Moving to Japan? Here are the essential systems, documents, and cultural basics every newcomer needs to understand — from pension rules to the census and setting up daily life.

Covered in This Article

• What to do in your first 14 days in Japan
• How taxes, pension, and insurance systems work
• What “national census duty” means
• How to open a bank account, get a phone, and manage daily life
• Cultural expectations and etiquette you’ll use every day

Introduction

Your first year in Japan will be exciting, eye-opening, and full of new experiences — but it also comes with essential administrative steps, legal responsibilities, and cultural adjustments that every newcomer must understand.

This guide gives you the top 10 things you absolutely need to know to avoid common mistakes, save money, and enjoy a smooth start to life in Japan.

1. Register Your Address at City Hall (Within 14 Days)

When you move into housing, you must register your address at your local city/ward office.

You’ll receive or update:

• Residence Card (在留カード)
• My Number (Individual Number)
• Health insurance registration
• Pension enrollment

Tip: Bring your passport, residence card, lease agreement, and your landlord’s contact information.

2. Enroll in Health Insurance — It’s Mandatory

Japan has two main systems:

• National Health Insurance (NHI) for students, freelancers, and many residents
• Social/Employee Insurance (Shakai Hoken) for full-time employees

Coverage includes:

• 70% of medical costs
• Reduced hospital charges
• Caps on monthly medical expenses

Many companies automatically enroll employees into Shakai Hoken — confirm on your contract.

3. Understand the Pension System (Yes, Even if You Don’t Stay Forever)

All residents in Japan must join either:

• National Pension (国民年金)
• Employees’ Pension (厚生年金)

Even short-term residents pay pension.
But there is good news:

You May Get Money Back

You can apply for a Lump-Sum Withdrawal (退職一時金) after leaving Japan.
This refund can return up to 3 years of contributions (sometimes more depending on agreements).

4. Japan Does a National Census — And You Must Participate

Every five years Japan conducts a national census (国勢調査 kokusei chōsa).
All residents — including foreigners — are legally required to respond.

You must provide:

• Number of people in your household
• Employment status
• Type of housing

Responses can be submitted online in English.

Tip: Not answering can result in penalties, though enforcement is light — but you should always complete it.

5. Taxes: What You Need to Know

Japan has two major taxes for residents:

1. Income Tax

Automatically deducted if you have an employer.
Freelancers/students must file a return every March.

2. Residence Tax (住民税)

Paid to your city/ward office.
Calculated based on last year’s income → you start paying in your second year.

Many newcomers are surprised when a big bill arrives in year two — plan for it!

6. Get a Phone Plan and Banking Set Up Early

You will need:

• A Japanese phone number
• A bank account
• A hanko (personal stamp) sometimes required for older banks

Popular banks:

• Japan Post Bank
• MUFG
• SMBC
• Shinsei Bank (more foreigner-friendly)

Popular phone carriers:

• SoftBank
• AU
• Docomo
• Rakuten Mobile
• Budget carriers (povo, LINEMO, UQ Mobile)

Some phone and bank apps offer English support — but many still do not.

7. Expect Culture Differences in Work, Daily Life & Communication

Your first year comes with some “culture shock” moments:

Common Adjustments

• Silence on trains
• Taking off shoes indoors
• Respect for rules and processes
• Consensus-based work culture
• Indirect communication (reading the atmosphere: kuuki wo yomu)

A little effort goes a long way — people appreciate polite Japanese attempts.

8. Learn Basic Japanese for Daily Life

Even a few phrases will make life dramatically easier:

• すみません Sumimasen – Excuse me / sorry
• お願いします Onegaishimasu – Please
• 大丈夫です Daijoubu desu – I’m okay / No thanks
• これはどこですか？ Kore wa doko desu ka? – Where is this?

Consider apps and programs like:

• Duolingo
• JapanesePod101
• BunPro
• iTalki
• My Nihongo Sensei & DC English (for bilingual Japan-specific English/Japanese learning 😉)

9. Understand Housing Rules (They’re Strict)

Obtaining a Japanese property often comes with:

• Key money (礼金)
• Deposit (敷金)
• Agent fees
• Guarantor requirements

Other important rules:

• No loud noise
• No shoes indoors
• Proper garbage sorting – each city with its own rules
• Management company inspections
• No moving furniture late at night

Sharehouses are a great option for newcomers. They reduce initial costs and offer a community.

10. Your First Year Is Full of Seasonal Experiences

Beyond paperwork, enjoy Japan’s rhythm:

Spring

• Cherry blossoms
• Graduation & first day of school

Summer

• Fireworks
• Festivals (matsuri)

Autumn

• Autumn leaves
• Sports and culture festivals

Winter

• Illuminations
• Brand new New Year traditions (hatsumode, osechi, nengajo)

Japan’s seasonal culture is one of the things newcomers cherish most, bringing experiences beyond what one is used to in their home country — enjoy it to the fullest!

Key Takeaways

• Your first year involves essential legal steps: city hall, health insurance, pension, census.
• Japan’s systems seem complex but are highly organized and foreigner-friendly.
• Planning for taxes and housing helps avoid stress later.
• Understanding cultural norms makes daily life smoother.
• Enjoy Japan’s seasonal traditions — they’re part of what makes life here special.

Call to Action

New to Japan or planning your move?
Follow and Contact Refer Japan for more guides on life, work, study, and travel — and start your first year with confidence.

Disclaimer

Regulations vary by city and may change. Always confirm details with your local municipal office or embassy.