance policies cover: Fire damage — accidental fires inside your unit Water damage — leaks from air conditioners, pipes, washing machines Typhoon and storm damage — wind, rain, falling objects ...

Residence Tax in Japan (住民税) Explained Simply Residence tax in Japan (住民税 / jūminzei) is one of the most misunderstood parts of the Japanese tax system. Unlike income tax, residence tax is based on your earnings from the previous year and is paid to your local city or ward office—not the national government. If you are planning your yearly expenses, our guide on utilities and monthly bills in Japan can help you estimate your fixed monthly costs alongside residence tax. What Is Residence Tax? Residence tax is a local tax paid to the municipality where you lived on January 1 of the current year. Even if you move to a different city afterward, you pay tax to the city where you were registered on January 1. The tax consists of two parts: Per-capita tax (均等割): A fixed amount charged to all residents Income-based tax (所得割): A percentage of your previous year’s income How Residence Tax Is Calculated Residence tax is calculated using your previous year’s income ...

How to File Taxes in Japan (2025 Guide for Foreign Residents) Whether you work full-time for in as a company employee or freelance independently, understanding Japan’s tax filing process is essential. While most employees’ taxes are handled automatically through payroll, others must file manually. This 2025 guide explains who needs to file, how to do it, and what happens if you leave Japan mid-year. 1) Who Needs to File a Tax Return (確定申告 / Kakutei Shinkoku) In Japan, income taxes are generally withheld from your salary each month, and your employer performs a year-end adjustment (年末調整 / nenmatsu chousei) . If that adjustment covers your total income, you usually don’t need to file anything. However, you must file a tax return if any of the following apply: You changed jobs during the year (two or more employers). You have freelance, rental, or investment income. You left Japan before December and didn’t receive year-end adjustment. You want to claim extra deduct...

How Health Insurance Works in Japan (2025 Guide for Foreign Residents) Japan’s healthcare system is widely respected for its accessibility and quality — and participation is mandatory for everyone who resides in the country. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or studying, you must be enrolled in either Employee Health Insurance (Shakai Hoken) or National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) . This guide explains how Japan’s health insurance works, how to register, and what to expect in terms of costs and coverage. 1) Types of Health Insurance in Japan Japan operates a universal health insurance system, meaning all residents must join one of the following: Employee Health Insurance (社会保険 / Shakai Hoken): For full-time employees. Enrollment is handled by your employer, and premiums are automatically deducted from your monthly salary. Employers cover roughly half of the total contribution. National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 / Kokumin Kenko Hoken...