{"name":"MoneyInJapan Library","description":"A bilingual, source-backed personal-finance knowledge base for residents of Japan.","generatedAt":"2026-07-29T07:46:45.134Z","locales":["en","ja"],"stats":{"clusters":10,"articles":21,"faqs":48,"products":19,"glossary":24,"sources":53},"license":"Educational content. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. Verify with official sources.","clusters":[{"slug":"banking","order":1,"icon":"🏦","aliases":["providers"],"title":{"en":"Banking","ja":"銀行"},"tagline":{"en":"Open the right account, understand fees, and fix common problems.","ja":"自分に合う口座を開き、手数料を理解し、よくある問題を解決する。"},"overview":{"en":["A Japanese bank account is the anchor of daily money life: salary deposits, rent and utility auto-payments (口座振替), and the account you link to cards, brokerages, and remittance apps. Most residents can open an account once they have a residence card and, often, a My Number and a Japanese phone number and address.","Legacy megabanks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) offer branches and broad recognition, while online banks (Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, SBI) usually offer better apps, lower fees, and stronger integration with points and investing. A few banks — notably SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank — are known for English support and foreign-currency features.","The practical questions are almost always the same: which documents you need, whether the app and support work in English, what ATM and transfer fees apply, and how to handle name formatting (katakana), address changes, and residence-card updates. Those are the things this section helps you research before you apply."],"ja":["日本の銀行口座は日々のお金の中心です。給与の受け取り、家賃や公共料金の口座振替、そしてカード・証券・送金アプリと連携する口座になります。多くの場合、在留カードがあれば口座を開けます（マイナンバーや日本の電話番号・住所を求められることもあります）。","従来のメガバンク（三菱UFJ・三井住友・みずほ）は店舗網と知名度が強みです。一方でネット銀行（楽天銀行・ソニー銀行・住信SBI）はアプリ・手数料・ポイントや投資との連携で優れることが多いです。SMBC信託銀行プレスティアやソニー銀行は英語対応や外貨機能で知られています。","実務的な疑問はほぼ共通です。必要書類は何か、アプリとサポートは英語で使えるか、ATM・振込手数料はいくらか、氏名（カタカナ）表記・住所変更・在留カード更新はどう扱うか。このセクションは、申し込む前にそうした点を調べるお手伝いをします。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["A residence card is the core ID; some banks also ask for My Number, a Japanese phone number, and a few months of residency.","Online banks usually beat megabanks on fees and app quality; megabanks help when you need branches or corporate dealings.","For English support and foreign currency, SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the names people research first.","ATM and transfer fees vary widely; many online banks waive a set number of fees per month based on your account tier.","Your bank name is usually registered in katakana — keep it consistent across cards, utilities, and your employer.","Update your registered address and residence status when they change to avoid a frozen or restricted account."],"ja":["中心となる本人確認書類は在留カードです。マイナンバー・日本の電話番号・一定期間の在留を求める銀行もあります。","手数料とアプリの使いやすさはネット銀行が有利なことが多く、店舗や法人取引が必要ならメガバンクが役立ちます。","英語対応・外貨なら、まず調べたいのはSMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行です。","ATM・振込手数料は差が大きく、多くのネット銀行は口座ランクに応じて月数回まで無料にします。","口座名義は通常カタカナで登録します。カード・公共料金・勤務先で表記を統一しましょう。","住所や在留資格が変わったら登録情報を更新し、口座の凍結・制限を避けましょう。"]},"warnings":{"en":["Never share one-time passwords or app approval codes; banks will not ask for them by phone or email."],"ja":["ワンタイムパスワードやアプリの承認コードを他人に伝えないでください。銀行が電話やメールで尋ねることはありません。"]},"articles":["opening-a-bank-account-in-japan","best-banks-for-foreigners-japan"],"faqs":["bank-documents","bank-english","bank-online-vs-mega","bank-frozen","bank-no-job"],"products":["sony-bank","smbc-prestia","rakuten-bank","shinsei-bank","japan-post-bank"],"sources":["boj-payments","jftc-guarantee","immi-residence"]},{"slug":"credit-cards","order":2,"icon":"💳","title":{"en":"Credit cards","ja":"クレジットカード"},"tagline":{"en":"Get approved, avoid revolving-debt traps, and earn points that fit your life.","ja":"審査に通り、リボ払いの罠を避け、生活に合うポイントを貯める。"},"overview":{"en":["A credit card in Japan is useful for online shopping, recurring bills, travel, and building a domestic payment history. Approval depends on stable income and residency more than on a foreign credit score, which does not transfer. Many residents start with an issuer tied to a shopping ecosystem — for example Rakuten Card or Epos — because approval is often accessible and points are easy to use.","The biggest trap is リボ払い (revolving payment), which spreads balances over time at high effective interest and is sometimes enabled by default or nudged during sign-up. Choosing 一括払い (pay-in-full) each month avoids interest entirely. Annual fees, point ecosystems, and English support are the other decisions worth researching.","If you are rejected, it is usually about employment length, income documentation, or too many recent applications — not nationality. Waiting, applying to a more accessible issuer, or building history with one card first are common next steps."],"ja":["日本のクレジットカードは、ネット通販・継続課金・旅行・国内の支払い履歴づくりに役立ちます。審査は主に安定した収入と在留状況で判断され、海外のクレジットスコアは引き継がれません。多くの人は、審査が通りやすくポイントも使いやすい楽天カードやエポスカードなど、買い物の経済圏に紐づくカードから始めます。","最大の罠は「リボ払い」です。残高を長期に分割し、実質高金利がかかります。初期設定でオンになっていたり、申込時に勧められることもあります。毎月「一括払い」を選べば利息はかかりません。年会費・ポイント経済圏・英語対応も検討する価値があります。","審査に落ちる場合、多くは勤続年数・収入証明・短期間の申し込みが多すぎることが理由で、国籍ではありません。時間を置く、通りやすい発行会社に申し込む、まず1枚で履歴を作る、などが次の一手です。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["Foreign credit scores do not transfer; Japanese approval looks at income stability and residency.","Pay 一括払い (in full) to avoid interest; treat リボ払い (revolving) as something to switch off, not a feature.","Ecosystem cards (Rakuten, Epos, and similar) are common first cards for accessible approval and easy points.","Match the point ecosystem to where you actually spend — one strong ecosystem usually beats several weak ones.","Annual-fee cards can pay off through travel insurance, lounge access, or higher rewards — only if you use the benefits.","A rejection is usually about employment length or too many recent applications, not nationality."],"ja":["海外のクレジットスコアは引き継がれません。日本の審査は収入の安定と在留状況を見ます。","利息を避けるには「一括払い」。「リボ払い」は機能ではなく、オフにすべきものと考えましょう。","経済圏カード（楽天・エポスなど）は、審査の通りやすさとポイントの使いやすさから最初の1枚に選ばれがちです。","ポイント経済圏は実際の支出先に合わせましょう。弱い経済圏を複数持つより、強い1つが有利です。","年会費ありのカードは、旅行保険・ラウンジ・高還元で元を取れることも。特典を使う場合に限ります。","審査落ちの多くは勤続年数や短期間の申込過多が理由で、国籍ではありません。"]},"warnings":{"en":["リボ払い (revolving) and repeated cash advances carry high effective interest; read the payment setting before you sign up."],"ja":["リボ払いやキャッシングの繰り返しは実質金利が高くなります。申し込み前に支払い設定を必ず確認してください。"]},"articles":["getting-a-credit-card-in-japan","avoiding-revolving-payment-riborai"],"faqs":["card-foreigner-approval","card-rejected","card-riborai","card-first-card","card-annual-fee"],"products":["rakuten-card","epos-card","amex-jp"],"sources":["cic-credit","jicc-credit"]},{"slug":"investing","order":3,"icon":"📈","aliases":["nisa","ideco","brokerages"],"title":{"en":"NISA & investing","ja":"NISA・投資"},"tagline":{"en":"Understand NISA and iDeCo, pick a brokerage, and learn risk before you buy.","ja":"NISAとiDeCoを理解し、証券会社を選び、買う前にリスクを学ぶ。"},"overview":{"en":["For most residents, tax-advantaged accounts come first. NISA is a tax-free investment account: since the 2024 renewal it has an annual limit of ¥3.6M (¥1.2M tsumitate + ¥2.4M growth), a ¥18M lifetime limit, and no time limit on the tax exemption. iDeCo is a private defined-contribution pension: contributions reduce taxable income now, but the money is locked until age 60.","You open these at a securities company (brokerage). Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities dominate for low-cost index funds, English-adjacent resources, and point integration; Monex is another common choice. Inside the account, most beginners research broad, low-fee index funds (for example all-country or S&P 500 trackers) rather than individual stocks.","Two cross-border cautions matter. US citizens and green-card holders face PFIC reporting problems with Japanese funds and should get specialist advice. And NISA is a residents’ benefit — leaving Japan generally means you must close or stop contributing, so plan the exit before you build a large balance."],"ja":["多くの人は、まず税制優遇口座から始めます。NISAは運用益が非課税になる口座で、2024年の新制度から年間360万円（つみたて120万円＋成長投資240万円）、生涯1,800万円、非課税期間は無期限です。iDeCoは私的な確定拠出年金で、掛金は今の課税所得を減らせますが、原則60歳まで引き出せません。","これらは証券会社で開設します。低コストのインデックス投信・情報・ポイント連携では楽天証券とSBI証券が主流で、マネックス証券もよく選ばれます。口座内では、初心者は個別株よりも、幅広く低コストなインデックス投信（全世界株式やS&P500など）を調べることが多いです。","クロスボーダーの注意点が2つ。米国市民・グリーンカード保有者は日本の投資信託でPFIC報告の問題があり、専門家の助言が必要です。またNISAは居住者向けの制度で、出国時は原則として口座の停止・閉鎖が必要です。残高が大きくなる前に出国計画を立てましょう。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["New NISA (2024): ¥3.6M/year total, ¥18M lifetime, tax-free gains with no expiry — usually the first account to fund.","iDeCo cuts your taxable income now but locks funds until 60; contribution limits depend on your pension category.","Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities are the default low-cost brokerages; Monex is a common alternative.","Most beginners research broad index funds (all-country / S&P 500) over individual stock picking.","US persons: Japanese mutual funds can be PFICs with heavy US reporting — get cross-border tax advice first.","NISA is for residents — plan what happens to the account before you leave Japan."],"ja":["新NISA（2024〜）：年360万円・生涯1,800万円、運用益は非課税で期限なし。最初に使う口座になりがちです。","iDeCoは今の課税所得を減らせますが、原則60歳まで引き出せません。掛金上限は年金の区分で変わります。","低コストの標準的な証券会社は楽天証券とSBI証券。マネックス証券もよく使われます。","初心者の多くは個別株より、幅広いインデックス投信（全世界株式・S&P500）を調べます。","米国関係者：日本の投資信託はPFICに該当し、米国の報告負担が重い場合があります。先にクロスボーダー税務の助言を。","NISAは居住者向け。日本を離れる前に口座の扱いを計画しましょう。"]},"warnings":{"en":["This is education, not a recommendation to buy any security. Returns are not guaranteed and you can lose money.","US citizens and green-card holders should get specialist advice before opening NISA or buying Japanese funds."],"ja":["これは教育情報であり、特定銘柄の購入推奨ではありません。リターンは保証されず、損失の可能性があります。","米国市民・グリーンカード保有者は、NISA開設や日本の投信購入の前に専門家の助言を受けてください。"]},"articles":["what-is-nisa","nisa-vs-ideco","choosing-a-brokerage-japan"],"faqs":["nisa-eligibility","nisa-leaving-japan","nisa-us-citizen","nisa-vs-ideco-q","invest-beginner-fund"],"products":["rakuten-securities","sbi-securities","monex"],"sources":["fsa-nisa","ideco-official","fsa-registry"]},{"slug":"tax","order":4,"icon":"🧾","title":{"en":"Tax","ja":"税金"},"tagline":{"en":"Residency, income tax, resident tax, deductions, and cross-border filing.","ja":"居住者区分・所得税・住民税・控除・クロスボーダー申告。"},"overview":{"en":["Japan taxes you based on your residency status: non-resident, non-permanent resident, or permanent resident for tax purposes (distinct from immigration status). This determines whether only Japan-source income or worldwide income is taxable. Most employees have income tax withheld and settled through year-end adjustment (年末調整), so they never file a return — but side income, two employers, large medical expenses, or investment income can require a tax return (確定申告).","Two taxes run in parallel: national income tax (progressive) and local resident tax (住民税, roughly 10%), which is billed the year after the income is earned. New arrivals often get a surprise resident-tax bill in their second year, and people leaving Japan can owe resident tax after they depart.","Popular tools reduce tax: Furusato Nozei (ふるさと納税) turns part of your resident tax into local-government gifts, and deductions exist for medical costs, dependents, insurance, and iDeCo. Filing is done through e-Tax or at the tax office in the Feb 16 – Mar 15 window. For crypto, foreign assets, or US/Japan overlap, professional advice is worthwhile."],"ja":["日本の課税は居住者区分（非居住者・非永住者・永住者、いずれも税務上の区分で在留資格とは別）に基づきます。これにより、日本源泉所得だけか全世界所得かが決まります。多くの会社員は源泉徴収と年末調整で完結し確定申告は不要ですが、副収入・2か所給与・多額の医療費・投資所得などがあると確定申告が必要になります。","税金は2本立てです。国の所得税（累進）と、地方の住民税（およそ10%）で、住民税は所得が発生した翌年に請求されます。来日者は2年目に住民税の請求で驚くことが多く、出国者は出国後に住民税が発生することもあります。","税を軽くする仕組みもあります。ふるさと納税は住民税の一部を自治体への寄付に置き換えられ、医療費・扶養・保険・iDeCoなどの控除もあります。申告はe-Taxまたは税務署で、原則2月16日〜3月15日です。暗号資産・国外財産・日米の重複がある場合は専門家の助言が有効です。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["Your tax residency category (non-resident / non-permanent / permanent) decides what income Japan can tax.","Most employees are settled by year-end adjustment; side income or investment gains can trigger a 確定申告 return.","Resident tax (~10%) is billed the year after you earn — budget for a second-year bill and an exit bill.","Furusato Nozei lets you redirect part of your resident tax to local governments for gifts, minus a ¥2,000 cost.","Filing season is Feb 16 – Mar 15 via e-Tax or the tax office; deductions need documentation.","Crypto is taxed as miscellaneous income at your marginal rate, not the flat rate used for stocks."],"ja":["税務上の居住者区分（非居住者・非永住者・永住者）で、日本が課税できる所得の範囲が決まります。","多くの会社員は年末調整で完結しますが、副収入や投資益があると確定申告が必要になることがあります。","住民税（約10%）は稼いだ翌年に請求されます。2年目の請求と出国時の請求に備えましょう。","ふるさと納税は、住民税の一部を自治体への寄付に置き換えて返礼品を受け取れます（自己負担2,000円）。","申告期間は原則2月16日〜3月15日。e-Taxか税務署で行い、控除には書類が必要です。","暗号資産は雑所得として累進税率で課税され、株式のような分離課税ではありません。"]},"warnings":{"en":["Tax situations differ; this is general education. For cross-border, crypto, or business tax, consult a licensed 税理士 (tax accountant)."],"ja":["税務は個々に異なります。これは一般的な教育情報です。国際・暗号資産・事業の税務は税理士にご相談ください。"]},"articles":["japan-tax-residency-explained","furusato-nozei-explained","do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return"],"faqs":["tax-resident-status","tax-need-to-file","tax-resident-tax-timing","tax-furusato","tax-crypto"],"products":["freee","money-forward-cloud"],"sources":["nta-individual","nta-etax","nta-furusato","nta-crypto"]},{"slug":"freelancers","order":5,"icon":"🧑‍💻","aliases":["business"],"title":{"en":"Freelance & business","ja":"フリーランス・事業"},"tagline":{"en":"Sole-proprietor setup, blue returns, the invoice system, and bookkeeping.","ja":"個人事業の開業・青色申告・インボイス制度・帳簿づけ。"},"overview":{"en":["Going independent in Japan usually means registering as a sole proprietor (個人事業主) by filing a notification of business opening (開業届) with your tax office — free and mostly a formality. Filing the blue-return application (青色申告承認申請) at the same time unlocks a deduction of up to ¥650,000 and loss carry-forward, in exchange for proper double-entry bookkeeping.","Bookkeeping is where cloud software earns its keep. freee and Money Forward Cloud connect to your bank and cards, categorise transactions, and generate the blue-return forms and e-Tax data; Yayoi is a long-established alternative. Budget for taxes yourself: income tax, resident tax, national health insurance, and national pension all come from your own cash flow, so many freelancers reserve 20–35% of profit.","The Qualified Invoice System (インボイス制度, from October 2023) changed things for small businesses. If your clients need to claim consumption-tax credits, they may ask you to register for a T-number, which turns you into a taxable business for consumption tax. Whether to register is a real trade-off — this section helps you frame it before deciding."],"ja":["日本で独立すると、多くは税務署に開業届を出して個人事業主になります（無料でほぼ形式的な手続き）。同時に青色申告承認申請を出すと、最大65万円の控除や損失の繰越が使える一方、複式簿記による帳簿づけが必要になります。","帳簿づけはクラウド会計が力を発揮する場面です。freeeやマネーフォワード クラウドは銀行・カードと連携して取引を自動仕訳し、青色申告書類やe-Taxデータを作成します。弥生は老舗の選択肢です。税金は自分で備えます。所得税・住民税・国民健康保険・国民年金はすべて自分のキャッシュフローから支払うため、多くの人は利益の20〜35%を積み立てます。","インボイス制度（2023年10月〜）は小規模事業者に影響します。取引先が消費税の仕入税額控除を受けたい場合、登録番号（Tから始まる番号）の取得を求められることがあり、登録すると消費税の課税事業者になります。登録するかどうかは実際にトレードオフがあります。このセクションは、決める前に論点を整理します。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["Register as a sole proprietor with a 開業届; file the 青色申告 application at the same time to unlock the deduction.","The blue return can deduct up to ¥650,000 but requires double-entry bookkeeping and e-filing.","freee and Money Forward Cloud automate bookkeeping and blue-return forms; Yayoi is the veteran alternative.","You pay your own income tax, resident tax, pension, and health insurance — many reserve 20–35% of profit.","The invoice system (T-number) affects whether clients can claim consumption-tax credits on your invoices.","Registering for the invoice system makes you a consumption-tax payer — weigh it against your client base."],"ja":["開業届で個人事業主になり、同時に青色申告承認申請を出すと控除が使えます。","青色申告は最大65万円の控除が可能ですが、複式簿記と電子申告が必要です。","freeeとマネーフォワード クラウドは帳簿と青色申告書類を自動化。弥生は老舗の選択肢です。","所得税・住民税・年金・健康保険は自分で支払います。多くの人は利益の20〜35%を積み立てます。","インボイス制度（登録番号）は、取引先があなたの請求書で仕入税額控除を受けられるかに影響します。","インボイス登録は消費税の課税事業者になることを意味します。取引先の状況と照らして判断しましょう。"]},"warnings":{"en":["Deadlines and the invoice-system rules matter; a 税理士 (tax accountant) is worthwhile once revenue or clients grow."],"ja":["期限やインボイスの規定は重要です。売上や取引先が増えたら税理士への相談が有効です。"]},"articles":["becoming-a-sole-proprietor","invoice-system-explained"],"faqs":["freelance-open","freelance-blue-return","freelance-invoice","freelance-reserve","freelance-health-insurance"],"products":["freee","money-forward-cloud","yayoi"],"sources":["nta-blue","nta-invoice","nta-individual"]},{"slug":"insurance","order":6,"icon":"🛡️","title":{"en":"Insurance","ja":"保険"},"tagline":{"en":"What public insurance already covers, and when private cover is worth it.","ja":"公的保険でカバーされる範囲と、民間保険が必要な場面。"},"overview":{"en":["Japan’s public system is unusually strong, and understanding it prevents over-buying. Everyone enrolls in health insurance (employees’ 健康保険 or National Health Insurance), which caps most medical bills at around 30% — and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費) further caps your monthly out-of-pocket based on income. Public pension also provides disability and survivor benefits, not just retirement.","Because public cover is broad, a lot of heavily marketed private insurance is optional. The honest questions are: what gap remains after public cover, how large is the loss you cannot self-fund, and does the premium justify it? Term life insurance for dependents, and liability cover (often bundled cheaply, including bicycle liability now mandatory in many prefectures) tend to be the clearest wins.","Product categories worth understanding include medical, cancer, life (term vs whole), income protection, fire and earthquake (earthquake is a separate rider on fire policies), auto, and travel. Every honest article here should also cover exclusions, disadvantages, alternatives, and the cases where extra insurance is simply not necessary."],"ja":["日本の公的制度は非常に手厚く、これを理解すると保険の買いすぎを防げます。全員が健康保険（会社員の健康保険か国民健康保険）に加入し、多くの医療費の自己負担は約3割。さらに高額療養費制度が、所得に応じて月あたりの自己負担に上限を設けます。公的年金も老後だけでなく、障害・遺族の保障を含みます。","公的保障が広いため、大きく宣伝される民間保険の多くは任意です。正直に問うべきは、公的保障の後に残る不足は何か、自分で賄えない損失はどれほど大きいか、保険料に見合うか、です。扶養家族のための定期生命保険や、個人賠償責任保険（多くの県で自転車保険が義務化され、安く付帯できることが多い）は、比較的わかりやすく有効です。","理解しておきたい種類には、医療・がん・生命（定期と終身）・就業不能・火災と地震（地震は火災保険の特約）・自動車・旅行があります。ここでの誠実な記事は、免責・デメリット・代替手段・そして追加保険が不要な場合も必ず扱うべきです。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["Public health insurance caps most bills near 30%; 高額療養費 caps your monthly out-of-pocket by income.","Public pension includes disability and survivor benefits — factor those in before buying private cover.","Buy insurance for losses you cannot self-fund (dependents, liability), not for small, budgetable costs.","Earthquake cover is a separate rider on fire insurance and is often capped at a share of the building value.","Personal liability cover is cheap and increasingly relevant — many prefectures mandate bicycle liability insurance.","Any honest comparison must state exclusions, alternatives, and when extra insurance is not needed."],"ja":["公的健康保険で多くの自己負担は約3割、高額療養費で月の自己負担に所得別の上限があります。","公的年金には障害・遺族保障も含まれます。民間保険の前に考慮しましょう。","保険は自分で賄えない損失（扶養家族・賠償）に。予算内で賄える小さな費用には不要です。","地震保険は火災保険の特約で、補償は建物評価額の一定割合に制限されることが多いです。","個人賠償責任保険は安く重要性も増しています。多くの県で自転車保険が義務化されています。","誠実な比較では、免責・代替手段・追加保険が不要な場合を必ず示すべきです。"]},"warnings":{"en":["Insurance needs are personal. Compare public cover first, and treat every product against the loss it truly protects."],"ja":["保険の必要性は人によって異なります。まず公的保障を確認し、実際に守る損失に照らして各商品を評価しましょう。"]},"articles":["public-vs-private-insurance-japan","do-you-need-life-insurance-japan"],"faqs":["insurance-public-enough","insurance-high-cost","insurance-life-needed","insurance-earthquake","insurance-foreigner"],"products":[],"sources":["mhlw-insurance","caa-insurance"]},{"slug":"loans","order":7,"icon":"🏠","aliases":["mortgages","property"],"title":{"en":"Loans, mortgages & property","ja":"ローン・住宅ローン・不動産"},"tagline":{"en":"Mortgage eligibility, fixed vs floating, closing costs, and rent-vs-buy.","ja":"住宅ローンの審査・固定と変動・諸費用・賃貸か購入か。"},"overview":{"en":["Home loans (住宅ローン) in Japan are relatively cheap by global standards, but eligibility is the hurdle for many foreign residents. Banks weigh stable employment, income, length of residence, and — critically — permanent residency. Without PR, some banks decline, others require a larger down payment or a guarantor; Flat 35 (via the Japan Housing Finance Agency) is a common route because it is more rules-based and does not always require PR.","The core choice is fixed vs floating (固定 vs 変動). Floating rates have been very low but can rise; fixed rates (including Flat 35) cost more now for certainty later. Beyond the rate, budget for closing costs (諸費用) of roughly 6–10% of the price — registration, agent fees, loan guarantee, taxes, and fire insurance — which are easy to underestimate.","Rent-vs-buy in Japan is not just financial. Many buildings, especially older wooden houses, depreciate rather than appreciate, and resale liquidity varies by location. This section frames eligibility, total cost, and the risks (interest-rate, resale, maintenance, and natural-disaster) rather than pushing you toward buying."],"ja":["日本の住宅ローンは世界的に見れば低金利ですが、多くの外国人居住者にとっては審査が壁です。銀行は安定した雇用・収入・在留期間、そして特に永住権を重視します。永住権がないと、断る銀行、頭金を多く求める銀行、保証人を求める銀行があります。フラット35（住宅金融支援機構）は基準が明確で永住権を必ずしも求めないため、よく使われる選択肢です。","中心となる選択は固定か変動かです。変動金利は非常に低い水準が続きましたが上昇し得ます。固定（フラット35を含む）は今のコストは高めでも将来の安心が得られます。金利以外に、物件価格のおよそ6〜10%の諸費用（登記・仲介手数料・ローン保証・税金・火災保険）も見込みましょう。見落としがちです。","日本の賃貸か購入かは、金銭面だけの話ではありません。特に古い木造住宅は値上がりより減価する物件が多く、売却のしやすさも立地で異なります。このセクションは購入をあおるのではなく、審査・総コスト・リスク（金利・売却・維持・自然災害）を整理します。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["Permanent residency strongly affects mortgage approval; without it, expect stricter terms or a larger down payment.","Flat 35 (Japan Housing Finance Agency) is a common, rules-based fixed-rate route that does not always require PR.","Fixed vs floating is the core trade-off: certainty and higher cost now, versus lower cost and rate risk.","Budget 6–10% of the price for closing costs (諸費用) on top of the down payment.","Many Japanese properties depreciate; treat a home as shelter first and an investment second.","Check your credit records (CIC/JICC) before applying — recent delinquencies can block approval."],"ja":["永住権は住宅ローン審査に大きく影響します。ない場合は条件が厳しくなるか、頭金が多く必要になりがちです。","フラット35（住宅金融支援機構）は基準が明確な固定金利で、永住権を必ずしも求めない一般的な選択肢です。","固定か変動かが中心のトレードオフ。今の安心と高コストか、低コストと金利リスクか。","頭金に加えて、価格の6〜10%の諸費用を見込みましょう。","日本の多くの物件は減価します。住まいをまず居住、次に投資と考えましょう。","申込前に信用情報（CIC・JICC）を確認しましょう。最近の延滞は審査に響きます。"]},"warnings":{"en":["A mortgage is a large, long commitment. Model rate increases and resale risk before you buy; get independent advice."],"ja":["住宅ローンは大きく長期の約束です。金利上昇と売却リスクを試算し、独立した助言を受けてから購入しましょう。"]},"articles":["mortgage-eligibility-foreigners","rent-vs-buy-japan"],"faqs":["loan-mortgage-no-pr","loan-fixed-vs-floating","loan-closing-costs","loan-rent-vs-buy","loan-credit-record"],"products":["flat-35"],"sources":["jhf-flat35","mlit-land","cic-credit"]},{"slug":"remittance","order":8,"icon":"💸","title":{"en":"International money","ja":"海外送金"},"tagline":{"en":"Send money in and out, cut hidden FX markups, and handle cross-border income.","ja":"送金の受け取り・送金、隠れた為替マージンの削減、海外所得の扱い。"},"overview":{"en":["Moving money across borders is where fees hide. The visible transfer fee is often the smaller cost; the bigger one is the exchange-rate markup baked into the rate a provider gives you versus the mid-market rate. Traditional bank wires can also add SWIFT and intermediary-bank fees that are hard to see up front.","Specialist services usually beat banks for personal transfers. Wise shows the mid-market rate and a transparent fee, and Revolut offers multi-currency accounts with fee allowances. For larger or recurring transfers, comparing the all-in recipient amount — not the advertised fee — is the only reliable way to judge cost.","Cross-border also brings tax and reporting angles: overseas income can be taxable depending on your residency status, and Japan requires an Overseas Assets Report (国外財産調書) above a threshold. This section helps you compare true transfer cost and flag where cross-border tax advice is worth getting."],"ja":["国をまたぐ送金は手数料が隠れやすい場面です。表示される送金手数料はしばしば小さい方で、より大きいのは、提供される為替レートと仲値（ミッドマーケットレート）との差に含まれる為替マージンです。従来の銀行送金では、SWIFTや中継銀行の手数料が事前に見えにくい形で加わることもあります。","個人送金では専門サービスが銀行より有利なことが多いです。Wiseは仲値と明示的な手数料を表示し、Revolutは手数料枠つきのマルチカレンシー口座を提供します。大口や定期の送金では、宣伝される手数料ではなく、最終的に受け取る金額（総額）で比較するのが唯一確実な方法です。","クロスボーダーには税務・報告の論点もあります。海外所得は居住者区分により課税され得ますし、日本では一定額を超えると国外財産調書の提出が必要です。このセクションは、真の送金コストの比較と、クロスボーダー税務の助言が必要な場面の見極めを助けます。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["The exchange-rate markup usually costs more than the visible transfer fee — compare against the mid-market rate.","Judge cost by the final recipient amount, not the advertised fee, especially for larger transfers.","Wise (mid-market rate) and Revolut (multi-currency) commonly beat bank wires for personal transfers.","Bank wires can add SWIFT and intermediary-bank charges that are not obvious up front.","Overseas income may be taxable in Japan depending on your residency status — check before assuming it is not.","Japan requires an Overseas Assets Report (国外財産調書) once foreign assets exceed the threshold."],"ja":["為替マージンは、見える送金手数料より高くつくことが多いです。仲値と比較しましょう。","コストは宣伝される手数料でなく、最終的な受取額で判断しましょう。特に大口で重要です。","個人送金では、Wise（仲値）やRevolut（マルチカレンシー）が銀行送金より有利なことが多いです。","銀行送金は、事前に見えにくいSWIFTや中継銀行の手数料が加わることがあります。","海外所得は居住者区分により日本で課税され得ます。非課税と決めつけず確認しましょう。","国外財産が基準額を超えると、日本では国外財産調書の提出が必要です。"]},"warnings":{"en":["Large or business transfers can trigger reporting and tax questions — confirm the rules before sending."],"ja":["大口や事業の送金は報告・税務の論点を伴うことがあります。送る前に規定を確認しましょう。"]},"articles":["cheapest-way-to-send-money","receiving-money-from-abroad"],"faqs":["remit-cheapest","remit-hidden-fees","remit-large-transfer","remit-overseas-income","remit-multicurrency"],"products":["wise","revolut"],"sources":["boj-payments","nta-individual"]},{"slug":"points","order":9,"icon":"🎁","title":{"en":"Points & rewards","ja":"ポイント・特典"},"tagline":{"en":"Pick one ecosystem, understand point value, and avoid chasing noise.","ja":"経済圏を1つ選び、ポイントの価値を理解し、無駄追いを避ける。"},"overview":{"en":["Japan runs on point ecosystems: Rakuten, PayPay, d POINT (docomo), V POINT (SMBC/Vpoint), and others tie together cards, e-money, shopping, and phone plans. The winning strategy is rarely to collect everything — it is to concentrate on the one ecosystem that matches where you already shop, pay phone bills, and bank.","Most points are worth about ¥1 each, but value depends on redemption. Points that expire, or that only redeem inside one store, are worth less than they look. The convenience-store and code-payment layer (PayPay, Rakuten Pay) is where casual spending accumulates fastest, while airline miles reward a different, travel-heavy pattern.","The honest framing: points are a modest, tax-free discount on spending you would do anyway — not a reason to spend more. This section compares ecosystems by lifestyle fit, explains expiry and valuation, and helps you avoid the trap of chasing campaigns that cost more attention than they return."],"ja":["日本はポイント経済圏で回っています。楽天、PayPay、dポイント（ドコモ）、Vポイント（SMBC）などが、カード・電子マネー・買い物・携帯プランを結びつけています。勝ち筋は「全部集める」ことではなく、すでに買い物・携帯・銀行で使っている経済圏の1つに集中することです。","多くのポイントは1ポイント約1円ですが、価値は使い道で変わります。期限切れになるポイントや、特定の店でしか使えないポイントは、見た目より価値が下がります。