Smart Money Japan – Life & Finance for Foreigners in Japan

Introduction Japan is famous worldwide for its cherry blossoms, traditional temples, and polite society. Many people dream of visiting or even living in Japan. However, some say that Japan is “over-romanticized.” But what does that really mean? The Romanticized Image of Japan Popular media often shows Japan as a perfect mix of modern cities and ancient culture. Photos of cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and peaceful temples dominate social media. People imagine a society where everyone is polite, trains are always on time, and life is orderly. Why Some People Disagree Those who call Japan “over-romanticized” argue that this picture is not always accurate. For example: Life in Japanese cities can be stressful with long working hours. Housing can be expensive, and small apartments are common. Not everyone experiences the polite, harmonious culture shown in tourist brochures. The Reality Check Japan is indeed beautiful and safe in many ways, but like any country, it has challenges. High-pressur...

Essential Etiquette and Manners for Using a Coin Laundry in Japan Living in Japan is convenient and comfortable, but when it comes to using a coin laundry (コインランドリー,  koin randorī ), you might feel a bit unsure due to cultural or customary differences. In Japan, the culture of coin laundries highly values  "consideration for others"  so that everyone can use the facilities pleasantly. This guide will clearly explain the essential rules and manners for using a coin laundry in Japan smoothly and respectfully. 1. Time is Money! Promptly Remove Your Laundry This is one of the most important rules of etiquette in Japanese coin laundries. 🚨 Why is being prompt so important? Others are waiting:  Most Japanese coin laundries operate on the assumption that another customer will need the machine next. Leaving your laundry after the cycle is finished prevents the next person from using the machine, causing inconvenience. "Monopolizing" is frowned upon:  Occupying a machin...

  🌸 Introduction When visiting Japan, most travelers talk about the beautiful scenery, delicious food, or polite people. But one of the most surprising parts of the experience isn’t what you  see  — it’s what you  smell . From temples filled with incense to the clean scent of train stations, Japan offers a fascinating world of aromas that reflect its culture and lifestyle. 🕯️ 1. The Peaceful Scent of Temple Incense At Buddhist temples such as  Senso-ji in Tokyo  or  Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto , you’ll notice a warm, smoky fragrance in the air. This comes from incense, which has been used in Japan for over a thousand years. People believe it purifies both the body and spirit. Many visitors even wave the smoke toward themselves for good fortune. It’s a smell that instantly brings calmness — something very different from Western religious traditions. 🍶 2. The Deep Aroma of Fermented Foods Japan is famous for its fermented seasonings:  soy sauce, miso,...

  1. Why You Should Understand Income Tax Basics Explain why income tax is a mandatory payment for everyone working in Japan, and why it's especially crucial for foreign workers to understand. Preview that the distinction between  "Resident"  and  "Non-Resident"  significantly affects tax rules. 2. What is Employment Income (給与所得)? The Basic Salary Structure in Japan Definition of Employment Income:  Explain that this includes salary, wages, and bonuses received from a company. Gross vs. Net Income:  Clearly explain that  "Net Income (Te-dori)"  is the amount received after taxes and social insurance premiums are deducted from the  "Gross Income (Gaku-men)"  listed on the payslip. 3. What is Withholding Tax (源泉徴収)? The Meaning of Deductions from Your Salary The Withholding Mechanism:  Explain the system where the company (payer) deducts the income tax that the employee is supposed to pay and remits it to the government on their...

  🇯🇵 Why Japan Is So Safe Understanding Why Japan Is One of the Safest Countries in the World 📰 Overview Japan is often ranked among the safest countries in the world. Children ride trains alone, people leave their wallets on café tables, and lost items often find their way back to their owners. But what makes Japan’s crime rate so low compared to other developed nations? Let’s explore the main cultural and social factors behind Japan’s reputation for safety. 🔹 1. Strong Social Norms and the Spirit of Harmony Japanese culture values  wa  — harmony and social order. People are taught from an early age to avoid causing inconvenience to others. Social reputation and “shame” act as strong deterrents against bad behavior. Communities and workplaces encourage mutual respect and accountability. Neighborhoods often look out for one another. This collective mindset naturally discourages crime and disorder. 🔹 2. Community-Based Policing (Koban System) Japan’s “koban,” or neigh...

