The First 5 Things To Do After Moving to Japan
Updated: May 1
Japan Life Guide by Sio
1) Make a Personal Seal
A personal seal (hanko / inkan) in Japan works like your signature. It’s commonly used for renting, opening a bank account, and many official documents.
While it’s not always legally required, in practice it’s still used in many situations. And if you don’t speak much Japanese, there’s often very little room to explain. I’ve personally experienced cases where they wouldn’t even look at a translation app, and some forms only have space for a seal, not a signature.
Having a hanko will make many processes much smoother.
Note: You can use either your surname or full name, but think carefully before making it, as changing it later can be troublesome.
2) Visit the Ward Office
Within 14 days of arriving, you must go to the local ward office to register your address. While you’re there, you can also sort out seal registration, health insurance, and pension.
Note: Be ready to spend the whole day. I waited four hours and still wasn’t sure how long it’ll take, cos the numbers aren’t in order…
3) Get a Phone Number
Without a bank account, most major phone carriers won’t let you get a plan. You can buy a prepaid SIM or apply online for budget carriers like Rakuten Mobile, povo, or LINEMO using a credit card.
Note: To download these SIM apps, your app store must be set to Japan. Switching requires a Japanese number or credit card — you might need to borrow a friend’s number for the verification code...
4) Open a Bank Account
Big banks usually won’t let you open an account unless you’ve lived in Japan for 6+ months. The safest option is Japan Post Bank, you must visit the branch closest to your home or office.
Note: If you don’t speak Japanese, staff may reject you on the spot. They do have an online app, but the process takes around two weeks…
5) Apply for My Number Card
This card is essential: it works as an ID, a health insurance card, and many official procedures. 1–2 weeks after registering your address, you’ll receive a letter with your My Number so you can apply for the physical card.
Note: Japan’s mailboxes are packed with flyers. I kept waiting for the notice, only to find it had arrived but was buried underneath. By then, it had expired — I had to go to the ward office and explain…
Sio
Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina.
IG @ anothersio
