Useful Columns

Many foreign nationals working in Japan are aiming for a "five-year" period of stay. After that, they are looking forward to "applying for permanent residence". However, in the midst of their daily work, many people inadvertently forget their obligations under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, or feel insecure about renewal depending on their employment status....

If you are a North American who loves Japanese culture and Kyoto, why don't you come live in the old streets of Kyoto, learn skills from Japanese craftsmen, and create the future of your favorite city with your own hands? If you are a North American who loves Japanese culture and Kyoto, why don't you live in the old streets of Kyoto, learn skills from Japanese craftsmen, and build the future of your favorite city with your own hands?  Kyomachiya Co-Creation International Project https://matsutani-gyosei.com/alex_visa/en/passing-d...

It is no exaggeration to say that for foreign business owners who have decided to start a business in Japan and are applying for a business management visa, the choice of an administrative scrivener as a partner can mean the difference between the fate of their business and that of their foreign business. Unfortunately, however, there are many cases where the process does not go smoothly, or where the explanation is inadequate and the applicant feels uneasy...

Introduction: In Silence and Shadows Gion Shinbashi, Kyoto. My starting point as a photographer is in the "shadows" of this town. The machiya houses that I see through the viewfinder of the mirrorless single-lens reflex camera that has become familiar to my hand are more than just old wooden structures. It is a house that has been built over 1,200 years, adapted to the harsh climate and social changes...

When you walk through the streets of Kyoto, you suddenly see beautiful lattice doors and narrow alleys leading to the back of the house. These scenes, which we take for granted, are gradually being lost. This is a project to give shape to this desire with young people not only in Japan but also around the world.

For foreign entrepreneurs trying to start a new business in Japan, "administrative procedures" and "language and cultural barriers" are two of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. However, what is truly required at many support sites is more than just document representation. We are here to help entrepreneurs with their business...

Dear managers of companies that are either preserving Kyoto's traditions or challenging the world with cutting-edge IT technology. Did you know that one of the biggest "rule changes" ever is taking place in the field of employing foreigners? In 2026, with the complete conversion of residence cards to IC cards, the immigration authorities will be able to monitor immigration status like never before de...

We have received very important and urgent news for all of you in the food service industry. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Immigration and Residency Management Agency have announced the suspension of acceptance of Specified Technical Skills 1 in the food service industry. For businesses that have been planning to hire, this is an extremely important...

Applying for a permanent residence permit through the Highly Specialized Professional (HSP) points system is a very powerful route that can significantly shorten the normal "10 years of residence" requirement. However, in preparing the application, there are points that should be carefully considered, such as the choice of the competent authority that will conduct the examination and the timing of the career change...

1. "Unexpected Blind Spot" of Convenient Online Application Online application for immigration control has recently become popular. It is easy to think that you can apply online from anywhere, but in fact, "location rules" are strictly regulated. In this issue, we received a report that "I tried to apply from Hong Kong using a VPN, but an error...

In recent years, an increasing number of companies are hiring foreign nationals as regular or contract employees. However, when hiring foreign employees, it is important not to forget about "visa (status of residence) renewal. If the employee does not renew his/her status of residence before it expires, he/she will be in Japan illegally, and the company will be...

As of November 2025, the Immigration Bureau is in the midst of a full-scale transition to IC cards for residence cards, and it has finally become clear that the transition will be complete by the end of 2026. The plastic card will be replaced by a new residence card with an IC chip equivalent to a My Number card. ...

Residence Management to be Digitally Accelerated on June 14, 2026The "Specified Residence Card" is finally set to begin operation on June 14, 2026 (counter acceptance from June 15). This card will combine the functions of the existing "Residence Card" and "My Number Card" into a single card. Voluntary acquisition: Not mandatory for all, but for those who wish...

In the midst of a labor shortage due to the declining birthrate and aging population, foreign students are a valuable asset to the workforce. However, when hiring them, it is necessary to properly understand the rules specific to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act), which are not applicable to Japanese part-time workers. In particular, the "28-hour-per-week limit" is lenient...

Good news for foreign residents living in Japan and companies that employ foreigners! The "Residence Card" and the "My Number Card," which have previously been bulky and separate in your wallets, can now be combined into a single card. It's called the "Tokutei Zairyu Card." Starting June 2026...

When renewing "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" status (Spouse Visa), the screening process tends to become stricter year by year, and particular attention should be paid to the following points. 1. stability and continuity of marital life Continuity of cohabitation: In principle, it is most important that the couple lives together and is substantially married....

⏳ 1. Introduction: Why is my visa application so slow? Many people spend anxious days wondering when they will be granted a visa (status of residence) after applying for one. The examination period at the Immigration Bureau (Immigration Bureau) is usually from one to three months, but some applicants may wait as long as six months...

Applying for a permanent residence permit through the Highly Specialized Professional (HSP) points system is a very powerful route that can significantly shorten the normal "10 years of residence" requirement. However, in preparing the application, there are points that should be carefully considered, such as the choice of the competent authority that will conduct the examination and the timing of the career change...

Some of you who are currently working under the "Specified Technical Skills 1" status may be considering changing your status of residence to "Technical/Humanities/International Services" ("Gijinkoku") in the future. In this issue, we will discuss the change of status of residence from Tokutei Gijutsu 1 to Gijinkoku...

Important: Effective October 16, 2025, the requirements for the "Management and Administration" visa have been significantly tightened. The conventional wisdom of "investment of 5 million yen" or "one-person start-up" no longer applies. October 16, 2025 will be a historic turning point for foreigners who wish to start a business in Japan...