1. Residency and Identification
- My Number Portal (Myna Portal)
- URL: https://myna.go.jp/
- Purpose: Manage your My Number Card and access various government services online.
- My Number Card Application (Kojinbango)
- URL: https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en-kofushinse/
- Purpose: Information and application process for the My Number Card.
2. Visa and Immigration
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- URL: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/
- Purpose: Information on visa types, residency status, and immigration procedures.
- Residence Procedures for Foreign Nationals
- URL: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/index.html
- Purpose: Guidance on residence management, renewal of residence cards, and re-entry procedures.
3. Healthcare
- National Health Insurance (NHI) Information
- URL: https://www.sia.go.jp/en/index.html
- Purpose: Details on Japan’s National Health Insurance system, how to enroll, and what it covers.
- Japan Health Insurance Association (Kyokai Kenpo)
- URL: https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/g5/cat530/20200121001
- Purpose: Information on employee health insurance programs.
4. Taxation
- National Tax Agency (NTA)
- URL: https://www.nta.go.jp/english/index.htm
- Purpose: Guidance on income tax filing, tax payments, and other tax-related matters for residents in Japan.
- e-Tax (Online Tax Filing)
- URL: https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/
- Purpose: Platform for electronic tax filing and tax-related procedures in Japan.
5. Banking and Financial Services
- Japan Post Bank (Yucho)
- URL: https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en_index.html
- Purpose: Information on banking services for residents, including how to open an account.
- PayPay Bank (Formerly Japan Net Bank)
- URL: https://www.paypay-bank.co.jp/english/
- Purpose: Digital banking services, including account management and money transfers.
6. Driving and Transportation
- Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
- URL: https://english.jaf.or.jp/
- Purpose: Information on obtaining a Japanese driver’s license, road rules, and roadside assistance.
- Public Transportation (JR East)
- URL: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/
- Purpose: Information on trains, rail passes, and public transport services across Japan.
7. Utilities and Services
- TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company)
- URL: https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/hd/index-e.html
- Purpose: Manage your electricity account, including setting up and paying bills.
- Gas and Water Utilities Information
- URL: Typically varies by municipality, but a common one is Tokyo Gas.
- Purpose: Information on how to set up and manage gas and water services.
8. Education
- Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
- URL: https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/index.html
- Purpose: Resources for international students, including scholarships, housing, and education information.
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- URL: https://www.mext.go.jp/en/
- Purpose: Information on education policies, scholarships, and studying in Japan.
9. Consumer Protection
- Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA)
- URL: https://www.caa.go.jp/en/
- Purpose: Guidance on consumer rights, how to handle disputes, and product safety information.
10. General Information
- CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations)
- URL: https://www.clair.or.jp/e/index.html
- Purpose: Resources and support for international residents, including living guides and cultural information.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
- URL: https://www.japan.travel/en/
- Purpose: Official tourism information, including travel tips and guides.
These websites are essential for managing various aspects of life in Japan as an expatriate, from legal residency to daily living needs.
Ward offices in Japan have their own websites
many ward offices in Japan have their own websites that offer a variety of online services. These websites can be used to access information, download forms, and, in some cases, complete certain administrative procedures online, such as requesting documents or updating information. However, the availability of online services varies from ward to ward, and while some procedures can be started online, you may still need to visit the ward office in person to complete them.
Below is an overview of how to access these websites, along with examples for major cities:
Tokyo Wards:
Tokyo’s 23 wards each have their own websites. Some of them provide online services like registering your residence, applying for certificates, and checking municipal services.
- Shibuya Ward (渋谷区)
- Shinjuku Ward (新宿区)
- Minato Ward (港区)
- Chiyoda Ward (千代田区)
- Setagaya Ward (世田谷区)
- URL: https://www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/mokuji/index.html (Japanese only, but includes online services)
Other Major Cities:
In other large cities across Japan, similar systems exist. Most have English pages or at least simplified Japanese to assist non-native speakers.
- Osaka City
- Yokohama City
- Nagoya City
- Kyoto City
- URL: https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/ (Japanese only, but some services are online)
- Fukuoka City
Common Online Services:
The types of online services provided by these ward and city websites typically include:
- Certificate Requests: You can often request copies of your Juminhyo (Residence Certificate), tax certificates, or other official documents.
- Notification of Changes: Reporting changes in address, household, or status.
- Tax Payments: Some websites allow you to pay local taxes online.
- Childcare and Education Services: Applications for nursery schools, information on schooling, and related services.
- Health and Welfare Services: Information on health insurance, welfare services, and elder care.
- Waste Disposal and Recycling Information: Guidelines on waste separation and collection schedules.
How to Access Services:
- Navigation: Once on the website, look for sections like “Procedures” (手続き), “Online Services” (オンラインサービス), or “Certificate Requests” (証明書請求).
- Language: Most ward office websites have a language selection option, often in the top right corner of the homepage. If English is available, select it for easier navigation.
- Digital Certificates: For some services, particularly those requiring personal identification, you might need to use your My Number Card and a card reader.