Smart Money Japan – Life & Finance for Foreigners in Japan

House Contracts in Japan: A Complete Guide for Foreign Residents  Renting an apartment or house in Japan can be challenging for foreigners because of unique systems like  key money (礼金)  and guarantor requirements. This guide explains everything you need to know before signing a housing contract in Japan. 🏡 Types of Housing Contracts in Japan 賃貸契約 (Chintai Keiyaku / Rental Contract) Standard rental agreement for apartments or houses Usually  2 years , renewable マンスリーマンション (Monthly Apartment) Short-term rental, often furnished Popular with students, interns, and business travelers シェアハウス (Share House) Shared living space, usually cheaper Lower initial costs and easier application process 👉 Related:  Cost of Living in Japan for Foreigners 💰 Initial Costs (Move-in Fees) Renting in Japan often requires multiple payments upfront: 敷金 (Shikikin / Deposit) : 1–2 months’ rent (refundable, minus damages) 礼金 (Reikin / Key Money) : 1–2 months’ rent (non-refundable) 仲介手数料...

🗑️ Waste Separation Rules in Japan: What Foreign Residents Need to Know Living in Japan means adapting to  strict waste separation rules . Each city, ward, or town has its own system, so always check your local municipality’s guidelines before throwing things away. 🔥 Burnable Waste (Moeru Gomi / 可燃ごみ) Kitchen waste, food scraps, paper, small wood items, cloth Collected weekly (frequency varies by city) 👉 Related:  Cost of Living in Japan for Foreigners 🧱 Non-Burnable Waste (Moenai Gomi / 不燃ごみ) Metal items, ceramics, glass, small appliances Collected less frequently (e.g., once or twice a month) 💡 Pro Tip: Check collection days carefully, since pickup is rare. ♻️ Plastics in Japan Everyday Plastic Packaging (「プラ」 mark) Includes food trays, plastic wraps, bottles, containers Must be rinsed before disposal Other Plastics (depends on municipality) Some cities separate  “Plastic Packaging”  and  “Other Plastics” 👉 Related:  Shopping in Japan: What to Expec...

🍴 What's the First Thing You Eat When You Come to Japan? For many travelers, the first question is simple:  “What should I eat first in Japan?” Here’s a guide to must-try Japanese foods—from classic dishes to sweet treats and cultural tips. 🍣 Top 5 Classic Japanese Foods Sushi (寿司)  – Fresh, iconic, a must-try experience. Ramen (ラーメン)  – Affordable, with local styles like Tokyo shoyu, Hakata tonkotsu, and Sapporo miso. Japanese Curry Rice (カレーライス)  – A milder, comforting twist on curry. Bento (弁当)  – Colorful lunchbox culture, perfect for travelers. Tempura (天ぷら)  – Lightly battered and fried seafood & vegetables. 👉 Related:  How Much Does Eating Out in Japan Cost? 🍡 Japanese Sweets & Light Meals Mochi / Dango (餅・団子)  – Chewy, sweet rice snacks. Matcha Ice Cream (抹茶アイス)  – A unique Japanese flavor you can’t miss. Onigiri (おにぎり)  – Rice balls sold everywhere, especially at convenience stores. 👉 Related:  Convenience Stor...

🍚 Over 90% of Low-Income Families in Japan Struggle to Feed Their Children A recent survey reveals a harsh reality:  more than 90% of low-income households in Japan report difficulties in providing enough food for their children . Rising prices, stagnant wages, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have deepened the crisis. 📈 Key Challenges Facing Families 1. Rising Food Costs Prices of essentials like rice, vegetables, and meat continue to climb. Families often cut back on balanced meals, raising concerns about children’s health. 2. Low and Stagnant Incomes Many parents rely on part-time or unstable jobs. Even full-time employment may not cover basic living expenses. 3. Limited Access to Support While subsidies and child allowances exist, they are often insufficient. Some families remain unaware of local welfare programs. 👉 Related:  House Contracts in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Residents 👧 Impact on Children Health risks:  malnutrition and insufficient ...

  🏥 Japan’s Health Insurance System (for Foreign Residents) If you live in Japan for more than one year, you are legally required to join the  Japanese health insurance system . This ensures affordable access to hospitals and clinics when you need medical care. 1. Enrollment is Mandatory Foreign residents staying  over 1 year  must join: National Health Insurance (NHI / 国民健康保険) Social Health Insurance (SHI / 社会保険) Without insurance, you must pay  100% of medical costs  out of pocket. 👉 Related:  House Contracts in Japan: A Guide for Foreign Residents 2. Insurance Premiums NHI (National Health Insurance): Apply at your  city or ward office . Premiums vary depending on your income. SHI (Social Health Insurance): If employed, your  company automatically enrolls you . Premiums are deducted directly from your salary. 3. Medical Cost Coverage With a valid  insurance card (保険証) , you only pay  30% of medical fees . Children and elderly m...

Introduction If you are a foreigner living in Japan, you may wonder: Can I drive with my  foreign driver’s license ? Do I need to get a  Japanese license ? How can I get  car insurance ? This article explains the  rules for foreign licenses , the  International Driving Permit (IDP) , and the  process of joining car insurance  in Japan. ✅ Driving in Japan with a Foreign License There are  three possible cases : 1. International Driving Permit (IDP) If your country is part of the  1949 Geneva Convention , you can drive in Japan with an  IDP + your foreign license . Valid for  1 year  from entry into Japan. Not renewable without leaving Japan. 📌 Example: U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada 2. Direct Use of Foreign License Some countries have a  bilateral agreement  with Japan (e.g., Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium). You can drive with your  country’s license + Japanese translation  (issued by JAF). Val...

Introduction If you are coming to Japan as an international student, one of the most important things to prepare is  health (medical) insurance . Japan has both  public health insurance  and  private insurance options . This guide explains  which type you must join , what options are available, and how to protect yourself from expensive medical bills. ✅ Do International Students Need Health Insurance in Japan? Yes! All international students staying in Japan for  more than 3 months  are  legally required  to join  National Health Insurance  (NHI / 国民健康保険). Even if you are healthy, joining NHI is essential because: It  covers 70% of your medical costs Without it,  a hospital visit can cost hundreds of thousands of yen 🏥 1. National Health Insurance (NHI) 📌 What is it? NHI is a  public insurance system  managed by the city or ward office. It is for students, freelancers, part-time workers, or anyone not covered b...