コンビニやコード決済（PayPay・楽天ペイ）は日常の支出が最も早く貯まる層で、マイルは旅行が多い別の生活パターンに向きます。","誠実な見方はこうです。ポイントは、どのみち行う支出に対するささやかで非課税の割引であって、余計に使う理由ではありません。このセクションは、生活スタイル別に経済圏を比較し、期限と価値評価を説明し、労力に見合わないキャンペーン追いの罠を避ける手助けをします。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["Concentrate on one ecosystem that matches your bank, card, and phone — not several weak ones.","Most points ≈ ¥1, but expiry and store-only redemption quietly reduce real value.","PayPay and Rakuten Pay capture everyday convenience-store and small-merchant spending fastest.","Airline miles reward a travel-heavy pattern; they are not better for everyone.","Points are a discount on spending you would do anyway — never a reason to spend more.","Ignore campaigns whose effort and tracking cost more than the reward is worth."],"ja":["銀行・カード・携帯に合う1つの経済圏に集中しましょう。弱い経済圏を複数持たないこと。","多くのポイントは約1円ですが、期限や店舗限定の使い道で実質価値は下がります。","PayPayや楽天ペイは、コンビニや小規模店の日常支出が最も早く貯まります。","マイルは旅行が多い人向けで、誰にとっても有利とは限りません。","ポイントはどのみち行う支出の割引であり、余計に使う理由ではありません。","手間や管理コストが見返りを上回るキャンペーンは無視しましょう。"]},"warnings":{"en":["Rewards should never drive you to spend more or open products you do not need."],"ja":["特典のために余計に使ったり、不要な商品を作ったりしないようにしましょう。"]},"articles":["choosing-a-point-ecosystem"],"faqs":["points-which-ecosystem","points-value","points-expiry","points-paypay-vs-rakuten"],"products":["rakuten-card","epos-card"],"sources":["boj-payments"]},{"slug":"crypto","order":10,"icon":"₿","aliases":["fx"],"title":{"en":"Crypto & FX","ja":"暗号資産・FX"},"tagline":{"en":"Registered exchanges, heavy crypto tax, custody, and leverage risk.","ja":"登録取引所・重い暗号資産税・保管・レバレッジのリスク。"},"overview":{"en":["Japan regulates crypto tightly. Only exchanges registered with the FSA and members of the JVCEA may legally serve residents — bitFlyer, bitbank, Coincheck and similar. Registration is the first thing to check; using an unregistered offshore exchange removes your legal protections and complicates tax.","Tax is the decisive factor for most people. Crypto gains are taxed as miscellaneous income (雑所得) at your marginal rate — potentially up to around 55% including resident tax — not the roughly 20% flat rate that applies to listed stocks and NISA. Every disposal, including crypto-to-crypto trades and spending crypto, is a taxable event, so recordkeeping tools matter.","FX (margin foreign-exchange trading) is separate and leverage-driven. Domestic retail FX leverage is capped (commonly 25x), and losses can exceed deposits. Both crypto and FX attract scams — guaranteed-return schemes, fake exchanges, and “recovery” fraud. This section stays educational: registration, tax, custody, records, and risk, with no price predictions or hype."],"ja":["日本は暗号資産を厳しく規制します。居住者に合法的にサービスを提供できるのは、金融庁に登録しJVCEAに加盟する取引所（bitFlyer、bitbank、Coincheckなど）だけです。まず確認すべきは登録の有無です。未登録の海外取引所の利用は、法的保護を失い、税務も複雑にします。","多くの人にとって決定的なのは税金です。暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進税率で課税され、住民税を含めると最大約55%になり得ます。上場株式やNISAに適用される約20%の分離課税ではありません。暗号資産同士の交換や暗号資産での支払いを含め、あらゆる処分が課税対象になるため、記録ツールが重要です。","FX（証拠金取引）は別物で、レバレッジが中心です。国内個人向けFXのレバレッジは上限（一般に25倍）があり、損失が預託金を超えることもあります。暗号資産もFXも詐欺が多く、元本保証をうたう手口・偽の取引所・「回収」詐欺などがあります。このセクションは教育に徹し、登録・税金・保管・記録・リスクを扱い、価格予想や誇張は行いません。"]},"keyPoints":{"en":["Use only FSA-registered, JVCEA-member exchanges; unregistered offshore platforms remove your protections.","Crypto gains are miscellaneous income taxed at your marginal rate — potentially far above the ~20% stock rate.","Every disposal is taxable, including crypto-to-crypto and spending crypto — keep detailed records.","FX leverage for retail is capped (commonly 25x) and losses can exceed your deposit.","Guaranteed-return offers, fake exchanges, and “recovery” services are scams — no exceptions.","This is not investment advice and contains no price predictions."],"ja":["利用は金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の取引所のみに。未登録の海外取引所は保護を失います。","暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進課税。株式の約20%より大幅に高くなり得ます。","暗号資産同士の交換や支払いを含め、あらゆる処分が課税対象。記録を詳細に残しましょう。","個人向けFXのレバレッジは上限（一般に25倍）があり、損失が預託金を超えることもあります。","元本保証・偽の取引所・「回収」サービスは詐欺です。例外はありません。","これは投資助言ではなく、価格予想も含みません。"]},"warnings":{"en":["High tax and high volatility make crypto and FX unsuitable for money you cannot afford to lose. Beware scams."],"ja":["高い税率と高いボラティリティのため、暗号資産・FXは失っても困らないお金以外には不向きです。詐欺に注意。"]},"articles":["crypto-tax-in-japan","choosing-a-registered-exchange"],"faqs":["crypto-registered","crypto-tax","crypto-record","crypto-fx-leverage"],"products":["bitflyer","bitbank"],"sources":["jvcea","nta-crypto","fsa-registry"]}],"articles":[{"slug":"opening-a-bank-account-in-japan","cluster":"banking","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Opening a bank account in Japan","ja":"日本で銀行口座を開く"},"summary":{"en":"The documents, choices, and common snags when opening your first Japanese bank account.","ja":"最初の日本の銀行口座を開くときの書類・選択肢・よくあるつまずき。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"With a residence card and a Japanese address you can open an account at most banks; online banks and English-friendly banks are the usual starting points.","ja":"在留カードと日本の住所があれば多くの銀行で口座を開けます。ネット銀行や英語対応の銀行が一般的な出発点です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Core requirement is a residence card; some banks also want My Number, a phone number, and a few months of residency.","Online banks win on fees and apps; megabanks help for branches and official dealings.","Your name is registered in katakana — keep it consistent everywhere.","Update address and residency status to avoid a restricted account."],"ja":["中心の条件は在留カード。マイナンバー・電話番号・一定期間の在留を求める銀行もあります。","手数料とアプリはネット銀行が有利。店舗や公的手続きにはメガバンク。","名義はカタカナで登録。どこでも表記を統一しましょう。","住所・在留資格を更新し、口座制限を避けましょう。"]},"sections":[{"id":"what-you-need","heading":{"en":"What you need","ja":"必要なもの"},"body":{"en":["The anchor document is your residence card (在留カード). Most banks also ask for a Japanese address and a phone number, and increasingly for a My Number. Some banks impose a waiting period (often six months of residency) before a new arrival can open certain accounts, while others open immediately — Japan Post Bank and some online banks are often accessible early.","Prepare a personal seal (hanko) or be ready to sign, and expect your name to be registered in katakana. Keep that katakana spelling identical across your employer, utilities, and cards to avoid transfer and verification problems later."],"ja":["中心となる書類は在留カードです。多くの銀行は日本の住所と電話番号も求め、マイナンバーを求める例も増えています。新規来日者は一定期間（多くは在留6か月）を待つ銀行もあれば、すぐ開ける銀行もあります。ゆうちょ銀行や一部のネット銀行は早期に開設しやすいです。","印鑑を用意するか署名の準備をし、名義はカタカナで登録される前提で考えましょう。そのカタカナ表記を勤務先・公共料金・カードで統一しておくと、後の振込や本人確認の問題を防げます。"]}},{"id":"which-bank","heading":{"en":"Which bank to choose","ja":"銀行の選び方"},"body":{"en":["If you want low fees and a good app, start with an online bank such as Rakuten Bank or Sony Bank. If English support is essential, SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the names people research first. If you need a branch network or expect official and corporate dealings, a megabank or Japan Post Bank can be the practical anchor. Many residents keep two accounts for different jobs."],"ja":["手数料の安さと良いアプリを求めるなら、楽天銀行やソニー銀行などのネット銀行から。英語対応が必須なら、まず調べたいのはSMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行です。店舗網が必要、または公的・法人取引を見込むなら、メガバンクやゆうちょ銀行が実務の軸になります。用途別に2口座を持つ人も多いです。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["New residents opening a first account","Anyone comparing online vs megabank options"],"ja":["最初の口座を開く新規居住者","ネット銀行とメガバンクを比較する方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Business/corporate account setup","Personalized advice on a specific bank"],"ja":["法人口座の設立","特定銀行に関する個別助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Never share one-time passwords or app approval codes with anyone."],"ja":["ワンタイムパスワードやアプリ承認コードを他人に伝えないこと。"]},"faqs":["bank-documents","bank-english","bank-no-job"],"sources":["immi-residence","jftc-guarantee","boj-payments"],"relatedProducts":["sony-bank","smbc-prestia","rakuten-bank","japan-post-bank"],"relatedArticles":["best-banks-for-foreigners-japan"]},{"slug":"best-banks-for-foreigners-japan","cluster":"banking","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Best banks for foreign residents in Japan","ja":"外国人居住者に向いた日本の銀行"},"summary":{"en":"How to compare banks on English support, fees, apps, and foreign-currency needs.","ja":"英語対応・手数料・アプリ・外貨のニーズで銀行を比較する方法。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"For English support and foreign currency, research SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank; for low fees and daily use, Rakuten Bank and other online banks are strong.","ja":"英語対応・外貨ならSMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行、低手数料・日常使いなら楽天銀行などのネット銀行が有力です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Rank your priorities: English support, fees, app quality, or foreign-currency features.","PRESTIA leads on end-to-end English; Sony Bank is strong on FX and app.","Online banks minimize fees; megabanks add branches and recognition.","Verify current fee schedules and English coverage before deciding."],"ja":["優先順位を決める：英語対応・手数料・アプリ・外貨機能。","英語の一貫性はプレスティア、外貨とアプリはソニー銀行が強い。","ネット銀行は手数料を抑え、メガバンクは店舗と知名度。","決める前に最新の手数料と英語対応を確認。"]},"sections":[{"id":"compare","heading":{"en":"Compare on what matters to you","ja":"自分に合う軸で比較する"},"body":{"en":["There is no single “best” bank — only the best fit for your priorities. If you need to do everything in English, PRESTIA is the safest choice, with Sony Bank a strong runner-up that also excels at multi-currency. If you mostly want low fees and a great app, Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank lead. If branch access or official/corporate needs dominate, a megabank or Japan Post Bank fits.","Because fee schedules and English coverage change, treat any list as a starting point and confirm the current details on each bank’s official page before you apply."],"ja":["唯一の「最良」の銀行はなく、優先順位に対する最適があるだけです。すべて英語で行いたいならプレスティアが最も安全で、外貨にも強いソニー銀行が有力な次点です。低手数料と良いアプリ重視なら楽天銀行やソニー銀行。店舗や公的・法人が中心ならメガバンクやゆうちょ銀行が合います。","手数料や英語対応は変わるため、どの一覧も出発点として扱い、申込前に各行の公式ページで最新情報を確認しましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Foreign residents choosing a primary bank","People who need English or FX features"],"ja":["メイン銀行を選ぶ外国人居住者","英語や外貨機能が必要な方"]},"notFor":{"en":["A definitive ranking — priorities differ by person"],"ja":["絶対的なランキング（優先順位は人による）"]},"warnings":{"en":["Fee and support details change; verify before opening."],"ja":["手数料・サポートは変わるため開設前に確認を。"]},"faqs":["bank-english","bank-online-vs-mega"],"sources":["smbc-prestia","sony-bank","rakuten-bank"],"relatedProducts":["smbc-prestia","sony-bank","rakuten-bank","shinsei-bank"],"relatedArticles":["opening-a-bank-account-in-japan"]},{"slug":"getting-a-credit-card-in-japan","cluster":"credit-cards","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Getting your first credit card in Japan","ja":"日本で最初のクレジットカードを作る"},"summary":{"en":"How approval works, which first cards are accessible, and what to do if rejected.","ja":"審査の仕組み、作りやすい最初の1枚、落ちたときの対処。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Approval depends on stable income and residency, not nationality; Rakuten Card and Epos Card are common, accessible first cards.","ja":"審査は国籍でなく安定収入と在留状況で決まります。楽天カードやエポスカードが作りやすい定番の1枚です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Foreign credit scores do not transfer — you build history from zero in Japan.","Ecosystem cards (Rakuten, Epos) are common first cards.","Rejections usually reflect short employment or many recent applications.","Choose one point ecosystem that matches your spending."],"ja":["海外のスコアは引き継がれず、日本でゼロから履歴を作ります。","経済圏カード（楽天・エポス）が定番の最初の1枚。","審査落ちは多くが勤続の短さや短期の申込過多。","支出に合う1つのポイント経済圏を選ぶ。"]},"sections":[{"id":"how-approval-works","heading":{"en":"How approval works","ja":"審査の仕組み"},"body":{"en":["Japanese issuers assess stable income, length of employment, residency, and your domestic credit record (held at CIC and JICC). Your credit history from another country does not carry over, so everyone effectively starts fresh. Having a Japanese bank account, a longer-validity residence card, and steady employment all help."],"ja":["日本の発行会社は、安定収入・勤続年数・在留状況、そして国内の信用情報（CIC・JICCが保有）を見ます。他国の信用履歴は引き継がれないため、実質的に誰もがゼロから始めます。日本の銀行口座、残存期間の長い在留カード、安定した雇用はいずれも有利に働きます。"]}},{"id":"if-rejected","heading":{"en":"If you are rejected","ja":"落ちたときは"},"body":{"en":["A rejection is usually about employment length, income documentation, or too many recent applications — not nationality. Wait a few months, apply to a more accessible issuer, make sure your income is clearly documented, and avoid several simultaneous applications. You can request your own credit report from CIC or JICC to check for problems before reapplying."],"ja":["審査落ちの多くは勤続年数・収入証明・短期間の申込過多が理由で、国籍ではありません。数か月あける、通りやすい発行会社に申し込む、収入を明確に示す、同時申込を避ける、が有効です。再申込前にCICやJICCで自分の信用情報を取り寄せ、問題を確認できます。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["New residents applying for a first card","People re-applying after a rejection"],"ja":["最初の1枚を申し込む新規居住者","審査落ち後に再申込する方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Business card structuring","Advice for repairing serious credit issues"],"ja":["法人カードの設計","深刻な信用問題の修復助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Switch off automatic revolving (リボ) payment if you did not intend it."],"ja":["意図しない自動リボ払いはオフにすること。"]},"faqs":["card-foreigner-approval","card-rejected","card-first-card"],"sources":["cic-credit","jicc-credit","rakuten-card"],"relatedProducts":["rakuten-card","epos-card","amex-jp"],"relatedArticles":["avoiding-revolving-payment-riborai"]},{"slug":"avoiding-revolving-payment-riborai","cluster":"credit-cards","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Avoiding the リボ払い (revolving payment) trap","ja":"リボ払いの罠を避ける"},"summary":{"en":"What revolving payment is, why it costs so much, and how to switch it off.","ja":"リボ払いとは何か、なぜ高くつくのか、どうオフにするか。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"リボ払い spreads your balance at high effective interest (often ~15%/yr); choose 一括払い (pay in full) each month to avoid interest entirely.","ja":"リボ払いは残高を実質高金利（多くは年約15%）で分割します。毎月「一括払い」を選べば利息はかかりません。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Revolving payment charges high interest and can be on by default.","Pay-in-full (一括払い) each month means no interest.","Point bonuses are sometimes used to nudge you into revolving.","Check and change your card’s payment setting in the app."],"ja":["リボ払いは高金利で、初期設定でオンのこともある。","毎月の一括払いなら利息ゼロ。","ポイント特典でリボに誘導されることがある。","アプリで支払い設定を確認・変更する。"]},"sections":[{"id":"why-it-costs","heading":{"en":"Why it costs so much","ja":"なぜ高くつくのか"},"body":{"en":["Revolving payment keeps your monthly payment small and fixed, but the unpaid balance carries interest — commonly around 15% a year. Because the balance shrinks slowly, interest accumulates and a modest purchase can cost far more over time. Some cards enable revolving by default or promote it with extra points, so people end up in it without realizing."],"ja":["リボ払いは毎月の支払いを小さく一定に保ちますが、未払い残高に利息（多くは年15%前後）がかかります。残高の減りが遅いため利息が積み上がり、小さな買い物でも長期では大きな負担になります。初期設定でオンだったり、追加ポイントで勧められるカードもあり、気づかず利用してしまう人がいます。"]}},{"id":"how-to-avoid","heading":{"en":"How to avoid it","ja":"避け方"},"body":{"en":["Choose 一括払い (pay in full) at checkout and set your card’s default payment method to full payment in the app or member site. Review your statement for any リボ or “automatic revolving” setting and turn it off. If you already carry a revolving balance, paying it down faster than the minimum reduces the interest you pay."],"ja":["支払い時に「一括払い」を選び、アプリや会員サイトで既定の支払い方法を一括に設定しましょう。明細で「リボ」「自動リボ」設定がないか確認し、あればオフに。すでにリボ残高がある場合は、最低額より多く返済すると支払う利息を減らせます。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Anyone new to Japanese credit cards","People who suspect revolving is switched on"],"ja":["日本のクレジットカードに不慣れな方","リボがオンかもしれない方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Debt-restructuring advice"],"ja":["債務整理の助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Repeated cash advances also carry high interest."],"ja":["キャッシングの繰り返しも高金利です。"]},"faqs":["card-riborai","card-annual-fee"],"sources":["cic-credit"],"relatedProducts":["rakuten-card","epos-card"],"relatedArticles":["getting-a-credit-card-in-japan"]},{"slug":"what-is-nisa","cluster":"investing","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"What is NISA? A beginner’s guide","ja":"NISAとは？初心者向けガイド"},"summary":{"en":"The tax-free investment account, its 2024 limits, and how to think about it.","ja":"非課税の投資口座、2024年の制度、考え方。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"NISA is a tax-free investment account; since 2024 it allows ¥3.6M/year (¥18M lifetime) of investments whose gains are never taxed.","ja":"NISAは非課税の投資口座で、2024年から年360万円（生涯1,800万円）まで投資でき、その利益は非課税です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["New NISA (2024): ¥1.2M tsumitate + ¥2.4M growth per year, ¥18M lifetime.","Gains and dividends inside NISA are tax-free with no time limit.","You open NISA at a brokerage; most beginners use low-cost index funds.","US persons and people leaving Japan need extra caution."],"ja":["新NISA（2024）：年つみたて120万＋成長240万、生涯1,800万円。","NISA内の利益・配当は非課税で期限なし。","証券会社で開設。初心者は低コストのインデックス投信が多い。","米国関係者・出国予定者は特に注意。"]},"sections":[{"id":"how-it-works","heading":{"en":"How the new NISA works","ja":"新NISAの仕組み"},"body":{"en":["Since the 2024 renewal, NISA is a single permanent system with two frames you can use together: the tsumitate (accumulation) frame up to ¥1.2M a year for regulator-screened funds, and the growth frame up to ¥2.4M a year for a wider range — ¥3.6M combined annually, capped at ¥18M lifetime. Gains and dividends are never taxed, and there is no expiry on the exemption. If you sell, the lifetime capacity you used frees up again the following year."],"ja":["2024年の刷新以降、NISAは一本化された恒久制度で、併用できる2つの枠があります。規制当局が選定した投信向けの「つみたて投資枠」（年120万円まで）と、より広い対象の「成長投資枠」（年240万円まで）で、合計年360万円、生涯1,800万円が上限です。利益・配当は非課税で、非課税期間に期限はありません。売却すると、使った生涯枠は翌年に復活します。"]}},{"id":"what-to-watch","heading":{"en":"What to watch out for","ja":"注意点"},"body":{"en":["NISA is a container, not an investment — what you put inside determines your risk. Most beginners research broad, low-cost index funds rather than individual stocks. Two cross-border cautions: US citizens and green-card holders face heavy US taxation on Japanese funds (PFIC rules), and NISA generally cannot continue after you leave Japan. Plan for both before committing large sums."],"ja":["NISAは「入れ物」であって投資そのものではありません。中に入れるものでリスクが決まります。初心者の多くは個別株より、幅広く低コストなインデックス投信を調べます。クロスボーダーの注意が2つ。米国市民・グリーンカード保有者は日本の投信で重い米国課税（PFIC）を受け、NISAは出国後は原則継続できません。大きな額を投じる前に両方を計画しましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Beginners deciding whether to open NISA","Residents comparing NISA to taxable investing"],"ja":["NISA開設を検討する初心者","課税口座と比較する居住者"]},"notFor":{"en":["Security recommendations or return predictions","US-specific tax advice"],"ja":["銘柄推奨や利回り予想","米国個別の税務助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Investing carries risk of loss; this is education, not advice."],"ja":["投資は損失のリスクを伴います。これは教育情報で助言ではありません。"]},"faqs":["nisa-eligibility","nisa-leaving-japan","nisa-us-citizen","invest-beginner-fund"],"sources":["fsa-nisa"],"relatedProducts":["rakuten-securities","sbi-securities","monex"],"relatedArticles":["nisa-vs-ideco","choosing-a-brokerage-japan"]},{"slug":"nisa-vs-ideco","cluster":"investing","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"NISA vs iDeCo: which comes first?","ja":"NISAとiDeCo：どちらを先に？"},"summary":{"en":"How the two tax-advantaged accounts differ and how to sequence them.","ja":"2つの税制優遇口座の違いと使う順番。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"NISA is flexible (withdraw anytime, tax-free growth); iDeCo gives a bigger up-front tax deduction but locks funds until 60 — many use NISA first.","ja":"NISAは柔軟（いつでも引き出せ運用益非課税）、iDeCoは今の控除が大きい代わりに60歳まで拘束。まずNISAが多いです。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["NISA: flexible, tax-free growth, withdraw anytime.","iDeCo: contributions cut taxable income now, locked until 60.","iDeCo limits depend on your pension category.","Leaving Japan makes iDeCo’s lock-up a bigger drawback."],"ja":["NISA：柔軟・運用益非課税・いつでも引き出せる。","iDeCo：掛金が今の課税所得を減らすが60歳まで拘束。","iDeCoの上限は年金区分による。","出国予定ならiDeCoの拘束は大きな難点。"]},"sections":[{"id":"difference","heading":{"en":"The core difference","ja":"中心的な違い"},"body":{"en":["Both shelter investment growth from tax, but they trade off flexibility against up-front benefit. NISA gives no income-tax deduction but lets you withdraw anytime with tax-free gains. iDeCo deducts your contributions from taxable income now — a real, immediate saving — but locks the money until age 60 and taxes withdrawals under separate (often favorable) rules. iDeCo contribution limits depend on whether you are self-employed, an employee with or without a corporate pension, etc."],"ja":["どちらも運用益を非課税にしますが、柔軟性と今の恩恵をトレードオフします。NISAは所得控除はない代わりにいつでも引き出せ、利益は非課税。iDeCoは掛金を今の課税所得から控除でき（即時の実利）、その分お金は原則60歳まで拘束され、受取時は別の（多くは有利な）ルールで課税されます。iDeCoの掛金上限は、自営か、企業年金の有無がある会社員か、などで変わります。"]}},{"id":"sequencing","heading":{"en":"How to sequence them","ja":"使う順番"},"body":{"en":["A common approach is to use NISA first for its flexibility, then add iDeCo for the deduction if you are confident you will not need the money before 60 and expect to stay in Japan. If you might leave Japan, iDeCo’s lock-up and cross-border complexity weigh against it. There is no universal answer — match the choice to your time horizon and residency plans."],"ja":["よくあるのは、まず柔軟なNISAを使い、60歳前に使わない自信があり日本に留まる見込みなら、控除目当てにiDeCoを足す方法です。出国の可能性があるなら、iDeCoの拘束とクロスボーダーの複雑さが不利に働きます。万能の正解はなく、投資期間と在留計画に合わせて選びましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Residents deciding how to split contributions","Long-term savers weighing lock-up"],"ja":["拠出の配分を考える居住者","拘束を考慮する長期の積立者"]},"notFor":{"en":["Personalized allocation advice"],"ja":["個別の配分助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["iDeCo funds are locked until 60 — do not contribute money you may need sooner."],"ja":["iDeCoは60歳まで拘束。近く必要なお金は拠出しないこと。"]},"faqs":["nisa-vs-ideco-q","nisa-eligibility"],"sources":["fsa-nisa","ideco-official"],"relatedProducts":["rakuten-securities","sbi-securities"],"relatedArticles":["what-is-nisa","choosing-a-brokerage-japan"]},{"slug":"choosing-a-brokerage-japan","cluster":"investing","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Choosing a brokerage in Japan","ja":"日本で証券会社を選ぶ"},"summary":{"en":"What to compare across Rakuten Securities, SBI Securities, and Monex.","ja":"楽天証券・SBI証券・マネックス証券を比較する観点。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities are the default low-cost choices for NISA and index funds; Monex is a common alternative, especially for US stocks.","ja":"NISAやインデックス投資の定番は楽天証券とSBI証券。マネックス証券は特に米国株で有力な選択肢です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Compare fund fees, NISA/iDeCo support, and point integration.","Rakuten and SBI dominate on low-cost funds; Monex is strong on US stocks.","Ecosystem fit (bank, points) often decides between the top two.","Interfaces are Japanese-first; verify current fees."],"ja":["投信の手数料・NISA/iDeCo対応・ポイント連携を比較。","低コスト投信は楽天とSBIが主流、米国株はマネックスが強い。","経済圏（銀行・ポイント）の相性で上位2社を選び分けがち。","画面は日本語中心。最新手数料を確認。"]},"sections":[{"id":"what-to-compare","heading":{"en":"What to compare","ja":"比較する観点"},"body":{"en":["For most beginners the decision comes down to a handful of factors: the fund lineup and fees (all three offer major low-cost index funds), NISA and iDeCo support (all three have it), point-program integration, and how well the brokerage links to a bank you already use. Rakuten Securities pairs naturally with Rakuten Bank and points; SBI Securities offers the widest lineup and multiple point options; Monex is often chosen for US-stock access and research tools."],"ja":["多くの初心者にとって、判断は少数の要素に絞られます。投信のラインナップと手数料（3社とも主要な低コスト投信を扱う）、NISA・iDeCo対応（3社ともあり）、ポイント連携、そして既に使う銀行との連携のしやすさです。楽天証券は楽天銀行・ポイントと自然に組み合わさり、SBI証券は最も広いラインナップと複数のポイント選択肢、マネックス証券は米国株のアクセスと分析ツールで選ばれがちです。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Beginners opening a first brokerage/NISA account"],"ja":["最初の証券・NISA口座を開く初心者"]},"notFor":{"en":["Active-trading platform comparison","A definitive “best broker” ranking"],"ja":["アクティブ取引向けの比較","絶対的な「最良証券」ランキング"]},"warnings":{"en":["Interfaces are largely Japanese; confirm fees and NISA handling before opening."],"ja":["画面は主に日本語。開設前に手数料とNISAの扱いを確認。"]},"faqs":["invest-beginner-fund","nisa-eligibility"],"sources":["fsa-registry","rakuten-sec","sbi-sec"],"relatedProducts":["rakuten-securities","sbi-securities","monex"],"relatedArticles":["what-is-nisa","nisa-vs-ideco"]},{"slug":"japan-tax-residency-explained","cluster":"tax","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Japan tax residency explained","ja":"日本の税務上の居住者区分"},"summary":{"en":"Non-resident, non-permanent, and permanent resident — and what each is taxed on.","ja":"非居住者・非永住者・永住者と、それぞれの課税範囲。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Japan taxes you by tax-residency category (separate from your visa): non-residents on Japan-source income, non-permanent residents also on remitted foreign income, permanent residents on worldwide income.","ja":"日本は在留資格とは別の税務上の区分で課税します。非居住者は日本源泉、非永住者は送金分の国外所得も、永住者は全世界所得に課税されます。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Tax residency ≠ immigration status.","Non-permanent resident: under 5 of last 10 years in Japan, no permanent intent.","Remitting foreign income to Japan can make it taxable for non-permanent residents.","Permanent residents (for tax) are taxed on worldwide income."],"ja":["税務上の居住者区分は在留資格と別。","非永住者：過去10年で在住5年以下・永住意思なし。","非永住者は国外所得の送金分が課税対象になり得る。","税務上の永住者は全世界所得に課税。"]},"sections":[{"id":"categories","heading":{"en":"The three categories","ja":"3つの区分"},"body":{"en":["For income tax, Japan classifies individuals as non-residents, non-permanent residents, or permanent residents — a tax concept distinct from immigration “permanent residence.” Non-residents are taxed only on Japan-source income. Non-permanent residents (those who have had a domicile in Japan for five years or less within the last ten, without permanent intent) are taxed on Japan-source income plus foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan. Permanent residents for tax are taxed on worldwide income."],"ja":["所得税では、日本は個人を非居住者・非永住者・永住者に区分します。これは在留資格の「永住」とは別の税務概念です。非居住者は日本源泉所得のみ課税。非永住者（過去10年で日本に住所を有した期間が5年以下で永住意思がない人）は、日本源泉所得に加え、日本で支払われた・送金された国外源泉所得が課税対象です。税務上の永住者は全世界所得に課税されます。"]}},{"id":"why-it-matters","heading":{"en":"Why it matters","ja":"なぜ重要か"},"body":{"en":["Your category determines whether foreign salary, overseas investment income, or money you bring into Japan is taxable here. This is where many cross-border mistakes happen — for example, remitting overseas income to a Japanese account can create a tax liability for a non-permanent resident. When foreign income or assets are involved, confirm your status and obligations with the NTA or a licensed tax accountant (税理士)."],"ja":["区分によって、海外の給与・海外の投資所得・日本に持ち込むお金が日本で課税されるかが決まります。クロスボーダーの誤りが起きやすい所で、たとえば非永住者が国外所得を日本の口座に送金すると課税が生じ得ます。国外所得や資産が絡む場合は、区分と義務を国税庁や税理士で確認しましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Newcomers with foreign income or assets","Anyone unsure what Japan can tax"],"ja":["国外所得・資産がある来日者","課税範囲が不明な方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Treaty-specific or country-specific tax advice"],"ja":["租税条約や国別の税務助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Cross-border tax is fact-specific; consult a 税理士 for your situation."],"ja":["国際税務は事実次第。状況に応じ税理士へ相談を。"]},"faqs":["tax-resident-status","remit-overseas-income"],"sources":["nta-individual"],"relatedProducts":[],"relatedArticles":["do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return","furusato-nozei-explained"]},{"slug":"furusato-nozei-explained","cluster":"tax","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Furusato Nozei explained","ja":"ふるさと納税の仕組み"},"summary":{"en":"How the hometown-tax donation scheme turns resident tax into local gifts.","ja":"住民税を返礼品に変える、ふるさと納税の仕組み。