10 things expats should know before moving to Japan

At first, certain aspects of modern Japanese society may appear familiar to those in your own country, but as you delve deeper, you may discover that you are not in the same boat. Japan has its own rules. There's always something truly different, something genuinely Japanese.

To prepare well to adapt and thrive in this unique and vibrant culture, here are ten crucial things you should know before moving to the Land of the Rising Sun.

1. Japanese culture and traditions

Social manners in Japan

Japanese people are well known for their exceptional politeness and courtesy. They sincerely make societal manners and etiquette an integral part of daily life. Foreigners might be surprised at many customs and etiquette rules in Japan. Here are a few noticeable traditions you should remember:

• In public settings, be mindful of your volume when talking: You should keep your voice down when speaking in public, on the train, for example, so as not to disturb passers-by;
• Avoid disturbing others, especially after 10 pm: Ensure you don't make too much noise when staying at an accommodation or anywhere with close neighbors;
• Keep your distance: Japanese people don't usually hug or shake hands; they often bow instead. Bowing has different meanings in different settings and situations; 
• Indirect communication:  Most people in Japan are hardly straightforward since they want to protect your feelings. It makes you feel uncertain or confused quite often. Much communication happens indirectly through physical cues, expressions, and body language;
• Be careful when using perfume: Use subtle scents or a minimal amount since excessive fragrance can lead to discomfort, or some people may be sensitive or allergic;
• Give gifts with care and receive gifts with heart: In Japan, gifts are always meticulously wrapped, exquisitely and beautifully. Avoid giving gifts in a set of four since the number sounds like "death" in Japanese. In addition, when you receive gifts from others, show the givers that you appreciate them. Remember not to open them immediately, or if you want, ask if it's okay to open them at that moment.

Business manners in Japan – dos and don'ts

Japanese social structure and culture significantly influence their business etiquette. To navigate this unique business culture, you should carefully approach business deals and familiarize yourself with the dos and don'ts, Japanese body language, negotiation tactics, and ethical standards.

Here are several critical points of business manners in Japan to keep in mind when conducting a business meeting:

• Be on time: In Japan, arriving at least 10 minutes ahead of schedule for any meeting is customary and a sign of respect.
• Be well prepared: Ensure you have your business card and enough digital and printed documents before any business meeting. Keep everything organized!
• Be respectful: Researching the people involved in the meeting can help you determine the most senior and the hierarchy to follow during the discussion. Seniors would be introduced first, then followed by the juniors.
• Bow properly: There are three ways to bow: 15, 30, or 45 degrees. Turning slightly at 15 degrees is the more casual or informal way of greeting someone. During meetings, however, people bend 30 to 45 degrees and hold it for a few seconds.
• Exchange business cards correctly:
  • When presenting and receiving business cards, use both hands and accompany the exchange with a slight bow to show respect.
  • When giving and receiving business cards, follow the hierarchy within the company, starting with the senior officer and going down to the most junior member.
  • Don't tuck away the cards; instead, place them on the table throughout the meeting to demonstrate attentiveness and respect towards the individuals present.
• Mind your clothes: The Japanese lean towards formal attire in business settings. For men, wearing dark-colored business suits accompanied by ties and white shirts is recommended. Minimal jewelry, such as a watch and a wedding ring, is advised. Similarly, women should opt for conservative outfits in subtle shades.
• Pay attention and respond appropriately: Jot down essential points and never forget to nod when others share good ideas during a meeting. It demonstrates active engagement and respect toward the speaker and showcases a sense of responsibility and genuine interest in the topic.

Table manners in Japan

Japan boasts a plethora of cultural practices and traditions, each with its own set of proper manners and etiquette. From the elegant tea ceremony to dining etiquette, there is a deep respect for tradition in every aspect of Japanese life.

Whether enjoying Japanese food or Western food with friends or participating in a formal gathering, remember the following basic table manners to prevent unintentional offense while in Japan.

• Never refuse food that has been offered to you.
• Ensure you wait until the highest ranking or most senior member starts eating or drinking.
• Ensure you show appreciation for the food you eat and the cook by saying “itadakimsasu” before and “gochisousama deshita” after your meal.
• Don't take the last piece from a shared plate.
• Use your chopsticks properly: Never stab them into your rice bowl and leave it standing up, or pass around food using chopsticks. These are said to bring bad luck.
• Return your food tray to the designated area of restaurants and cafes.
• The Oshibori is a white cloth given to you at restaurants meant to clean your hands. Never wipe your face with it or use it for any other purpose than what it is for.

