Tokyo January 15, 2015 5:17 pm

Quick Guide to Living in Japan


Tokyo January 15, 2015 5:17 pm

Quick Guide to Living in Japan


Quick Guide to Living in Japan

Quick Guide to Living in Japan: Overview

No matter if you plan to stay for a short or long period, this quick guide to living in Japan provides essential information you need to know.

Photo by: lcars – Immigration

Visas and Residency

A substantial amount of information is provided in English on immigration and visa matters. It is important that you are familiar with the main regulations. The material in this quick guide to living in Japan has been compiled from official sources; the Immigration Bureau and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Immigration

Photo by: MaidLatte – Tokyo immigration

The immigration Bureau controls all matters regarding entry and residency for foreigners in Japan. Its website contains information on immigration matters, procedures, sample forms and contact information for immigration centers throughout Japan. It should be noted that since July 2009, the immigration system has undergone many changes especially in the area of Residence Management. All the changes and detailed information are explained in the special section of the Immigration Bureau of Japan website.
Immigration Bureau of Japan
Official Website
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Website
Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau
03-5796-7112
5-5-30 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
Yokohama District Immigration Office
045-769-1720 or 0230
Torishima-cho, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

Entry Visas

As a basic rule, all foreigners entering Japan should have a visa. If you are here for a short stay; for sightseeing or business, and have a valid passport from the countries with which Japan has a visa waiver arrangement, then you do not need a visa. Find a full list of these countries on the MOFA website, or contact the Japanese Embassy in your home country for details. When entering Japan for other purposes, you should apply for the appropriate visa from a Japanese Embassy or Consulate Overseas before leaving for Japan. There are 7 categories of visa and 27 statuses of residence, all with different application requirements. (Note: Effective July 1, 2010 – “Pre-College Student” and “College Student” statuses will be integrated into “College Student” status. Students with the status of “Pre-College Student” do not have to change their status to “College Student” after the enforcement of the law as long as there are no changes in their educational activities.)

Extending Residency

When you enter Japan, your visa will allow you to stay in Japan for a specific period. Once granted residency in Japan, be sure to make a note of the period of stay. If you wish to stay in Japan longer than this period, apply for an extension at you local immigration Bureau before the permit expires. Overstaying may mean you have to leave Japan and re-apply for a visa.

Changing Status of Residency

To change your status of residence (i.e., the purpose of your stay), you should apply at the immigration Bureau. It will not be necessary in order to leave Japan smoothly without issue.

Re-entry Permits

If you are leaving Japan temporarily; for example a short break or business trip, you will have to apply for a re-entry permit in order to avoid having to apply for a new visa; unless you are a new resident card holder, in which trips less than a month do not require a re-entry permit. Single or multiple use re-entry permits can be applied for at your local Immigration Bureau. Note: Under the new law regulations, a qualifying foreign national with a valid passport and a residence card will most likely be exempt from applying for a re-entry permit in cases where he/she re-entry Japan within one year from his/her departure. Exceptional cases which require a re-entry permit will be stipulated by a Ministry of Justice ordinance. In cases of possessing a re-entry permit shall be extended from 3 years to 5 years.

Required Documents Overview

Permanent Residency

As a Permanent President, you do not have to be concerned about your period of stay or activities in Japan. Permanent residency is granted based on your “contribution to Japan”. The nature of this contribution, the application procedure and 50 case studies of successful and non successful applications are listed on the Immigration Bureau’s website. If leaving the country temporarily, under the new regulations, you are not required to apply for re-entry permits, as long as you re-enter within one year.

Alien Registration Cards

Photo by: Nemo’s great uncle – #5084 front of new residence card
An “Alien registration Card” is required for any foreigner staying in Japan longer than 90 days. Foreigners are required to carry this card with them at all times. Any changes to your name, address, status of residency, length of stay, nationality, occupation, employer, passport, or marriage status should be reported within 14 days. These changes can be made at you local municipal office. You can find the contact informations at the end of this website’s section.

Births

You should report any births to you local municipal office within 14 day and apply for your child’s alien registration card within 60 days. You must also apply for your child’s passport and social security number at your embassy, as well as a status of residence and period of stay certificate from your local Immigration Bureau within 30 days.

Marriages

Before getting married in Japan, contact you Embassy or consulate to find out how to register your marriage in your home country, and check whether any additional procedures are required. Marriage itself only requires a visit to your local municipal office together with 2 witnesses. You will also need to update your alien registration card, so it will save you a trip if you do it on the same day.

Taking Root in Japan

Now you are here and you must establish yourself in your new home. This includes arranging water, gas, electricity, phone and internet access, cable television and other things; the following information should help to make these tasks easier.