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Furusato Nozei lets you donate to local governments for gifts while deducting almost the whole amount from your taxes — you effectively pay ¥2,000 for the gifts.","ja":"ふるさと納税は、自治体に寄付して返礼品を受け取りつつ、ほぼ全額を税から控除できます。実質2,000円で返礼品を得られます。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Donations are deducted from resident and income tax, minus ¥2,000.","You receive local gifts (food, goods) in return.","There is an income- and family-based limit to the benefit.","Claim via One-Stop Exception or a tax return."],"ja":["寄付は住民税・所得税から控除（自己負担2,000円）。","返礼品（食品・物品）を受け取れる。","控除の上限は所得・家族構成による。","ワンストップ特例か確定申告で申請。"]},"sections":[{"id":"how-it-works","heading":{"en":"How it works","ja":"仕組み"},"body":{"en":["You donate to any local government through a Furusato Nozei portal and often receive a “thank-you gift” (返礼品). Almost the entire donation is then deducted from your resident tax and income tax, so aside from a flat ¥2,000, you are redirecting tax you would pay anyway — and getting gifts for it. There is a limit to how much you can donate advantageously, set by your income and household situation, so use an official limit simulator before donating."],"ja":["ふるさと納税のポータルから任意の自治体に寄付し、多くの場合「返礼品」を受け取ります。寄付のほぼ全額が住民税・所得税から控除されるため、一律2,000円を除けば、どのみち払う税を振り向けて返礼品を得ることになります。有利に寄付できる額には、所得や世帯状況に応じた上限があるため、寄付前に公式の上限シミュレーターを使いましょう。"]}},{"id":"claiming","heading":{"en":"Claiming the deduction","ja":"控除の申請"},"body":{"en":["To get the deduction you must claim it. Salaried people donating to five or fewer municipalities can use the One-Stop Exception by submitting a form to each locality. Otherwise, or if you already file, report the donations on your tax return with the receipts. Miss the paperwork and you lose the deduction, turning it into an ordinary (expensive) purchase."],"ja":["控除を受けるには申請が必要です。寄付先が5自治体以下の給与所得者は、各自治体に書類を出すワンストップ特例を使えます。それ以外、または既に確定申告する人は、受領書とともに申告で寄付を報告します。手続きを忘れると控除を失い、単なる（割高な）買い物になってしまいます。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Taxpayers with enough income to benefit","People wanting to optimize resident tax"],"ja":["恩恵を受けられる十分な所得のある納税者","住民税を最適化したい方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Very low income where the benefit is small","Advice on specific gift choices"],"ja":["恩恵が小さい低所得のケース","返礼品選びの助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Exceeding your limit or missing the paperwork removes the tax benefit."],"ja":["上限超過や手続き忘れは税の恩恵を失わせます。"]},"faqs":["tax-furusato","tax-need-to-file"],"sources":["nta-furusato"],"relatedProducts":[],"relatedArticles":["do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return","japan-tax-residency-explained"]},{"slug":"do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return","cluster":"tax","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Do I need to file a tax return in Japan?","ja":"日本で確定申告は必要？"},"summary":{"en":"When year-end adjustment is enough and when you must file a 確定申告.","ja":"年末調整で足りる場合と、確定申告が必要な場合。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Many employees are settled by year-end adjustment; you generally must file if you have side income over ¥200,000, multiple employers, self-employment, or want certain deductions.","ja":"多くの会社員は年末調整で完結します。副収入20万円超・2か所給与・自営・特定の控除を受けたい場合は原則、確定申告が必要です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Year-end adjustment (年末調整) settles most employees automatically.","File if side income >¥200,000, two employers, or self-employment.","File to claim medical, first-year mortgage, or donation deductions.","Season is Feb 16 – Mar 15 via e-Tax."],"ja":["多くの会社員は年末調整で自動的に完結。","副収入20万円超・2か所給与・自営なら申告。","医療費・初年度住宅ローン・寄付の控除は申告で。","期間は2月16日〜3月15日、e-Taxで。"]},"sections":[{"id":"when-not","heading":{"en":"When you probably do not need to file","ja":"申告が不要なことが多い場合"},"body":{"en":["If you are a single-employer salaried worker with taxes withheld and your employer completed your year-end adjustment (年末調整), your income tax is usually already settled and no return is needed. The year-end adjustment handles standard deductions and reconciles what was withheld."],"ja":["給与が1か所で源泉徴収され、勤務先が年末調整を済ませた会社員は、通常すでに所得税が精算されており申告は不要です。年末調整が標準的な控除を処理し、源泉徴収額を調整します。"]}},{"id":"when-yes","heading":{"en":"When you must (or should) file","ja":"申告が必要・した方がよい場合"},"body":{"en":["You generally must file a 確定申告 if you have more than ¥200,000 of side income, two or more employers, self-employment or business income, or large investment/crypto gains not otherwise settled. You should also file — even when not required — to claim deductions like significant medical expenses, the first-year mortgage credit, or donations (including some Furusato Nozei cases). Filing runs Feb 16 – Mar 15 through e-Tax, with documentation for each deduction."],"ja":["副収入が20万円超、給与が2か所以上、自営・事業所得、精算されていない大きな投資・暗号資産の利益がある場合は、原則として確定申告が必要です。必須でなくても、多額の医療費・初年度の住宅ローン控除・寄付（一部のふるさと納税を含む）などの控除を受けるなら申告すべきです。期間は2月16日〜3月15日、e-Taxで、各控除の書類を添えて行います。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Employees with side income or deductions","Freelancers and investors"],"ja":["副収入や控除がある会社員","フリーランス・投資家"]},"notFor":{"en":["Complex multi-country filing without a professional"],"ja":["専門家なしの複数国にまたがる申告"]},"warnings":{"en":["Deadlines matter; late filing can add penalties."],"ja":["期限は重要。遅延は加算税につながり得ます。"]},"faqs":["tax-need-to-file","tax-crypto","freelance-blue-return"],"sources":["nta-individual","nta-etax"],"relatedProducts":["freee","money-forward-cloud"],"relatedArticles":["furusato-nozei-explained","japan-tax-residency-explained"]},{"slug":"becoming-a-sole-proprietor","cluster":"freelancers","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Becoming a sole proprietor in Japan","ja":"日本で個人事業主になる"},"summary":{"en":"The 開業届, the blue return, and the money systems freelancers set up first.","ja":"開業届・青色申告と、フリーランスが最初に整える仕組み。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"File a 開業届 with your tax office and the 青色申告 application at the same time; set up cloud accounting and reserve 20–35% of profit for taxes.","ja":"税務署に開業届と青色申告承認申請を同時に提出し、クラウド会計を整え、利益の20〜35%を税金用に積み立てましょう。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["The 開業届 registers you as a sole proprietor — free and quick.","File the blue-return application at the same time for the deduction.","Use cloud accounting (freee, Money Forward) to keep books.","Reserve 20–35% of profit for tax, pension, and health insurance."],"ja":["開業届で個人事業主に登録（無料・簡単）。","同時に青色申告承認申請で控除を確保。","クラウド会計（freee・マネーフォワード）で帳簿を。","利益の20〜35%を税・年金・保険用に積立。"]},"sections":[{"id":"setup","heading":{"en":"The setup steps","ja":"立ち上げの手順"},"body":{"en":["Register by filing a notification of business opening (開業届) with your local tax office, ideally within about a month of starting. At the same time, submit the blue-return application (青色申告承認申請書) to unlock a deduction of up to ¥650,000 and loss carry-forward. Consider a dedicated business bank account and card to keep records clean, and confirm your residence status permits self-employment."],"ja":["所轄の税務署に開業届を提出して登録します。開始からおよそ1か月以内が理想です。同時に青色申告承認申請書を出し、最大65万円の控除と損失の繰越を確保します。記録を整えるため事業用の銀行口座・カードを検討し、在留資格が自営を認めるか確認しましょう。"]}},{"id":"money-systems","heading":{"en":"The money systems to build","ja":"整えるお金の仕組み"},"body":{"en":["Bookkeeping is the ongoing work, and cloud tools like freee or Money Forward Cloud automate most of it by importing bank and card transactions and generating blue-return forms and e-Tax data. Because you pay your own income tax, resident tax, national pension, and national health insurance, many freelancers move 20–35% of each payment into a separate tax-reserve account so nothing is a surprise at filing time."],"ja":["継続的な作業は記帳で、freeeやマネーフォワード クラウドが銀行・カードの取引取込と青色申告書類・e-Taxデータ作成の大半を自動化します。所得税・住民税・国民年金・国民健康保険を自分で払うため、多くの人は入金ごとに20〜35%を別の税金用口座へ移し、申告時に驚かないようにしています。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["New freelancers and sole proprietors","Side-business owners going official"],"ja":["新規のフリーランス・個人事業主","副業を正式化する方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Incorporation (会社設立) decisions","Visa eligibility determinations"],"ja":["法人設立の判断","在留資格の適否判定"]},"warnings":{"en":["Deadlines and the invoice question matter; consult a 税理士 as you grow."],"ja":["期限とインボイスの判断は重要。成長したら税理士へ。"]},"faqs":["freelance-open","freelance-blue-return","freelance-reserve","freelance-health-insurance"],"sources":["nta-blue","immi-residence"],"relatedProducts":["freee","money-forward-cloud","yayoi"],"relatedArticles":["invoice-system-explained"]},{"slug":"invoice-system-explained","cluster":"freelancers","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"The invoice system (インボイス) explained","ja":"インボイス制度の解説"},"summary":{"en":"What the qualified-invoice system means for small businesses and whether to register.","ja":"適格請求書等保存方式が小規模事業者に意味すること、登録すべきか。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Since October 2023, clients need a supplier’s T-number to claim consumption-tax credits; registering makes you a consumption-tax payer, so weigh it against your client base.","ja":"2023年10月以降、取引先は仕入税額控除に登録番号（T番号）が必要です。登録すると課税事業者になるため、取引先構成と照らして判断を。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["The system took effect October 1, 2023.","A registered supplier issues invoices with a T-number.","Registering makes you a consumption-tax payer.","Whether to register depends on who your clients are."],"ja":["制度は2023年10月1日に開始。","登録事業者はT番号つきの請求書を発行。","登録すると消費税の課税事業者になる。","登録の要否は取引先次第。"]},"sections":[{"id":"what-changed","heading":{"en":"What changed","ja":"何が変わったか"},"body":{"en":["Under the qualified invoice system, a business buyer can only claim a consumption-tax input credit if the invoice carries a registered supplier’s T-number. Previously, small suppliers under the tax-exempt threshold could still let buyers claim credits; now buyers face a shrinking transitional allowance for purchases from unregistered suppliers, stepping down over several years. That is why some clients now ask freelancers to register."],"ja":["適格請求書等保存方式では、事業者である買い手は、登録事業者のT番号がある請求書でなければ仕入税額控除を受けられません。以前は免税点以下の小規模事業者からでも買い手は控除できましたが、現在は未登録事業者からの仕入れに対する経過措置の控除が数年かけて段階的に縮小します。そのため一部の取引先はフリーランスに登録を求めるようになりました。"]}},{"id":"should-you","heading":{"en":"Should you register?","ja":"登録すべきか"},"body":{"en":["It is a genuine trade-off. If your clients are businesses that need qualified invoices, not registering can cost you work or push you to absorb the tax. If your clients are consumers or tax-exempt small businesses, registering may simply add consumption-tax cost and paperwork for no benefit. Map your client base, estimate the consumption-tax cost of registering, and — if it is close — ask a tax accountant before deciding."],"ja":["これは本当のトレードオフです。取引先が適格請求書を必要とする事業者なら、未登録は失注や税の自己負担につながり得ます。取引先が消費者や免税の小規模事業者なら、登録は利点なく消費税コストと事務だけを増やすことも。取引先構成を整理し、登録による消費税コストを見積もり、判断が微妙なら税理士に相談してから決めましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Freelancers weighing invoice registration","Small businesses billing companies"],"ja":["インボイス登録を検討するフリーランス","企業に請求する小規模事業者"]},"notFor":{"en":["Detailed consumption-tax calculation methods"],"ja":["消費税の詳細な計算方法"]},"warnings":{"en":["Rules and transitional measures change; confirm current NTA guidance."],"ja":["規定と経過措置は変わります。最新の国税庁案内を確認。"]},"faqs":["freelance-invoice"],"sources":["nta-invoice"],"relatedProducts":["freee","money-forward-cloud"],"relatedArticles":["becoming-a-sole-proprietor"]},{"slug":"public-vs-private-insurance-japan","cluster":"insurance","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Public vs private insurance in Japan","ja":"日本の公的保険と民間保険"},"summary":{"en":"What public cover already provides, and how to decide if you need more.","ja":"公的保障で足りる範囲と、追加の要否の判断。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Public health insurance caps most bills near 30% and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit limits monthly costs — buy private cover only for a specific gap you cannot self-fund.","ja":"公的健康保険で多くの自己負担は約3割、高額療養費で月の負担に上限。自分で賄えない具体的な不足がある場合だけ民間保険を。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Public health insurance covers most bills at ~70%.","High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit caps monthly out-of-pocket by income.","Public pension includes disability and survivor benefits.","Buy private cover to fill a gap, not out of general worry."],"ja":["公的健康保険で多くの費用の約7割をカバー。","高額療養費が月の自己負担を所得別に上限化。","公的年金に障害・遺族給付を含む。","不安からでなく不足を埋めるために民間保険を。"]},"sections":[{"id":"what-public-covers","heading":{"en":"What public cover already provides","ja":"公的保障で既にカバーされる範囲"},"body":{"en":["Enrollment in health insurance is mandatory, and it caps most medical costs at around 30% out-of-pocket. On top of that, the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費) limits your monthly out-of-pocket by income bracket, so even a serious illness has a financial ceiling. Public pension is not just for retirement — it also pays disability and survivor benefits. Understanding this prevents over-buying private products sold on fear."],"ja":["健康保険への加入は義務で、多くの医療費の自己負担は約3割に抑えられます。さらに高額療養費制度が、所得区分ごとに月の自己負担に上限を設けるため、重い病気でも金銭的な上限があります。公的年金は老後だけでなく、障害・遺族の給付も行います。これを理解すると、不安をあおって売られる民間商品の買いすぎを防げます。"]}},{"id":"deciding","heading":{"en":"Deciding if you need more","ja":"追加の要否を決める"},"body":{"en":["Ask three questions: what gap remains after public cover, how large is the loss you truly cannot self-fund, and does the premium justify closing that gap. The clearest wins are term life insurance when dependents rely on your income, and cheap personal-liability cover (bicycle liability is now mandatory in many prefectures). Medical or cancer add-ons are optional comfort for many — decide by the specific gap, and always read exclusions and alternatives."],"ja":["3つを問いましょう。公的保障の後に残る不足は何か、自分で賄えない損失はどれほど大きいか、その不足を埋めるのに保険料は見合うか。最も分かりやすく有効なのは、扶養家族が収入に頼る場合の定期生命保険と、安価な個人賠償責任保険（多くの県で自転車保険が義務）です。医療・がんの上乗せは多くの人にとって任意の安心です。具体的な不足で判断し、必ず免責と代替手段を読みましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Residents unsure what private cover to buy","People sold insurance on fear"],"ja":["どの民間保険を買うべきか迷う居住者","不安で保険を勧められた方"]},"notFor":{"en":["A recommendation of a specific policy"],"ja":["特定の保険商品の推奨"]},"warnings":{"en":["Compare public cover first; every product should state its exclusions."],"ja":["まず公的保障を確認。各商品は免責を明示すべきです。"]},"faqs":["insurance-public-enough","insurance-high-cost","insurance-life-needed"],"sources":["mhlw-insurance","caa-insurance"],"relatedProducts":[],"relatedArticles":["do-you-need-life-insurance-japan"]},{"slug":"do-you-need-life-insurance-japan","cluster":"insurance","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Do you need life insurance in Japan?","ja":"日本で生命保険は必要？"},"summary":{"en":"When life insurance is worth it, and term vs whole life.","ja":"生命保険が必要な場面と、定期と終身の違い。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Life insurance mainly makes sense if someone depends on your income; when it does, term life is usually the cost-efficient choice.","ja":"生命保険が主に意味を持つのは、収入に頼る人がいる場合。その場合は定期保険が費用効率の良い選択です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Need is driven by dependents, not age.","Term life is cheap for a set period; whole life bundles savings at higher cost.","Public pension pays survivor benefits — factor them in.","Match the sum insured to the gap your family would face."],"ja":["必要性は年齢でなく扶養家族で決まる。","定期は一定期間を安く、終身は貯蓄付きで高コスト。","公的年金の遺族給付を考慮する。","保険金額は家族が直面する不足に合わせる。"]},"sections":[{"id":"when-needed","heading":{"en":"When it is needed","ja":"必要な場面"},"body":{"en":["Life insurance replaces income for people who depend on you — a non-working partner, children, or family carrying shared debt like a mortgage. If no one relies on your income, you usually do not need it. Before choosing a sum insured, subtract what public survivor benefits and existing savings would already provide, and insure the remaining gap rather than a round number."],"ja":["生命保険は、あなたに頼る人（働いていない配偶者、子ども、住宅ローンなど共同債務を抱える家族）のために収入を補います。誰も収入に頼っていなければ通常は不要です。保険金額を決める前に、公的な遺族給付や既存の貯蓄で賄える分を差し引き、端数の切りの良い金額ではなく残る不足を保障しましょう。"]}},{"id":"term-vs-whole","heading":{"en":"Term vs whole life","ja":"定期と終身"},"body":{"en":["Term life (定期保険) covers a defined period for a low premium and is usually the efficient way to protect dependents while they need it. Whole life (終身保険) bundles a savings/cash-value element and costs much more for the same death benefit; mixing insurance and investing this way is often less efficient than buying cheap term cover and investing the difference separately. Decide based on the protection you need, not the savings pitch."],"ja":["定期保険は一定期間を低い保険料で保障し、扶養家族が必要な間に守る効率的な方法です。終身保険は貯蓄（解約返戻金）の要素を含み、同じ死亡保障でも大幅に高コストです。こうして保険と投資を混ぜるより、安い定期を買って差額を別に投資する方が効率的なことが多いです。貯蓄の売り文句ではなく、必要な保障で判断しましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["People with dependents","Anyone offered whole-life savings insurance"],"ja":["扶養家族がいる方","終身の貯蓄型保険を勧められた方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Estate-planning or tax-structuring advice"],"ja":["相続対策・税務設計の助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Bundled savings insurance is often less efficient than term + investing."],"ja":["貯蓄型は「定期＋投資」より非効率なことが多いです。"]},"faqs":["insurance-life-needed","insurance-public-enough"],"sources":["mhlw-insurance"],"relatedProducts":[],"relatedArticles":["public-vs-private-insurance-japan"]},{"slug":"mortgage-eligibility-foreigners","cluster":"loans","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Mortgage eligibility for foreign residents","ja":"外国人居住者の住宅ローン審査"},"summary":{"en":"How permanent residency, income, and Flat 35 affect your chances.","ja":"永住権・収入・フラット35が審査に与える影響。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Permanent residency strongly helps; without it expect stricter terms or a larger down payment, though Flat 35 is often accessible without PR.","ja":"永住権は大きく有利です。ない場合は条件が厳しく頭金も多くなりがちですが、フラット35は永住権なしでも利用しやすいです。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Many banks prefer or require permanent residency.","Without PR: larger down payment, a guarantor, or Flat 35.","Stable long-term employment and income are decisive.","Check your CIC/JICC credit record before applying."],"ja":["多くの銀行は永住権を重視・要件化。","永住権なし：頭金増・保証人・フラット35。","安定した長期雇用と収入が決め手。","申込前にCIC・JICCの信用情報を確認。"]},"sections":[{"id":"what-banks-weigh","heading":{"en":"What lenders weigh","ja":"審査で重視される点"},"body":{"en":["Banks assess stable employment, income, age, and — heavily — permanent residency. With PR, foreign residents are often treated much like Japanese applicants. Without PR, some banks decline, others require a larger down payment or a Japanese-national/PR guarantor (often a spouse). Flat 35, offered via the Japan Housing Finance Agency through partner lenders, is more rules-based and does not always require PR, which makes it a common route for non-PR buyers."],"ja":["銀行は安定した雇用・収入・年齢、そして特に永住権を評価します。永住権があれば、外国人居住者は日本人の申込者とほぼ同様に扱われることが多いです。永住権がないと、断る銀行、頭金の増額や日本国籍・永住者の保証人（多くは配偶者）を求める銀行があります。住宅金融支援機構が提携金融機関を通じて提供するフラット35は基準が明確で永住権を必ずしも求めず、非永住者の買い手によく使われる選択肢です。"]}},{"id":"prepare","heading":{"en":"How to prepare","ja":"準備の仕方"},"body":{"en":["Before applying, gather proof of stable income and employment, and check your own credit record at CIC and JICC to catch problems like a forgotten missed payment. Compare several lenders, because terms for non-PR applicants vary widely, and factor in closing costs of roughly 6–10% of the price on top of the down payment."],"ja":["申込前に、安定収入と雇用の証明をそろえ、CIC・JICCで自分の信用情報を確認して、忘れていた延滞などの問題を洗い出しましょう。非永住者向けの条件は銀行差が大きいため複数比較し、頭金に加えて価格の6〜10%の諸費用も見込みましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Foreign residents considering buying","Non-PR residents comparing lenders"],"ja":["購入を検討する外国人居住者","複数行を比較する非永住者"]},"notFor":{"en":["A specific approval prediction","Investment-property financing advice"],"ja":["個別の承認予測","投資用物件の融資助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["A mortgage is a large long commitment; model rate increases before buying."],"ja":["住宅ローンは大きく長期の約束。購入前に金利上昇を試算。"]},"faqs":["loan-mortgage-no-pr","loan-fixed-vs-floating","loan-credit-record"],"sources":["jhf-flat35","cic-credit"],"relatedProducts":["flat-35"],"relatedArticles":["rent-vs-buy-japan"]},{"slug":"rent-vs-buy-japan","cluster":"loans","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Rent vs buy in Japan","ja":"日本で賃貸か購入か"},"summary":{"en":"Why buying is not automatic wealth-building, and how to frame the decision.","ja":"購入が自動的な資産形成にならない理由と、判断の枠組み。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"It depends on how long you will stay, job stability, and the property; many Japanese homes depreciate, so treat a home as shelter first, investment second.","ja":"滞在期間・職の安定・物件次第です。日本の多くの住宅は減価するため、まず住まい、次に投資と考えましょう。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Length of stay and job stability drive the decision.","Many Japanese homes depreciate; resale can be slow.","Renting preserves flexibility if you may move or leave.","Model total cost and resale risk, not just monthly payment."],"ja":["滞在期間と職の安定が判断の軸。","日本の多くの住宅は減価し、売却も遅くなり得る。","転居・出国の可能性があるなら賃貸が柔軟。","月額でなく総コストと売却リスクを試算。"]},"sections":[{"id":"the-frame","heading":{"en":"The honest frame","ja":"正直な枠組み"},"body":{"en":["In some countries buying almost always builds wealth; in Japan it is more nuanced. Many homes — especially older wooden houses — depreciate over time, and resale liquidity varies sharply by location, so a purchase is not automatically an investment win. The land component and prime-area properties behave differently. Renting keeps you flexible, which matters a lot if your job or country of residence might change."],"ja":["国によっては購入がほぼ確実に資産形成になりますが、日本はより微妙です。多くの住宅、特に古い木造は時間とともに減価し、売却のしやすさは立地で大きく異なるため、購入が自動的に投資の勝ちになるわけではありません。土地部分や優良地の物件は挙動が異なります。賃貸は柔軟で、仕事や居住国が変わり得る人には大きな意味があります。"]}},{"id":"how-to-decide","heading":{"en":"How to decide","ja":"判断の仕方"},"body":{"en":["Buying can make sense for long-term residents who value stability, have permanent residency or Flat 35 access, and have modeled the full picture: down payment, closing costs (6–10%), maintenance and management fees, property tax, interest-rate risk, and realistic resale value. If you might leave Japan within a handful of years, renting usually wins on flexibility and cost certainty. Decide on your own numbers, not a sales narrative."],"ja":["購入は、安定を重視し、永住権やフラット35を使え、全体像（頭金・諸費用6〜10%・維持管理費・固定資産税・金利リスク・現実的な売却額）を試算した長期居住者に向き得ます。数年以内に出国し得るなら、通常は柔軟性とコストの確実性で賃貸が有利です。営業の物語でなく、自分の数字で判断しましょう。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Residents weighing a first home purchase"],"ja":["初めての住宅購入を検討する居住者"]},"notFor":{"en":["Property-investment strategy"],"ja":["不動産投資の戦略"]},"warnings":{"en":["Do not treat a home as a guaranteed investment in Japan."],"ja":["日本で住まいを確実な投資と見なさないこと。"]},"faqs":["loan-rent-vs-buy","loan-closing-costs"],"sources":["mlit-land"],"relatedProducts":["flat-35"],"relatedArticles":["mortgage-eligibility-foreigners"]},{"slug":"cheapest-way-to-send-money","cluster":"remittance","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"The cheapest way to send money abroad from Japan","ja":"日本から海外へ最も安く送金する方法"},"summary":{"en":"Why the exchange-rate markup matters more than the fee, and how to compare.","ja":"手数料より為替マージンが重要な理由と、比較の仕方。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Compare the final recipient amount against the mid-market rate; specialist services like Wise and Revolut usually beat bank wires for personal transfers.","ja":"受取総額を仲値と比較しましょう。個人送金ではWiseやRevolutが銀行送金より安いことが多いです。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["The exchange-rate markup usually costs more than the visible fee.","Compare the recipient amount, not the advertised fee.","Wise uses the mid-market rate; Revolut suits multi-currency use.","Bank wires can hide SWIFT and intermediary-bank charges."],"ja":["為替マージンは見える手数料より高くつくことが多い。","宣伝手数料でなく受取額で比較。","Wiseは仲値、Revolutはマルチカレンシー向き。","銀行送金はSWIFT・中継銀行手数料が隠れがち。"]},"sections":[{"id":"where-cost-hides","heading":{"en":"Where the cost hides","ja":"コストが隠れる場所"},"body":{"en":["The advertised transfer fee is often the smaller cost. The bigger one is the exchange-rate markup: the gap between the rate you are given and the true mid-market rate, which is invisible unless you compare against a reference rate. Traditional bank wires can also deduct SWIFT and intermediary-bank fees along the route. The only reliable way to judge cost is the amount the recipient actually receives."],"ja":["宣伝される送金手数料はしばしば小さい方です。より大きいのは為替マージン、つまり提示レートと本当の仲値との差で、基準レートと比較しない限り見えません。従来の銀行送金は、経路の途中でSWIFTや中継銀行の手数料を差し引くこともあります。コストを確実に判断する唯一の方法は、受取人が実際に受け取る金額です。"]}},{"id":"what-to-use","heading":{"en":"What tends to be cheapest","ja":"最も安くなりがちな方法"},"body":{"en":["For most personal transfers, Wise (which shows the mid-market rate with a transparent fee) or Revolut (a multi-currency account with FX allowances) beats a bank wire. The best choice still depends on amount, currency, and destination, so run the specific transfer through a couple of providers and compare recipient amounts. For very large transfers, also check limits and any reporting requirements."],"ja":["多くの個人送金では、Wise（仲値と明示手数料）やRevolut（両替枠つきのマルチカレンシー口座）が銀行送金より安くなります。最適は金額・通貨・送金先で変わるため、実際の送金を2社ほどで試し、受取額を比較しましょう。大口では上限や報告要件も確認を。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Anyone sending money out of Japan","People paying overseas bills or family"],"ja":["日本から送金する方","海外の支払いや家族送金をする方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Business FX hedging strategy"],"ja":["事業の為替ヘッジ戦略"]},"warnings":{"en":["Large transfers can trigger reporting and tax questions."],"ja":["大口は報告・税務の論点を招くことがあります。"]},"faqs":["remit-cheapest","remit-hidden-fees","remit-large-transfer"],"sources":["boj-payments"],"relatedProducts":["wise","revolut"],"relatedArticles":["receiving-money-from-abroad"]},{"slug":"receiving-money-from-abroad","cluster":"remittance","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Receiving money from abroad in Japan","ja":"海外から日本でお金を受け取る"},"summary":{"en":"How to receive foreign funds cheaply and when tax or reporting applies.","ja":"海外資金を安く受け取る方法と、税・報告が関わる場面。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Specialist services can deliver more than a bank wire; whether incoming money is taxable depends on whether it is income and your tax residency.","ja":"専門サービスは銀行送金より多く届くことがあります。課税されるかは、それが所得か、そして居住者区分によります。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Compare providers on the amount that lands in your account.","Receiving your own savings differs from receiving income.","Non-permanent residents can be taxed on remitted foreign income.","Large amounts may require source-of-funds documentation."],"ja":["口座に着金する金額で提供元を比較。","自分の貯蓄の受取と所得の受取は別。","非永住者は送金された国外所得が課税され得る。","大口は資金源の書類が必要なことも。"]},"sections":[{"id":"receiving-cheaply","heading":{"en":"Receiving cheaply","ja":"安く受け取る"},"body":{"en":["The same markup logic applies on the way in: a specialist service or multi-currency account often delivers more yen than a traditional inbound wire, which can lose value to FX markup and intermediary fees. Compare what actually lands in your Japanese account. Keep records of what each transfer is (savings, salary, gift), because that classification matters for tax."],"ja":["受け取り側にも同じマージンの理屈が働きます。専門サービスやマルチカレンシー口座は、為替マージンや中継手数料で目減りしがちな従来の被仕向送金より、多くの円を届けることが多いです。実際に日本の口座に着金する額で比較しましょう。各送金が何か（貯蓄・給与・贈与）を記録してください。税務上その区分が重要です。"]