Living in Japan

Introduction

Hi there! I'm a university student in Japan. I created this webpage for foreigners who want to live in Japan because I've heard that it can be difficult to choose a place to live. Since this is a personal project, please use the information on this page as a reference to get a general idea. I hope it helps!

Immigration Procedures

Steps to Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility:

  1. Application: The foreigner or a related person in Japan applies at the local immigration office.
  2. Examination: The certificate is issued after an examination period of 1-3 months.
  3. Visa Application: Apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate with the certificate.
  4. Visa Issuance: The visa is issued and attached to the passport.
  5. Landing Examination: Undergo a landing examination at a Japanese airport or seaport.
  6. Residence Status Determination: Upon approval, the residence status is determined, and a residence card is issued.

Required Documents:

  • Application documents are listed on the Immigration Services Agency website.
  • Applications can be made by a proxy, and online applications are possible under certain conditions.

Notes:

  • The certificate is valid for three months from the issuance date, so entry and landing examination must be completed within this period.
  • The residence card serves as an ID card in Japan and will be mailed if not received at the airport.

What Makes a City Livable?

For foreigners, the following criteria are important:

Diverse International Community

  • Cultural diversity: Opportunities for intercultural exchange and international events help foreigners integrate into the community.
  • Language support: Multilingual services and information at public offices, hospitals, and facilities provide peace of mind.

Education and Job Opportunities

  • International educational institutions: Schools offering international or multilingual education improve livability for families.
  • Employment opportunities: Regions with many multinational companies and support for foreign workers provide economic security.

Medical and Welfare Services

  • Medical system: Availability of medical institutions with foreign language support or interpreter services is crucial.
  • Welfare services: Well-established welfare support and consultation services for foreigners help avoid living troubles.

Cost of Living

  • Balanced costs: Affordable living costs, including housing, transportation, and food, enhance the quality of life.

Culture and Entertainment

  • Various events and cultural facilities: Facilities and events promoting multicultural exchange are important for community building.

Voices of People Living in Japan

Foreigners living in Japan have expressed the following concerns and things they wish they had known before coming:

  • English proficiency of Japanese people: Many assumed most Japanese people could speak English.
  • Employment and salary concerns.
  • Worries about natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes.
  • Difficulties in renting due to the reputation of some foreigners not paying rent.
  • Challenges with medical terminology.
  • Job hunting difficulties.
  • Complicated housing-related issues (e.g., loans).
  • Emergency resources: Struggles with understanding emergency alerts in Japanese.

Recommended Locations

Tokyo

Shinjuku Ward

shinjuku ward
  • Language: ★★
  • Education: ★★
  • Job: ★
  • Community: ★★★
  • Foreign population: 43,897 (Chinese: 17,240, Korean: 9,021, Vietnamese: 2,474)
  • Rent: ¥106,000 (1-room)
  • Overview: Shinjuku Ward has a large foreign population with diverse nationalities. It offers multilingual consultation services, Japanese language support, and medical interpretation services. The Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza provides information and consultation services for foreigners.

Toshima Ward

toyohashi ward
  • Language: ★★★
  • Education: ★★
  • Job: ★★
  • Community: ★★★
  • Foreign population: 32,732 (Chinese: 12,718, Vietnamese: 2,460, Nepalese: 2,414)
  • Rent: ¥88,300 (1-room)
  • Overview: Toshima Ward aims to become an international city with extensive support for foreign residents. It has a multicultural center offering multilingual consultations, Japanese language support, and cultural exchange events. The ward is also known for its vibrant arts and subculture scene. More information can be found on the Toshima City official website.

Minato Ward

minato ward
  • Language: ★★
  • Education: ★★★
  • Job: ★★★
  • Community: ★★★
  • Foreign population: 21,278 (Chinese: 6,900, Korean: 3,633, American: 2,686)
  • Rent: ¥147,600 (1-room)
  • Overview: Minato Ward hosts many foreign companies and embassies, making it home to a large foreign population. It offers multilingual consultation services, medical interpretation, and various cultural exchange events organized by the Minato International Association.

Osaka

Osaka City

osaka city
  • Language: ★
  • Education: ★★★
  • Job: ★★★
  • Community: ★★
  • Foreign population: 169,392 (Jordanian: 57,929, Chinese: 47,038, Vietnamese: 25,731)
  • Rent: ¥61,900 (1-room)
  • Overview: Osaka City has signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with YOLO JAPAN to provide information, community support, and employment assistance for foreigners. The city is known for its friendly locals and vibrant food culture.

Higashi-Osaka City

higashiosaka city
  • Language: ★
  • Education: ★★
  • Job: ★
  • Community: ★★★
  • Foreign population: 20,614 (Korean: 8,632, Vietnamese: 4,512, Chinese: 4,015)
  • Rent: ¥45,100 (1-room)
  • Overview: Higashi-Osaka City has a multicultural information plaza with staff who can speak English, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The city also offers a one-stop consultation center with multilingual translation services. More information can be found on the Higashi-Osaka City official website.

Aichi Prefecture

Toyohashi City

toyohashi city
  • Language: ★★
  • Education: ★★
  • Job: ★★★
  • Community: ★★
  • Foreign population: 20,806 (Brazilian: 8,800, Filipino: 4,800, Vietnamese: 1,600)
  • Rent: ¥50,900 (1-room)
  • Overview: Toyohashi City provides comprehensive support for foreign residents, including multilingual consultation services and medical interpretation. The city also hosts various cultural exchange events. More information can be found on the Toyohashi City official website.

Toyota City

toyota city
  • Language: ★★
  • Education: ★★★
  • Job: ★★★
  • Community: ★★
  • Foreign population: 20,373 (Brazilian: 7,264, Chinese: 2,992, Korean: 1,530)
  • Rent: ¥55,900 (1-room)
  • Overview: Toyota City offers extensive support for foreign residents, including multilingual consultation services, Japanese language classes, and cultural exchange events. The city is also known for its strong automotive industry. More information can be found on the Toyota City official website.

Kyoto

Kyoto City

kyoto city
  • Language: ★★★
  • Education: ★★
  • Job: ★★
  • Community: ★★
  • Foreign population: 55,434 (Korean: 16,938, Chinese: 15,324, Vietnamese: 3,729)
  • Rent: ¥52,000 (1-room)
  • Overview: Kyoto City provides extensive support for foreign residents, including multilingual consultation services, medical interpretation, and various cultural exchange events. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. More information can be found on the Kyoto City official website.

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