  🇯🇵 Why Japan Has Mixed Feelings About Its Tourism Boom 📰 Overview In recent years, Japan has become one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. According to government data, the country welcomed around  37 million visitors in 2024 , a dramatic increase compared to about 6.7 million in 2005. The Japanese government now aims to reach  60 million tourists by 2030 , showing strong enthusiasm for tourism as a key driver of economic growth. However, this success has also revealed some challenges. Famous destinations such as  Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kamakura  are facing problems related to  over-tourism —including overcrowded streets, rising living costs, and growing tension between visitors and local residents. While tourism plays a vital role in revitalizing regional economies, it also changes daily life in ways that not everyone welcomes. 🏙️ The Impact of Over-Tourism In cities like  Kyoto , once known for its calm and traditional beauty, bu...

🇯🇵 Child-Rearing and Child Support Systems in Japan: What Foreign Residents Should Know Japan offers one of the most structured child-rearing support systems in Asia. In 2024, major reforms expanded eligibility and increased payments for families. Here’s a detailed guide for foreign residents raising children in Japan. 🍼 Overview of the Child Allowance System (児童手当: Jidō Teate) The  Children and Families Agency  implemented significant updates in  October 2024 , including: ✅  No more income limit  – all households now qualify. ✅  Extended eligibility  – from birth until the  first March 31 after turning 18 . ✅  Increased payments  – especially for the  third child and beyond . These updates are designed to reduce financial burdens and encourage family stability. 💰 Child Allowance Payment Amounts (2024–2025) Child’s Age 1st & 2nd Child 3rd Child & Beyond Under 3 years old ¥15,000/month ¥30,000/month 3 years old to high sc...

  📰 Who is Sanae Takaichi? On  October 4, 2025 , Sanae Takaichi was elected as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This position makes her the likely  next Prime Minister of Japan . She is widely known as a  hard-line conservative , emphasizing national security, immigration control, and cultural identity. Her political platform often includes: Stricter regulations on foreigners. Stronger rules on foreign land ownership. Tougher action against illegal employment. A cultural emphasis on “following the rules.” For foreign residents in Japan, this leadership change may create  new challenges and uncertainties . ⚠️ Key Areas Foreign Residents Should Watch Out For 1. Immigration Policy & Work Visas Takaichi has hinted at  tighter immigration controls , with stricter checks on visa holders and closer monitoring of specific visa categories such as  technical trainees, refugees, and part-time workers . 👉  What to do : Al...

  🪪 How to Renew Your Residence Card in Japan   For anyone living in Japan medium- to long-term, renewing your  Residence Card (在留カード / zairyū kādo)   is one of the most important procedures. Missing the renewal deadline could even cause you to lose your legal status. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: when, where, and how to renew your card. 👉 Related:  Japan’s Health Insurance System for Foreign Residents ⏰ 1. When to Apply You can apply for renewal  up to 3 months before  your current residence card expires. Many foreign residents make the mistake of waiting until the last moment. If you apply too late, you may face long waiting times or even risk overstaying. Best practice:  mark the expiration date on your calendar and plan to apply 1–2 months before. 🏢 2. Where to Apply Applications are submitted at your  nearest Immigration Services Bureau (入国管理局) . Large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya have ma...

  If you plan to live in Japan, sooner or later you will spend a lot of time on trains. Japan’s rail system is famous worldwide for its punctuality, efficiency, and convenience. At the same time, there are many unspoken rules and cultural habits that might surprise foreign residents. Understanding these small details will make commuting smoother and help you blend in with local passengers. 1. Rush Hour Crowds Japan’s trains are famously packed during weekday mornings (around 7–9 a.m.) and evenings (5–7 p.m.). In Tokyo and Osaka, station staff called  “oshiya”  (pushers) may even help passengers squeeze inside the cars. It can be overwhelming at first, but it is considered normal in big cities. 2. Quiet Atmosphere One of the most noticeable things on Japanese trains is the quiet. Talking on the phone is considered rude, and even conversations with friends are usually kept soft. Most people spend their time reading, using their phones, or simply resting in silence. 3. Prior...

  📌 Complete Guide to Finding a Part-Time Job in Japan for International Students For international students in Japan, a part-time job is not only a way to support living expenses but also a great opportunity to improve Japanese skills and learn about Japanese culture. However, working in Japan comes with strict rules, and failing to follow them can affect your visa status. This guide explains everything you need to know to  safely find and work part-time jobs in Japan . 1. Work Hour Restrictions The first thing every student should know is the legal limit on working hours: During the semester:  up to  28 hours per week During long school breaks (summer, winter, spring):  up to  8 hours per day  or  40 hours per week Exceeding these limits can be considered a  violation of visa conditions  and may impact future visa renewals. Even part-time employers sometimes overlook these rules, so you must carefully track your working hours yourself...