Residents
Pay slips, pensions, insurance, paperwork and everything you need to live in Japan as a foreign resident.
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13 August 2026
Japan permanent residency: the new requirements coming into force in 2026
Japan is tightening the rules for permanent residency from October 2026: a new income threshold, a pension requirement, formal assessment of Japanese language, and a fee that jumps from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
By Yen & Zen
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25 July 2026
The five supermarkets I actually use in Japan (and what each one is for)
Gyomu Super, Lopia, My Basket, Sotetsu Rosen and Seijo Ishii: the supermarkets I use regularly after fifteen years in Japan, what to buy at each, and when it's worth going to which.
By Yen & Zen
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16 July 2026
The JLPT: Japan's Japanese language exam and what changes for residents in 2026
What the JLPT is, how it works, its levels and how to prepare for it. And why in 2026 the Japanese language exam has become relevant not just for students but for foreign residents in Japan.
By Yen & Zen
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7 July 2026
Japan's visa fee hike: what changes in October 2026
Japan is raising residence status renewal fees and permanent residency costs from October 2026. First revision in 48 years. What changes and how much.
By Yen & Zen
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26 June 2026
Mobile in Japan: which SIM or plan to choose for your situation
Practical guide to mobile phone plans in Japan for 2026: tourist SIMs, resident plans (ahamo, IIJmio, Rakuten) and what's changed in recent years.
By Yen & Zen
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19 June 2026
My Number in Japan: what it is, what it's for, and how to get the card
Complete guide to Japan's My Number system for foreign residents in 2026: the difference between the number and the card, how to apply, current uses as a health insurance card, and the procedures you can no longer do without it.
By Yen & Zen
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11 June 2026
Japan's pension system for foreigners: how it works, how much you pay, and what happens when you leave
Complete guide to Japan's pension system for foreign residents in 2026: Kosei Nenkin and Kokumin Nenkin explained, how much you contribute each month, what you'll receive at retirement, how to reclaim contributions if you leave Japan, and how to check your records on Nenkin Net.
By Yen & Zen
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7 June 2026
Health insurance in Japan for foreigners: how it works and what it costs
Complete guide to Japan's healthcare system for foreigners: employer insurance vs national insurance, what it costs, what it covers, how to see a doctor, and special coverage for children. With an honest comparison to other Western systems.
By Yen & Zen
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20 May 2026
How to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner
A real guide to opening a bank account in Japan: which banks accept foreigners, what documents you need, the six-month rule, and what nobody tells you about having a Spanish double surname.
By Yen & Zen
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11 May 2026
Understanding the Japanese pay slip (給与明細) in 2026: a visual guide for foreign residents
How to read a Japanese pay slip concept by concept: payments, deductions, taxes, and why your take-home changes. Realistic annotated example with verified 2026 calculations.
By Yen & Zen
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9 May 2026
Furusato Nōzei explained for foreigners: how it works, what you save, and the mistakes we paid to learn (2026)
Complete guide to Furusato Nōzei for foreign residents in Japan in 2026: how it works, your donation limit, the platforms, the One-Stop Exception, and the real-world mistakes that cost money.
By Yen & Zen
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30 April 2026
The real cost of living in Tokyo for foreigners (2026): three honest budgets
What life in Tokyo actually costs in 2026, broken down through three concrete profiles: single professional, double-income couple, and family with two kids. Real rent, real take-home, real numbers.
By Yen & Zen
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29 April 2026
Japan's Business Manager Visa just got 6× harder: what the October 2025 reform actually changed
The October 2025 reform raised the capital requirement from ¥5M to ¥30M and added five more conditions. What changed, who's affected, and what your options are.
By Yen & Zen