My Number in Japan 2021 Update: What you’ll be able to do with your My Number Card in the next few years
In this post we give an update on the My Number system as of April 2021. Japan started implementing My Number in 2016 as part of a larger effort to unify the social security, tax, and other administrative systems into... More
My Number Card in Japan Explained
In this article, we explain Japan’s My Number system, the benefits of applying for a My Number card, and how to apply for your My Number card. What is My Number? Does everyone in Japan have a My Number? What’s... More
JR East to reduce number of commuter trains in Tokyo metro between April 29th and May 9th
JR East announced on April 26 that it will be reducing the number of trains it operates in the Tokyo metropolitan region during commuting hours between April 29 and May 9 to support the government’s third COVID emergency declaration. Specific... More
Japan’s expensive, mandatory shaken car inspections: My experience
I bought a car last summer and recently brought it in for “shaken,” (車検) the motor vehicle inspection required by the Japanese government every two to three years. Prior to buying a car I heard that Japanese people don’t often... More
How Employment and Consumer Rules Will Change in Japan Starting April 1st
Starting April 1st, with the start of the new fiscal and legislative year, a number of new laws and regulations will come into effect that will impact employment and consumer rules for people throughout Japan. Below we summarize the key... More
Are you thinking of moving outside Tokyo and if so, where? — Survey asks Tokyo residents
A survey conducted by Recruit, a Japanese human resources company, recently asked over 10,000 Tokyo residents whether they were considering moving outside of Tokyo amidst the COVID pandemic and if so, where. The survey was conducted from January 29th to... More
2020 Japan National Seismic Map – Check the probability of an earthquake occurring where you live
Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee has released the 2020 seismic hazard map for the country, which shows the probabilities of an earthquake measuring at least a lower six, for geographic points throughout Japan. A “lower six” is the third-highest level on... More