NIPPON VISA & LIFE 編集部– Author –

How to put out large items such as furniture, futons and bicycles (oversized garbage), based on information from local governments, the Ministry of the Environment and the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan. Covers applying, how to buy and attach disposal tickets (stickers), the day and place to put it out, items that cannot be put out as oversized garbage, and why you should be careful with businesses that say "we collect for free."

Based on information from the Immigration Services Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this article sums up, situation by situation, where to go and what to use when you are sick or injured in Japan: how to see a doctor for everyday problems, the phone lines for when you are not sure whether to call an ambulance (#7119 and #8000), pharmacies and drugstores, public medical insurance and medical costs, what to do when you become pregnant, health checkups, and where to talk when you are struggling.

Based on information from the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this article explains how to see a doctor in Japan when you are sick or injured: the difference between clinics and large hospitals, the "special fee" when you have no referral letter, the My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate you show at reception, the medical questionnaire, paying, prescriptions and pharmacies, and how to find medical institutions where you can be seen in a foreign language.

Based on information from the Financial Services Agency and the Immigration Services Agency, this article explains what you need to open a bank account in Japan (residence card, personal seal, employee ID or student ID), how to apply, why you may not be able to open or use an account, how to contact your bank when your address or period of stay changes, and why you must never give your account to someone else.

A checklist of the procedures you need when you move within Japan, divided into before and after the move. Based on information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Immigration Services Agency, and Japan Post, this article explains the moving-out, moving-in and change-of-address notifications, the address on your residence card and My Number Card, electricity, gas and water, mail forwarding, banks, National Health Insurance, and more.

On October 13, 2026, OTAFF (外国人食品産業技能評価機構, an organization that evaluates the skills of foreign workers in the food industry) announced that forging a test result notice is a crime, and that anyone who forges test results will be banned from taking all OTAFF tests, in Japan and overseas, for 5 years. This article reports only the facts of the announcement.

Hello Work is a government office where you can get job counseling and job referrals for free. Based on information from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Immigration Services Agency, this article explains what foreign residents should bring, the steps of job seeker registration, how to search for job openings, referral letters and interviews, and Hello Work offices with interpreters and Employment Service Centers for Foreigners.

When you come to Japan and decide where to live, you must submit a moving-in notification (notification of your place of residence) at your city, ward, town or village office within 14 days. Based on information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Immigration Services Agency, and the Basic Resident Registration Act, this article explains what to bring, the steps at the counter, the resident record and My Number, the moving-out notification and change-of-address notification when you move, and what happens if you are late.

A summary of the basic rules for riding a bicycle in Japan, based on information from the National Police Agency and the Immigration Services Agency's "Guidebook on Living and Working." Learn about keeping to the left side of the road, when you may ride on the sidewalk, lights at night, helmets, the ban on smartphones, umbrellas and earphones, the blue ticket system (fines) that started in April 2026, crime prevention registration, parking, insurance, and what to do in an accident.

A summary of how to protect yourself when an earthquake occurs in Japan, based on the Immigration Services Agency's "Guidebook on Living and Working" and information from the Japan Meteorological Agency. Learn what to do if the shaking starts while you are at home, outside, or in a car, what to do after the shaking stops, Earthquake Early Warnings, seismic intensity, contacting your family (Disaster Emergency Message Dial 171), and everyday preparation.