What's a Zairyu Card?

A Zairyu Card is a Residence Card which is an ID card for non-Japanese residents. Foreign residents who are planning to live in Japan from medium to long-term stays receive a Zairyu Card upon arrival at Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai airports.

Unless you apply for naturalization and gain Japanese citizenship, every foreigner residing in Japan must have a Zairyu Card. 

You must keep this with you at all times and it can be used as your primary form of ID. Note that sometimes police officers can randomly stop you and ask to see your Zairyu Card. It will be a difficult situation if you are not carrying one when asked.

Having said that, there are some cases in which Residence Cards cannot be issued, including:

1. People with permission to reside in Japan for 3 months or less

2. People who are granted "Temporary Visitor" status

3. People who are granted "Diplomat" or "Official" status

4. People who are recognized by Ministry of Justice ordinance as equivalent to the foreign nationals in the aforementioned (1) to (3)

5. Special permanent residents

6. People who have no resident status

Places to Network

If you work in a company, getting to know your coworkers is a great way to expand your network. However, if you are an entrepreneur or a freelancer in a new city, you will likely want a little more help with finding your support system. 

Start with searching for groups and communities with common interests via platforms such as Meetup, Eventbrite, and Facebook groups. 

InterNations is one of the largest expat networks with communities in 420 cities worldwide. The community helps connect with international people in a new city through events.

GoConnect has a list of charities and volunteer organizations that can help expand your network and meet like-minded individuals. 

For women: 

Another good one, a Tokyo-based network, is called For Empowering Women (FEW). It is a community with English-speaking women who support, educate, and fight for a cause together. 

Girl Gone International is a widely known community of women who live and travel abroad. It is a Facebook group that supports women to establish a home away from home through casual get together and events.

For professional networking, being a member of the Foreign Chambers of Commerce is a great option. 

American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Brazilian Chamber of Commerce in Japan

British Chamber of Commerce in Japan

CCI France Japon

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Japan

European Business Council

German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan 

Italian Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Korean Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Japan

South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Note that not all Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Japan are listed above. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please do a quick google search!

Places to shop for day to day living

Department Stores 

Department stores are located in populated areas around large train stations. It consists of stores that offer a variety of products, everything one can possibly need. 

• ISETAN

• Mitsukoshi

• Matsuya

• Takashimaya

• Odakyu

• Seibu

• Marui

• Parco

• Daimaru

• Tokyu Department Store

Grocery Stores/Supermarkets 

Grocery stores/ Supermarket chains tend to have more affordable options than department stores and mainly focus on groceries.

• SEIYU

• Ito-Yokado

• AEON

• Seijo- Ishii

• MARUETSU

• Natural House

• KINOKUNIYA

Convenience Stores

As the name suggests, Japanese convenience stores are very convenient. Not only food and everyday cleaning supplies, it also acts as a post office and ATMs. 

• 7-Eleven

• Family Mart

• Lawson

• Ministop

Home & Lifestyle Stores

Some Home & Lifestyle stores have expanded their business to restaurants like Muji.

• Muji

• Franc Franc

• Tokyu Hands 

• Loft

• Don Quijote

• Plaza

Electronic Retailer 

• Yodobashi Camera

• Bic Camera

• Yamada Denki

• BICQLO

Drug Stores

• Sun Drug

• Daikoku Drug

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi

• Welcia

100 yen shops

It’s absolutely amazing how many smart/good quality products you can find in Japanese 100 yen shops!

• Daiso

• Seria

• Can Do

• Lawson - 100

• 3 COINS (300 yen shop) 

Note that listed are the major chains that are located in the city. Local stores are also worth checking out, as they tend to offer unique items.

Medical Information

One of the biggest challenges newcomers face is finding a medical institution that provides care in English. During a medical crisis, language barriers can be anxiety-inducing. Check out the list of clinics and hospitals with English-speaking doctors in Tokyo. 

Clinics with Services in English

American Clinic Tokyo
Location: Akasaka
Departments: General Medicine/Primary Care, Psychiatry, Psychology/Wellness

The King Clinic
Location: Omotesando
Departments: General Medicine, Travel Medicine

Roppongi Hills Clinic
Location: Roppongi
Departments: General Medicine

Hibiya Clinic
Location: Hibiya / Yurakucho
Departments: Internal Medicine
Note: Offer service to travelers 

Tokyo Business Clinic
Location: Marunouchi
Departments: Primary care, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Surgery
Note: Chinese-speaking staff available, Offer service to travelers.

