The Japan Navigator

Practical New Year Tips in Japan (Plus the Traditions You’ll See Everywhere) New Year (お正月 / Oshōgatsu) is the most important holiday period in Japan. While Christmas passes quickly, New Year affects daily life in very real, practical ways — especially if you are not expecting it. This article covers what to prepare for New Year in Japan , what typically closes, and the main traditions you will see Japanese people observing between December 31 and January 3 — including why some shrines become extremely crowded, even overnight. Many Things Close — More Than You Expect Unlike Christmas, New Year in Japan comes with real shutdowns. Common closures include: Banks and government offices Clinics and small medical practices Real estate agencies and moving services Smaller restaurants and local shops Large convenience stores remain open, but overall activity slows down significantly. Prepare Cash in Advance ATMs at convenience stores usually work, but bank ...

Christmas in Japan: What It’s Really Like (And What Surprises Foreigners) Christmas in Japan looks familiar at first glance — lights, trees, music, cakes — but the meaning behind it is very different from what most foreigners expect. This article explains what Christmas in Japan is actually about, what usually surprises newcomers, and how locals really experience it. Christmas Is Not a Public Holiday The first surprise for many foreign residents is simple: December 25 is a normal working day . Schools, offices, banks, and government services all operate as usual. There is no nationwide holiday, and no expectation that people take time off. In Japan, Christmas is treated as an event , not a holiday. Christmas Is for Couples, Not Families Unlike in many Western countries, Christmas in Japan is primarily seen as a romantic occasion . It is commonly associated with: Dinner dates Exchanging gifts between couples Hotel stays or special restaurant reservatio...

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...

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 ...

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...