}},{"id":"tax-and-reporting","heading":{"en":"Tax and reporting","ja":"税務と報告"},"body":{"en":["Whether incoming money is taxable depends on what it is and your tax-residency category. Moving your own existing savings is generally not income; receiving foreign salary or business income can be. For non-permanent residents, remitting foreign-source income to Japan can make it taxable. Gifts and inheritances have separate rules. Large transfers may prompt source-of-funds questions. When foreign income is involved, confirm with the NTA or a tax accountant."],"ja":["着金が課税されるかは、その内容と居住者区分によります。自分の既存の貯蓄を移すのは通常は所得ではありませんが、海外の給与や事業所得の受取は課税され得ます。非永住者は、国外源泉所得を日本へ送金すると課税対象になり得ます。贈与・相続は別ルールです。大口は資金源の確認を招くことがあります。国外所得が絡む場合は国税庁や税理士で確認を。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["People receiving foreign salary, savings, or gifts","Cross-border households"],"ja":["海外の給与・貯蓄・贈与を受け取る方","国をまたぐ世帯"]},"notFor":{"en":["Inheritance-tax planning","Country-specific treaty advice"],"ja":["相続税対策","国別の租税条約助言"]},"warnings":{"en":["Do not assume incoming money is tax-free; classification matters."],"ja":["着金を非課税と決めつけないこと。区分が重要です。"]},"faqs":["remit-overseas-income","remit-multicurrency","remit-large-transfer"],"sources":["nta-individual","boj-payments"],"relatedProducts":["wise","revolut"],"relatedArticles":["cheapest-way-to-send-money"]},{"slug":"choosing-a-point-ecosystem","cluster":"points","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Choosing a point ecosystem in Japan","ja":"日本でポイント経済圏を選ぶ"},"summary":{"en":"How to concentrate on one ecosystem and value points realistically.","ja":"1つの経済圏に集中し、ポイントを現実的に評価する方法。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Pick the one ecosystem that matches your bank, card, and phone; concentrating beats spreading thin, and most points are worth about ¥1.","ja":"銀行・カード・携帯に合う1つの経済圏を選びましょう。集中が分散に勝り、多くのポイントは約1円の価値です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Concentrate on one ecosystem that fits your spending.","Most points ≈ ¥1; expiry and store-locking reduce value.","PayPay/Rakuten Pay capture everyday spending fastest.","Never spend more just to earn points."],"ja":["支出に合う1つの経済圏に集中。","多くのポイントは約1円。失効・店舗限定で価値減。","PayPay・楽天ペイは日常支出が最速で貯まる。","ポイントのために余計に使わない。"]},"sections":[{"id":"concentrate","heading":{"en":"Concentrate, do not collect","ja":"集めるのでなく集中する"},"body":{"en":["Japan’s big ecosystems — Rakuten, PayPay, d POINT, V POINT — each link a card, payment app, shopping, and often a phone plan. Bonuses stack when these align, so the winning move is to pick the one that matches where you already bank, shop, and pay your phone bill, then route spending through it. Spreading across several ecosystems dilutes the compounding and leaves small, expiry-prone balances everywhere."],"ja":["日本の主要経済圏（楽天・PayPay・dポイント・Vポイント）は、カード・決済アプリ・買い物、多くは携帯プランを結びます。これらがそろうと特典が重なるため、勝ち筋は、すでに銀行・買い物・携帯で使っている経済圏を1つ選び、支出をそこに集約することです。複数に広げると積み上げが薄まり、失効しやすい小さな残高があちこちに残ります。"]}},{"id":"value","heading":{"en":"Value points honestly","ja":"ポイントを正直に評価する"},"body":{"en":["Treat most major points as worth about ¥1 each when spent on everyday purchases. Discount points that are store-locked or close to expiry, and be skeptical of valuations that assume perfect airline-mile redemptions. Most importantly, points are a modest, tax-free discount on spending you would do anyway — they are never a reason to spend more or open products you do not need."],"ja":["主要ポイントは、日常の支払いに使えば1ポイント約1円と考えましょう。店舗限定や失効間近のポイントは割り引いて評価し、完璧なマイル交換を前提とした価値評価には慎重に。最も大切なのは、ポイントはどのみち行う支出へのささやかな非課税の割引であって、余計に使ったり不要な商品を作ったりする理由には決してならない、ということです。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Residents deciding which ecosystem to commit to"],"ja":["どの経済圏に絞るか決める居住者"]},"notFor":{"en":["Advanced mileage-optimization strategy"],"ja":["高度なマイル最適化戦略"]},"warnings":{"en":["Rewards should never drive extra spending."],"ja":["特典のために余計に使わないこと。"]},"faqs":["points-which-ecosystem","points-value","points-expiry","points-paypay-vs-rakuten"],"sources":["boj-payments"],"relatedProducts":["rakuten-card","epos-card"],"relatedArticles":[]},{"slug":"crypto-tax-in-japan","cluster":"crypto","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Crypto tax in Japan","ja":"日本の暗号資産の税金"},"summary":{"en":"Why crypto is taxed heavily and what counts as a taxable event.","ja":"暗号資産が重く課税される理由と、課税対象になる取引。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Crypto gains are miscellaneous income taxed at your marginal rate (up to ~55% with resident tax); every disposal — including crypto-to-crypto — is taxable.","ja":"暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進課税（住民税込みで最大約55%）。暗号資産同士の交換を含め、あらゆる処分が課税対象です。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Gains are miscellaneous income, not the ~20% stock rate.","Combined top rate can reach roughly 55%.","Selling, swapping, and spending crypto are all taxable.","Keep detailed records of every transaction."],"ja":["利益は雑所得。株式の約20%ではない。","合計の最高税率は約55%に達し得る。","売却・交換・支払いはすべて課税対象。","全取引の詳細な記録を残す。"]},"sections":[{"id":"how-taxed","heading":{"en":"How crypto is taxed","ja":"課税の仕組み"},"body":{"en":["In Japan, crypto profits are treated as miscellaneous income (雑所得) and taxed at your marginal income-tax rate plus resident tax — combined this can reach roughly 55% at the top brackets, far above the roughly 20% flat rate that applies to listed stocks. There is no special low rate for crypto and no NISA-style shelter. This tax treatment is often the single biggest reason to be cautious."],"ja":["日本では暗号資産の利益は雑所得として、所得税の累進税率＋住民税で課税され、最上位区分では合計約55%に達し得ます。上場株式に適用される約20%の分離課税を大きく上回ります。暗号資産に特別な低税率はなく、NISAのような非課税もありません。この税制は、慎重になるべき最大の理由になることが多いです。"]}},{"id":"taxable-events","heading":{"en":"What counts as a taxable event","ja":"課税対象になる取引"},"body":{"en":["A taxable event is any disposal: selling crypto for yen, swapping one crypto for another, and spending crypto on goods or services all realize a gain or loss measured in yen at the time. Because each event needs a cost basis and yen valuation, you must keep detailed records — dates, amounts, yen values, and fees — and many people use crypto tax-calculation tools. For active trading, a tax accountant is worthwhile."],"ja":["課税対象は「処分」全般です。暗号資産を円で売る、ある暗号資産を別の暗号資産に交換する、暗号資産で商品・サービスを買う——いずれもその時点の円換算で損益が実現します。各取引に取得原価と円評価が必要なため、日付・数量・円換算額・手数料の詳細な記録が必須で、暗号資産の税計算ツールを使う人が多いです。活発に取引するなら税理士が有効です。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["Anyone holding or trading crypto in Japan"],"ja":["日本で暗号資産を保有・取引する方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Investment advice or price predictions"],"ja":["投資助言や価格予想"]},"warnings":{"en":["High tax makes crypto unsuitable for money you cannot lose; records are essential."],"ja":["高税率のため失って困るお金には不向き。記録が不可欠です。"]},"faqs":["crypto-tax","crypto-record"],"sources":["nta-crypto"],"relatedProducts":["bitflyer","bitbank"],"relatedArticles":["choosing-a-registered-exchange"]},{"slug":"choosing-a-registered-exchange","cluster":"crypto","status":"reviewed","updated":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Choosing a registered crypto exchange","ja":"登録済み暗号資産取引所を選ぶ"},"summary":{"en":"Why FSA registration matters and how to avoid unregulated platforms and scams.","ja":"金融庁登録が重要な理由と、無登録・詐欺を避ける方法。"},"shortAnswer":{"en":"Use only FSA-registered, JVCEA-member exchanges (e.g. bitFlyer, bitbank); unregistered offshore platforms remove your protections and are common in scams.","ja":"利用は金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の取引所（bitFlyer・bitbankなど）のみに。無登録の海外業者は保護を失い詐欺に多いです。"},"keyPoints":{"en":["Only FSA-registered, JVCEA-member exchanges may serve residents.","Check the FSA registered list before depositing.","Unregistered offshore platforms remove legal protections.","Guaranteed returns and “recovery” services are scams."],"ja":["居住者向けは金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の取引所のみ。","入金前に金融庁の登録一覧を確認。","無登録の海外業者は法的保護を失う。","元本保証や「回収」サービスは詐欺。"]},"sections":[{"id":"registration","heading":{"en":"Why registration matters","ja":"登録が重要な理由"},"body":{"en":["Only exchanges registered with the FSA and belonging to the JVCEA may legally serve residents of Japan, and registration brings custody, segregation, and consumer-protection obligations. Using an unregistered offshore exchange removes those protections, can complicate tax and withdrawals, and is often how fraud operates. Always confirm an exchange appears on the FSA’s registered list before depositing funds."],"ja":["居住者に合法的にサービスを提供できるのは、金融庁に登録しJVCEAに加盟する取引所だけで、登録には保管・分別管理・消費者保護の義務が伴います。無登録の海外取引所を使うとこれらの保護を失い、税務や出金が複雑になり、詐欺の温床にもなりがちです。入金前に、金融庁の登録一覧にその取引所があるか必ず確認しましょう。"]}},{"id":"scams","heading":{"en":"Avoiding scams","ja":"詐欺を避ける"},"body":{"en":["Treat any offer of guaranteed or unusually high returns as a scam — legitimate crypto has no guaranteed return. Be wary of fake exchange apps, social-media “investment coaches,” romance-investment approaches, and especially “recovery” services that promise to retrieve lost funds for a fee (a common second scam targeting victims). Withdraw test amounts first, enable strong security, and never send crypto to someone who contacted you."],"ja":["元本保証や異常に高い利回りの提案はすべて詐欺と考えましょう。正当な暗号資産に保証された利回りはありません。偽の取引所アプリ、SNSの「投資コーチ」、恋愛を装う投資勧誘、そして特に手数料と引き換えに失った資金の「回収」を約束するサービス（被害者を狙う二次詐欺）に注意。まず少額で出金を試し、強固なセキュリティを設定し、向こうから連絡してきた相手に暗号資産を送らないこと。"]}}],"forWho":{"en":["People starting with crypto in Japan","Anyone verifying an exchange is legitimate"],"ja":["日本で暗号資産を始める方","取引所の正当性を確認したい方"]},"notFor":{"en":["Recommendations of specific coins","Trading strategy"],"ja":["特定銘柄の推奨","取引戦略"]},"warnings":{"en":["Never use an unregistered exchange; guaranteed-return offers are always scams."],"ja":["無登録の取引所は使わない。元本保証は常に詐欺です。"]},"faqs":["crypto-registered","crypto-fx-leverage"],"sources":["fsa-registry","jvcea"],"relatedProducts":["bitflyer","bitbank"],"relatedArticles":["crypto-tax-in-japan"]}],"faqs":[{"id":"bank-documents","cluster":"banking","question":{"en":"What do I need to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner?","ja":"外国人が日本で銀行口座を開くには何が必要ですか？"},"answer":{"en":"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.","ja":"一般に在留カード、日本の住所、多くの場合は日本の電話番号と印鑑（またはサイン）が必要です。マイナンバーを求める銀行や、開設に6か月の在留を要する銀行もあります。ネット銀行（楽天銀行・ソニー銀行）や英語対応の銀行（SMBC信託銀行プレスティア）がよく最初の選択肢になります。条件は銀行ごとに異なるため、申込前に各社のページで確認してください。"},"sources":["immi-residence","jftc-guarantee"],"personas":["newcomer"]},{"id":"bank-english","cluster":"banking","question":{"en":"Which banks in Japan have the best English support?","ja":"日本で英語サポートが手厚い銀行はどこですか？"},"answer":{"en":"SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the most commonly cited for English-language service, apps, and foreign-currency features. Rakuten Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank offer partial English support. Megabanks have limited English at most branches. If English support is essential, verify the current app language and support hours on the bank’s official site, because these change.","ja":"SMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行が、英語対応・アプリ・外貨機能でよく挙げられます。楽天銀行やSBI新生銀行は一部英語対応です。メガバンクは多くの店舗で英語対応が限られます。英語対応が必須なら、変わることがあるため、アプリの言語や対応時間を各行の公式サイトで確認してください。"},"sources":["smbc-prestia","sony-bank"],"personas":["newcomer"]},{"id":"bank-online-vs-mega","cluster":"banking","question":{"en":"Should I use an online bank or a megabank in Japan?","ja":"日本ではネット銀行とメガバンク、どちらを使うべき？"},"answer":{"en":"Online banks (Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, SBI) usually win on lower fees, better apps, and integration with points and investing. Megabanks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) help when you need physical branches, corporate accounts, or dealings that still expect a major bank. Many residents keep both: a megabank for salary or official uses, and an online bank for daily money and saving.","ja":"ネット銀行（楽天銀行・ソニー銀行・住信SBI）は手数料の安さ・アプリ・ポイントや投資との連携で有利なことが多いです。メガバンク（三菱UFJ・三井住友・みずほ）は、店舗・法人口座・大手銀行が前提の取引に役立ちます。給与や公的用途にメガバンク、日常や貯蓄にネット銀行、と両方持つ人も多いです。"},"sources":["boj-payments"],"personas":[]},{"id":"bank-frozen","cluster":"banking","question":{"en":"Why would a Japanese bank freeze or restrict my account?","ja":"日本の銀行口座が凍結・制限されるのはなぜ？"},"answer":{"en":"Common reasons are an expired residence card or out-of-date registered information, suspected fraud or unusual activity, dormancy, or anti-money-laundering checks. Keep your address and residency status updated with the bank, respond promptly to identity-verification requests, and avoid receiving unexplained large transfers. If restricted, contact the bank directly — never through a link in an unexpected message.","ja":"よくある理由は、在留カードの期限切れや登録情報の未更新、不正・異常取引の疑い、長期未使用、マネロン対策の確認などです。住所や在留資格を銀行に更新し、本人確認の依頼には速やかに応じ、説明のつかない大口入金を避けましょう。制限された場合は、突然のメッセージ内のリンクではなく、銀行へ直接連絡してください。"},"sources":["immi-residence"],"personas":[]},{"id":"bank-no-job","cluster":"banking","question":{"en":"Can I open a Japanese bank account without a job?","ja":"無職でも日本の銀行口座は開けますか？"},"answer":{"en":"Yes, employment is usually not required to open a basic deposit account — a residence card and address are the core requirements. Students and dependents routinely open accounts. Employment matters more for credit cards and loans than for opening a bank account itself. Requirements vary, so check the specific bank.","ja":"はい。基本的な預金口座の開設に就労は通常必須ではなく、在留カードと住所が中心の条件です。学生や被扶養者も普通に開設します。就労は口座開設よりも、クレジットカードやローンで重視されます。条件は銀行により異なるため、各行で確認してください。"},"sources":["jftc-guarantee"],"personas":["newcomer","student"]},{"id":"card-foreigner-approval","cluster":"credit-cards","question":{"en":"Can foreigners get a credit card in Japan?","ja":"外国人でも日本でクレジットカードを作れますか？"},"answer":{"en":"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.","ja":"はい。審査は国籍ではなく、安定した収入と在留状況で判断されます。ただし海外の信用履歴は引き継がれないため、ゼロから始まります。作りやすい最初の1枚には楽天カードやエポスカードがあります。在留期間が長い・安定した職・日本の銀行口座があると通りやすくなります。在留カードの残存期間が長いことも有利です。"},"sources":["cic-credit","rakuten-card"],"personas":["newcomer"]},{"id":"card-rejected","cluster":"credit-cards","question":{"en":"Why was my Japanese credit card application rejected?","ja":"日本のクレジットカード審査に落ちたのはなぜ？"},"answer":{"en":"Usual reasons are short employment history, unverifiable or low income, too many recent applications, or a thin or negative credit record (CIC/JICC). Nationality itself is not a listed reason. Next steps: wait a few months, apply to a more accessible issuer, ensure your income documents are clear, and avoid multiple simultaneous applications. You can request your own credit report from CIC or JICC.","ja":"よくある理由は、勤続年数の短さ、収入が確認できない・低い、短期間の申込が多い、信用情報（CIC・JICC）が薄い・不利、などです。国籍そのものは理由に挙がりません。次の一手は、数か月あける、通りやすい発行会社に申し込む、収入書類を明確にする、同時に複数申し込まない、です。CICやJICCで自分の信用情報を確認できます。"},"sources":["cic-credit","jicc-credit"],"personas":[]},{"id":"card-riborai","cluster":"credit-cards","question":{"en":"What is リボ払い (revolving payment) and should I avoid it?","ja":"リボ払いとは何ですか？避けるべき？"},"answer":{"en":"リボ払い (revolving payment) spreads your balance into small monthly payments while charging high effective interest — often around 15% a year. It is sometimes on by default or promoted with point bonuses. For most people it is best avoided: choose 一括払い (pay in full) each month so you pay no interest. Check your card’s payment setting and switch off automatic revolving if you did not intend it.","ja":"リボ払いは残高を毎月少額に分割する一方、実質年率で高い利息（多くは年15%前後）がかかります。初期設定でオンだったり、ポイント特典で勧められることもあります。多くの人には避けるのが無難で、毎月「一括払い」を選べば利息はかかりません。カードの支払い設定を確認し、意図しない自動リボはオフにしましょう。"},"sources":[],"personas":[]},{"id":"card-first-card","cluster":"credit-cards","question":{"en":"What is a good first credit card in Japan?","ja":"日本での最初のクレジットカードは何が良い？"},"answer":{"en":"Many residents start with an ecosystem card that is easy to approve and easy to redeem: Rakuten Card (no annual fee, strong Rakuten points) or Epos Card (no annual fee, instant issuance at Marui, useful discounts) are common examples. The best first card is usually the one tied to where you already shop, pay bills, and bank. Confirm current fees and terms on the issuer’s site.","ja":"審査が通りやすく使い道も分かりやすい経済圏カードから始める人が多いです。例として楽天カード（年会費無料・楽天ポイントに強い）やエポスカード（年会費無料・マルイで即日発行・割引特典）があります。最良の1枚は、すでに買い物・支払い・銀行で使っている経済圏に紐づくカードです。最新の手数料・条件は各社サイトで確認を。"},"sources":["rakuten-card","epos-card"],"personas":["newcomer"]},{"id":"card-annual-fee","cluster":"credit-cards","question":{"en":"Are annual-fee credit cards worth it in Japan?","ja":"年会費のあるクレジットカードは日本で価値がありますか？"},"answer":{"en":"Only if you actually use the benefits. Annual-fee cards can pay for themselves through travel insurance, airport-lounge access, higher point multipliers, or concierge services — but if you would not otherwise use those, a no-annual-fee card is better. Add up the concrete value you will use in a year and compare it to the fee.","ja":"特典を実際に使う場合に限ります。年会費ありのカードは、旅行保険・空港ラウンジ・高いポイント倍率・コンシェルジュなどで元を取れることもありますが、使わないなら年会費無料のカードが有利です。1年で実際に使う具体的な価値を合計し、年会費と比べましょう。"},"sources":["amex-jp"],"personas":[]},{"id":"nisa-eligibility","cluster":"investing","question":{"en":"Can foreign residents open a NISA account in Japan?","ja":"外国人居住者でもNISA口座を開けますか？"},"answer":{"en":"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.","ja":"原則として、日本の税務上の居住者（マイナンバーあり）で18歳以上なら開設できます。NISAは国籍でなく居住に紐づくため、多くの外国人居住者が対象です。ただし大きな注意が2つ。米国市民・グリーンカード保有者は日本の投信で米国税の問題があり、NISAは出国後は原則継続できません。適格性と最新ルールは金融庁と利用する証券会社で確認を。"},"sources":["fsa-nisa"],"personas":["newcomer","investor"]},{"id":"nisa-leaving-japan","cluster":"investing","question":{"en":"What happens to my NISA if I leave Japan?","ja":"日本を離れたらNISAはどうなりますか？"},"answer":{"en":"NISA is a benefit for residents. When you lose Japanese tax residency you generally cannot keep contributing, and brokerages differ on whether the account is closed, frozen, or must be sold — some allow a temporary overseas-resident continuation for limited periods. Because the tax treatment of unwinding matters, plan your exit before building a large balance and ask your brokerage about their specific offshore policy.","ja":"NISAは居住者向けの制度です。日本の税務上の居住者でなくなると、原則として新たな拠出はできず、口座を閉鎖するか凍結するか売却が必要かは証券会社で異なります（一定期間の海外転出継続を認める場合もあります）。解消時の税務も重要なため、残高が大きくなる前に出国計画を立て、証券会社の海外居住者向け方針を確認しましょう。"},"sources":["fsa-nisa"],"personas":["leaving-japan","investor"]},{"id":"nisa-us-citizen","cluster":"investing","question":{"en":"Should US citizens use NISA or Japanese mutual funds?","ja":"米国市民はNISAや日本の投資信託を使うべき？"},"answer":{"en":"Be very careful. Japanese mutual funds and ETFs are usually PFICs (Passive Foreign Investment Companies) for US tax, which triggers punitive US taxation and heavy Form 8621 reporting — and the NISA tax exemption does not apply to the US. Many US persons in Japan avoid Japanese pooled funds and instead hold US-domiciled assets, but rules are complex. Get advice from a cross-border US/Japan tax professional before investing.","ja":"慎重に。日本の投資信託やETFは米国税制上ほぼPFIC（受動的外国投資会社）に該当し、懲罰的な課税と重いForm 8621の報告を招きます。NISAの非課税は米国には適用されません。日本在住の米国関係者の多くは日本のファンドを避け、米国籍の資産を持ちますが、ルールは複雑です。投資前に日米クロスボーダー税務の専門家に相談を。"},"sources":["fsa-nisa"],"personas":["us-person","investor"]},{"id":"nisa-vs-ideco-q","cluster":"investing","question":{"en":"NISA or iDeCo — which should I use first?","ja":"NISAとiDeCo、どちらを先に使うべき？"},"answer":{"en":"They solve different problems. NISA is flexible: tax-free growth and you can withdraw anytime, making it the usual first choice. iDeCo gives a larger up-front tax break (contributions cut your taxable income) but locks money until age 60 and suits committed retirement saving. Many use NISA first for flexibility, then add iDeCo for the deduction if they are confident they will not need the money before 60. If you may leave Japan, iDeCo’s lock-up is a bigger drawback.","ja":"目的が異なります。NISAは柔軟で、運用益が非課税でいつでも引き出せるため、最初の選択になりがちです。iDeCoは今の税制優遇が大きい（掛金が課税所得を減らす）一方、原則60歳まで引き出せず、老後資金の積立に向きます。柔軟性のためまずNISA、60歳前に使わない自信があれば控除目当てにiDeCoを足す人が多いです。出国の可能性があるなら、iDeCoの拘束は大きな難点です。"},"sources":["fsa-nisa","ideco-official"],"personas":["investor"]},{"id":"invest-beginner-fund","cluster":"investing","question":{"en":"What should a beginner invest in inside NISA?","ja":"NISAの中で初心者は何に投資すべき？"},"answer":{"en":"This is education, not a recommendation. Most beginners research low-cost, broadly diversified index funds — for example all-country (全世界株式) or S&P 500 trackers — rather than picking individual stocks, because low fees and diversification are within your control while returns are not. Understand that values fall as well as rise, match the risk to your time horizon, and never invest money you may need soon.","ja":"これは教育情報で、推奨ではありません。初心者の多くは、低コストで幅広く分散されたインデックス投信（全世界株式やS&P500など）を調べます。個別株選びより、手数料の低さと分散は自分で管理でき、リターンは管理できないためです。値は上下すること、リスクを投資期間に合わせること、近く必要なお金は投資しないことを理解しましょう。"},"sources":["fsa-nisa"],"personas":["investor"]},{"id":"tax-resident-status","cluster":"tax","question":{"en":"How does tax residency work in Japan?","ja":"日本の税務上の居住者区分はどう決まる？"},"answer":{"en":"For tax, Japan classifies you as non-resident, non-permanent resident, or permanent resident — separate from your immigration status. Broadly: non-residents are taxed only on Japan-source income; non-permanent residents (in Japan under 5 of the last 10 years, without permanent intent) are taxed on Japan-source income plus foreign income paid in or remitted to Japan; permanent residents (for tax) are taxed on worldwide income. This affects foreign income and investments, so confirm your category with the NTA or a tax accountant.","ja":"税務上、日本は在留資格とは別に、非居住者・非永住者・永住者に区分します。おおまかに、非居住者は日本源泉所得のみ課税、非永住者（過去10年で日本在住5年以下で永住意思なし）は日本源泉所得＋日本での支払い・送金分の国外所得に課税、税務上の永住者は全世界所得に課税されます。国外所得や投資に影響するため、区分は国税庁や税理士で確認を。"},"sources":["nta-individual"],"personas":["newcomer"]},{"id":"tax-need-to-file","cluster":"tax","question":{"en":"Do I need to file a tax return in Japan?","ja":"日本で確定申告は必要ですか？"},"answer":{"en":"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.","ja":"多くの会社員は年末調整で完結するため不要です。副収入が20万円超、給与が2か所以上、自営の所得、まとまった投資・暗号資産の利益がある場合、または医療費控除や初年度の住宅ローン控除などを受けたい場合は、原則として確定申告が必要です。申告期間は2月16日〜3月15日でe-Taxを利用できます。不明なときは国税庁の案内や税理士に確認を。"},"sources":["nta-individual","nta-etax"],"personas":["freelancer","investor"]},{"id":"tax-resident-tax-timing","cluster":"tax","question":{"en":"Why did I get a big resident tax bill in my second year?","ja":"なぜ2年目に住民税の請求が大きく来たの？"},"answer":{"en":"Resident tax (住民税, about 10%) is charged the year after the income is earned, based on the previous year’s income. So in your first year you often pay little, and in your second year you get a bill for your full first-year income. The same lag means people who stop working or leave Japan can still owe resident tax afterward. Budget for it in advance.","ja":"住民税（約10%）は前年の所得に基づき、稼いだ翌年に課税されます。そのため1年目は負担が少なく、2年目に1年目の所得分の請求が来ます。同じ時差により、退職や出国の後でも住民税が発生することがあります。あらかじめ備えておきましょう。"},"sources":["nta-individual"],"personas":["newcomer","leaving-japan"]},{"id":"tax-furusato","cluster":"tax","question":{"en":"What is Furusato Nozei and is it worth it?","ja":"ふるさと納税とは？やる価値はある？"},"answer":{"en":"Furusato Nozei (ふるさと納税) lets you donate to local governments and receive local gifts (food, goods) while deducting almost all of the donation from your resident and income tax — you effectively pay ¥2,000 out of pocket for the gifts. It is worth it for most taxpayers with sufficient income, up to a limit based on your income and family situation. Use the official rules and a limit simulator, and keep the paperwork (One-Stop or tax return) to claim the deduction.","ja":"ふるさと納税は、自治体に寄付して返礼品（食品・物品）を受け取りつつ、寄付額のほぼ全額を住民税・所得税から控除できる制度です。実質2,000円の自己負担で返礼品を得られます。十分な所得のある多くの納税者にとって有利で、控除上限は所得や家族構成で決まります。公式ルールと上限シミュレーターを使い、控除に必要な書類（ワンストップ特例または確定申告）を保管しましょう。"},"sources":["nta-furusato"],"personas":[]},{"id":"tax-crypto","cluster":"tax","question":{"en":"How is cryptocurrency taxed in Japan?","ja":"日本で暗号資産はどう課税される？"},"answer":{"en":"Crypto profits are treated as miscellaneous income (雑所得) and taxed at your marginal rate — combined with resident tax this can reach roughly 55%, unlike the ~20% flat rate for listed stocks. Every disposal is taxable, including selling for yen, trading one crypto for another, and spending crypto on goods. You must track cost basis and calculate gains, so recordkeeping tools are important, and larger activity often warrants a tax accountant.","ja":"暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進税率で課税され、住民税と合わせて最大約55%になり得ます。上場株式の約20%の分離課税とは異なります。円への売却、暗号資産同士の交換、暗号資産での支払いなど、あらゆる処分が課税対象です。取得原価を追跡して損益を計算する必要があるため記録ツールが重要で、取引が多い場合は税理士への相談が有効です。"},"sources":["nta-crypto"],"personas":["investor"]},{"id":"freelance-open","cluster":"freelancers","question":{"en":"How do I register as a freelancer (sole proprietor) in Japan?","ja":"日本でフリーランス（個人事業主）として開業するには？"},"answer":{"en":"File a notification of business opening (開業届) with your local tax office within about a month of starting — it is free and short. At the same time, file the blue-return application (青色申告承認申請書) to unlock the up-to-¥650,000 deduction. You keep your existing visa status if it permits the work; some visa types need permission for self-employment, so check your residence status first.","ja":"事業開始からおよそ1か月以内に、所轄の税務署へ開業届を提出します（無料で簡単です）。同時に青色申告承認申請書を出すと、最大65万円の控除が使えます。その仕事が認められる在留資格ならビザはそのままですが、自営に許可が要る資格もあるため、まず在留資格を確認してください。"},"sources":["nta-blue","immi-residence"],"personas":["freelancer"]},{"id":"freelance-blue-return","cluster":"freelancers","question":{"en":"What is the blue return (青色申告) and is it worth it?","ja":"青色申告とは？やる価値はある？"},"answer":{"en":"The blue return is a filing status that rewards proper bookkeeping. With double-entry books filed electronically, you can deduct up to ¥650,000 from your income, carry losses forward for three years, and deduct family salaries. The trade-off is more disciplined recordkeeping — which cloud accounting software largely automates. For most freelancers with steady income, the tax saving clearly outweighs the effort.","ja":"青色申告は、きちんとした帳簿づけに報いる申告方式です。複式簿記を電子申告すれば、所得から最大65万円を控除でき、損失を3年間繰り越せ、家族への給与も経費にできます。代わりに記帳の手間が増えますが、クラウド会計ソフトが大部分を自動化します。安定収入のある多くのフリーランスにとって、節税効果は手間を明確に上回ります。"},"sources":["nta-blue"],"personas":["freelancer"]},{"id":"freelance-invoice","cluster":"freelancers","question":{"en":"Do I need to register for the invoice system (インボイス) as a freelancer?","ja":"フリーランスはインボイス制度に登録すべき？"},"answer":{"en":"It depends on your clients. Registering gives you a T-number so business clients can claim consumption-tax input credits on what they pay you — but it also makes you a consumption-tax payer, adding cost and paperwork. If your clients are consumers or tax-exempt small businesses, registering may add cost for no benefit. If your clients are companies that demand qualified invoices, not registering can cost you work. Weigh your client base; a transitional credit for buyers from unregistered suppliers is stepping down over time.","ja":"取引先次第です。登録すると登録番号（T番号）が得られ、事業者である取引先はあなたへの支払いで仕入税額控除を受けられます。ただし登録すると消費税の課税事業者になり、コストと事務が増えます。取引先が消費者や免税の小規模事業者なら、登録は利点なくコストだけ増えることも。適格請求書を求める企業が取引先なら、未登録は失注につながり得ます。取引先構成で判断を。未登録事業者からの仕入れに対する経過措置の控除は段階的に縮小します。"},"sources":["nta-invoice"],"personas":["freelancer"]},{"id":"freelance-reserve","cluster":"freelancers","question":{"en":"How much should a freelancer set aside for taxes in Japan?","ja":"フリーランスは税金のためにどれくらい積み立てるべき？"},"answer":{"en":"A common rule of thumb is to reserve 20–35% of profit for income tax, resident tax, national pension, and national health insurance combined — higher as your income rises, because income tax is progressive. Remember resident tax and health-insurance premiums are billed based on the prior year, so your bills lag your income. Set the reserve aside in a separate account each month rather than facing it all at filing time.","ja":"目安として、利益の20〜35%を、所得税・住民税・国民年金・国民健康保険の合計として積み立てるとよいです。所得税は累進のため、所得が上がるほど比率も上げます。住民税や健康保険料は前年基準で請求されるため、支払いは所得に遅れて来ます。申告時にまとめて向き合うのではなく、毎月別口座に取り分けておきましょう。"},"sources":["nta-individual"],"personas":["freelancer"]},{"id":"freelance-health-insurance","cluster":"freelancers","question":{"en":"What about pension and health insurance when self-employed in Japan?","ja":"日本で自営のとき、年金と健康保険はどうなる？"