Where Can Foreigners Ask for Advice on Living in Japan?
When living in an unfamiliar foreign country, you may feel anxious or have difficulties in your life. Where can foreigners living in Japan go for advice? We have compiled a list of places where you can easily ask for advice in English.
Please also refer to: Free Consultation in English for Foreign Residents in Japan, and English-Speaking Lawyers in Tokyo if you live in Tokyo.
Consultation in English on General Issues of Daily Life
If you have a problem in your daily life or do not know where to ask, these consultation centers can help you.
CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations)
CLAIR connects foreigners living in Japan with specialists who can help them with issues that arise while living in Japan. They can provide advice and assistance in English on topics ranging from daily life to legal matters. There are lists from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
https://www.clair.or.jp/e/multiculture/tagengo/consultation-centers.html
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, "Kikumimi", provides advice in English about work, immigration, medical insurance, pensions, education, welfare, and any other issues that you may have. You can also ask for assistance when you are not sure where to ask for advice. Please check this brochure for details.
YORISOI Hotline
Yorisoi Hotline is a free advice service for anyone who need a help. They provide services in 10 different languages including English. You can chose from free telephone consultation, Facebook consultation and consultation by chat.
https://www.since2011.net/yorisoi/n2/
Employment advisory service in English
For telephone advice on working conditions and other matters in foreign languages. The service is available in 13 languages, including English.
https://www.check-roudou.mhlw.go.jp/soudan/foreigner_eng.html
Consultation Centers for Foreigners in Municipalities
Most municipalities also have consultation centers for foreign residents, so please contact the municipal office where you reside for more information.
Registering or Changing Your Address in Japan
In this article you can learn how to register your new address in Japan when you move in from abroad or change your address when you move within Japan. You need to register within 14 days at your local municipal office.
Japan's National Pension System
The Japan national pension system can be confusing for expat workers living in Japan, but we will help you understand what’s required, what you’ll pay, and how to collect.
Japanese Consumption Tax (VAT)
In Japan, the current consumption tax was raised to 10% starting October 2019. In this article you can learn about the consumption tax in Japan, the history, Tax-Free shopping and Non-Taxable Transactions.
Things You Should Know about Status of Residence (Visa) in Japan
This article is about Japanese Visa, status of residence. You can learn about Japan visa renewal, if you could bring family to Japan with your visa, if you can work in Japan as a student, how to obtain permanent visa in Japan. We summarize important points regarding visa with a legal office in Tokyo.
A Guide to Taxes in Japan for Freelancers - Part 1: What is the Japanese Tax Return?
Navigating the complexities of tax returns as a freelancer or sole proprietor in Japan can be daunting, especially without a clear understanding of the processes involved. "A Guide to Taxes in Japan for Freelancers: Part 1 - What is the Japanese Tax Return?" is the first in a three-part series, which aims to clarify what the tax return is, who needs to file it, and the deadline for submission.
Child Allowance System (Jidō Teate) in Japan
The Japanese child allowance (Jidō Teate - 児童手当) is paid to those raising children aged 0 to 15 years. The benefits depend on the annual household income and, in addition to the child allowance provided by the government, some municipalities also have their own child allowance system. In this article, you can learn who is eligible for the child allowance and how to receive it
