Immigration & Government

Information regarding Immigration in Japan, Visas, Taxes, Japanese laws, and more.

Gathered here is a collection of articles containing information about immigration in Japan as well as information about various laws, along with Japan's administrative system and its procedures that are necessary for everyone residing in Japan.

Our guides listed below contain information covering topics such as the "My Number" system, the Residency Management System, income tax payments, various age limits, a list of embassies in Tokyo and more.

Foreign Embassies in TokyoList of each country's embassy in Tokyo.

Japan's National Pension System

What Is the Japan National Pension System and How Does It Work? While Japan offers many protections for working residents, often times the rules are confusing and circular; and with much of the paperwork in complex Japanese, it can be difficult for expats to understand. Whether deducted from your m…

Age Restrictions in Japan: Drinking, Smoking, Voting & More

A Japanese person's age is significantly linked to their social position from their early school years until they obtain a job and even into retirement. For around 140 years, the age of adulthood in Japan was set at 20 years old and even a special celebration called “Seijin no Hi” (or Coming-of-Ag…

Taxes in Japan: Resources for Filing Japanese Income Tax in Tokyo

For many foreign residents living in Japan it’s possible that the confusion and hours or research spent in filing Japanese taxes are negligible since their companies file on their behalf. However, if 1) you’re self-employed, 2) your company happens to be based overseas, or 3) your company doesn’t…

Accounting in Tokyo: Bilingual Accounting & Consulting Firms

Whether you are filing individual tax returns or hoping to establish a new business, financial issues can be complicated. These difficulties will no doubt be compounded upon moving to a country like Japan, where you will face the intricacies of a different financial system on top of linguistic and…

Corporate Tokyo Law Firms: English-Speaking Attorneys

Access to timely and competent legal representation is crucial wherever you in the world you happen to reside. However, in countries like Japan, differing legal systems coupled with huge cultural and linguistic barriers, may hinder your ability to get the best possible legal help. Here at PLAZA H…

Bringing Medication to Japan: What to Know Before You Travel

Japan has strict rules on bringing medication to Japan. Be sure to read our guide before you travel with or import medicine from foreign countries into Japan.

Japan National Census 2020

Once every 5 years, the Japanese government conducts a nationwide Census which is to be the most important statistical survey. This year (2020) is the Census (Kokusei Chousa) year and the deadline of its submission is on October 7th. This Census covers everyone who has lived or plans to live in Jap…

Japan Rent Relief Grants - Housing Security Benefits

The Japanese Government provides Rent Relief Grants - Housing Security Benefits (住居確保給付金 - Jûkyo Kakuho Kyûfukin) for a certain period of time for people who have trouble with paying rent due to the loss of job, closing of a business, or falling into a situation equivalent to these. This system's p…

A Guide to Getting Married in Japan

While holding a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony at a Shinto shrine or exchanging marriage vows in a chapel in a western style may be popular, no religious ceremony can be a substitute for official marriage registration. Therefore, if you want your marriage to be legally recognized in Japan, y…

Covid-19: The Current Situation in Japan and Countermeasures

Japan has downgraded COVID-19 to the same level as seasonal influenza and abolished coronavirus control measures with effect from 8 May. As a result, the Japanese government will no longer uniformly require temperature checks when entering shops, hand sanitation at entrances, acrylic boards, plasti…