},"answer":{"en":"As a sole proprietor you generally enroll in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) and the National Pension (国民年金), and you pay both yourself — there is no employer split. National Pension is a flat monthly amount; National Health Insurance premiums are income-based and billed by your municipality. You can add optional coverage (e.g. the national pension fund, iDeCo, or income-protection insurance) to close gaps. Budget these into your tax reserve.","ja":"個人事業主は原則、国民健康保険と国民年金に加入し、いずれも自己負担で支払います（会社との折半はありません）。国民年金は定額、国民健康保険は所得連動で自治体が請求します。不足を補うため、国民年金基金・iDeCo・就業不能保険などの任意の備えを足せます。これらも税金の積立に含めて計画しましょう。"},"sources":["jps-international","mhlw-insurance"],"personas":["freelancer"]},{"id":"insurance-public-enough","cluster":"insurance","question":{"en":"Is Japan’s public health insurance enough, or do I need private cover?","ja":"日本の公的健康保険で十分？それとも民間保険が必要？"},"answer":{"en":"For most people public health insurance covers a lot: it caps most medical bills near 30%, and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費) further limits your monthly out-of-pocket by income, so even a major illness has a ceiling. Private medical or cancer insurance mainly covers extras (income while off work, advanced treatments, hospital-stay cash). Buy private cover to fill a specific gap you cannot self-fund, not out of general worry.","ja":"多くの人にとって公的健康保険の保障は手厚く、多くの医療費の自己負担は約3割で、高額療養費制度が月の自己負担に所得別の上限を設けるため、大病でも上限があります。民間の医療・がん保険は主に上乗せ部分（就業不能中の収入・先進医療・入院給付など）を補います。漠然とした不安ではなく、自分で賄えない具体的な不足を埋めるために民間保険を選びましょう。"},"sources":["mhlw-insurance"],"personas":[]},{"id":"insurance-high-cost","cluster":"insurance","question":{"en":"What is the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費)?","ja":"高額療養費制度とは何ですか？"},"answer":{"en":"It is a public system that caps your out-of-pocket medical costs in a calendar month based on your income. If your covered medical bills exceed the monthly ceiling, the excess is reimbursed (or, with a limit-certificate applied in advance, not charged). This is why many residents find heavy private medical insurance unnecessary — the public ceiling already limits catastrophic costs. Confirm the current thresholds, which are set by income bracket.","ja":"所得に応じて、1か月あたりの医療費の自己負担に上限を設ける公的制度です。対象の医療費が月の上限を超えると、超過分が払い戻されます（限度額適用認定証を事前に提示すれば、そもそも超過分を請求されません）。これが、多くの人にとって手厚い民間医療保険が不要な理由です。公的な上限が高額な負担を抑えます。上限額は所得区分ごとに定まるため最新の基準を確認しましょう。"},"sources":["mhlw-insurance"],"personas":[]},{"id":"insurance-life-needed","cluster":"insurance","question":{"en":"Do I need life insurance in Japan?","ja":"日本で生命保険は必要ですか？"},"answer":{"en":"Life insurance mainly makes sense if someone depends on your income — a partner, children, or dependents with debts like a mortgage. If no one relies on your income, you often do not need it. When you do, term life (定期保険) is usually the cost-efficient choice: it covers a set period for a low premium, versus whole life (終身保険), which bundles savings at higher cost. Public pension also pays survivor benefits, so factor those in before choosing a sum insured.","ja":"生命保険が主に意味を持つのは、あなたの収入に頼る人がいる場合です（配偶者・子ども、住宅ローンなど負債を抱える扶養家族）。誰も収入に頼っていなければ不要なことが多いです。必要な場合、定期保険が費用効率の良い選択で、一定期間を低い保険料で保障します。終身保険は貯蓄を含み高コストです。公的年金にも遺族給付があるため、保険金額を決める前に考慮しましょう。"},"sources":["mhlw-insurance"],"personas":["family"]},{"id":"insurance-earthquake","cluster":"insurance","question":{"en":"Does home insurance in Japan cover earthquakes?","ja":"日本の住宅保険は地震を補償しますか？"},"answer":{"en":"No — standard fire insurance (火災保険) excludes earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance (地震保険) is a separate, government-backed rider you add to a fire policy, and its payout is capped at a share of the building/contents value (commonly 30–50%). Given Japan’s seismic risk it is worth considering, especially for owners, but understand that it is designed to help you restart life, not fully rebuild. Check limits and exclusions on the policy.","ja":"いいえ。通常の火災保険は地震による損害を対象外とします。地震保険は、火災保険に付帯する別建ての政府関与の特約で、保険金は建物・家財の評価額の一定割合（一般に30〜50%）が上限です。日本の地震リスクを考えると、特に持ち家では検討に値しますが、完全な再建ではなく生活再建の支えとして設計されている点を理解しましょう。上限と免責を証券で確認を。"},"sources":["caa-insurance"],"personas":["family"]},{"id":"insurance-foreigner","cluster":"insurance","question":{"en":"Can foreign residents get private insurance in Japan?","ja":"外国人居住者でも日本で民間保険に入れますか？"},"answer":{"en":"Yes. Residents can generally buy private life, medical, auto, and home insurance; some insurers offer English-language support and applications. Public health and pension enrollment is mandatory regardless of nationality. The practical hurdles are usually language and understanding what public cover already provides. Compare the specific gap you want to fill, and confirm English support and terms with the insurer.","ja":"はい。居住者は一般に、民間の生命・医療・自動車・住宅保険に加入できます。英語対応や英語での申込を提供する保険会社もあります。公的な健康保険・年金への加入は国籍を問わず義務です。実務上の壁は主に言語と、公的保障で既にカバーされる範囲の理解です。埋めたい具体的な不足を比較し、英語対応や条件を保険会社に確認しましょう。"},"sources":["mhlw-insurance"],"personas":["newcomer"]},{"id":"loan-mortgage-no-pr","cluster":"loans","question":{"en":"Can I get a mortgage in Japan without permanent residency?","ja":"永住権なしでも日本で住宅ローンは組めますか？"},"answer":{"en":"It is harder but possible. Many banks strongly prefer permanent residency; without it you may face a larger required down payment, a Japanese spouse guarantor, or rejection at some lenders. Flat 35, offered via the Japan Housing Finance Agency, is more rules-based and does not always require PR, making it a common route for non-PR residents. Stable long-term employment and income are decisive. Terms vary widely by bank, so compare several.","ja":"難しくはなりますが可能です。多くの銀行は永住権を強く重視し、ない場合は頭金の増額・日本人配偶者の連帯保証・一部での否決に直面し得ます。住宅金融支援機構のフラット35は基準が明確で永住権を必ずしも求めないため、非永住者にはよく使われる選択肢です。安定した長期雇用と収入が決め手になります。条件は銀行差が大きいため複数比較を。"},"sources":["jhf-flat35"],"personas":["newcomer"]},{"id":"loan-fixed-vs-floating","cluster":"loans","question":{"en":"Fixed or floating mortgage rate in Japan — which is better?","ja":"日本の住宅ローンは固定と変動、どちらが良い？"},"answer":{"en":"There is no universal answer. Floating rates (変動) have been lower and reduce early payments but can rise, increasing your payment later. Fixed rates (固定, including Flat 35) cost more now but lock certainty for the term, protecting you if rates rise. Choose based on how much payment-increase risk you can absorb: if a rate rise would strain your budget, the certainty of fixed can be worth the premium. Model both before deciding.","ja":"万能の正解はありません。変動金利は水準が低く当初の返済を抑えますが、上昇すれば将来の返済が増えます。固定金利（フラット35を含む）は今のコストは高めでも、期間中の安心を固定し、金利上昇に備えられます。返済増をどれだけ吸収できるかで選びましょう。上昇が家計を圧迫するなら、固定の安心は上乗せ分に見合います。決める前に両方を試算しましょう。"},"sources":["jhf-flat35"],"personas":[]},{"id":"loan-closing-costs","cluster":"loans","question":{"en":"What are the closing costs when buying property in Japan?","ja":"日本で不動産を買うときの諸費用は？"},"answer":{"en":"Beyond the down payment, budget roughly 6–10% of the price for closing costs (諸費用): the agent’s brokerage fee, registration and judicial-scrivener fees, loan guarantee and administration fees, stamp duty, acquisition and property taxes, and fire/earthquake insurance. New-build and pre-owned costs differ. These are easy to underestimate, so get an itemized estimate before committing.","ja":"頭金に加えて、価格のおよそ6〜10%を諸費用として見込みましょう。仲介手数料、登記・司法書士費用、ローン保証料・事務手数料、印紙税、不動産取得税・固定資産税、火災・地震保険などです。新築と中古で費用は異なります。見落としやすいため、契約前に項目別の見積もりを取りましょう。"},"sources":["mlit-land"],"personas":[]},{"id":"loan-rent-vs-buy","cluster":"loans","question":{"en":"Is it better to rent or buy in Japan?","ja":"日本では賃貸と購入、どちらが良い？"},"answer":{"en":"It depends on how long you will stay, your job stability, and the specific property. Unlike some countries, many Japanese homes — especially older wooden houses — depreciate, and resale can be slow outside prime areas, so buying is not automatically wealth-building. Renting keeps you flexible, which matters if you might move or leave Japan. Buying can make sense for long-term residents wanting stability who have modeled the full cost and resale risk. Treat a home as shelter first.","ja":"滞在期間・職の安定・物件次第です。日本では、特に古い木造住宅など多くの住宅が減価し、優良地以外では売却も遅くなり得るため、購入が自動的に資産形成になるとは限りません。賃貸は柔軟で、転居や出国の可能性がある人に向きます。購入は、総コストと売却リスクを試算した、安定を求める長期居住者に向くことがあります。まず住まいと捉えましょう。"},"sources":["mlit-land"],"personas":[]},{"id":"loan-credit-record","cluster":"loans","question":{"en":"How do I check my credit record in Japan before applying?","ja":"申込前に日本の信用情報を確認するには？"},"answer":{"en":"Japan has credit information agencies — CIC (cards and installment), JICC, and the bank association’s KSC. You can request your own disclosure from each, usually online or by mail for a small fee. It shows your cards, loans, and any late payments (異動 marks). Checking before a mortgage application helps you spot and resolve problems — like a forgotten missed payment — that could otherwise cause a rejection.","ja":"日本には信用情報機関があります。CIC（カード・割賦）、JICC、銀行系のKSCです。各機関に自分の情報の開示を請求でき、多くはオンラインや郵送で少額の手数料で確認できます。カード・ローンや延滞（異動情報）が表示されます。住宅ローン申込前に確認すると、忘れていた延滞など否決の原因になり得る問題を早く見つけて対処できます。"},"sources":["cic-credit","jicc-credit"],"personas":[]},{"id":"remit-cheapest","cluster":"remittance","question":{"en":"What is the cheapest way to send money out of Japan?","ja":"日本から海外送金する一番安い方法は？"},"answer":{"en":"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.","ja":"多くの個人送金では、WiseやRevolutなどの専門サービスが従来の銀行送金より安いことが多いです。隠れた為替マージンではなく、仲値と明示的な手数料を使うためです。最安は金額・通貨・送金先で変わるため、宣伝される手数料ではなく、受取人が最終的に受け取る金額で比較しましょう。大口では上限や報告も確認を。"},"sources":["wise","revolut-jp"],"personas":[]},{"id":"remit-hidden-fees","cluster":"remittance","question":{"en":"Why do international transfers cost more than the stated fee?","ja":"海外送金が表示手数料より高くつくのはなぜ？"},"answer":{"en":"The visible transfer fee is often the small part. The bigger cost is the exchange-rate markup — the gap between the rate you are given and the real mid-market rate — which is invisible unless you compare. Bank wires can also add SWIFT charges and intermediary-bank fees deducted along the way. Always compare the total recipient amount against the mid-market rate to see the true cost.","ja":"見える送金手数料は小さい部分であることが多いです。より大きいのは為替マージン、つまり提示レートと本当の仲値との差で、比較しないと見えません。銀行送金では、途中でSWIFTや中継銀行の手数料が差し引かれることもあります。真のコストを知るには、受取総額を仲値と比較しましょう。"},"sources":["boj-payments"],"personas":[]},{"id":"remit-large-transfer","cluster":"remittance","question":{"en":"Are there limits or reporting on large international transfers in Japan?","ja":"日本で大口の海外送金に上限や報告はありますか？"},"answer":{"en":"Yes. Banks and services apply their own transfer limits and may require documentation (source of funds, purpose) for large amounts. Transfers at or above a regulatory threshold are reported to authorities, and large or unusual movements can prompt anti-money-laundering questions. There can also be tax angles — gifts, overseas income, or asset movement. For significant sums, confirm the provider’s limits and consider tax advice before sending.","ja":"あります。銀行やサービスは独自の送金上限を設け、大口では資金源・目的の書類を求めることがあります。規制上の基準額以上の送金は当局へ報告され、大口・異常な移動はマネロン対策の確認を招くことがあります。贈与・海外所得・資産移動など税務の論点も生じ得ます。多額の場合は、提供元の上限を確認し、送金前に税務相談も検討しましょう。"},"sources":["boj-payments","nta-individual"],"personas":[]},{"id":"remit-overseas-income","cluster":"remittance","question":{"en":"Is money I receive from abroad taxable in Japan?","ja":"海外から受け取るお金は日本で課税されますか？"},"answer":{"en":"It depends on what it is and your tax residency. Foreign salary or business income can be taxable, and for non-permanent residents even foreign-source income becomes taxable to the extent it is paid in or remitted to Japan. Gifts and inheritances have their own rules. Simply receiving your own savings is different from receiving income. Because this is fact-specific, confirm with the NTA or a tax accountant rather than assuming it is tax-free.","ja":"内容と税務上の居住者区分によります。海外の給与や事業所得は課税され得ますし、非永住者でも国外源泉所得は日本での支払い・送金分の範囲で課税対象になります。贈与や相続には別のルールがあります。自分の貯蓄を受け取ることと、所得を受け取ることは異なります。事実関係次第のため、非課税と決めつけず国税庁や税理士で確認しましょう。"},"sources":["nta-individual"],"personas":["us-person"]},{"id":"remit-multicurrency","cluster":"remittance","question":{"en":"Should I use a multi-currency account like Wise or Revolut?","ja":"WiseやRevolutのようなマルチカレンシー口座を使うべき？"},"answer":{"en":"They are useful if you regularly deal in more than one currency — holding balances, spending abroad, or receiving foreign payments — because they cut FX markups and let you convert at good rates. They are not full replacements for a Japanese bank account (you still need one for salary, rent auto-pay, and many domestic services). Many residents use them alongside a local bank. Check current fees, limits, and deposit protection.","ja":"複数通貨を日常的に扱う人（残高保有・海外での利用・外貨受取）には便利で、為替マージンを抑え良いレートで両替できます。ただし日本の銀行口座の完全な代替ではありません（給与・家賃の口座振替・多くの国内サービスには国内口座が必要）。国内銀行と併用する人が多いです。最新の手数料・上限・預金保護を確認しましょう。"},"sources":["wise","revolut-jp"],"personas":[]},{"id":"points-which-ecosystem","cluster":"points","question":{"en":"Which point ecosystem should I choose in Japan?","ja":"日本ではどのポイント経済圏を選ぶべき？"},"answer":{"en":"Pick the one that matches where you already spend and bank. If you shop on Rakuten and use Rakuten Bank/Card, the Rakuten ecosystem compounds; if you use docomo, d POINT fits; PayPay suits heavy code-payment and Yahoo/SoftBank users; V POINT ties to SMBC. Concentrating on one strong ecosystem beats spreading thin across several, because bonuses stack when your card, payments, and shopping align.","ja":"すでに買い物・銀行で使っている経済圏を選びましょう。楽天で買い物し楽天銀行・カードを使うなら楽天経済圏が積み上がり、ドコモならdポイント、コード決済やYahoo/ソフトバンク中心ならPayPay、SMBC系ならVポイントが合います。カード・決済・買い物がそろうと特典が重なるため、複数に薄く広げるより1つの強い経済圏に集中する方が有利です。"},"sources":[],"personas":[]},{"id":"points-value","cluster":"points","question":{"en":"How much is a point actually worth in Japan?","ja":"日本でポイントの実際の価値はどれくらい？"},"answer":{"en":"Most major points (Rakuten, PayPay, d, V) are worth about ¥1 each when spent on everyday purchases, which makes them easy to value. Some points are worth more when converted to airline miles under the right redemption, and less when locked to a single store or close to expiry. As a rule, treat ¥1 as the baseline and be skeptical of “inflated” valuations that assume perfect redemption.","ja":"主要ポイント（楽天・PayPay・d・V）は日常の支払いに使えば1ポイント約1円で、価値を見積もりやすいです。条件の良い交換でマイルにすると価値が上がることもあり、特定店限定や期限間際だと下がります。基本は1円を目安にし、完璧な交換を前提とした「割高」な価値評価には慎重になりましょう。"},"sources":[],"personas":[]},{"id":"points-expiry","cluster":"points","question":{"en":"Do points expire in Japan, and how do I avoid losing them?","ja":"日本のポイントは失効する？失わないコツは？"},"answer":{"en":"Many do. Some points expire a fixed period after earning; others (like campaign or “limited-time” points) expire much sooner than regular points. To avoid losing them, concentrate on one ecosystem so balances stay active, spend limited-time points quickly on everyday items, and check the expiry rules in the app. Do not spend more just to “use up” points — that defeats the purpose.","ja":"多くは失効します。獲得から一定期間で失効するものや、キャンペーンの「期間限定ポイント」のように通常より早く失効するものがあります。失わないコツは、1つの経済圏に集中して残高を活性化させ、期間限定ポイントは日用品で早めに使い、アプリで失効ルールを確認することです。使い切るために余計に使うのは本末転倒です。"},"sources":[],"personas":[]},{"id":"points-paypay-vs-rakuten","cluster":"points","question":{"en":"PayPay or Rakuten — which is better for everyday spending?","ja":"PayPayと楽天、日常使いはどちらが良い？"},"answer":{"en":"They suit different lives. PayPay is a QR-code payment app accepted at huge numbers of small shops and convenience stores, great for on-the-spot everyday spending and Yahoo/SoftBank users. Rakuten is a broader ecosystem (shopping, bank, card, mobile, securities) that rewards consolidating your spending online and across services. If your spending is mostly in-person and small, PayPay is convenient; if you buy online and want compounding across services, Rakuten tends to reward loyalty more.","ja":"向く生活が異なります。PayPayはQRコード決済アプリで、多数の小規模店やコンビニで使え、その場の日常支払いやYahoo/ソフトバンク利用者に向きます。楽天は買い物・銀行・カード・モバイル・証券にまたがる広い経済圏で、支出を集約するほど報われます。対面の少額中心ならPayPayが便利、ネット購入が多くサービス横断の積み上げを狙うなら楽天が忠誠に報いがちです。"},"sources":[],"personas":[]},{"id":"crypto-registered","cluster":"crypto","question":{"en":"Which crypto exchanges are legal to use in Japan?","ja":"日本で合法的に使える暗号資産取引所は？"},"answer":{"en":"Only exchanges registered with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and belonging to the JVCEA may legally serve residents of Japan — examples include bitFlyer, bitbank, and Coincheck. Using an unregistered offshore exchange means you lose Japanese legal and consumer protections and can complicate tax and withdrawals. Always confirm an exchange is on the FSA’s registered list before depositing funds.","ja":"居住者に合法的にサービスを提供できるのは、金融庁に登録しJVCEAに加盟する取引所だけです（bitFlyer、bitbank、Coincheckなど）。未登録の海外取引所の利用は、日本の法的・消費者保護を失い、税務や出金を複雑にします。入金前に、金融庁の登録一覧に載っているか必ず確認しましょう。"},"sources":["fsa-registry","jvcea"],"personas":["investor"]},{"id":"crypto-tax","cluster":"crypto","question":{"en":"How much tax do I pay on crypto profits in Japan?","ja":"日本で暗号資産の利益にはどれくらい税金がかかる？"},"answer":{"en":"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.","ja":"暗号資産の利益は雑所得として、所得税の累進税率＋住民税で課税され、最上位では合計約55%に達し得ます。上場株式の約20%を大きく上回ります。特別な低税率はなく、株式と違いNISAの非課税もありません。円への売却・暗号資産同士の交換・暗号資産での支払いなど、あらゆる処分が課税対象のため、全取引で損益計算が必要です。記録を徹底し、活発に取引するなら税理士を検討しましょう。"},"sources":["nta-crypto"],"personas":["investor"]},{"id":"crypto-record","cluster":"crypto","question":{"en":"How do I keep crypto tax records in Japan?","ja":"日本で暗号資産の税務記録はどう残す？"},"answer":{"en":"Record every transaction with date, type (buy/sell/swap/spend), amounts, the yen value at the time, and fees, because Japan taxes each disposal and you must compute cost basis (commonly the moving-average or total-average method). Exchange CSV exports plus crypto tax-calculation tools help consolidate activity across platforms. Good records are essential if you are ever asked to substantiate your filing.","ja":"取引ごとに、日付・種類（購入/売却/交換/支払い）・数量・その時点の円換算額・手数料を記録しましょう。日本は各処分に課税し、取得原価の計算（一般に移動平均法または総平均法）が必要だからです。取引所のCSV出力と暗号資産の税計算ツールを使うと、複数プラットフォームの取引を集約できます。申告の裏付けを求められた場合に備え、正確な記録が不可欠です。"},"sources":["nta-crypto"],"personas":["investor"]},{"id":"crypto-fx-leverage","cluster":"crypto","question":{"en":"How does FX (margin) leverage work for retail traders in Japan?","ja":"日本の個人向けFXのレバレッジはどう機能する？"},"answer":{"en":"Domestic retail FX leverage is capped by regulation, commonly at 25x, which limits how large a position your deposit can control. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses, and sharp moves can trigger margin calls or losses beyond your deposit. FX is high-risk and unsuitable for money you cannot lose. Watch for unregulated offshore brokers offering much higher leverage — they remove your protections and are often used in scams.","ja":"国内の個人向けFXのレバレッジは規制で上限があり、一般に25倍です。これにより、預託金で持てるポジションの大きさが制限されます。レバレッジは利益も損失も拡大し、急変動では追証や預託金を超える損失を招くことがあります。FXは高リスクで、失って困るお金には不向きです。はるかに高いレバレッジを掲げる無登録の海外業者に注意しましょう。保護を失い、詐欺に使われがちです。"},"sources":["fsa-registry"],"personas":["investor"]}],"products":[{"slug":"sony-bank","name":"Sony Bank","reading":"ソニー銀行","provider":"Sony Bank","kind":"service","cluster":"banking","category":{"en":"Online bank","ja":"ネット銀行"},"description":{"en":"An online bank popular with residents who want strong foreign-currency features, a well-regarded app, and comparatively English-friendly service.","ja":"外貨機能に強く、評価の高いアプリと比較的英語に親しみやすいサービスで、居住者に人気のネット銀行。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Multi-currency accounts and a debit card with competitive FX","Well-rated app and online-first experience","No-fee ATM and transfer allowances depending on account tier"],"ja":["マルチカレンシー口座と為替に強いデビットカード","評価の高いアプリとオンライン中心の体験","口座ランクに応じたATM・振込の無料枠"]},"considerations":{"en":["No physical branches for in-person service","Some official documentation is Japanese-first"],"ja":["対面窓口となる店舗はない","一部の公式書類は日本語が中心"]},"fees":{"en":"No monthly account fee; ATM/transfer fees depend on tier — verify current schedule.","ja":"口座維持費は無料。ATM・振込手数料はランクにより異なる（最新の手数料表を要確認）。"},"url":"https://moneykit.net/","sources":["sony-bank"],"verified":true},{"slug":"smbc-prestia","name":"SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA","reading":"プレスティア","provider":"SMBC Trust Bank","kind":"service","cluster":"banking","category":{"en":"Bank (English support)","ja":"銀行（英語対応）"},"description":{"en":"The bank most often recommended for English-language service, multi-currency accounts, and international needs, aimed at globally minded residents.","ja":"英語対応・マルチカレンシー口座・国際的なニーズで最も推薦されがちな、国際志向の居住者向けの銀行。"},"englishSupport":"yes","highlights":{"en":["End-to-end English support and documentation","Multi-currency and foreign-remittance features","Branch and phone support in English"],"ja":["英語での一貫したサポートと書類","マルチカレンシー・海外送金の機能","英語での店舗・電話サポート"]},"considerations":{"en":["Fees can be higher; some are waived above balance thresholds","Positioned as a premium/international bank"],"ja":["手数料は高めのことがあり、一部は残高条件で無料化","プレミアム/国際型の位置づけ"]},"fees":{"en":"Account and transfer fees vary; balance-based fee waivers apply — verify current schedule.","ja":"口座・振込手数料は変動し、残高に応じた無料化がある（最新の手数料表を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","sources":["smbc-prestia"],"verified":true},{"slug":"rakuten-bank","name":"Rakuten Bank","reading":"楽天銀行","provider":"Rakuten Bank","kind":"service","cluster":"banking","category":{"en":"Online bank","ja":"ネット銀行"},"description":{"en":"Japan’s large online bank, tightly integrated with the Rakuten ecosystem (card, points, securities) and popular for everyday banking.","ja":"楽天経済圏（カード・ポイント・証券）と密に連携した大手ネット銀行で、日常使いに人気。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Deep Rakuten points and ecosystem integration","Fee waivers and point earning based on account rank","Smooth linking to Rakuten Securities for investing"],"ja":["楽天ポイント・経済圏との深い連携","口座ランクに応じた手数料無料・ポイント付与","楽天証券との連携がスムーズ"]},"considerations":{"en":["English support is partial","Benefits are strongest if you use other Rakuten services"],"ja":["英語対応は一部","他の楽天サービスを使うほど利点が大きい"]},"fees":{"en":"No monthly fee; ATM/transfer fees depend on account rank — verify current schedule.","ja":"口座維持費は無料。ATM・振込手数料は会員ランクにより異なる（最新の手数料表を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/","sources":["rakuten-bank"],"verified":true},{"slug":"shinsei-bank","name":"SBI Shinsei Bank","reading":"SBI新生銀行","provider":"SBI Shinsei Bank","kind":"service","cluster":"banking","category":{"en":"Bank","ja":"銀行"},"description":{"en":"A bank historically noted for some English support and foreign-currency services, now part of the SBI group.","ja":"かつて英語対応や外貨サービスで知られ、現在はSBIグループに属する銀行。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Some English online banking and support","Foreign-currency deposits and remittance options","Tiered benefits program"],"ja":["一部英語のネットバンキングとサポート","外貨預金・送金の選択肢","ステージ制の優遇プログラム"]},"considerations":{"en":["Terms and English coverage have changed over time — verify current state","Feature set varies by program tier"],"ja":["条件や英語対応は時期により変化（現状を要確認）","機能はステージにより異なる"]},"fees":{"en":"Fees depend on program tier — verify current schedule.","ja":"手数料はステージにより異なる（最新の手数料表を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.sbishinseibank.co.jp/","sources":["shinsei-bank"],"verified":true},{"slug":"japan-post-bank","name":"Japan Post Bank","reading":"ゆうちょ銀行","provider":"Japan Post Bank","kind":"service","cluster":"banking","category":{"en":"Bank (nationwide)","ja":"銀行（全国）"},"description":{"en":"A bank with the widest branch and ATM network in Japan, often accessible for new residents and useful in rural areas.","ja":"日本で最も広い店舗・ATM網を持つ銀行。新規居住者にも開設しやすく、地方でも使いやすい。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Nationwide branches and ATMs, including rural areas","Often accessible for newcomers","Familiar for pension and government-related transfers"],"ja":["地方を含む全国の店舗・ATM","新規居住者でも開設しやすい","年金・公的な振込に馴染みがある"]},"considerations":{"en":["App and digital experience are more traditional","Limited English at many branches"],"ja":["アプリやデジタル体験は従来型","多くの店舗で英語対応は限定的"]},"fees":{"en":"Basic account has no monthly fee; some transfer/ATM fees apply — verify current schedule.","ja":"基本口座は口座維持費無料。一部の振込・ATM手数料あり（最新の手数料表を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/","sources":["yucho"],"verified":true},{"slug":"rakuten-card","name":"Rakuten Card","reading":"楽天カード","provider":"Rakuten Card","kind":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","category":{"en":"No-annual-fee credit card","ja":"年会費無料クレジットカード"},"description":{"en":"A widely held no-annual-fee card known for accessible approval and strong Rakuten point earning, often chosen as a first card.","ja":"審査が通りやすく楽天ポイントに強い、年会費無料の定番カード。最初の1枚に選ばれがち。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["No annual fee","Strong Rakuten point earning across the ecosystem","Commonly accessible approval for residents"],"ja":["年会費無料","楽天経済圏での高いポイント付与","居住者に通りやすい審査"]},"considerations":{"en":["Watch for revolving-payment (リボ) prompts during signup","Point value is highest inside the Rakuten ecosystem"],"ja":["申込時のリボ払いの案内に注意","ポイント価値は楽天経済圏内で最大"]},"fees":{"en":"No annual fee; interest applies only if you use revolving or installment payments.","ja":"年会費無料。利息はリボ・分割払いを使う場合のみ発生。"},"url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","sources":["rakuten-card"],"verified":true},{"slug":"epos-card","name":"Epos Card","reading":"エポスカード","provider":"Marui (Epos)","kind":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","category":{"en":"No-annual-fee credit card","ja":"年会費無料クレジットカード"},"description":{"en":"A no-annual-fee card from Marui, known for instant in-store issuance and useful discounts, and often accessible for newer residents.","ja":"マルイの年会費無料カード。店頭即日発行と割引特典で知られ、新規居住者にも作りやすいことが多い。"},"englishSupport":"no","highlights":{"en":["No annual fee","Instant issuance at Marui stores","Discounts at partner venues and periodic sales"],"ja":["年会費無料","マルイ店頭での即日発行","提携店の割引・定期セール"]},"considerations":{"en":["Interface and support are Japanese-first","Rewards suit those who use partner merchants"],"ja":["画面やサポートは日本語中心","提携店を使う人に向く特典"]},"fees":{"en":"No annual fee for the base card; interest only on revolving/installment use.","ja":"基本カードは年会費無料。利息はリボ・分割の利用時のみ。"},"url":"https://www.eposcard.co.jp/","sources":["epos-card"],"verified":true},{"slug":"amex-jp","name":"American Express (Japan)","reading":"アメックス","provider":"American Express","kind":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","category":{"en":"Annual-fee rewards card","ja":"年会費ありの特典カード"},"description":{"en":"Annual-fee cards offering travel benefits, insurance, and membership rewards, with English-language support — worthwhile if you use the perks.","ja":"旅行特典・保険・メンバーシップ特典と英語サポートを備えた年会費ありのカード。特典を使うなら価値がある。"},"englishSupport":"yes","highlights":{"en":["English-language service and application","Travel insurance and airport-lounge access on eligible cards","Transferable membership rewards points"],"ja":["英語でのサービス・申込","対象カードで旅行保険・空港ラウンジ","交換可能なメンバーシップ・リワード"]},"considerations":{"en":["Annual fees can be significant — justify with actual usage","Acceptance is narrower than Visa/Mastercard at small merchants"],"ja":["年会費が高めのことがあり、実利用で見合うか判断","小規模店での受け入れはVisa/Masterより狭い"]},"fees":{"en":"Annual fee varies by card tier — compare against the benefits you will use.","ja":"年会費はカードのランクにより異なる（使う特典と比較を）。"},"url":"https://www.americanexpress.com/ja-jp/","sources":["amex-jp"],"verified":true},{"slug":"rakuten-securities","name":"Rakuten Securities","reading":"楽天証券","provider":"Rakuten Securities","kind":"service","cluster":"investing","category":{"en":"Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo)","ja":"証券会社（NISA・iDeCo）"},"description":{"en":"A leading low-cost brokerage for NISA and index-fund investing, integrated with Rakuten points and Rakuten Bank.","ja":"NISAやインデックス投資に強い大手の低コスト証券。楽天ポイント・楽天銀行と連携。