Useful Columns

To turn the increase in the number of foreign residents into "local strength" Currently, the number of foreign residents in Japan has reached approximately 3.96 million and continues to reach record highs. Under these circumstances, local governments are positioned as the "main players on the frontlines" of a symbiotic society. What is required of local governments now is not to passively accept government policies...

In order for Japan to remain an "open country" in the future, the immigration system is currently under review. The "Immigration Policy Council," a private advisory body to the Minister of Justice, serves as the compass for these discussions. The Council is a private advisory body to the Minister of Justice, and is responsible for the development of the immigration system in line with the changing times, economic development, and international...

Audio Description Employing foreigners in a company that is not prepared to accept them means facing the deepest despair in the foreign land of Japan. The types of companies that lack the basic qualities to hire foreigners, mainly cultural understanding, communication support, diversity response, and tre...

 　Audio Description The Arrival of the Black Ships Teaches Us the Chance of "Change" The arrival of the "Black Ships" in Japan in 1853, a fleet of four ships including two steamships led by American Commodore Matthew Perry, had a great impact on Japan at that time. The black smoke-spewing steamships were seen as an unknown threat to...

 Audio Commentary: Treating "Japanese Customers" for Specified Skills Foreigners Introduction: Understanding Japanese Service Culture and Omotenashi 1. from Mentalism to "Behavioral Techniques" Japanese service (Omotenashi) is not just about being kind, but also about anticipating customer expectations, and then...

Voice Commentary For Japan's restaurant industry, specially skilled foreign human resources are a "hopeful star" to solve the serious labor shortage. However, many restaurant operators are facing a "more difficult obstacle than imagined. It is not just a matter of skill or Japanese language ability. Japanese customers seek...

To all companies that support the acceptance of specified skilled foreign nationals. There have been cases of some foreign managers changing the workdays and holidays of their Specified Skilled Foreigners without permission, ignoring the stipulations of the written employment conditions. We are constantly alerted to such behavior. This is in accordance with the Japanese Labor Standards Law...

For foreign nationals whose period of stay (visa expiration date) is approaching during the New Year's holiday period or soon after the New Year, this page explains the cautions for rushing requests for "application for permission for extension of period of stay" and the importance of deadline management by administrative scriveners. ⏱️Risks of applying just before the deadline Application for extension of period of stay...

We will explain the background behind the increase in requests at the end of the year for "family stay" visas (application for issuance of a certificate of eligibility) for foreign nationals living in Japan on work visas, etc., to invite their spouses and children abroad, and what special attention should be paid to this issue. 🚨The barrier at the end of the year and the beginning of the New Year! Time Limit for Collecting Documents "Family Residency"...

We explain why international students graduating from Japanese universities and vocational schools should hurry to apply at the end of the year (December to January) to change their visa status from "College Student" to "Technical/Humanities/International Services" or other work visa to ensure their employment starting in April. 🗓️The schedule at the end of the year and at the beginning of the year will determine the fate of...

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...