Tokyo International Friends & Events 東京国際交流会
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Your complete A–Z guide to living in Japan as an expat or foreigner. From opening a bank account and getting a SIM card to navigating the healthcare system, Japanese bureaucracy, and daily life hacks. Curated by Peter Chen, 18+ years in Tokyo — so you can skip the hard lessons.
Since October 1, 2026, renewing or changing your Japan residence status costs up to ¥75,000 instead of ¥6,000, and permanent residency costs ¥200,000. Here are the confirmed numbers, the online discount, and the hardship reduction.
Japan overhauled its permanent residency screening on October 1, 2026: a ¥200,000 fee, an above-average income test, pension records equal to 30 years of contributions, and conversational Japanese. What is confirmed, what is only reported, and how to prepare.
Tokyo's minimum wage rose ¥54 to ¥1,280 an hour on October 1, 2026, and at least 15 prefectures moved the same day. Here is what the raise is worth in real pay, who it covers, and what to do if your wage is below it.
Japan is raising iDeCo contribution limits across the board and extending the maximum enrollment age from under-65 to under-70, with the first change already live and the rest landing January 2027. Here's what it means for foreign residents building a retirement cushion in Japan.
The US, EU, UK, Canada and Australia have all tightened customs de minimis rules in 2026. If you sell on Mercari, ship gifts home, or buy from Japan for family overseas, here's exactly what changed and what you'll now pay.
Japan's minpaku (vacation rental) system has gone through three rounds of tightening since 2025 — stricter building standards, the closure of Osaka's year-round tokku loophole, and expanding accommodation taxes. Here's what foreign owners renting out akiya and apartments need to know before listing a property.
A dated calendar of what is already in force and what is coming for foreign residents and visitors in Japan: October 2026 fee and PR changes, the November tax-free overhaul, Tokyo's April 2027 lodging tax, June 2027 insurance screening, and JESTA in 2028.
Kyoto has announced a plan to charge tourists 350-400 yen per bus ride while residents pay 200 yen — nearly double. Here's what's confirmed, what's still just a proposal, and how to plan around it.