Public holidays and annual events

The list below shows the national holidays in Japan. Moreover, there are numerous annual events and local festivals held every year. Generally, shops, restaurants, and tourist spots in Japan remain open on national holidays except New Year's Day.

New Year - January 1: New Year is a significant public holiday in Japan. Although only January 1 is recognized as a national holiday, many businesses stay closed until January 3.

Coming of Age - Second Monday of January: It's a special day for all those who reached the age of 20 in the previous year. However, the legal adulthood age in Japan was lowered from 20 to 18 in 2022. On Coming of Age Day, many people return to their hometowns and often have class reunions with their old middle and high school friends.

National Foundation Day - February 11

Emperor's Birthday - February 23

Spring Equinox Day - Around March 21

Constitution Day - May 3: It's a day to remember the new constitution enacted after the war.

Greenery Day or Showa Day - May 4: Greenery Day used to be observed on April 29, which was the birthday of the former Emperor Showa. It was called Greenery Day because the emperor loved plants and nature. However, it is now celebrated on May 4 as part of the Golden Week.

Children's Day - May 5

Ocean Day - Third Monday in July

Mountain Day - August 11

Obon - July/August 13-15: Obon is a Buddhist event commemorating deceased ancestors. Obon festival spans three days, but its starting date differs across various regions in Japan.

Day of Respect for the Aged - Third Monday in September: Local school children visit care homes and write letters to residents, many others visit their elderly relatives, and others make phone calls or send presents to show appreciation.

Autumn Equinox Day - Around September 23: Graves are visited during the week of the Equinox Day.

Health and Sports Day - Second Monday of October: In Japan, many communities and schools commemorate Sports Day by organizing a sports festival that resembles a mini Olympics.

Culture Day - November 3: Culture Day is a special occasion celebrating culture, freedom, and peace. On this day, educational institutions and the government acknowledge and appreciate the remarkable achievements of individuals in the cultural domain.

Labor Thanksgiving Day - November 23

2. Types of visas and visa requirements in Japan

There are different visa types in Japan, such as general visa, temporary visitor visa, tourist visa, work visa, transit visa, business visa, diplomatic visa, student visa, working holiday visa, or cultural activities visa. We can put them on family-related, working, and non-working visas.

Depending on the nationality and type of visa you apply for, different documents may be required, but in general, here are the necessary documents:

• A valid passport;
• Visa application form;
• Recent color photo taken within six months (4.5cm × 4.5cm or 3.5cm × 4.5cm and affixed to application form);
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE);
• A schedule and travel plans for the trip if you apply for a Japan tourist visa.

Typically, processing a Japan visa takes around five days to two weeks.

3. Registers at the local ward office in Japan

If you have a Residence Card, inform the local city/ward office about your address within 14 days of arriving in Japan. You can also apply for National Health Insurance when registering your new address at the city hall or the ward office.

If you change your address in Japan, you must also report it to the local ward office within 14 days.

4. Health insurance in Japan

In Japan, there are two options for health insurance. All residents, including citizens and long-term expats, must follow the law and choose Employee Health Insurance or National Health Insurance. The insurance scheme is determined based on employment status, age, and residence.

Residents of Japan have the freedom to select their healthcare providers and decide how often they receive treatment, regardless of the health insurance scheme they are enrolled in. This system, known as the "Free Access System", allows residents to access medical services at a fixed contribution rate as long as they have proof of insurance.

5. Banking in Japan

Foreign residents in Japan need to have a residence card to open a bank account. However, those on a 90-day tourist visa generally cannot open a bank account in Japan, with only a few exceptions.

Different banks may have additional requirements when opening a bank account in Japan. However, typically, you will need the following:

• Passport;
• Residence card (zairyu card);
• Residency certificate (jyuminho);
• Personal seal (hanko);
• Phone number.

6. Accommodations and key money in Japan

Renting is a common choice for people living in Japan, whether they plan to stay for a short or long period. On a national level, the average monthly rent for a one-room apartment (20–40 square meters) ranges between 50,000 and 70,000 yen, excluding utilities. Utilities like electricity, gas, and water are typically not included in the rent. Among these utilities, electricity tends to be the most expensive, followed by gas and water.

Central Tokyo is known for having some of the most expensive land in the world. However, there is a wide range of rent prices, from small and affordable apartments to luxurious and highly-priced flats. If you venture outside central Tokyo, you will find that housing costs are significantly lower, especially in the suburbs, surrounding prefectures, and other regions and cities in Japan.

Accommodations near gas stations, schools, convenience stores, a doctor's office, and travel spots like the Imperial Palace or Yoyogi Koen in Tokyo usually have higher fees.