Open a Bank Account in Japan

For a Guide to Japanese Bank Accounts take a look at Japanese Bank Account: How to.

Electricity

Apply by phone before you move in. In eastern Japan the current is 100V/50Hz (60Hz for western Japan). However, you do not need a transformer between eastern and western Japan. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is the provider of electricity in Tokyo and Yokohama. You can get an English brochure “A Guide to Electricity”, either by mail or on the website, which provides valuable information on rules, instructions and troubleshooting procedures.

Tepco Customer Center

Contact them to apply for terminate the electricity service, or to request the “payment by Visa card” application form.
English TEPCO Website
Depending on the area (city, ward, etc.) that you live in, the contact information is different and is listed below.

*Mon-Fri (excl. N.H.): 9:00am – 7:00pm, Sat (excl. N.H.): 9:am – 6:00pm

Gas

Call and apply for the gas service connection about
1-2 weeks prior to moving in.
Tokyo Gas Customer Service
Use the number below for application, to arrange set-up when moving in, to terminate your gas supply when moving out, or to request the “payment by Visa card” application form.
Tokyo Gas English Website
0570-002-211 (from fixed line phones)
03-5722-011 (from cellular phones)
9:00am – 7:00pm (excl. Sun&N.H.)

Water

Call to apply for service before you move in and inquire if you are in an area which accepts payment with your Visa card. Just call customer service to request the “payment by Visa card” application form.
Tokyo Bureau of Waterworks Customer Service Center
03-5326-1100 (8:30pm – 8:00pm – excl.Sun&N.H.)
Call this number if you are living in one of the 23 wards of Tokyo. If you live outside of this area you should refer to their website to check the telephone number for you area: http://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.jp/eng
Yokohama Waterworks Bureau Customer Service Center
045-847-6262 (24 hours, Daily)
English Website

Telephones

Photo by: jpellgen – Softbank Umeda

Fixed Line Telephones

NTT East is the company that provides regular fixed line telephone services in eastern Japan.
You can apply for a new fixed line at NTT East Information at 0120-364-463 (toll-free). There are 2 plan available, the Analog and the Analog Lite Plan.
NTT East Information
For new telephone line applications, additional services or other inquiries:
0120-364-463 (toll free), Mon-Fri (excl. N.H.&N.Y.H.): 9:00am – 5:00pm
NTT East English Website
Application fees (incl. tax) are as follows:

International Dialing

You can make an international call by simply dialing the international carrier access number, followed by the telephone number.
International Carrier Access Number + 010 + Country Code
+ Area Code + Number
They have English-speaking support for everything, enabling you to inquire about price plans and discount services. The main international carrier access numbers are as follows:
NTT Communications Corp. (0033)
0120-506506 (toll free)
English Website
KDDI Corp. (001)
0057 (toll free)
English Website
SoftBank Telecom Corp. (0041)
0088-41 (toll free)
English Website

Cellular Phones

Photo by: Héctor García – Biggest Softbank shop in the world

The communication standards in Japan differ largely from most other countries, thereby preventing foreigners from using cellular phones or SIM cards from their home countries. For those planning to stay in Japan for more than one year, buying a new cellular phone from a Japanese cellular phone company is a convenient alternative. In order to buy a handset, make sure to have your identification and contact information ready, such as your alien registration card, passport, and address in Japan. A range of plan are available as well as discount services, so check with the websites or shops before you make your purchase. Most Japanese cellular phones are post-paid, but prepaid phones are also available. Following are the 3 largest cellular phone operators. All of them accept payment with Visa cards.

SoftBank MOBILE Corp.
0088-21-2000 (toll free, press “8” for English support)
English Website
NTT DoCoMo Inc.
0120-005-250 (toll free)
English Website
au (KDDI Corp.)
0077-7-111 (toll free)
English Website

Rental Cellular Phones

Photo by: Karl Baron – AKB48 docomo Bic Camera

Rental cellular phones for domestic use in Japan and international use are offered in addition to regular cell phones. These may be more convenient if you are unsure about buying your own, are uncertain of you length of stay, or plan on extensive travel. They also make sense for persons who leave for extended vacations in their home country.
Go Mobile
English Website
Telecomsquare
03-3239-3422
English Website

Pay Phones

Pay phones are easy to use and are usually located near train stations, in major public buildings, or at stores and can be used with 10 yen coins, 100 yen coins or prepaid telephone cards. Pay phones do not give change for 100 yen coins. Telephone cards are available at station kiosks and convenience stores. Because more and more people have cellular phones, these pay phones are becoming harder to find.


