The Japan Navigator

What to Do If You Lose Your ID in Japan (Residence Card, My Number, Insurance) Losing an ID in Japan can be stressful, especially if you are unsure which document matters most or what you are legally required to do. The steps you need to take depend on which ID was lost , but the overall process is structured and predictable once you understand it. This article explains what to do if you lose your ID in Japan , which authorities to contact, and what typically happens next. First: Identify Which ID Was Lost Not all identification documents are treated the same in Japan. The most commonly lost IDs include: Residence card My Number card or My Number notification Health insurance card Driver’s licence Some of these are tied to immigration status, others to tax or insurance systems. The response depends on the document. Step 1: File a Lost Property Report with the Police For most lost IDs, the first step is to file a lost property report (遺失届) at a po...

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 ...

Why Your Japanese Bank Account Can Suddenly Be Frozen (And How to Fix It) One of the most alarming experiences for foreign residents in Japan is discovering that their bank account no longer works. You may notice: Your debit card is declined Online banking access is blocked Transfers fail without explanation This often happens without warning , which makes it especially stressful. This article explains why Japanese bank accounts are sometimes frozen , the most common triggers, and what you can realistically do to fix the situation. First: What “Frozen” Usually Means In most cases, a frozen bank account in Japan does not mean your money is gone. It usually means: Transactions are temporarily restricted The bank requires confirmation or updated information Access will be restored once the issue is resolved This is an administrative lock, not a punishment. The Most Common Reason: Address Mismatch The single most common reason accounts are f...

What You Must Update When You Change Address in Japan (Complete Admin Checklist) Changing address in Japan involves more than just telling your landlord or forwarding mail. When you move, you are legally responsible for reporting your new address to multiple institutions . Some updates are mandatory, some are practical, and others are easy to forget until something breaks. This article provides a clear, complete checklist of what you must update when you change address in Japan, so nothing important is missed. 1. City Hall (Mandatory) The most important update is your address registration at city hall. You are required to: Submit a move-out notification (転出届) to your old municipality Submit a move-in notification (転入届) to your new municipality This must usually be done within 14 days of moving. Your address registration affects: Residence records Health insurance Resident tax Access to other certificates Without this update, many other ad...

How to Register a Personal Seal in Japan (And Why It’s Still Useful) One of the more confusing administrative steps foreigners encounter in Japan is being told they need a “registered seal.” With digital signatures and online banking now common in many countries, this often raises questions: What is seal registration? Is it mandatory? Do I really need this? This article explains how personal seal registration works in Japan , what it is actually used for today, and whether it is worth doing. What Is a Personal Seal (Inkan)? A personal seal (印鑑 / inkan) is a physical stamp used in place of a handwritten signature. There are several types, but for administrative purposes the most important distinction is whether a seal is registered or not. What Does It Mean to Register a Seal? Seal registration means officially linking a specific seal to your identity at city hall. Once registered: The seal becomes your legally recognised stamp You can obtain a...

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...

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...