Kayaba-cho Mental Health Care Clinic
Location: Kayabacho
Departments: Psychosomatic Medicine, Psychiatry

Kishi Clinica Femina
Location: Ginza
Departments: Uterus Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Menstrual Issues, Menopause and Women’s Health, Endoscopic Surgery, Sterility, Life-time Wellness, and more.

Daimon Medical Clinic
Location: Daimon / Hamamatsucho
Departments: General Practice, Dermatology

International Health Care Clinic
Location: Shinbashi
Departments: General Medicine, International Medical Transportation

Nakamura Azabujuban Clinic
Location: Azabu-juban
Departments: General Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology

English Speaking Hospitals

Sanno Hospital
Location: Akasaka
Departments: Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dentistry, Cancer Ablation Therapy, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Eye Center, and more.

NTT Medical Center Tokyo
Location: Gotanda
Departments: General Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Urology, and more.

St. Luke’s International Hospital
Location: Shintomicho / Tsukiji
Departments: General Care, Pediatric Care, Emergency Care, Cancer Treatment

Tokyo Meguro Counseling Center
Location: Yutenji / Ebisu
Departments: Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Marriage Counselling, Psychiatric Medication, Anxiety and Depression, Child and Adolescent Therapy

Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital
Location: Hiroo
Departments: Hematology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Cardiology, Pediatric, Respiratory Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery, Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Dermatology, and more. 

IUHW Mita Hospital
Location: Akabanebashi
Departments: Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Neurology, Pediatrics, Dentistry, Urology, Plastic Surgery, Anesthesiology, Rehabilitation Center, Respiratory Diseases Center, and more.

It is recommended to make a quick call prior to your appointment to check if the English-speaking doctor/ translator is available for your time slot. 

List of Emergency Numbers

Emergency call to police: 110

Police Advisory Service for non-Emergency: #9110

Police Consultation in English: 03-3503-8484

Emergency Call for Fire, Ambulance: 119

Emergency Advisory Service for non-Emergency Inquiries: #7119

Emergency Call to Coast Guard: 118

Operating Apartment Features

Generally speaking, in an overpopulated city like Tokyo, apartment sizes are kept minimum with multifunctional household appliances. 

Toilet

Japanese toilets can be quite confusing with different buttons to navigate. 

Otohime (音姫): Produce flushing sounds to mask the noise. Some are automatically set to activate.

Bidet (ビデ): Wash function with adjustable pressure. The nozzle will come out once activated and clean itself after use. 

Bathtub

As Japanese people customarily take baths, many tenants favor an apartment with a bathtub.

Jidou (自動): Maintain the pre-set temperature at all times.

Oidaki (追いだき): Reheat the bath to a set temperature, when jidou is turned off. 

Kansou (乾燥): Drying function used after a bath or when drying clothes.

Danbou (暖房): Heating function.

As taking a bath is a big part of Japanese culture, these specific settings are designed to meet the needs of tenants, with the ability to control the temperature and to even set a timer. Given that the space is limited in the apartment, it is also used as a place to dry washed clothes.

Kitchen Appliances

One of the good examples of multifunctional kitchen appliances is a Microwave oven, which can be switched between microwave and oven functions. The buttons will signify different categories that would generally look something as listed below. 

Bento (弁当): Lunch box, packaged meal

Toast (トースト)

Kaitou (解凍): Defrost

Reitou Syokuhin (冷凍食品): Frozen food

After you selected the appropriate category, select Atatame (あたため) to start heating. Some will have Jidou Atatame (自動 あたため) which will automatically decide the right setting for it to be heated properly. 

Rice cooker is one of the most essential cooking appliances for Japanese people. It is quite simple to use, once the different cooking options are figured out.

White Rice (白米)

Brown Rice (玄米)

Rice Porridge (おかゆ)

Japanese mixed rice (炊き込み)

Japanese steamed rice (おこわ)

Once you select one of the options, press Suihan (炊飯) to start cooking. If you want to set the time, press Yoyaku (予約) to do so. 

As a note, since Japan is prone to natural disasters such as earthquake and tsunami, many households have Gas Cooktops (ガスコンロ) in case of a power outage. 

Washer

As briefly mentioned in the previous section, most of the apartments in Tokyo will only have a washer. 

First, start with selecting the appropriate time length and water volume of each section to decide the setting of each cycle.

Suiryo (水量): Water volume

Arai (洗い): Wash

Susugi (すすぎ): Rinse

Dassui (脱水): Spin Dry

Once the cycle is set, choose the appropriate Sentaku Kosu (洗濯コース), a washing course, which would likely include the following options:

Hyojun (標準): Standard

Tearai (手洗い): Gentle wash

Mouhu (毛布): Heavy blanket

Oisogi (お急ぎ): Fast cycle

After the course is set, press start. 

