The Japan Navigator

Emergency Services in Japan: How to Call an Ambulance or Police and What Happens Next For many people living in or moving to Japan, emergency services are something they hope they will never need — and something they quietly worry they won’t understand if they do. Questions come up quickly: Which number do you call? Is English available? Will it cost money? What happens after you call? This article explains how emergency services actually work in Japan , what to expect when you call, and how to prepare calmly in advance. The Emergency Numbers in Japan Japan uses two main emergency numbers: 119 — Ambulance and fire 110 — Police These numbers work nationwide and are free to call from: Mobile phones Landlines Public phones You do not need a SIM card balance or credit. Calling an Ambulance in Japan (119) Calling 119 connects you to the local fire department, which also dispatches ambulances. Ambulances in Japan are public ser...

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 mak...

Why Japan Still Uses Paper Bills and Mail for Everything One of the first surprises for many newcomers to Japan is how much important information still arrives by post. Utility bills, city hall notices, pension statements, insurance updates — even in a highly advanced country, physical mail remains central to daily administration. This often feels outdated, inefficient, or unnecessarily stressful. In reality, Japan’s reliance on paper mail follows a clear internal logic. This article explains why paper is still dominant , what it signals, and how to approach it without anxiety. The Expectation Gap for Newcomers Many people arrive in Japan expecting: Digital billing by default Email notifications for official matters Online portals replacing paper Instead, they find their mailbox filling up with envelopes — often formal, sometimes alarming, and rarely explained. The disconnect is not about technological ability. It is about how trust, responsibility, and proo...

Why Japanese Utility Bills Rarely Match Your Usage Period One of the most common points of confusion for newcomers to Japan is utility billing. You check your electricity or gas bill and notice something strange: the dates don’t match the period you think you used the service. Sometimes the bill arrives weeks later. Sometimes the amount feels disconnected from how much you remember using. This article explains why Japanese utility bills often feel “out of sync” , how the system actually works, and why this confusion is especially common in your first year. The Expectation vs Reality Problem Many people arrive in Japan expecting utilities to work like they do elsewhere: You use electricity or gas during a given month You receive a bill shortly after The bill clearly reflects that usage period In Japan, billing follows a different logic. The issue is not that the system is inaccurate — it is that it prioritises administrative cycles over real-time usage . ...

Guarantor vs Guarantor Company in Japan: What’s the Difference? If you have ever searched for an apartment in Japan, you have almost certainly encountered the word guarantor . For many foreign residents, this requirement is confusing and often becomes the biggest obstacle to renting — especially in cities like Tokyo. This article explains the difference between a personal guarantor and a guarantor company , how each works in practice, what they cost, and why most landlords now prefer guarantor companies. What Is a Guarantor in Japan? In Japan, a guarantor (連帯保証人) is someone who legally agrees to take responsibility if the tenant fails to pay rent or causes damage. This is not a symbolic role. A guarantor is: Legally responsible for unpaid rent Potentially liable for damages Contacted directly if problems arise Because of this liability, being a guarantor is a serious commitment. Personal Guarantor: How It Works A personal guarantor is usually: A ...

Why a Kotatsu Can Save You Money in Japan (Especially in Your First Winter) When people ask how much money they should save before moving to Japan, heating costs are rarely part of the discussion. Yet for many newcomers, winter electricity bills are one of the first unexpected expenses. Japanese apartments are often poorly insulated, and heating an entire room can become expensive very quickly. This is why many households rely on a uniquely Japanese solution: the kotatsu . A kotatsu is not just a cultural item. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm in Japan — especially during your first winter. Why Heating Costs Surprise Newcomers in Japan Many people moving to Japan assume winter heating will be manageable. In practice, several factors make it harder than expected: Thin walls and weak insulation in many apartments High ceilings that trap cold air Electric heaters and air conditioners consuming significant power Long evenings spent at home du...

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 enoug...