Tags: , , , , ,

Categorised in: ,

This post was written by Mathew Ryan

Quick Guide to Living in Japan: Overview

No matter if you plan to stay for a short or long period, this quick guide to living in Japan provides essential information you need to know.

Photo by: lcars – Immigration

Visas and Residency

A substantial amount of information is provided in English on immigration and visa matters. It is important that you are familiar with the main regulations. The material in this quick guide to living in Japan has been compiled from official sources; the Immigration Bureau and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Immigration

Photo by: MaidLatte – Tokyo immigration

The immigration Bureau controls all matters regarding entry and residency for foreigners in Japan. Its website contains information on immigration matters, procedures, sample forms and contact information for immigration centers throughout Japan. It should be noted that since July 2009, the immigration system has undergone many changes especially in the area of Residence Management. All the changes and detailed information are explained in the special section of the Immigration Bureau of Japan website.
Immigration Bureau of Japan
Official Website
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Website
Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau
03-5796-7112
5-5-30 Konan, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
Yokohama District Immigration Office
045-769-1720 or 0230
Torishima-cho, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

Entry Visas

As a basic rule, all foreigners entering Japan should have a visa. If you are here for a short stay; for sightseeing or business, and have a valid passport from the countries with which Japan has a visa waiver arrangement, then you do not need a visa. Find a full list of these countries on the MOFA website, or contact the Japanese Embassy in your home country for details. When entering Japan for other purposes, you should apply for the appropriate visa from a Japanese Embassy or Consulate Overseas before leaving for Japan. There are 7 categories of visa and 27 statuses of residence, all with different application requirements. (Note: Effective July 1, 2010 – “Pre-College Student” and “College Student” statuses will be integrated into “College Student” status. Students with the status of “Pre-College Student” do not have to change their status to “College Student” after the enforcement of the law as long as there are no changes in their educational activities.)

Extending Residency

When you enter Japan, your visa will allow you to stay in Japan for a specific period. Once granted residency in Japan, be sure to make a note of the period of stay. If you wish to stay in Japan longer than this period, apply for an extension at you local immigration Bureau before the permit expires. Overstaying may mean you have to leave Japan and re-apply for a visa.

Changing Status of Residency

To change your status of residence (i.e., the purpose of your stay), you should apply at the immigration Bureau. It will not be necessary in order to leave Japan smoothly without issue.

Re-entry Permits

If you are leaving Japan temporarily; for example a short break or business trip, you will have to apply for a re-entry permit in order to avoid having to apply for a new visa; unless you are a new resident card holder, in which trips less than a month do not require a re-entry permit. Single or multiple use re-entry permits can be applied for at your local Immigration Bureau. Note: Under the new law regulations, a qualifying foreign national with a valid passport and a residence card will most likely be exempt from applying for a re-entry permit in cases where he/she re-entry Japan within one year from his/her departure. Exceptional cases which require a re-entry permit will be stipulated by a Ministry of Justice ordinance. In cases of possessing a re-entry permit shall be extended from 3 years to 5 years.

Required Documents Overview

Permanent Residency

As a Permanent President, you do not have to be concerned about your period of stay or activities in Japan. Permanent residency is granted based on your “contribution to Japan”. The nature of this contribution, the application procedure and 50 case studies of successful and non successful applications are listed on the Immigration Bureau’s website. If leaving the country temporarily, under the new regulations, you are not required to apply for re-entry permits, as long as you re-enter within one year.

Alien Registration Cards

Photo by: Nemo’s great uncle – #5084 front of new residence card
An “Alien registration Card” is required for any foreigner staying in Japan longer than 90 days. Foreigners are required to carry this card with them at all times. Any changes to your name, address, status of residency, length of stay, nationality, occupation, employer, passport, or marriage status should be reported within 14 days. These changes can be made at you local municipal office. You can find the contact informations at the end of this website’s section.

Births

You should report any births to you local municipal office within 14 day and apply for your child’s alien registration card within 60 days. You must also apply for your child’s passport and social security number at your embassy, as well as a status of residence and period of stay certificate from your local Immigration Bureau within 30 days.

Marriages

Before getting married in Japan, contact you Embassy or consulate to find out how to register your marriage in your home country, and check whether any additional procedures are required. Marriage itself only requires a visit to your local municipal office together with 2 witnesses. You will also need to update your alien registration card, so it will save you a trip if you do it on the same day.

Taking Root in Japan

Now you are here and you must establish yourself in your new home. This includes arranging water, gas, electricity, phone and internet access, cable television and other things; the following information should help to make these tasks easier.