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Broad low-cost index fund and ETF lineup","NISA and iDeCo support","Point integration and easy Rakuten Bank linking"],"ja":["幅広い低コストのインデックス投信・ETF","NISA・iDeCoに対応","ポイント連携と楽天銀行との簡単な連携"]},"considerations":{"en":["Interface is Japanese-first","Point-program terms change periodically"],"ja":["画面は日本語中心","ポイントプログラムの条件は随時変更"]},"fees":{"en":"Many domestic funds and trades are low- or no-commission — verify current fee schedule.","ja":"多くの国内投信・取引が低〜無手数料（最新の手数料体系を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/","sources":["rakuten-sec","fsa-registry"],"verified":true},{"slug":"sbi-securities","name":"SBI Securities","reading":"SBI証券","provider":"SBI Securities","kind":"service","cluster":"investing","category":{"en":"Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo)","ja":"証券会社（NISA・iDeCo）"},"description":{"en":"Japan’s largest online brokerage by accounts, with a very broad low-cost fund lineup and full NISA/iDeCo support.","ja":"口座数で国内最大級のネット証券。非常に幅広い低コスト投信とNISA・iDeCoに対応。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Extensive low-cost fund and ETF selection","NISA and iDeCo support","Multiple point-program options"],"ja":["豊富な低コスト投信・ETF","NISA・iDeCoに対応","複数のポイントプログラムから選択"]},"considerations":{"en":["Interface is Japanese-first and feature-dense","Choosing among options can be complex for beginners"],"ja":["画面は日本語中心で機能が多い","選択肢が多く初心者には複雑なことも"]},"fees":{"en":"Many trades and funds are low- or no-commission — verify current fee schedule.","ja":"多くの取引・投信が低〜無手数料（最新の手数料体系を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.sbisec.co.jp/","sources":["sbi-sec","fsa-registry"],"verified":true},{"slug":"monex","name":"Monex Securities","reading":"マネックス証券","provider":"Monex","kind":"service","cluster":"investing","category":{"en":"Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo)","ja":"証券会社（NISA・iDeCo）"},"description":{"en":"An established online brokerage often chosen for US-stock access and research tools, with NISA and iDeCo support.","ja":"米国株のアクセスや分析ツールで選ばれることが多い老舗ネット証券。NISA・iDeCoに対応。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Strong US-stock lineup and research tools","NISA and iDeCo support","Point-program options"],"ja":["米国株のラインナップと分析ツールが充実","NISA・iDeCoに対応","ポイントプログラムあり"]},"considerations":{"en":["Interface is Japanese-first","Compare fund fees against other major brokerages"],"ja":["画面は日本語中心","投信の手数料は他の大手と比較を"]},"fees":{"en":"Commissions vary by product; some funds/trades are low-cost — verify current schedule.","ja":"手数料は商品により異なり、一部は低コスト（最新の体系を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.monex.co.jp/","sources":["monex","fsa-registry"],"verified":true},{"slug":"freee","name":"freee","reading":"フリー","provider":"freee K.K.","kind":"service","cluster":"freelancers","category":{"en":"Cloud accounting software","ja":"クラウド会計ソフト"},"description":{"en":"Beginner-friendly cloud accounting built around guided workflows, popular with sole proprietors for blue-return filing and e-Tax.","ja":"案内に沿って進める設計で初心者に優しいクラウド会計。青色申告やe-Taxで個人事業主に人気。"},"englishSupport":"no","highlights":{"en":["Guided, question-based bookkeeping for beginners","Bank/card auto-import and blue-return output","Invoice-system and e-Tax support"],"ja":["質問形式で進める初心者向け記帳","銀行・カードの自動取込と青色申告出力","インボイス制度・e-Taxに対応"]},"considerations":{"en":["Interface is Japanese-only","Subscription cost scales with plan and features"],"ja":["画面は日本語のみ","料金はプラン・機能により変動"]},"fees":{"en":"Subscription plans (monthly/annual) vary by tier — verify current pricing.","ja":"サブスク（月額/年額）でプランにより異なる（最新の料金を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.freee.co.jp/","sources":["freee"],"verified":true},{"slug":"money-forward-cloud","name":"Money Forward Cloud","reading":"マネーフォワード クラウド","provider":"Money Forward","kind":"service","cluster":"freelancers","category":{"en":"Cloud accounting software","ja":"クラウド会計ソフト"},"description":{"en":"Cloud accounting with strong automation and integrations, popular with freelancers and small companies that value flexible bookkeeping.","ja":"自動化と連携に強いクラウド会計。柔軟な記帳を重視するフリーランス・小規模法人に人気。"},"englishSupport":"no","highlights":{"en":["Extensive bank/card/service integrations","Flexible bookkeeping suited to growing businesses","Invoice-system and e-Tax support"],"ja":["銀行・カード・サービスとの豊富な連携","成長する事業に合う柔軟な記帳","インボイス制度・e-Taxに対応"]},"considerations":{"en":["Interface is Japanese-only","More flexibility can mean a steeper start than fully guided tools"],"ja":["画面は日本語のみ","柔軟な分、完全ガイド型より最初は難しいことも"]},"fees":{"en":"Subscription plans vary by tier — verify current pricing.","ja":"サブスクでプランにより異なる（最新の料金を要確認）。"},"url":"https://biz.moneyforward.com/","sources":["mf-cloud"],"verified":true},{"slug":"yayoi","name":"Yayoi","reading":"弥生","provider":"Yayoi K.K.","kind":"service","cluster":"freelancers","category":{"en":"Accounting software","ja":"会計ソフト"},"description":{"en":"A long-established accounting-software brand with desktop and cloud options, widely used and supported by tax professionals.","ja":"デスクトップとクラウドを持つ老舗会計ソフト。広く使われ、税理士のサポートも多い。"},"englishSupport":"no","highlights":{"en":["Long track record and wide professional familiarity","Desktop and cloud options","Blue-return and e-Tax support"],"ja":["長い実績と専門家の高い習熟","デスクトップとクラウドの選択肢","青色申告・e-Taxに対応"]},"considerations":{"en":["Interface is Japanese-only","Desktop products differ from cloud in workflow"],"ja":["画面は日本語のみ","デスクトップ製品はクラウドと操作が異なる"]},"fees":{"en":"Desktop license or cloud subscription depending on product — verify current pricing.","ja":"製品によりデスクトップ版のライセンスかクラウドのサブスク（最新の料金を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.yayoi-kk.co.jp/","sources":["yayoi"],"verified":true},{"slug":"flat-35","name":"Flat 35","reading":"フラット35","provider":"Japan Housing Finance Agency","kind":"product","cluster":"loans","category":{"en":"Fixed-rate mortgage","ja":"固定金利住宅ローン"},"description":{"en":"A long-term fixed-rate mortgage program backed by the Japan Housing Finance Agency, offered via partner lenders and often accessible without permanent residency.","ja":"住宅金融支援機構が支える長期固定金利の住宅ローン。提携金融機関経由で提供され、永住権なしでも利用しやすいことが多い。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["Long-term fixed rate for payment certainty","Rules-based eligibility via many partner lenders","Often accessible to residents without permanent residency"],"ja":["長期固定で返済が安定","多数の提携金融機関による基準明確な審査","永住権がない居住者でも利用しやすいことが多い"]},"considerations":{"en":["Property must meet technical standards for eligibility","Fixed rate can be higher than current floating rates"],"ja":["対象は技術基準を満たす物件に限られる","固定金利は足元の変動金利より高いことがある"]},"fees":{"en":"Rate and fees vary by lender and loan-to-value — verify current terms.","ja":"金利・手数料は金融機関や融資率により異なる（最新条件を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.flat35.com/","sources":["jhf-flat35"],"verified":true},{"slug":"wise","name":"Wise","provider":"Wise","kind":"service","cluster":"remittance","category":{"en":"International transfers","ja":"海外送金"},"description":{"en":"A licensed money-transfer service that uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent, upfront fee — often cheaper than bank wires for personal transfers.","ja":"仲値と明示的な手数料で送金する登録済みの送金サービス。個人送金では銀行送金より安いことが多い。"},"englishSupport":"yes","highlights":{"en":["Mid-market exchange rate with a visible fee","Multi-currency account and debit card","Clear estimate of the recipient amount before sending"],"ja":["仲値と明示的な手数料","マルチカレンシー口座とデビットカード","送金前に受取額を明確に提示"]},"considerations":{"en":["Transfer limits and verification apply to large amounts","Not a substitute for a Japanese bank account"],"ja":["大口には送金上限・本人確認あり","日本の銀行口座の代替にはならない"]},"fees":{"en":"Transparent per-transfer fee plus mid-market rate — compare the recipient amount.","ja":"送金ごとの明示手数料＋仲値（受取額で比較を）。"},"url":"https://wise.com/jp/","sources":["wise"],"verified":true},{"slug":"revolut","name":"Revolut","reading":"レボリュート","provider":"Revolut","kind":"service","cluster":"remittance","category":{"en":"Multi-currency account","ja":"マルチカレンシー口座"},"description":{"en":"A multi-currency app account with a card and fee allowances for currency exchange, useful for people who spend or hold multiple currencies.","ja":"カードと両替の手数料枠を備えたアプリ型のマルチカレンシー口座。複数通貨を使う・持つ人に便利。"},"englishSupport":"yes","highlights":{"en":["Hold and exchange multiple currencies in-app","Card spending abroad with competitive FX","English-language app and support"],"ja":["アプリ内で複数通貨を保有・両替","海外での有利な為替でのカード利用","英語のアプリとサポート"]},"considerations":{"en":["Free FX allowances and weekend markups vary by plan","Feature availability differs by region and plan"],"ja":["無料両替枠や週末マージンはプランにより異なる","機能は地域・プランで異なる"]},"fees":{"en":"Plan-based; free FX up to allowances, then a fee — verify current terms.","ja":"プラン制。無料枠までは両替無料、以降は手数料（最新条件を要確認）。"},"url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","sources":["revolut-jp"],"verified":true},{"slug":"bitflyer","name":"bitFlyer","provider":"bitFlyer","kind":"service","cluster":"crypto","category":{"en":"Registered crypto exchange","ja":"登録済み暗号資産取引所"},"description":{"en":"An FSA-registered, JVCEA-member crypto exchange serving Japanese residents, commonly cited for a long operating history.","ja":"金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の暗号資産取引所で、居住者向け。運営実績の長さでよく挙げられる。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["FSA-registered and JVCEA member","Established operating track record","Standard buy/sell and exchange functions"],"ja":["金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟","確立した運営実績","標準的な売買・取引機能"]},"considerations":{"en":["Crypto gains are taxed heavily as miscellaneous income","Spreads and fees vary by order type — compare before trading"],"ja":["暗号資産の利益は雑所得として重く課税","スプレッド・手数料は注文方法で異なる（取引前に比較を）"]},"fees":{"en":"Trading fees and spreads vary by product and order type — verify current schedule.","ja":"取引手数料・スプレッドは商品・注文方法により異なる（最新の体系を要確認）。"},"url":"https://bitflyer.com/","sources":["bitflyer","jvcea","fsa-registry"],"verified":true},{"slug":"bitbank","name":"bitbank","provider":"bitbank","kind":"service","cluster":"crypto","category":{"en":"Registered crypto exchange","ja":"登録済み暗号資産取引所"},"description":{"en":"An FSA-registered, JVCEA-member crypto exchange serving Japanese residents, often noted for its trading interface.","ja":"金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の暗号資産取引所で、居住者向け。取引画面で言及されることが多い。"},"englishSupport":"partial","highlights":{"en":["FSA-registered and JVCEA member","Order-book trading for multiple assets","Established Japanese exchange"],"ja":["金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟","複数銘柄の板取引","実績ある国内取引所"]},"considerations":{"en":["Crypto gains are taxed heavily as miscellaneous income","Compare fees and spreads before trading"],"ja":["暗号資産の利益は雑所得として重く課税","取引前に手数料・スプレッドを比較"]},"fees":{"en":"Maker/taker fees and spreads vary — verify current schedule.","ja":"メイカー/テイカー手数料やスプレッドは変動（最新の体系を要確認）。"},"url":"https://bitbank.cc/","sources":["bitbank","jvcea","fsa-registry"],"verified":true}],"glossary":[{"slug":"zairyu-card","term":"在留カード","reading":"zairyū kādo","english":"Residence card","cluster":"banking","definition":{"en":"The government-issued ID card for mid-to-long-term foreign residents. It is the primary document for opening bank accounts, applying for cards, and most financial services.","ja":"中長期在留する外国人に交付される在留資格の証明カード。銀行口座開設やカード申込など、多くの金融サービスで中心となる本人確認書類です。"},"sources":["immi-residence"]},{"slug":"my-number","term":"マイナンバー","reading":"mai nambā","english":"Individual Number","cluster":"tax","definition":{"en":"A 12-digit personal ID number used for tax, social security, and increasingly for financial account identification. Some banks and brokerages require it.","ja":"税・社会保障などに用いる12桁の個人番号。金融口座の確認にも使われ、銀行・証券で提出を求められることがあります。"},"sources":["nta-individual"]},{"slug":"koza-furikae","term":"口座振替","reading":"kōza furikae","english":"Direct debit","cluster":"banking","definition":{"en":"Automatic withdrawal from your bank account for recurring bills such as rent, utilities, and credit-card payments.","ja":"家賃・公共料金・カード代金などの継続的な支払いを、銀行口座から自動で引き落とす仕組み。"},"sources":[]},{"slug":"furikomi","term":"振込","reading":"furikomi","english":"Bank transfer","cluster":"banking","definition":{"en":"A transfer of money to another bank account, often used for rent, invoices, and payments. Fees vary by bank and channel.","ja":"他の銀行口座へお金を送る手続き。家賃・請求・支払いに使われ、手数料は銀行や方法で異なります。"},"sources":[]},{"slug":"nisa","term":"NISA","reading":"nīsa","english":"Tax-free investment account","cluster":"investing","definition":{"en":"A tax-free investment account. Since 2024 it allows ¥3.6M/year (¥18M lifetime) of investments whose gains are exempt from tax.","ja":"運用益が非課税になる投資口座。2024年から年360万円（生涯1,800万円）まで投資でき、利益が非課税になります。"},"sources":["fsa-nisa"]},{"slug":"ideco","term":"iDeCo","reading":"ideko","english":"Private defined-contribution pension","cluster":"investing","definition":{"en":"A private, tax-advantaged defined-contribution pension. Contributions reduce taxable income now but funds are locked until age 60.","ja":"私的な税制優遇のある確定拠出年金。掛金は今の課税所得を減らせますが、原則60歳まで引き出せません。"},"sources":["ideco-official"]},{"slug":"tsumitate","term":"つみたて投資枠","reading":"tsumitate tōshi waku","english":"Accumulation frame (NISA)","cluster":"investing","definition":{"en":"The NISA frame for regular, automated investing in regulator-screened funds, up to ¥1.2M per year.","ja":"規制当局が選定した投信へ定期・自動で積み立てるNISAの枠。年120万円まで。"},"sources":["fsa-nisa"]},{"slug":"genzei","term":"減税","reading":"genzei","english":"Tax reduction","cluster":"tax","definition":{"en":"A reduction in tax owed, achieved through deductions and credits such as medical expenses, dependents, or the mortgage credit.","ja":"医療費・扶養・住宅ローン控除などの控除・税額控除により、納める税金を減らすこと。"},"sources":[]},{"slug":"kakutei-shinkoku","term":"確定申告","reading":"kakutei shinkoku","english":"Final tax return","cluster":"tax","definition":{"en":"The annual income-tax return, filed Feb 16 – Mar 15, required for side income, self-employment, or to claim certain deductions.","ja":"毎年2月16日〜3月15日に行う所得税の申告。副収入・自営や特定の控除を受ける場合に必要です。"},"sources":["nta-etax"]},{"slug":"nenmatsu-chosei","term":"年末調整","reading":"nenmatsu chōsei","english":"Year-end adjustment","cluster":"tax","definition":{"en":"The employer process that reconciles withheld income tax at year-end, so most single-employer employees do not file a return.","ja":"年末に源泉徴収された所得税を勤務先が精算する手続き。1か所給与の多くの会社員は確定申告が不要になります。"},"sources":["nta-individual"]},{"slug":"juminzei","term":"住民税","reading":"jūminzei","english":"Resident tax","cluster":"tax","definition":{"en":"Local tax of roughly 10%, billed the year after the income is earned — often a surprise in a new resident’s second year.","ja":"約10%の地方税。所得の翌年に課税され、新規居住者は2年目に驚くことが多いです。"},"sources":["nta-individual"]},{"slug":"furusato-nozei","term":"ふるさと納税","reading":"furusato nōzei","english":"Hometown tax donation","cluster":"tax","definition":{"en":"A scheme to donate to local governments for gifts while deducting almost all of the donation from your taxes (¥2,000 net cost).","ja":"自治体に寄付して返礼品を受け取りつつ、ほぼ全額を税から控除できる制度（実質自己負担2,000円）。"},"sources":["nta-furusato"]},{"slug":"kaigyo-todoke","term":"開業届","reading":"kaigyō todoke","english":"Notification of business opening","cluster":"freelancers","definition":{"en":"The form filed with the tax office to register as a sole proprietor. Free and quick; often filed with the blue-return application.","ja":"税務署に提出して個人事業主として登録する届出。無料で簡単で、青色申告承認申請と同時に出すことが多いです。"},"sources":["nta-blue"]},{"slug":"aoiro-shinkoku","term":"青色申告","reading":"aoiro shinkoku","english":"Blue tax return","cluster":"freelancers","definition":{"en":"A filing status that rewards double-entry bookkeeping with a deduction of up to ¥650,000 and loss carry-forward.","ja":"複式簿記に対し最大65万円の控除や損失の繰越が使える申告方式。"},"sources":["nta-blue"]},{"slug":"invoice-seido","term":"インボイス制度","reading":"inboisu seido","english":"Qualified invoice system","cluster":"freelancers","definition":{"en":"The consumption-tax system (from Oct 2023) under which buyers need a supplier’s T-number to claim input tax credits.","ja":"2023年10月開始の消費税の制度。買い手が仕入税額控除を受けるには売り手の登録番号（T番号）が必要です。"},"sources":["nta-invoice"]},{"slug":"shohizei","term":"消費税","reading":"shōhizei","english":"Consumption tax","cluster":"freelancers","definition":{"en":"Japan’s value-added tax: 10% standard, 8% reduced for food and certain items. Relevant to businesses above the taxable threshold.","ja":"日本の付加価値税。標準10%、食品など一部は軽減8%。課税点を超える事業者に関係します。"},"sources":["nta-invoice"]},{"slug":"kokumin-kenko-hoken","term":"国民健康保険","reading":"kokumin kenkō hoken","english":"National Health Insurance","cluster":"insurance","definition":{"en":"Public health insurance for those not covered by employees’ insurance (e.g. freelancers). Premiums are income-based and billed by your municipality.","ja":"会社の健康保険に入らない人（フリーランスなど）向けの公的健康保険。保険料は所得連動で自治体が請求します。"},"sources":["mhlw-insurance"]},{"slug":"kogaku-ryoyohi","term":"高額療養費","reading":"kōgaku ryōyōhi","english":"High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit","cluster":"insurance","definition":{"en":"A public system that caps your monthly out-of-pocket medical costs based on income, limiting the cost of serious illness.","ja":"所得に応じて月あたりの医療費自己負担に上限を設ける公的制度。重い病気の負担を抑えます。"},"sources":["mhlw-insurance"]},{"slug":"jishin-hoken","term":"地震保険","reading":"jishin hoken","english":"Earthquake insurance","cluster":"insurance","definition":{"en":"A government-backed rider added to fire insurance. Payouts are capped at a share of the building/contents value.","ja":"火災保険に付帯する政府関与の特約。保険金は建物・家財の評価額の一定割合が上限です。"},"sources":["caa-insurance"]},{"slug":"jutaku-loan","term":"住宅ローン","reading":"jūtaku rōn","english":"Home loan (mortgage)","cluster":"loans","definition":{"en":"A mortgage. Eligibility weighs income, employment, and often permanent residency; choose between fixed and floating rates.","ja":"住宅ローン。審査は収入・雇用、多くは永住権を見ます。固定・変動から選びます。"},"sources":["jhf-flat35"]},{"slug":"shoyu-hiyo","term":"諸費用","reading":"shohiyō","english":"Closing costs","cluster":"loans","definition":{"en":"The one-off costs of buying property (agent fees, registration, taxes, insurance), typically 6–10% of the price.","ja":"不動産購入時の一時費用（仲介手数料・登記・税金・保険など）。通常は価格の6〜10%。"},"sources":["mlit-land"]},{"slug":"kaigai-soukin","term":"海外送金","reading":"kaigai sōkin","english":"International remittance","cluster":"remittance","definition":{"en":"Sending money across borders. Watch the exchange-rate markup, which often costs more than the visible transfer fee.","ja":"国をまたぐ送金。見える手数料より高くつくことが多い為替マージンに注意。"},"sources":["boj-payments"]},{"slug":"ango-shisan","term":"暗号資産","reading":"angō shisan","english":"Crypto-asset","cluster":"crypto","definition":{"en":"Cryptocurrency. Gains are taxed as miscellaneous income at marginal rates; only FSA-registered exchanges may serve residents.","ja":"暗号資産（仮想通貨）。利益は雑所得として累進課税。居住者向けは金融庁登録の取引所のみ。"},"sources":["nta-crypto","fsa-registry"]},{"slug":"honnin-kakunin","term":"本人確認","reading":"honnin kakunin","english":"Identity verification (KYC)","cluster":"banking","definition":{"en":"The identity-verification process required to open financial accounts, using documents such as a residence card.","ja":"金融口座の開設に必要な本人確認の手続き。在留カードなどの書類を用います。"},"sources":["immi-residence"]}],"sources":[{"id":"fsa-nisa","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","type":"regulator","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"NISA Special Website","ja":"NISA特設ウェブサイト"},"publisher":{"en":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","ja":"金融庁"}},{"id":"fsa-top","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/en/","type":"regulator","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Financial Services Agency","ja":"金融庁"},"publisher":{"en":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","ja":"金融庁"}},{"id":"fsa-registry","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","type":"regulator","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Registry of Financial Instruments Business Operators","ja":"免許・許可・登録等を受けている業者一覧"},"publisher":{"en":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","ja":"金融庁"}},{"id":"nta-individual","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Income Tax Guide for Foreigners","ja":"個人の所得税に関する案内"},"publisher":{"en":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","ja":"国税庁"}},{"id":"nta-etax","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"e-Tax National Tax Electronic Filing","ja":"e-Tax 国税電子申告・納税システム"},"publisher":{"en":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","ja":"国税庁"}},{"id":"nta-invoice","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Qualified Invoice System","ja":"インボイス制度（適格請求書等保存方式）"},"publisher":{"en":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","ja":"国税庁"}},{"id":"nta-blue","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Blue Return System","ja":"青色申告制度"},"publisher":{"en":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","ja":"国税庁"}},{"id":"nta-furusato","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Donations and the Furusato Nozei deduction","ja":"ふるさと納税（寄附金控除）"},"publisher":{"en":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","ja":"国税庁"}},{"id":"nta-crypto","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"FAQ on the tax treatment of crypto-assets","ja":"暗号資産に関する税務上の取扱いFAQ"},"publisher":{"en":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","ja":"国税庁"}},{"id":"boj-payments","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Payment and Settlement Systems","ja":"決済システム"},"publisher":{"en":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","ja":"日本銀行"}},{"id":"jps-international","url":"https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/index.html","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Japan Pension Service — international pages","ja":"日本年金機構 国際関連ページ"},"publisher":{"en":"Japan Pension Service","ja":"日本年金機構"}},{"id":"jps-lumpsum","url":"https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/japanese-system/withdrawalpayment/index.html","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments","ja":"脱退一時金"},"publisher":{"en":"Japan Pension Service","ja":"日本年金機構"}},{"id":"mhlw-insurance","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Health and public insurance information","ja":"健康保険・公的保険の案内"},"publisher":{"en":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","ja":"厚生労働省"}},{"id":"ideco-official","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","type":"industry-body","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"iDeCo Official Site","ja":"iDeCo公式サイト"},"publisher":{"en":"National Pension Fund Association (iDeCo)","ja":"国民年金基金連合会"}},{"id":"mlit-land","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Land price and real-estate transaction information","ja":"土地・不動産取引価格情報"},"publisher":{"en":"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)","ja":"国土交通省"}},{"id":"jhf-flat35","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Flat 35 fixed-rate mortgage","ja":"【フラット35】"},"publisher":{"en":"Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)","ja":"住宅金融支援機構"}},{"id":"jftc-guarantee","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","type":"industry-body","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Japanese Bankers Association","ja":"全国銀行協会"},"publisher":{"en":"Japanese Bankers Association (JBA)","ja":"一般社団法人 全国銀行協会"}},{"id":"cic-credit","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","type":"industry-body","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Credit Information Center (CIC)","ja":"指定信用情報機関 CIC"},"publisher":{"en":"CIC","ja":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー"}},{"id":"jicc-credit","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","type":"industry-body","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Japan Credit Information Reference Center","ja":"日本信用情報機構 JICC"},"publisher":{"en":"JICC","ja":"株式会社日本信用情報機構"}},{"id":"caa-insurance","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","type":"regulator","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Insurance business supervision","ja":"保険"},"publisher":{"en":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","ja":"金融庁"}},{"id":"jvcea","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","type":"industry-body","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Japan Virtual and Crypto assets Exchange Association","ja":"日本暗号資産取引業協会"},"publisher":{"en":"JVCEA","ja":"一般社団法人 日本暗号資産取引業協会"}},{"id":"immi-residence","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Immigration Services Agency","ja":"出入国在留管理庁"},"publisher":{"en":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","ja":"出入国在留管理庁"}},{"id":"sony-bank","url":"https://moneykit.net/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Sony Bank","ja":"ソニー銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Sony Bank","ja":"ソニー銀行株式会社"}},{"id":"shinsei-bank","url":"https://www.sbishinseibank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"SBI Shinsei Bank","ja":"SBI新生銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"SBI Shinsei Bank","ja":"株式会社SBI新生銀行"}},{"id":"rakuten-bank","url":"https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Rakuten Bank","ja":"楽天銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Rakuten Bank","ja":"楽天銀行株式会社"}},{"id":"smbc-prestia","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA","ja":"SMBC信託銀行 プレスティア"},"publisher":{"en":"SMBC Trust Bank","ja":"株式会社SMBC信託銀行"}},{"id":"yucho","url":"https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Japan Post Bank","ja":"ゆうちょ銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Japan Post Bank","ja":"株式会社ゆうちょ銀行"}},{"id":"rakuten-sec","url":"https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Rakuten Securities","ja":"楽天証券"},"publisher":{"en":"Rakuten Securities","ja":"楽天証券株式会社"}},{"id":"sbi-sec","url":"https://www.sbisec.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"SBI Securities","ja":"SBI証券"},"publisher":{"en":"SBI Securities","ja":"株式会社SBI証券"}},{"id":"monex","url":"https://www.monex.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Monex Securities","ja":"マネックス証券"},"publisher":{"en":"Monex","ja":"マネックス証券株式会社"}},{"id":"wise","url":"https://wise.com/jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Wise (international transfers)","ja":"Wise（海外送金）"},"publisher":{"en":"Wise","ja":"Wise"}},{"id":"revolut-jp","url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Revolut Japan","ja":"Revolut Japan"},"publisher":{"en":"Revolut","ja":"Revolut"}},{"id":"freee","url":"https://www.freee.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"freee accounting","ja":"freee会計"},"publisher":{"en":"freee","ja":"フリー株式会社"}},{"id":"mf-cloud","url":"https://biz.moneyforward.com/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Money Forward Cloud","ja":"マネーフォワード クラウド"},"publisher":{"en":"Money Forward","ja":"株式会社マネーフォワード"}},{"id":"yayoi","url":"https://www.yayoi-kk.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Yayoi accounting software","ja":"弥生会計"},"publisher":{"en":"Yayoi","ja":"弥生株式会社"}},{"id":"rakuten-card","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Rakuten Card","ja":"楽天カード"},"publisher":{"en":"Rakuten Card","ja":"楽天カード株式会社"}},{"id":"epos-card","url":"https://www.eposcard.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Epos Card","ja":"エポスカード"},"publisher":{"en":"Marui / Epos","ja":"株式会社エポスカード"}},{"id":"amex-jp","url":"https://www.americanexpress.com/ja-jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"American Express Japan","ja":"アメリカン・エキスプレス"},"publisher":{"en":"American Express","ja":"アメリカン・エキスプレス・インターナショナル"}},{"id":"bitflyer","url":"https://bitflyer.com/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"bitFlyer exchange","ja":"bitFlyer"},"publisher":{"en":"bitFlyer","ja":"株式会社bitFlyer"}},{"id":"bitbank","url":"https://bitbank.cc/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"bitbank exchange","ja":"bitbank"},"publisher":{"en":"bitbank","ja":"ビットバンク株式会社"}},{"id":"dicj","url":"https://www.dic.go.jp/english/","type":"government","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Deposit Insurance System","ja":"預金保険制度"},"publisher":{"en":"Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (DICJ)","ja":"預金保険機構"}},{"id":"mufg-bank","url":"https://www.bk.mufg.