Japan Picks

Japanese banks can block withdrawals and transfers when the period of stay they have on file passes. Here is why it happens, how to send your new residence card details, and what to do while your renewal is pending.

How shaken works in Japan: 3-year then 2-year cycle, the 2-month window, documents, 2026 fees and insurance premiums, and penalties for driving without it.

The old health insurance card can no longer be used in Japan. Learn the difference between the My Number Card, the Shikaku Kakuninsho and the Shikaku Joho no Oshirase, and what to do if your certificate has not arrived.

How to see a doctor in Japan as a foreign resident: why to start at a local clinic, the extra fee at large hospitals without a referral, insurance proof after the paper card change, and free multilingual help from AMDA.

How to send parcels in Japan: Japan Post, Yamato and Sagawa services, konbini drop-off, waybills, cash on delivery, banned items and the October 2026 changes.

The four parts of a Japanese electricity bill, the key Japanese words on the statement, why winter bills rise, and what you can do. Includes the FY2026 renewable surcharge of 4.18 yen per kWh.

Owning a bike in Japan: how to do the required anti-theft registration, transfer a used bike, get a removed bike back, and meet helmet and insurance rules.

Japan's fastest-growing phone scam: callers pretending to be police. What real police never do, what to do if you get the call, and how to screen unknown callers on iPhone, Android and LINE.

How foreign children enter Japanese public elementary and junior high schools: free tuition, how to apply, April grade rules, costs and Japanese support.

Which number to call in Japan for fire, ambulance, police, medical advice and scams, what to say on the phone, and how interpretation works on 119 calls. Based on official FDMA, police and JNTO information.