Some other words that could come in handy : 

Senzai (洗剤): Detergent

Hyo-haku zai (漂白剤): Bleach

Jyu-nan zai (柔軟剤): Fabric softener

Ichiji Teishi (一時停止): Pause

Reisui (冷水): Cold water

Onsui (温水): Warm water

Japanese people like to dry clothes under the sun as it is believed that sunlight kills the bacteria most effectively. Japanese people would dry them inside (部屋干し) when raining.

Cooler/Heater

Japanese air conditioner (エアコン) can be used both as a cooler and a heater. By pressing Unten Kirikae (運転切換), you will be able to choose the type of operations.

Jidou (自動) : Auto-run 

Reibou (冷房): Cooler 

Danbou (暖房): Heater 

Jyoshitsu (除湿): Dehumidifier 

You can also adjust the volume (風量) and the direction (風向) of the airflow. It is also possible to set a timer (タイマー). 

Even though basic terminologies have been covered, please note that apartment features will greatly differ as it is unique to its location and price. The way to operate appliances will depend on the brand and the model itself so make sure to keep the instruction manual! 

Do THIS before you look at neighborhoods

Let's Get Oriented

The first thing I want you to do is take a look at a map of Tokyo and pinpoint where you're going to be spending your most time. Whether it's a university, corporation, or even your kid's school, look up the address on a map and notice what area of Tokyo it's located.

Found it? Good!

Now, from that location, I recommend looking at neighborhoods that are within an 8km (5 mile) radius. The reason is because you don't want to spend more than 45 minutes commuting via public transportation, so an 8km radius could mean 20-30 minutes of train time + 15-25 minutes of walking to and from the station and your apartment or organization location.

If you're going to be spending most of your time in central Tokyo, then anywhere you live in the city - North, South, East, West - is going to be fine in terms of commuting. In this case, it's just a matter of picking which area you feel most comfortable with, so you should watch all neighborhood videos.

Overview

The neighborhoods I will show you in the tours are the most common areas searched by foreigners moving to Tokyo. You don't have to pick one of these major stations - the tours are meant to give you a good idea of what to expect in each are of Tokyo even if you live a couple stations away from the areas you see.

We will start up in the Northwest side of Tokyo in an area called Itabashi, then down to the West side of Tokyo, the Central area, and finally down towards the South. The neighborhood tours do not include the North East or East sides of Tokyo as these are either financial districts or older traditional areas so it's not as popular for the foreign community. The information you'll get from this course will help you make decisions even if you choose to live in areas not covered.

Points of Reference

 In the neighborhood tours, I will be talking about convenient transportation paths based on 3 popular shopping and transit districts: Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.

It's hard to explain convenience if you're not familiar with Tokyo, so let's use these 3 districts as reference points.

The map you see above represents the JR Yamanote train line - this train line circles around central Tokyo. Typically, residential neighborhoods located along this train line or inside the circle are more expensive than apartments outside of this circle.

Alrighty, now that you know where you'll spend most of your time in Tokyo & are acquainted with these points of reference, let's move on to the neighborhood tours!

Bringing Pets to Japan

Japan welcomes different kinds of animals however, in order to protect the country from the spread of animal diseases such as rabies, animal inspection is implemented upon arrival. Note that this article will cover rules for dogs and cats. For other pets, please seek information on the Animal Quarantine Service website.

The process of importing dogs and cats to Japan is slightly different depending on where you are importing from.
A. The designated regions: Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Island, Hawaii, Guam
B. None-designated regions: all other countries

Step 1. Microchip

Regardless of your region, all dogs and cats entering Japan must have microchip implants. 

Step 2. Rabies Vaccination & Rabies Antibody Test

For those coming from non-designated regions, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 2 times, after a microchip has been implanted. In addition, a serological test must be performed at the laboratories designated by the Ministry of Agriculture. The list can be found here. 

Step 3. Waiting Period

180 days must be passed from the date of blood sampling from the rabies antibody test. Moreover, the date of arrival must be within the expiry period of the rabies vaccine. 

Step 4. Advance Notification

Notification form must be submitted via online, email, or fax, no less than 40 days before arriving in Japan. Animal Quarantine Service will then check the documents and will issue “Approval of Import Inspection of Animals”, which permits pets to enter the country. 

Notification form for dogs
Notification form for cats

Step 5. Pre-Export Clinical Inspection 

Prior to entering Japan, all dogs and cats must undergo a clinical inspection to prove the pet is free from rabies and leptospirosis.

