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Useful links and sharp discussion for foreign residents building a life, career, or business in Japan.
Curated, not algorithmic
Weekly digest
Strongly moderated
NPA figures show the written-test pass rate fell to 42.8% and the practical test to 13.1% in the first quarter under the new rules, down from 92.5%/30.4% the year before.
Japan Tightens Standards for Foreign Driver's License Conversions
(asia.nikkei.com)
Confirms the new rules took effect October 1, 2025 - tourists can no longer use a hotel address as proof of residency to convert a license.
Immigration agency tightens guidelines for permanent residency
(japantimes.co.jp)
Confirms the February 2026 rule change: PR applicants must now hold the maximum stay period for their visa category at filing time, and any late tax/insurance payment can disqualify you.
The NPA's draft of the new rules: a residence-certificate requirement (closing the hotel-address loophole tourists used), and a written test jumping from 10 questions/70% to pass to 50 questions/90%.
Driving in Japan
(jp.usembassy.gov)
U.S. Embassy guidance distinguishing International Driving Permits (short-term visitors only) from converting to a Japanese license (required for residents), plus a warning about IDP scam websites.
Driver's License Centers in Tokyo
(keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
Tokyo Metropolitan Police's official list of the three driving license centers (Fuchu, Samezu, Koto) that handle gaimen kirikae appointments, with access directions and the English phone/fax line.
Applying for a Japanese Translation of Your Foreign License
(english.jaf.or.jp)
JAF issues the official Japanese translation of a foreign license needed for gaimen kirikae - where to apply and what JAF branches require.
Switching a Foreign Driver's License to a Japanese One
(english.jaf.or.jp)
JAF's official walkthrough of the gaimen kirikae process - required documents (residence certificate, passport entry/exit stamps proving 3+ months driving abroad), and which countries skip the written/practical tests entirely.
Japan's Tighter Immigration Controls Yielding Results
(japantimes.co.jp)
Japan Times reporting on falling overstayer numbers following 2025's stricter immigration enforcement measures.
For all Foreign Residents in Japan - About the My Number System
(kojinbango-card.go.jp)
The government's own explainer on what My Number is and why you need it - worth reading once instead of piecing it together from blog posts.
The industry association's own explainer on how the post-2024 NISA structure works - a more sober reference point than most blog explainers.
Tech Conferences in Tokyo - dev.events
(dev.events)
A continuously updated directory of upcoming developer and tech conferences in Tokyo.
Startup Grind Tokyo
(startupgrind.com)
The Tokyo chapter of the global Startup Grind community, running regular founder/investor events.
GTN Mobile - SIM for Foreign Residents in Japan
(gtn-mobile.com)
A mobile carrier built specifically for foreign residents in Japan, including a foreigner-only credit card and Japanese-language support line.
Japan SIM Card - Mobal
(mobal.com)
An English-support SIM/eSIM provider widely used by foreign residents, with nationwide free delivery and airport pickup.
Supporting Child-Rearing - Tokyo Metropolitan Government
(english.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
Tokyo's official page on its digital child-rearing support initiatives, including streamlined daycare enrollment and financial-support applications.
A practical breakdown of daycare, preschool, and kindergarten options in Japan written specifically for non-Japanese-speaking parents.
How To Find Cheap - or Free - Japanese Lessons in Tokyo
(tokyoweekender.com)
A roundup of where to find low-cost or free Japanese classes across Tokyo's wards, beyond any single ward's program.
Free Japanese Language Lessons "Nihongo Hiroba" - Shinjuku City
(foreign.city.shinjuku.lg.jp)
Shinjuku City's official, no-registration-required free Japanese conversation and kanji classes for residents 15 and older.
Getting Your Japanese Residence Card
(blog.gaijinpot.com)
What to expect when receiving and registering your residence card (zairyu card) as a new arrival.