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"MUFG Bank","ja":"三菱UFJ銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"MUFG Bank, Ltd.","ja":"株式会社三菱UFJ銀行"}},{"id":"smbc-bank","url":"https://www.smbc.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation","ja":"三井住友銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)","ja":"株式会社三井住友銀行"}},{"id":"mizuho-bank","url":"https://www.mizuhobank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Mizuho Bank","ja":"みずほ銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Mizuho Bank, Ltd.","ja":"株式会社みずほ銀行"}},{"id":"resona-bank","url":"https://www.resonabank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Resona Bank","ja":"りそな銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Resona Bank, Ltd.","ja":"株式会社りそな銀行"}},{"id":"paypay-bank","url":"https://www.paypay-bank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"PayPay Bank","ja":"PayPay銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"PayPay Bank Corporation","ja":"PayPay銀行株式会社"}},{"id":"jibun-bank","url":"https://www.jibunbank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"au Jibun Bank","ja":"auじぶん銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"au Jibun Bank Corporation","ja":"auじぶん銀行株式会社"}},{"id":"seven-bank","url":"https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Seven Bank","ja":"セブン銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Seven Bank, Ltd.","ja":"株式会社セブン銀行"}},{"id":"aeon-bank","url":"https://www.aeonbank.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"AEON Bank","ja":"イオン銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"AEON Bank, Ltd.","ja":"株式会社イオン銀行"}},{"id":"sbi-sumishin","url":"https://www.netbk.co.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"SBI Sumishin Net Bank","ja":"住信SBIネット銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Ltd.","ja":"住信SBIネット銀行株式会社"}},{"id":"gmo-aozora","url":"https://gmo-aozora.com/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"GMO Aozora Net Bank","ja":"GMOあおぞらネット銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"GMO Aozora Net Bank, Ltd.","ja":"GMOあおぞらネット銀行株式会社"}},{"id":"minna-bank","url":"https://www.minna-bank.jp/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"Minna Bank","ja":"みんなの銀行"},"publisher":{"en":"Minna Bank, Ltd.","ja":"株式会社みんなの銀行"}},{"id":"smbc-prestia-english","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/en/","type":"official-provider","official":true,"accessed":"2026-07-24","title":{"en":"PRESTIA English-language banking","ja":"プレスティア（英語対応）"},"publisher":{"en":"SMBC Trust Bank","ja":"株式会社SMBC信託銀行"}}],"corpus":[{"id":"cluster:banking:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Banking","text":"Open the right account, understand fees, and fix common problems.\nA Japanese bank account is the anchor of daily money life: salary deposits, rent and utility auto-payments (口座振替), and the account you link to cards, brokerages, and remittance apps. Most residents can open an account once they have a residence card and, often, a My Number and a Japanese phone number and address.\nLegacy megabanks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) offer branches and broad recognition, while online banks (Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, SBI) usually offer better apps, lower fees, and stronger integration with points and investing. A few banks — notably SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank — are known for English support and foreign-currency features.\nThe practical questions are almost always the same: which documents you need, whether the app and support work in English, what ATM and transfer fees apply, and how to handle name formatting (katakana), address changes, and residence-card updates. Those are the things this section helps you research before you apply.\nA residence card is the core ID; some banks also ask for My Number, a Japanese phone number, and a few months of residency.\nOnline banks usually beat megabanks on fees and app quality; megabanks help when you need branches or corporate dealings.\nFor English support and foreign currency, SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the names people research first.\nATM and transfer fees vary widely; many online banks waive a set number of fees per month based on your account tier.\nYour bank name is usually registered in katakana — keep it consistent across cards, utilities, and your employer.\nUpdate your registered address and residence status when they change to avoid a frozen or restricted account.","url":"/en/banking","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true},{"publisher":"Japanese Bankers Association (JBA)","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:credit-cards:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Credit cards","text":"Get approved, avoid revolving-debt traps, and earn points that fit your life.\nA credit card in Japan is useful for online shopping, recurring bills, travel, and building a domestic payment history. Approval depends on stable income and residency more than on a foreign credit score, which does not transfer. Many residents start with an issuer tied to a shopping ecosystem — for example Rakuten Card or Epos — because approval is often accessible and points are easy to use.\nThe biggest trap is リボ払い (revolving payment), which spreads balances over time at high effective interest and is sometimes enabled by default or nudged during sign-up. Choosing 一括払い (pay-in-full) each month avoids interest entirely. Annual fees, point ecosystems, and English support are the other decisions worth researching.\nIf you are rejected, it is usually about employment length, income documentation, or too many recent applications — not nationality. Waiting, applying to a more accessible issuer, or building history with one card first are common next steps.\nForeign credit scores do not transfer; Japanese approval looks at income stability and residency.\nPay 一括払い (in full) to avoid interest; treat リボ払い (revolving) as something to switch off, not a feature.\nEcosystem cards (Rakuten, Epos, and similar) are common first cards for accessible approval and easy points.\nMatch the point ecosystem to where you actually spend — one strong ecosystem usually beats several weak ones.\nAnnual-fee cards can pay off through travel insurance, lounge access, or higher rewards — only if you use the benefits.\nA rejection is usually about employment length or too many recent applications, not nationality.","url":"/en/credit-cards","sources":[{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"JICC","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:investing:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"NISA & investing","text":"Understand NISA and iDeCo, pick a brokerage, and learn risk before you buy.\nFor most residents, tax-advantaged accounts come first. NISA is a tax-free investment account: since the 2024 renewal it has an annual limit of ¥3.6M (¥1.2M tsumitate + ¥2.4M growth), a ¥18M lifetime limit, and no time limit on the tax exemption. iDeCo is a private defined-contribution pension: contributions reduce taxable income now, but the money is locked until age 60.\nYou open these at a securities company (brokerage). Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities dominate for low-cost index funds, English-adjacent resources, and point integration; Monex is another common choice. Inside the account, most beginners research broad, low-fee index funds (for example all-country or S&P 500 trackers) rather than individual stocks.\nTwo cross-border cautions matter. US citizens and green-card holders face PFIC reporting problems with Japanese funds and should get specialist advice. And NISA is a residents’ benefit — leaving Japan generally means you must close or stop contributing, so plan the exit before you build a large balance.\nNew NISA (2024): ¥3.6M/year total, ¥18M lifetime, tax-free gains with no expiry — usually the first account to fund.\niDeCo cuts your taxable income now but locks funds until 60; contribution limits depend on your pension category.\nRakuten Securities and SBI Securities are the default low-cost brokerages; Monex is a common alternative.\nMost beginners research broad index funds (all-country / S&P 500) over individual stock picking.\nUS persons: Japanese mutual funds can be PFICs with heavy US reporting — get cross-border tax advice first.\nNISA is for residents — plan what happens to the account before you leave Japan.","url":"/en/investing","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true},{"publisher":"National Pension Fund Association (iDeCo)","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:tax:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"Tax","text":"Residency, income tax, resident tax, deductions, and cross-border filing.\nJapan taxes you based on your residency status: non-resident, non-permanent resident, or permanent resident for tax purposes (distinct from immigration status). This determines whether only Japan-source income or worldwide income is taxable. Most employees have income tax withheld and settled through year-end adjustment (年末調整), so they never file a return — but side income, two employers, large medical expenses, or investment income can require a tax return (確定申告).\nTwo taxes run in parallel: national income tax (progressive) and local resident tax (住民税, roughly 10%), which is billed the year after the income is earned. New arrivals often get a surprise resident-tax bill in their second year, and people leaving Japan can owe resident tax after they depart.\nPopular tools reduce tax: Furusato Nozei (ふるさと納税) turns part of your resident tax into local-government gifts, and deductions exist for medical costs, dependents, insurance, and iDeCo. Filing is done through e-Tax or at the tax office in the Feb 16 – Mar 15 window. For crypto, foreign assets, or US/Japan overlap, professional advice is worthwhile.\nYour tax residency category (non-resident / non-permanent / permanent) decides what income Japan can tax.\nMost employees are settled by year-end adjustment; side income or investment gains can trigger a 確定申告 return.\nResident tax (~10%) is billed the year after you earn — budget for a second-year bill and an exit bill.\nFurusato Nozei lets you redirect part of your resident tax to local governments for gifts, minus a ¥2,000 cost.\nFiling season is Feb 16 – Mar 15 via e-Tax or the tax office; deductions need documentation.\nCrypto is taxed as miscellaneous income at your marginal rate, not the flat rate used for stocks.","url":"/en/tax","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:freelancers:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"Freelance & business","text":"Sole-proprietor setup, blue returns, the invoice system, and bookkeeping.\nGoing independent in Japan usually means registering as a sole proprietor (個人事業主) by filing a notification of business opening (開業届) with your tax office — free and mostly a formality. Filing the blue-return application (青色申告承認申請) at the same time unlocks a deduction of up to ¥650,000 and loss carry-forward, in exchange for proper double-entry bookkeeping.\nBookkeeping is where cloud software earns its keep. freee and Money Forward Cloud connect to your bank and cards, categorise transactions, and generate the blue-return forms and e-Tax data; Yayoi is a long-established alternative. Budget for taxes yourself: income tax, resident tax, national health insurance, and national pension all come from your own cash flow, so many freelancers reserve 20–35% of profit.\nThe Qualified Invoice System (インボイス制度, from October 2023) changed things for small businesses. If your clients need to claim consumption-tax credits, they may ask you to register for a T-number, which turns you into a taxable business for consumption tax. Whether to register is a real trade-off — this section helps you frame it before deciding.\nRegister as a sole proprietor with a 開業届; file the 青色申告 application at the same time to unlock the deduction.\nThe blue return can deduct up to ¥650,000 but requires double-entry bookkeeping and e-filing.\nfreee and Money Forward Cloud automate bookkeeping and blue-return forms; Yayoi is the veteran alternative.\nYou pay your own income tax, resident tax, pension, and health insurance — many reserve 20–35% of profit.\nThe invoice system (T-number) affects whether clients can claim consumption-tax credits on your invoices.\nRegistering for the invoice system makes you a consumption-tax payer — weigh it against your client base.","url":"/en/freelancers","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:insurance:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"Insurance","text":"What public insurance already covers, and when private cover is worth it.\nJapan’s public system is unusually strong, and understanding it prevents over-buying. Everyone enrolls in health insurance (employees’ 健康保険 or National Health Insurance), which caps most medical bills at around 30% — and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費) further caps your monthly out-of-pocket based on income. Public pension also provides disability and survivor benefits, not just retirement.\nBecause public cover is broad, a lot of heavily marketed private insurance is optional. The honest questions are: what gap remains after public cover, how large is the loss you cannot self-fund, and does the premium justify it? Term life insurance for dependents, and liability cover (often bundled cheaply, including bicycle liability now mandatory in many prefectures) tend to be the clearest wins.\nProduct categories worth understanding include medical, cancer, life (term vs whole), income protection, fire and earthquake (earthquake is a separate rider on fire policies), auto, and travel. Every honest article here should also cover exclusions, disadvantages, alternatives, and the cases where extra insurance is simply not necessary.\nPublic health insurance caps most bills near 30%; 高額療養費 caps your monthly out-of-pocket by income.\nPublic pension includes disability and survivor benefits — factor those in before buying private cover.\nBuy insurance for losses you cannot self-fund (dependents, liability), not for small, budgetable costs.\nEarthquake cover is a separate rider on fire insurance and is often capped at a share of the building value.\nPersonal liability cover is cheap and increasingly relevant — many prefectures mandate bicycle liability insurance.\nAny honest comparison must state exclusions, alternatives, and when extra insurance is not needed.","url":"/en/insurance","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:loans:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"Loans, mortgages & property","text":"Mortgage eligibility, fixed vs floating, closing costs, and rent-vs-buy.\nHome loans (住宅ローン) in Japan are relatively cheap by global standards, but eligibility is the hurdle for many foreign residents. Banks weigh stable employment, income, length of residence, and — critically — permanent residency. Without PR, some banks decline, others require a larger down payment or a guarantor; Flat 35 (via the Japan Housing Finance Agency) is a common route because it is more rules-based and does not always require PR.\nThe core choice is fixed vs floating (固定 vs 変動). Floating rates have been very low but can rise; fixed rates (including Flat 35) cost more now for certainty later. Beyond the rate, budget for closing costs (諸費用) of roughly 6–10% of the price — registration, agent fees, loan guarantee, taxes, and fire insurance — which are easy to underestimate.\nRent-vs-buy in Japan is not just financial. Many buildings, especially older wooden houses, depreciate rather than appreciate, and resale liquidity varies by location. This section frames eligibility, total cost, and the risks (interest-rate, resale, maintenance, and natural-disaster) rather than pushing you toward buying.\nPermanent residency strongly affects mortgage approval; without it, expect stricter terms or a larger down payment.\nFlat 35 (Japan Housing Finance Agency) is a common, rules-based fixed-rate route that does not always require PR.\nFixed vs floating is the core trade-off: certainty and higher cost now, versus lower cost and rate risk.\nBudget 6–10% of the price for closing costs (諸費用) on top of the down payment.\nMany Japanese properties depreciate; treat a home as shelter first and an investment second.\nCheck your credit records (CIC/JICC) before applying — recent delinquencies can block approval.","url":"/en/loans","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true},{"publisher":"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true},{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:remittance:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"International money","text":"Send money in and out, cut hidden FX markups, and handle cross-border income.\nMoving money across borders is where fees hide. The visible transfer fee is often the smaller cost; the bigger one is the exchange-rate markup baked into the rate a provider gives you versus the mid-market rate. Traditional bank wires can also add SWIFT and intermediary-bank fees that are hard to see up front.\nSpecialist services usually beat banks for personal transfers. Wise shows the mid-market rate and a transparent fee, and Revolut offers multi-currency accounts with fee allowances. For larger or recurring transfers, comparing the all-in recipient amount — not the advertised fee — is the only reliable way to judge cost.\nCross-border also brings tax and reporting angles: overseas income can be taxable depending on your residency status, and Japan requires an Overseas Assets Report (国外財産調書) above a threshold. This section helps you compare true transfer cost and flag where cross-border tax advice is worth getting.\nThe exchange-rate markup usually costs more than the visible transfer fee — compare against the mid-market rate.\nJudge cost by the final recipient amount, not the advertised fee, especially for larger transfers.\nWise (mid-market rate) and Revolut (multi-currency) commonly beat bank wires for personal transfers.\nBank wires can add SWIFT and intermediary-bank charges that are not obvious up front.\nOverseas income may be taxable in Japan depending on your residency status — check before assuming it is not.\nJapan requires an Overseas Assets Report (国外財産調書) once foreign assets exceed the threshold.","url":"/en/remittance","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:points:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"points","locale":"en","title":"Points & rewards","text":"Pick one ecosystem, understand point value, and avoid chasing noise.\nJapan runs on point ecosystems: Rakuten, PayPay, d POINT (docomo), V POINT (SMBC/Vpoint), and others tie together cards, e-money, shopping, and phone plans. The winning strategy is rarely to collect everything — it is to concentrate on the one ecosystem that matches where you already shop, pay phone bills, and bank.\nMost points are worth about ¥1 each, but value depends on redemption. Points that expire, or that only redeem inside one store, are worth less than they look. The convenience-store and code-payment layer (PayPay, Rakuten Pay) is where casual spending accumulates fastest, while airline miles reward a different, travel-heavy pattern.\nThe honest framing: points are a modest, tax-free discount on spending you would do anyway — not a reason to spend more. This section compares ecosystems by lifestyle fit, explains expiry and valuation, and helps you avoid the trap of chasing campaigns that cost more attention than they return.\nConcentrate on one ecosystem that matches your bank, card, and phone — not several weak ones.\nMost points ≈ ¥1, but expiry and store-only redemption quietly reduce real value.\nPayPay and Rakuten Pay capture everyday convenience-store and small-merchant spending fastest.\nAirline miles reward a travel-heavy pattern; they are not better for everyone.\nPoints are a discount on spending you would do anyway — never a reason to spend more.\nIgnore campaigns whose effort and tracking cost more than the reward is worth.","url":"/en/points","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:crypto:en","type":"cluster","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"Crypto & FX","text":"Registered exchanges, heavy crypto tax, custody, and leverage risk.\nJapan regulates crypto tightly. Only exchanges registered with the FSA and members of the JVCEA may legally serve residents — bitFlyer, bitbank, Coincheck and similar. Registration is the first thing to check; using an unregistered offshore exchange removes your legal protections and complicates tax.\nTax is the decisive factor for most people. Crypto gains are taxed as miscellaneous income (雑所得) at your marginal rate — potentially up to around 55% including resident tax — not the roughly 20% flat rate that applies to listed stocks and NISA. Every disposal, including crypto-to-crypto trades and spending crypto, is a taxable event, so recordkeeping tools matter.\nFX (margin foreign-exchange trading) is separate and leverage-driven. Domestic retail FX leverage is capped (commonly 25x), and losses can exceed deposits. Both crypto and FX attract scams — guaranteed-return schemes, fake exchanges, and “recovery” fraud. This section stays educational: registration, tax, custody, records, and risk, with no price predictions or hype.\nUse only FSA-registered, JVCEA-member exchanges; unregistered offshore platforms remove your protections.\nCrypto gains are miscellaneous income taxed at your marginal rate — potentially far above the ~20% stock rate.\nEvery disposal is taxable, including crypto-to-crypto and spending crypto — keep detailed records.\nFX leverage for retail is capped (commonly 25x) and losses can exceed your deposit.\nGuaranteed-return offers, fake exchanges, and “recovery” services are scams — no exceptions.\nThis is not investment advice and contains no price predictions.","url":"/en/crypto","sources":[{"publisher":"JVCEA","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"article:opening-a-bank-account-in-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Opening a bank account in Japan","text":"With a residence card and a Japanese address you can open an account at most banks; online banks and English-friendly banks are the usual starting points.\nThe documents, choices, and common snags when opening your first Japanese bank account.\nCore requirement is a residence card; some banks also want My Number, a phone number, and a few months of residency.\nOnline banks win on fees and apps; megabanks help for branches and official dealings.\nYour name is registered in katakana — keep it consistent everywhere.\nUpdate address and residency status to avoid a restricted account.\nWhat you need\nThe anchor document is your residence card (在留カード). Most banks also ask for a Japanese address and a phone number, and increasingly for a My Number. Some banks impose a waiting period (often six months of residency) before a new arrival can open certain accounts, while others open immediately — Japan Post Bank and some online banks are often accessible early.\nPrepare a personal seal (hanko) or be ready to sign, and expect your name to be registered in katakana. Keep that katakana spelling identical across your employer, utilities, and cards to avoid transfer and verification problems later.\nWhich bank to choose\nIf you want low fees and a good app, start with an online bank such as Rakuten Bank or Sony Bank. If English support is essential, SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the names people research first. If you need a branch network or expect official and corporate dealings, a megabank or Japan Post Bank can be the practical anchor. Many residents keep two accounts for different jobs.","url":"/en/banking/opening-a-bank-account-in-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true},{"publisher":"Japanese Bankers Association (JBA)","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:best-banks-for-foreigners-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Best banks for foreign residents in Japan","text":"For English support and foreign currency, research SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank; for low fees and daily use, Rakuten Bank and other online banks are strong.\nHow to compare banks on English support, fees, apps, and foreign-currency needs.\nRank your priorities: English support, fees, app quality, or foreign-currency features.\nPRESTIA leads on end-to-end English; Sony Bank is strong on FX and app.\nOnline banks minimize fees; megabanks add branches and recognition.\nVerify current fee schedules and English coverage before deciding.\nCompare on what matters to you\nThere is no single “best” bank — only the best fit for your priorities. If you need to do everything in English, PRESTIA is the safest choice, with Sony Bank a strong runner-up that also excels at multi-currency. If you mostly want low fees and a great app, Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank lead. If branch access or official/corporate needs dominate, a megabank or Japan Post Bank fits.\nBecause fee schedules and English coverage change, treat any list as a starting point and confirm the current details on each bank’s official page before you apply.","url":"/en/banking/best-banks-for-foreigners-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"SMBC Trust Bank","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Sony Bank","url":"https://moneykit.net/","official":true},{"publisher":"Rakuten Bank","url":"https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:getting-a-credit-card-in-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Getting your first credit card in Japan","text":"Approval depends on stable income and residency, not nationality; Rakuten Card and Epos Card are common, accessible first cards.\nHow approval works, which first cards are accessible, and what to do if rejected.\nForeign credit scores do not transfer — you build history from zero in Japan.\nEcosystem cards (Rakuten, Epos) are common first cards.\nRejections usually reflect short employment or many recent applications.\nChoose one point ecosystem that matches your spending.\nHow approval works\nJapanese issuers assess stable income, length of employment, residency, and your domestic credit record (held at CIC and JICC). Your credit history from another country does not carry over, so everyone effectively starts fresh. Having a Japanese bank account, a longer-validity residence card, and steady employment all help.\nIf you are rejected\nA rejection is usually about employment length, income documentation, or too many recent applications — not nationality. Wait a few months, apply to a more accessible issuer, make sure your income is clearly documented, and avoid several simultaneous applications. You can request your own credit report from CIC or JICC to check for problems before reapplying.","url":"/en/credit-cards/getting-a-credit-card-in-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"JICC","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Rakuten Card","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:avoiding-revolving-payment-riborai:en","type":"article","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Avoiding the リボ払い (revolving payment) trap","text":"リボ払い spreads your balance at high effective interest (often ~15%/yr); choose 一括払い (pay in full) each month to avoid interest entirely.