Step 6. Certificate

Once all is cleared, a certificate must be issued by the government agency of the exporting country. This certificate must include microchip numbers, the date of rabies vaccinations, results of the clinical inspection, blood sampling, and other health information about your pets. Animal Quarantine Service in Japan recommends filling in the certification form.

Step 7. Import Inspection

Upon arrival, the animals will go through an inspection by the Animal Quarantine Service. Note that the importer is responsible for applying for this inspection. Pets will be returned to the owner if there is no problem, however, pets that did not meet the import requirements might have to be quarantined at a detention facility for up to 180 days.

For Further Information:
Please refer back to the Animal Quarantine Website for an official source of information that contains detailed instructions and necessary forms regarding importing pets.

From Designated Regions
From Non-designated Regions
Other animals

Pet-Friendly Apartments

When it comes to pet-friendly apartments, the reality is that there are not a lot of them in Japan. However, that is not to say that there aren’t any. When you are searching for properties, make sure that it is listed as Pet Available (ペット可). Some apartments ask for an extra pet fee that you have to pay on top of your rent. Some charge a different fee depending on the size and the number of dogs/cats you own. In other cases, it is already included in the rent. Nonetheless, it will end up a bit more expensive than living without pets. Make sure to check the specifics with the renter as if you unknowingly bring pets into pet-free apartments, you will likely be fined or asked to move out immediately. 

Trivia: What does "mottainai spirit" mean?

Q.

What does "mottainai" spirit mean?

A.

The concept of "mottainai" is a term used to describe a sense of regret regarding waste. This "mottainai" spirit has kept Japanese people from being wasteful and has pushed people to make use of things to their full potential before throwing them away. 

For example, I have memories of when my Japanese grandfather would save one tissue to clean his hanko (stamp) until the entire tissue was covered in ink and ready to be thrown away. No use throwing out a perfectly good tissue when it can still be effective, right?

This concept can be put to use especially during the holiday season. When having Christmas dinner, let's be aware of the "mottainai" spirit and appreciate the food without being wasteful, and refrain from buying too many Christmas gifts to be more environmentally friendly! 

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: Where does the youngest person sit in business meetings?

Q.

Where does the youngest person sit in business meetings?

A.

Japan has business meeting etiquette that might be hard to understand for newcomers.

The seat furthest from the door (kamiza) is considered comfortable and safe, and is reserved for the client of the highest status. Thus, the youngest person/newcomer will sit away from this sit on the opposite side in the seat closest to the door. 

Also, it is important that the youngest/newcomer only takes a seat after everyone else has been seated! 

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: What is "otohime" in Japan and where do you find it?

Q.

What is "otohime" and where do you find it?

A.

When you use a Japanese bathroom in places like department stores, there is a button that makes a flushing sound. Some are automatically activated when you sit.

This is called "otohime" (Sound Princess) and the loud flushing sound is used to mask the noise so that others won't hear you going to the bathroom. 

This symbolizes how Japanese people value privacy and how they are aware of their surroundings all the time!

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: When did Japan start celebrating Halloween?

Q.

When did Japan start to celebrate Halloween?

a) 2000

b) 1996

c) 2002

A.

The answer is... b) 2000!

It was the year 2000 when Tokyo Disney Land decided to introduce Halloween to attract more autumn visitors. 

Since then, it has become one of the most popular events in Japan. However, Halloween in Japan is celebrated a bit differently. It is mainly about adults dressing up and partying, and there is no tradition of trick-or-treating.

What do you think about Halloween culture in Japan?

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Trivia: How come Japanese people leave behind a small portion of food when dining together?

Q.

How come Japanese people leave behind a small portion of food when dining together?

A.

The answer to this question is related to the culture of "kiwotsukau" (to avoid claiming what you really want by putting others first). 

Most of the time, everyone is waiting for other people (especially elderly people, or the youngest ) to finish first. Also, people feel bad claiming the last portion without offering it to other people first.

Because of these two things, food will be left until the very last moment when one person is encouraged to finish it.

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: Why do Japanese people like to ask how old you are?

Q.

Why do people ask about your age?

A.

It is important to note that age plays a crucial role in a country with huge respect to elders. 

But even if you're close in age with someone, people still like to ask how old you are to determine their role in the relationship. Coworkers and even students might ask your age early on in the stage of relationship/friendship to figure out the level of formality they need to speak in and behave in with you.

That is why asking age is not as taboo as it is in other countries!

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: Which side of the escalator should you stand on, and which side should you walk?

Q.

Which side of the escalator should you stand on, and which side should you walk?

A.

In a busy city like Tokyo, it is important to follow the "rules of the escalator" for maximum efficiency.

