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.
Japan departure tax triples to ¥3,000 in July 2026. Kyoto hotel tax surges to ¥10,000/person/night. Tax-free shopping changes in November. Full 2026 guide.
Japan doubled its citizenship residency requirement from 5 to 10 years on April 1, 2026. Tax review extended to 5 years. Social insurance to 2 years. Full guide for expats in Japan on what changed, who is affected, and what to do now.
Japan has nearly 10 million abandoned homes (akiya). Foreigners can legally buy them with no nationality restrictions. Full 2026 guide covering prices from ¥2M, step-by-step purchase process, new disclosure rules, and common mistakes to avoid.
Japan's Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live in Japan for 6 months. Income requirement: ¥10M/year (~$68,000). Full 2026 guide: eligibility, how to apply, taxes.
Japan ended 100 years of sole custody on April 1, 2026. What the new joint custody law means for foreign residents and international families.
Japan tightened permanent residency rules in February 2026. New requirement: must hold 5-year visa at application time. Tax and pension compliance now zero-tolerance. Full guide for expats on the standard pathway, new rules, and what's coming next.
Concerta is in nationwide shortage in Japan as of April 2026. New patients cannot get it. What ADHD medications are available, what is banned, and what expats should do right now.
Do foreigners get healthcare in Japan? Is it free? How much does a doctor visit cost? Complete guide to Japan's health insurance system for expats and tourists - real costs, registration steps, and English resources.