Grants

Gasoline Subsidy July 2026: What are the Gradual Transition Measures? An Easy-to-Understand Explanation for Foreign Drivers

Explanation of the July 2026 gasoline subsidy (drastic change mitigation measure). The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has changed the calculation method, bringing the total subsidy to 10.9 yen/L, including an additional adjustment of 4.9 yen. Here are the key points that foreign drivers should know.
Administration, Taxes, Insurance

List of Administrative Procedures After Arriving in Japan | Resident Registration, My Number, National Health Insurance [For Foreigners]

List of administrative procedures foreigners should complete after arriving in Japan. Includes the 14-day rule for resident registration (moving-in notification), My Number, and National Health Insurance enrollment, explained clearly.
Visa/Stay Status

Starting October 2026, Residence Card Renewal and Change Fees Will Increase! New Amounts and What You Should Do Now

⚠️ [Update 2026-07-03] On July 3, 2026, the government officially published the "Draft Cabinet Order for Revision" to increase resident fees, and started accepting public comments (opinion solicitation - until August 2). It may come into effect as early as October 1, 2026...
Medical and Health

How to Use Japanese Hospitals | Health Insurance, First Visit Procedures, How to Explain Symptoms [Guide for Foreigners]

How foreigners access healthcare in Japan. Explains health insurance use, differences between clinics and general hospitals, the initial visit process, how to describe symptoms, and differences from the South Korean system.
Travel, shopping, gourmet food

Shopping Tips for Foreigners in Japan: How to Get Started with Tax-Free Shopping, Points, and Online Shopping [2026 Edition]

How foreigners can shop smartly in Japan. Includes duty-free conditions, loyalty card usage, online shopping basics, and QR payment comparisons. Also covers KakaoPay for Koreans. (Within 120 characters)
Residence Procedures (Renewal, Change, Residence Card)

What is a Special Resident Certificate? Easily explained: The integration of Resident Cards and My Number Cards, starting June 2026

We will clearly explain what the "Specified Resident Card," which launched on June 14, 2026, is. This includes the integration of resident cards and My Number cards, the voluntary system's mechanisms, and how to apply.
Japan Living Guide

How to Get and Charge Your Suica/Transportation IC Card: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

An explanation for foreigners living in Japan on how to get a Suica/PASMO and other transportation IC cards, how to charge them, and where they can be used. The differences between the mobile Suica and physical cards will also be explained.
Japan Living Guide

Credit Card Comparison for Foreigners: Screening Standards, Required Documents, and 5 Recommended Cards

Comparing the screening criteria, required documents, and easy-to-get cards for foreigners residing in Japan when applying for a credit card, in an easy-to-understand way. We will introduce 5 recommended cards by visa status.
Job hunting/Job change

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hiring Foreign Nationals: Strategies to Win the 2026 Recruitment Market

In 2026, with a severe labor shortage ongoing, hiring foreign workers is a realistic strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises. We will explain the merits, demerits, and points to avoid failure from the perspective of an administrative scrivener.
Rental property/Room search

5 Rent Guarantee Companies Specializing in Foreigners: Comparing Application Features and Benefits for Owners

This comparison of five rent guarantee companies for foreign residents is aimed at owners and management companies looking to accept foreign tenants. It covers their screening criteria, multilingual support, and handling of abandoned property.