When searching for rental housing in Japan, expats must be aware of an extra fee called “key money” or “reikin”. This payment is considered a gift to the landlord at the start of the lease, and it is non-refundable at the end of the lease.

Not all rental properties need “key money”. According to recent market reports, more and more leases are being offered without this extra payment. Consult with your real estate agent carefully to avoid unnecessary fees.

The renting process has become more and more convenient for expats, making it more attractive to non-Japanese people. More real estate agents speak English to cater to the demand. Additionally, numerous social media pages and online property portals now assist people in finding roommates and listing available rental accommodations.

7. Garbage disposal in Japan

Main categories of garbage

Japan has four main types of garbage:

• Burnable  (household garbage like kitchen waste and paper scraps);
• Non-burnable (metal and glass items);
• Recyclable (plastic bottles, container jars, beverage cans, food tins, or aerosol spray cans);
• Oversized (large furniture and home appliances).

Residents must pay a recycling fee of 1,000 to 6,000 yen to remove large garbage items. They can either have the shop staff collect the item or personally take it to a specified pick-up spot from where it was bought in the local area.

Time for garbage pickup

Each city and district has specific collection points where residents should bring their garbage bags on the designated collection day. The time to take out the garbage may differ based on your location, but it is generally required between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning in most places.

8. Transportation in Japan

Japan has a highly effective public transportation system, particularly in metropolitan areas and between big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and other cities. Punctuality, excellent service, and many passengers are the defining features of Japanese public transportation.

Japan has a well-developed railway system that covers its four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. This extensive network, operated mainly by Japan Railways (JR), is highly reliable and convenient for travelers.

Bullet trains (Shinkansen) and limited express trains are designed for fast travel. They are the most efficient choice for intercity connections, allowing you to reach your destination quickly with fewer stops. On the other hand, express, rapid, and local trains have slower travel times, provide less comfort during the journey, and stop at a more significant number of railway stations.

Other options to consider when traveling in Japan include airplanes, buses, cars, ships, and ferries.

Renting a car can be a good choice for exploring rural Japan, where public transportation may not be convenient or frequent. It can also be a cost-effective option for group travel or if you have a lot of luggage.

You must be at least 18 with a Japanese driver's license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent and drive a car in Japan.

Foreigners can only drive using an international driver's license for 12 months. Once this period is over, they must obtain a Japanese driver's license by taking a driving test.

9. Disasters and emergencies in Japan

Disasters

Japan is highly susceptible to natural disasters due to its climate and topography. The country experiences many earthquakes, typhoons, and other types of disasters. There are several reasons for this vulnerability:

• Japan faces extreme variations in climate, including seasonal rain fronts, typhoons, and heavy snowfall on the Sea of Japan side;
• The rugged topography of Japan, with its numerous faults and steep inclines, adds to the risk;
• Being located in the Pacific earthquake belt, earthquakes frequently hit Japan, and its intricate coastline is prone to tsunamis;
• Japan falls within the circum-Pacific zone, home to most of the world's volcanoes.

To avoid disaster damage, be well prepared with a disaster kit (a flashlight, a portable radio, batteries, chargers, a can opener, a first-aid kit, blankets, rainwear, and copies of essential documents like a passport, bank account, and cash).

Emergencies

In case of an emergency, remember the following toll-free numbers:

• 119: in case of fire or injury;
• 110: in case you need a police officer right away;
• #7119: When you are not sure if you should call an ambulance;
• 03-3503-8484 (8:30 am–5:15 pm/Mon–Fri): Police Consultation Services in English in case you cannot speak Japanese well.

10. Learning Japanese when moving to Japan

Being fluent in Japanese will significantly help daily communication, including shopping and making friends, since you may not use your native language most of the time, and of course, Google Translate is not always correct.

You can go to extra classes to learn Japanese with Japanese teachers or find new friends with similar interests via various groups on SNS to practice together.

Groceries can be easily purchased in convenience stores, like Seven-Eleven, and Family Mart, or supermarkets like LIFE. You can find affordable clothes at giant chain hypermarkets like Aeon or Ito Yokado and stores like Uniqlo. Department stores and boutiques may have more stylish options but are usually pricier. Major cities usually have bigger bookshops that carry English books and magazines. Also, several websites offer various titles and international shipping options.

Payment methods vary via the Pay-Pay app, credit cards, Icoca card, Suica card, or cash. When you need to withdraw money, head to a convenience store instead of high street banks. This store is available on every corner and has ATMs with English options.

Useful links:

Driving in Japan

Japan Health Insurance System

Disasters in Japan