People who wish to stand will position themselves on the left side of the escalator, leaving the right side available for people in a hurry to walk up/down.

However, in the Kansai region, the rule is flipped. People stand on the right side and walk through the left side.

People might get irritated if you're standing on the side in which people are in a hurry to walk, so make sure to be aware of this depending on the region you're in!

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: When you exchange business card with your client, what should you do with your client's business card?

Q.

When you exchange business cards with your client, what should you do with your clients' business card?

a) place it on top of the meeting table

b) put it in your bag to secure

c) put it into your card case to show respect

A.

The answer is...a) place it on top of the meeting table!

When you receive business cards from your clients, make sure to use both hands. After you thank them, place it on top of the table. Here, you can also put it on top of your business card case.

Please do not scribble or take notes on the business card, or put it in your bag or your pocket, as it will give the impression of disrespect. 

When you have exchanged cards with multiple people, make sure to place them on top of the table in order so you can remember the names correctly. 

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: What are many Japanese women told when growing up about how to act?

Q.

What are many Japanese women told when growing up about how to act?

a) to be smart

b) to be ladylike

c) to be courageous

d) to be loved

A.

The answers are...b) to be ladylike and d) to be loved!

Traditionally, the ideal portrayal of women is quiet, nice, and kawaii (cute). To be obedient and not to voice opinions.

(Side note...even my mother's name means "obedient"!). 

Things like laughing loudly with your mouth open were not considered ladylike, so women are typically raised to laugh softly and cover their mouth.

Even though this culture has been diminishing, some women still feel the pressure to act a certain way or minimize themselves, especially in public.  

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: Are Taxis in Japan Trustworthy?

Q.

Are Taxis in Japan Trustworthy?

A.

YES. Generally speaking, taxis in Japan are trustworthy, very clean, and offer great service. There are many cases outside of Japan where people can get nervous around taking a taxi - sometimes you're not sure if the driver is choosing a longer route to make more money off of you, for example. But this isn't really the case in Japan.

Having said that, I have had a couple of situations where I boarded a taxi and the driver was new and not as savvy about the streets - but whenever this has happened and we've taken longer than expected to reach a destination, the driver has deducted fare to reflect the true fee. 

When you board a taxi, the driver will remotely open the door for you, so you do not need to touch the door to open it yourself. This is true for when you get out. Taxi fares start around 400-700yen depending on the region.

It's likely that the driver does not speak English, so make sure to show your destination on a map or show the address on a piece of paper! 

How did you do?

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Trivia: Why is Japan so clean? Where does the behavior of cleanliness come from?

Q.

Why is Japan so clean? Where does the behavior of cleanliness come from?

A.

The majority of Japanese public schools have time set aside for cleaning and tidying in the afternoon, called "osouji".

Students are to clean their assigned location. Some hand wipe the floors, some move the desks, and some clean the hallway. Students rotate between roles and learn the importance of cleaning from when they are young.

Even as an adult, some Japanese traditional companies direct their employees to empty trash and do "osouji" in the morning together. 

As Marie Kondo helped spread the culture of "seiriseiton" to the world, for many Japanese people, it's no magic but a daily routine. 

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: Why do Japanese people rarely make mistakes?

Q.

Why do Japanese people rarely make mistakes?

A.

In a Japanese workplace setting, making a mistake is often seen as a failure. This mindset allows no room for mistakes. Work can be triple checked and approved by multiple people. New hires are trained until they are perfect, and supervisors will not let their team make mistakes as it will lead to shame. It can be challenging to regain trust when a mistake is made, so it's important that individuals build a reputation for being accurate. 

As you can imagine, working under this immense pressure can be stressful, but this perfectionism culture is crucial for companies to run smoothly!

What do you think about this culture?

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Trivia: What is "shukatsu" ?

Q.

What is "shukatsu"?

A.

Shukatsu means job hunting. This term is used specifically for soon-to-be- university graduates in Japan. 

Once the government sets a start date for "shukatsu", companies start setting up seminars and workshops to attract students across Japan to apply to work at their companies. University students all go through rounds of seminars and interviews at the same time, until they receive naitei (an offer).

As you can imagine, this traditional system of job hunting can be very stressful, as societal pressure creates anxiety amongst students and families. If a student is unable to find a job during the "shukatsu" period, it can be difficult to find a job as an entry-level professional and they may even have to wait another year to go through the cycle again.

However, perspectives of "shukatsu" are changing, as students are starting to take a year off after graduation to explore what kind of career they want to lead, instead of letting companies decide for them. 

What do you think about this culture?

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