April 2026– date –

Japan has many earthquakes and typhoons. Without preparation, your life could be at risk. This is a full disaster prep guide for foreigners covering earthquakes, typhoons, shelter check, disaster apps, and multilingual emergency services.

Many people see Income Tax and Resident Tax on their payslip without knowing what they are. This article explains why Resident Tax is charged the year after you earned it, what happens when you leave Japan, and the difference between Year-End Adjustment and Kakutei Shinkoku, all for foreigners.

Foreigners can also get a My Number Card. Once you have one, opening a bank account is faster, it can be used as a health insurance card, and you can get residence certificates at convenience stores. Here is how to apply and use it.

Foreigners who live in Japan for more than 3 months must join the National Health Insurance or Social Insurance. Without insurance, you pay the full medical cost, which can easily reach hundreds of thousands of yen. This article explains how premiums are calculated, how to use the insurance card, and how to visit a hospital.

Opening a bank account is one of the first challenges after arriving in Japan. Many banks do not accept applicants with less than 6 months of residence, but some do. Here is a complete comparison of foreigner-friendly banks, online banks, required documents, and the application flow.

"I watched too much YouTube and my internet slowed down at the end of the month…" — sound familiar? With LP Mobile's 100GB plan, that worry disappears. This article explains why this plan is a game-changer for foreign residents in Japan who love video and social media.

Living in Japan, you often need to make phone calls — to city hall, hospitals, or your workplace. Worried that budget SIMs make calls expensive? LP Mobile includes unlimited calling built into its plans. Talk without watching the clock.

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Do you know what to do if you lose your Zairyu (residence) card in Japan? This article explains, in plain English, the reporting procedure, required documents, and the 14-day deadline for applying for a replacement.

If you use a smartphone in Japan, the monthly bill is a real concern. Cutting your phone bill is one of the easiest ways to save money while in Japan. This article gives an easy-to-understand overview of Rakuten Mobile — the cheapest unlimited SIM in Japan for foreign residents.