Open a Bank Account in Japan

For a Guide to Japanese Bank Accounts take a look at Japanese Bank Account: How to.

Electricity

Apply by phone before you move in. In eastern Japan the current is 100V/50Hz (60Hz for western Japan). However, you do not need a transformer between eastern and western Japan. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is the provider of electricity in Tokyo and Yokohama. You can get an English brochure “A Guide to Electricity”, either by mail or on the website, which provides valuable information on rules, instructions and troubleshooting procedures.

Tepco Customer Center

Contact them to apply for terminate the electricity service, or to request the “payment by Visa card” application form.
English TEPCO Website
Depending on the area (city, ward, etc.) that you live in, the contact information is different and is listed below.

*Mon-Fri (excl. N.H.): 9:00am – 7:00pm, Sat (excl. N.H.): 9:am – 6:00pm

Gas

Call and apply for the gas service connection about
1-2 weeks prior to moving in.
Tokyo Gas Customer Service
Use the number below for application, to arrange set-up when moving in, to terminate your gas supply when moving out, or to request the “payment by Visa card” application form.
Tokyo Gas English Website
0570-002-211 (from fixed line phones)
03-5722-011 (from cellular phones)
9:00am – 7:00pm (excl. Sun&N.H.)

Water

Call to apply for service before you move in and inquire if you are in an area which accepts payment with your Visa card. Just call customer service to request the “payment by Visa card” application form.
Tokyo Bureau of Waterworks Customer Service Center
03-5326-1100 (8:30pm – 8:00pm – excl.Sun&N.H.)
Call this number if you are living in one of the 23 wards of Tokyo. If you live outside of this area you should refer to their website to check the telephone number for you area: http://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.jp/eng
Yokohama Waterworks Bureau Customer Service Center
045-847-6262 (24 hours, Daily)
English Website

Telephones

Photo by: jpellgen – Softbank Umeda

Fixed Line Telephones

NTT East is the company that provides regular fixed line telephone services in eastern Japan.
You can apply for a new fixed line at NTT East Information at 0120-364-463 (toll-free). There are 2 plan available, the Analog and the Analog Lite Plan.
NTT East Information
For new telephone line applications, additional services or other inquiries:
0120-364-463 (toll free), Mon-Fri (excl. N.H.&N.Y.H.): 9:00am – 5:00pm
NTT East English Website
Application fees (incl. tax) are as follows:

International Dialing

You can make an international call by simply dialing the international carrier access number, followed by the telephone number.
International Carrier Access Number + 010 + Country Code
+ Area Code + Number
They have English-speaking support for everything, enabling you to inquire about price plans and discount services. The main international carrier access numbers are as follows:
NTT Communications Corp. (0033)
0120-506506 (toll free)
English Website
KDDI Corp. (001)
0057 (toll free)
English Website
SoftBank Telecom Corp. (0041)
0088-41 (toll free)
English Website

Cellular Phones

Photo by: Héctor García – Biggest Softbank shop in the world

The communication standards in Japan differ largely from most other countries, thereby preventing foreigners from using cellular phones or SIM cards from their home countries. For those planning to stay in Japan for more than one year, buying a new cellular phone from a Japanese cellular phone company is a convenient alternative. In order to buy a handset, make sure to have your identification and contact information ready, such as your alien registration card, passport, and address in Japan. A range of plan are available as well as discount services, so check with the websites or shops before you make your purchase. Most Japanese cellular phones are post-paid, but prepaid phones are also available. Following are the 3 largest cellular phone operators. All of them accept payment with Visa cards.

SoftBank MOBILE Corp.
0088-21-2000 (toll free, press “8” for English support)
English Website
NTT DoCoMo Inc.
0120-005-250 (toll free)
English Website
au (KDDI Corp.)
0077-7-111 (toll free)
English Website

Rental Cellular Phones

Photo by: Karl Baron – AKB48 docomo Bic Camera

Rental cellular phones for domestic use in Japan and international use are offered in addition to regular cell phones. These may be more convenient if you are unsure about buying your own, are uncertain of you length of stay, or plan on extensive travel. They also make sense for persons who leave for extended vacations in their home country.
Go Mobile
English Website
Telecomsquare
03-3239-3422
English Website

Pay Phones

Pay phones are easy to use and are usually located near train stations, in major public buildings, or at stores and can be used with 10 yen coins, 100 yen coins or prepaid telephone cards. Pay phones do not give change for 100 yen coins. Telephone cards are available at station kiosks and convenience stores. Because more and more people have cellular phones, these pay phones are becoming harder to find.


Tags: , , , , ,

Categorised in: ,

This post was written by Mathew Ryan