Understand money in Japan. Build a plan for what comes next.

You generally need a residence card (在留カード), a Japanese address, and often a Japanese phone number and a personal seal (hanko) or signature. Some banks also ask for a My Number, and a few require six months of residency before opening. Online banks (Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank) and English-friendly banks (SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA) are common starting points. Requirements differ by bank, so confirm on the provider’s page before applying.

Yes. Approval depends on stable income and residency, not nationality — but your foreign credit history does not transfer, so you start fresh. Accessible first cards include Rakuten Card and Epos Card. Longer residency, a stable job, and having a Japanese bank account improve your odds. A longer-validity residence card also helps.

Generally yes, if you are a tax resident of Japan (with a My Number) and at least 18. NISA is tied to residency, not citizenship, so most foreign residents qualify — with two big cautions: US citizens and green-card holders face US tax complications with Japanese funds, and NISA generally cannot continue after you leave Japan. Confirm eligibility and the current rules on the FSA site and with your chosen brokerage.

Many employees do not, because tax is settled by year-end adjustment (年末調整). You generally must file (確定申告) if you have side income over ¥200,000, two or more employers, self-employment income, sizeable investment or crypto gains, or you want to claim deductions like large medical costs or a first-year mortgage credit. Filing season is Feb 16 – Mar 15 via e-Tax. When unsure, check the NTA guidance or ask a 税理士.

For most personal transfers, specialist services like Wise or Revolut beat traditional bank wires, because they use the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee instead of a hidden rate markup. The cheapest option depends on the amount, currency, and destination, so compare the final amount the recipient receives — not the advertised fee. For very large transfers, also check limits and reporting.

Crypto gains are miscellaneous income taxed at your marginal income-tax rate plus resident tax — combined this can reach roughly 55% at the top, far above the ~20% flat rate on listed stocks. There is no special low rate and, unlike stocks, no NISA shelter. Every disposal is taxable (selling to yen, crypto-to-crypto swaps, and paying with crypto), so you must calculate gains across all transactions. Keep thorough records and consider a tax accountant for active trading.