Residence Card

Your residence card is the most important document you carry in Japan — more than your passport for daily purposes. Understanding what it contains, when to update it, and the consequences of letting it expire protects your legal status here. Here’s everything you need to know. What Is the Residence Card? The Residence Card is a credit-card-sized ID issued by the Japanese government to all mid-to-long-term foreign residents. It proves your legal right to live in Japan and contains: ...

My Number is Japan’s national identification system, and if you live in Japan, you have one whether you’ve used it or not. The physical card unlocks a growing range of services that make life significantly easier. Here’s what it is, how to get the card, and when you’ll actually need it. What Is My Number? My Number (マイナンバー) is Japan’s national ID system. Every person living in Japan — including foreigners — gets a unique 12-digit number. ...