\nWhat revolving payment is, why it costs so much, and how to switch it off.\nRevolving payment charges high interest and can be on by default.\nPay-in-full (一括払い) each month means no interest.\nPoint bonuses are sometimes used to nudge you into revolving.\nCheck and change your card’s payment setting in the app.\nWhy it costs so much\nRevolving payment keeps your monthly payment small and fixed, but the unpaid balance carries interest — commonly around 15% a year. Because the balance shrinks slowly, interest accumulates and a modest purchase can cost far more over time. Some cards enable revolving by default or promote it with extra points, so people end up in it without realizing.\nHow to avoid it\nChoose 一括払い (pay in full) at checkout and set your card’s default payment method to full payment in the app or member site. Review your statement for any リボ or “automatic revolving” setting and turn it off. If you already carry a revolving balance, paying it down faster than the minimum reduces the interest you pay.","url":"/en/credit-cards/avoiding-revolving-payment-riborai","sources":[{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:what-is-nisa:en","type":"article","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"What is NISA? A beginner’s guide","text":"NISA is a tax-free investment account; since 2024 it allows ¥3.6M/year (¥18M lifetime) of investments whose gains are never taxed.\nThe tax-free investment account, its 2024 limits, and how to think about it.\nNew NISA (2024): ¥1.2M tsumitate + ¥2.4M growth per year, ¥18M lifetime.\nGains and dividends inside NISA are tax-free with no time limit.\nYou open NISA at a brokerage; most beginners use low-cost index funds.\nUS persons and people leaving Japan need extra caution.\nHow the new NISA works\nSince the 2024 renewal, NISA is a single permanent system with two frames you can use together: the tsumitate (accumulation) frame up to ¥1.2M a year for regulator-screened funds, and the growth frame up to ¥2.4M a year for a wider range — ¥3.6M combined annually, capped at ¥18M lifetime. Gains and dividends are never taxed, and there is no expiry on the exemption. If you sell, the lifetime capacity you used frees up again the following year.\nWhat to watch out for\nNISA is a container, not an investment — what you put inside determines your risk. Most beginners research broad, low-cost index funds rather than individual stocks. Two cross-border cautions: US citizens and green-card holders face heavy US taxation on Japanese funds (PFIC rules), and NISA generally cannot continue after you leave Japan. Plan for both before committing large sums.","url":"/en/investing/what-is-nisa","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:nisa-vs-ideco:en","type":"article","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"NISA vs iDeCo: which comes first?","text":"NISA is flexible (withdraw anytime, tax-free growth); iDeCo gives a bigger up-front tax deduction but locks funds until 60 — many use NISA first.\nHow the two tax-advantaged accounts differ and how to sequence them.\nNISA: flexible, tax-free growth, withdraw anytime.\niDeCo: contributions cut taxable income now, locked until 60.\niDeCo limits depend on your pension category.\nLeaving Japan makes iDeCo’s lock-up a bigger drawback.\nThe core difference\nBoth shelter investment growth from tax, but they trade off flexibility against up-front benefit. NISA gives no income-tax deduction but lets you withdraw anytime with tax-free gains. iDeCo deducts your contributions from taxable income now — a real, immediate saving — but locks the money until age 60 and taxes withdrawals under separate (often favorable) rules. iDeCo contribution limits depend on whether you are self-employed, an employee with or without a corporate pension, etc.\nHow to sequence them\nA common approach is to use NISA first for its flexibility, then add iDeCo for the deduction if you are confident you will not need the money before 60 and expect to stay in Japan. If you might leave Japan, iDeCo’s lock-up and cross-border complexity weigh against it. There is no universal answer — match the choice to your time horizon and residency plans.","url":"/en/investing/nisa-vs-ideco","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true},{"publisher":"National Pension Fund Association (iDeCo)","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:choosing-a-brokerage-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"Choosing a brokerage in Japan","text":"Rakuten Securities and SBI Securities are the default low-cost choices for NISA and index funds; Monex is a common alternative, especially for US stocks.\nWhat to compare across Rakuten Securities, SBI Securities, and Monex.\nCompare fund fees, NISA/iDeCo support, and point integration.\nRakuten and SBI dominate on low-cost funds; Monex is strong on US stocks.\nEcosystem fit (bank, points) often decides between the top two.\nInterfaces are Japanese-first; verify current fees.\nWhat to compare\nFor most beginners the decision comes down to a handful of factors: the fund lineup and fees (all three offer major low-cost index funds), NISA and iDeCo support (all three have it), point-program integration, and how well the brokerage links to a bank you already use. Rakuten Securities pairs naturally with Rakuten Bank and points; SBI Securities offers the widest lineup and multiple point options; Monex is often chosen for US-stock access and research tools.","url":"/en/investing/choosing-a-brokerage-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true},{"publisher":"Rakuten Securities","url":"https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"SBI Securities","url":"https://www.sbisec.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:japan-tax-residency-explained:en","type":"article","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"Japan tax residency explained","text":"Japan taxes you by tax-residency category (separate from your visa): non-residents on Japan-source income, non-permanent residents also on remitted foreign income, permanent residents on worldwide income.\nNon-resident, non-permanent, and permanent resident — and what each is taxed on.\nTax residency ≠ immigration status.\nNon-permanent resident: under 5 of last 10 years in Japan, no permanent intent.\nRemitting foreign income to Japan can make it taxable for non-permanent residents.\nPermanent residents (for tax) are taxed on worldwide income.\nThe three categories\nFor income tax, Japan classifies individuals as non-residents, non-permanent residents, or permanent residents — a tax concept distinct from immigration “permanent residence.” Non-residents are taxed only on Japan-source income. Non-permanent residents (those who have had a domicile in Japan for five years or less within the last ten, without permanent intent) are taxed on Japan-source income plus foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan. Permanent residents for tax are taxed on worldwide income.\nWhy it matters\nYour category determines whether foreign salary, overseas investment income, or money you bring into Japan is taxable here. This is where many cross-border mistakes happen — for example, remitting overseas income to a Japanese account can create a tax liability for a non-permanent resident. When foreign income or assets are involved, confirm your status and obligations with the NTA or a licensed tax accountant (税理士).","url":"/en/tax/japan-tax-residency-explained","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:furusato-nozei-explained:en","type":"article","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"Furusato Nozei explained","text":"Furusato Nozei lets you donate to local governments for gifts while deducting almost the whole amount from your taxes — you effectively pay ¥2,000 for the gifts.\nHow the hometown-tax donation scheme turns resident tax into local gifts.\nDonations are deducted from resident and income tax, minus ¥2,000.\nYou receive local gifts (food, goods) in return.\nThere is an income- and family-based limit to the benefit.\nClaim via One-Stop Exception or a tax return.\nHow it works\nYou donate to any local government through a Furusato Nozei portal and often receive a “thank-you gift” (返礼品). Almost the entire donation is then deducted from your resident tax and income tax, so aside from a flat ¥2,000, you are redirecting tax you would pay anyway — and getting gifts for it. There is a limit to how much you can donate advantageously, set by your income and household situation, so use an official limit simulator before donating.\nClaiming the deduction\nTo get the deduction you must claim it. Salaried people donating to five or fewer municipalities can use the One-Stop Exception by submitting a form to each locality. Otherwise, or if you already file, report the donations on your tax return with the receipts. Miss the paperwork and you lose the deduction, turning it into an ordinary (expensive) purchase.","url":"/en/tax/furusato-nozei-explained","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return:en","type":"article","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"Do I need to file a tax return in Japan?","text":"Many employees are settled by year-end adjustment; you generally must file if you have side income over ¥200,000, multiple employers, self-employment, or want certain deductions.\nWhen year-end adjustment is enough and when you must file a 確定申告.\nYear-end adjustment (年末調整) settles most employees automatically.\nFile if side income >¥200,000, two employers, or self-employment.\nFile to claim medical, first-year mortgage, or donation deductions.\nSeason is Feb 16 – Mar 15 via e-Tax.\nWhen you probably do not need to file\nIf you are a single-employer salaried worker with taxes withheld and your employer completed your year-end adjustment (年末調整), your income tax is usually already settled and no return is needed. The year-end adjustment handles standard deductions and reconciles what was withheld.\nWhen you must (or should) file\nYou generally must file a 確定申告 if you have more than ¥200,000 of side income, two or more employers, self-employment or business income, or large investment/crypto gains not otherwise settled. You should also file — even when not required — to claim deductions like significant medical expenses, the first-year mortgage credit, or donations (including some Furusato Nozei cases). Filing runs Feb 16 – Mar 15 through e-Tax, with documentation for each deduction.","url":"/en/tax/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:becoming-a-sole-proprietor:en","type":"article","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"Becoming a sole proprietor in Japan","text":"File a 開業届 with your tax office and the 青色申告 application at the same time; set up cloud accounting and reserve 20–35% of profit for taxes.\nThe 開業届, the blue return, and the money systems freelancers set up first.\nThe 開業届 registers you as a sole proprietor — free and quick.\nFile the blue-return application at the same time for the deduction.\nUse cloud accounting (freee, Money Forward) to keep books.\nReserve 20–35% of profit for tax, pension, and health insurance.\nThe setup steps\nRegister by filing a notification of business opening (開業届) with your local tax office, ideally within about a month of starting. At the same time, submit the blue-return application (青色申告承認申請書) to unlock a deduction of up to ¥650,000 and loss carry-forward. Consider a dedicated business bank account and card to keep records clean, and confirm your residence status permits self-employment.\nThe money systems to build\nBookkeeping is the ongoing work, and cloud tools like freee or Money Forward Cloud automate most of it by importing bank and card transactions and generating blue-return forms and e-Tax data. Because you pay your own income tax, resident tax, national pension, and national health insurance, many freelancers move 20–35% of each payment into a separate tax-reserve account so nothing is a surprise at filing time.","url":"/en/freelancers/becoming-a-sole-proprietor","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:invoice-system-explained:en","type":"article","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"The invoice system (インボイス) explained","text":"Since October 2023, clients need a supplier’s T-number to claim consumption-tax credits; registering makes you a consumption-tax payer, so weigh it against your client base.\nWhat the qualified-invoice system means for small businesses and whether to register.\nThe system took effect October 1, 2023.\nA registered supplier issues invoices with a T-number.\nRegistering makes you a consumption-tax payer.\nWhether to register depends on who your clients are.\nWhat changed\nUnder the qualified invoice system, a business buyer can only claim a consumption-tax input credit if the invoice carries a registered supplier’s T-number. Previously, small suppliers under the tax-exempt threshold could still let buyers claim credits; now buyers face a shrinking transitional allowance for purchases from unregistered suppliers, stepping down over several years. That is why some clients now ask freelancers to register.\nShould you register?\nIt is a genuine trade-off. If your clients are businesses that need qualified invoices, not registering can cost you work or push you to absorb the tax. If your clients are consumers or tax-exempt small businesses, registering may simply add consumption-tax cost and paperwork for no benefit. Map your client base, estimate the consumption-tax cost of registering, and — if it is close — ask a tax accountant before deciding.","url":"/en/freelancers/invoice-system-explained","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:public-vs-private-insurance-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"Public vs private insurance in Japan","text":"Public health insurance caps most bills near 30% and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit limits monthly costs — buy private cover only for a specific gap you cannot self-fund.\nWhat public cover already provides, and how to decide if you need more.\nPublic health insurance covers most bills at ~70%.\nHigh-Cost Medical Expense Benefit caps monthly out-of-pocket by income.\nPublic pension includes disability and survivor benefits.\nBuy private cover to fill a gap, not out of general worry.\nWhat public cover already provides\nEnrollment in health insurance is mandatory, and it caps most medical costs at around 30% out-of-pocket. On top of that, the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費) limits your monthly out-of-pocket by income bracket, so even a serious illness has a financial ceiling. Public pension is not just for retirement — it also pays disability and survivor benefits. Understanding this prevents over-buying private products sold on fear.\nDeciding if you need more\nAsk three questions: what gap remains after public cover, how large is the loss you truly cannot self-fund, and does the premium justify closing that gap. The clearest wins are term life insurance when dependents rely on your income, and cheap personal-liability cover (bicycle liability is now mandatory in many prefectures). Medical or cancer add-ons are optional comfort for many — decide by the specific gap, and always read exclusions and alternatives.","url":"/en/insurance/public-vs-private-insurance-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:do-you-need-life-insurance-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"Do you need life insurance in Japan?","text":"Life insurance mainly makes sense if someone depends on your income; when it does, term life is usually the cost-efficient choice.\nWhen life insurance is worth it, and term vs whole life.\nNeed is driven by dependents, not age.\nTerm life is cheap for a set period; whole life bundles savings at higher cost.\nPublic pension pays survivor benefits — factor them in.\nMatch the sum insured to the gap your family would face.\nWhen it is needed\nLife insurance replaces income for people who depend on you — a non-working partner, children, or family carrying shared debt like a mortgage. If no one relies on your income, you usually do not need it. Before choosing a sum insured, subtract what public survivor benefits and existing savings would already provide, and insure the remaining gap rather than a round number.\nTerm vs whole life\nTerm life (定期保険) covers a defined period for a low premium and is usually the efficient way to protect dependents while they need it. Whole life (終身保険) bundles a savings/cash-value element and costs much more for the same death benefit; mixing insurance and investing this way is often less efficient than buying cheap term cover and investing the difference separately. Decide based on the protection you need, not the savings pitch.","url":"/en/insurance/do-you-need-life-insurance-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:mortgage-eligibility-foreigners:en","type":"article","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"Mortgage eligibility for foreign residents","text":"Permanent residency strongly helps; without it expect stricter terms or a larger down payment, though Flat 35 is often accessible without PR.\nHow permanent residency, income, and Flat 35 affect your chances.\nMany banks prefer or require permanent residency.\nWithout PR: larger down payment, a guarantor, or Flat 35.\nStable long-term employment and income are decisive.\nCheck your CIC/JICC credit record before applying.\nWhat lenders weigh\nBanks assess stable employment, income, age, and — heavily — permanent residency. With PR, foreign residents are often treated much like Japanese applicants. Without PR, some banks decline, others require a larger down payment or a Japanese-national/PR guarantor (often a spouse). Flat 35, offered via the Japan Housing Finance Agency through partner lenders, is more rules-based and does not always require PR, which makes it a common route for non-PR buyers.\nHow to prepare\nBefore applying, gather proof of stable income and employment, and check your own credit record at CIC and JICC to catch problems like a forgotten missed payment. Compare several lenders, because terms for non-PR applicants vary widely, and factor in closing costs of roughly 6–10% of the price on top of the down payment.","url":"/en/loans/mortgage-eligibility-foreigners","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true},{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:rent-vs-buy-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"Rent vs buy in Japan","text":"It depends on how long you will stay, job stability, and the property; many Japanese homes depreciate, so treat a home as shelter first, investment second.\nWhy buying is not automatic wealth-building, and how to frame the decision.\nLength of stay and job stability drive the decision.\nMany Japanese homes depreciate; resale can be slow.\nRenting preserves flexibility if you may move or leave.\nModel total cost and resale risk, not just monthly payment.\nThe honest frame\nIn some countries buying almost always builds wealth; in Japan it is more nuanced. Many homes — especially older wooden houses — depreciate over time, and resale liquidity varies sharply by location, so a purchase is not automatically an investment win. The land component and prime-area properties behave differently. Renting keeps you flexible, which matters a lot if your job or country of residence might change.\nHow to decide\nBuying can make sense for long-term residents who value stability, have permanent residency or Flat 35 access, and have modeled the full picture: down payment, closing costs (6–10%), maintenance and management fees, property tax, interest-rate risk, and realistic resale value. If you might leave Japan within a handful of years, renting usually wins on flexibility and cost certainty. Decide on your own numbers, not a sales narrative.","url":"/en/loans/rent-vs-buy-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:cheapest-way-to-send-money:en","type":"article","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"The cheapest way to send money abroad from Japan","text":"Compare the final recipient amount against the mid-market rate; specialist services like Wise and Revolut usually beat bank wires for personal transfers.\nWhy the exchange-rate markup matters more than the fee, and how to compare.\nThe exchange-rate markup usually costs more than the visible fee.\nCompare the recipient amount, not the advertised fee.\nWise uses the mid-market rate; Revolut suits multi-currency use.\nBank wires can hide SWIFT and intermediary-bank charges.\nWhere the cost hides\nThe advertised transfer fee is often the smaller cost. The bigger one is the exchange-rate markup: the gap between the rate you are given and the true mid-market rate, which is invisible unless you compare against a reference rate. Traditional bank wires can also deduct SWIFT and intermediary-bank fees along the route. The only reliable way to judge cost is the amount the recipient actually receives.\nWhat tends to be cheapest\nFor most personal transfers, Wise (which shows the mid-market rate with a transparent fee) or Revolut (a multi-currency account with FX allowances) beats a bank wire. The best choice still depends on amount, currency, and destination, so run the specific transfer through a couple of providers and compare recipient amounts. For very large transfers, also check limits and any reporting requirements.","url":"/en/remittance/cheapest-way-to-send-money","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:receiving-money-from-abroad:en","type":"article","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"Receiving money from abroad in Japan","text":"Specialist services can deliver more than a bank wire; whether incoming money is taxable depends on whether it is income and your tax residency.\nHow to receive foreign funds cheaply and when tax or reporting applies.\nCompare providers on the amount that lands in your account.\nReceiving your own savings differs from receiving income.\nNon-permanent residents can be taxed on remitted foreign income.\nLarge amounts may require source-of-funds documentation.\nReceiving cheaply\nThe same markup logic applies on the way in: a specialist service or multi-currency account often delivers more yen than a traditional inbound wire, which can lose value to FX markup and intermediary fees. Compare what actually lands in your Japanese account. Keep records of what each transfer is (savings, salary, gift), because that classification matters for tax.\nTax and reporting\nWhether incoming money is taxable depends on what it is and your tax-residency category. Moving your own existing savings is generally not income; receiving foreign salary or business income can be. For non-permanent residents, remitting foreign-source income to Japan can make it taxable. Gifts and inheritances have separate rules. Large transfers may prompt source-of-funds questions. When foreign income is involved, confirm with the NTA or a tax accountant.","url":"/en/remittance/receiving-money-from-abroad","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:choosing-a-point-ecosystem:en","type":"article","cluster":"points","locale":"en","title":"Choosing a point ecosystem in Japan","text":"Pick the one ecosystem that matches your bank, card, and phone; concentrating beats spreading thin, and most points are worth about ¥1.\nHow to concentrate on one ecosystem and value points realistically.\nConcentrate on one ecosystem that fits your spending.\nMost points ≈ ¥1; expiry and store-locking reduce value.\nPayPay/Rakuten Pay capture everyday spending fastest.\nNever spend more just to earn points.\nConcentrate, do not collect\nJapan’s big ecosystems — Rakuten, PayPay, d POINT, V POINT — each link a card, payment app, shopping, and often a phone plan. Bonuses stack when these align, so the winning move is to pick the one that matches where you already bank, shop, and pay your phone bill, then route spending through it. Spreading across several ecosystems dilutes the compounding and leaves small, expiry-prone balances everywhere.\nValue points honestly\nTreat most major points as worth about ¥1 each when spent on everyday purchases. Discount points that are store-locked or close to expiry, and be skeptical of valuations that assume perfect airline-mile redemptions. Most importantly, points are a modest, tax-free discount on spending you would do anyway — they are never a reason to spend more or open products you do not need.","url":"/en/points/choosing-a-point-ecosystem","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:crypto-tax-in-japan:en","type":"article","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"Crypto tax in Japan","text":"Crypto gains are miscellaneous income taxed at your marginal rate (up to ~55% with resident tax); every disposal — including crypto-to-crypto — is taxable.\nWhy crypto is taxed heavily and what counts as a taxable event.\nGains are miscellaneous income, not the ~20% stock rate.\nCombined top rate can reach roughly 55%.\nSelling, swapping, and spending crypto are all taxable.\nKeep detailed records of every transaction.\nHow crypto is taxed\nIn Japan, crypto profits are treated as miscellaneous income (雑所得) and taxed at your marginal income-tax rate plus resident tax — combined this can reach roughly 55% at the top brackets, far above the roughly 20% flat rate that applies to listed stocks. There is no special low rate for crypto and no NISA-style shelter. This tax treatment is often the single biggest reason to be cautious.\nWhat counts as a taxable event\nA taxable event is any disposal: selling crypto for yen, swapping one crypto for another, and spending crypto on goods or services all realize a gain or loss measured in yen at the time. Because each event needs a cost basis and yen valuation, you must keep detailed records — dates, amounts, yen values, and fees — and many people use crypto tax-calculation tools. For active trading, a tax accountant is worthwhile.","url":"/en/crypto/crypto-tax-in-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:choosing-a-registered-exchange:en","type":"article","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"Choosing a registered crypto exchange","text":"Use only FSA-registered, JVCEA-member exchanges (e.g. bitFlyer, bitbank); unregistered offshore platforms remove your protections and are common in scams.\nWhy FSA registration matters and how to avoid unregulated platforms and scams.\nOnly FSA-registered, JVCEA-member exchanges may serve residents.\nCheck the FSA registered list before depositing.\nUnregistered offshore platforms remove legal protections.\nGuaranteed returns and “recovery” services are scams.\nWhy registration matters\nOnly exchanges registered with the FSA and belonging to the JVCEA may legally serve residents of Japan, and registration brings custody, segregation, and consumer-protection obligations. Using an unregistered offshore exchange removes those protections, can complicate tax and withdrawals, and is often how fraud operates. Always confirm an exchange appears on the FSA’s registered list before depositing funds.\nAvoiding scams\nTreat any offer of guaranteed or unusually high returns as a scam — legitimate crypto has no guaranteed return. Be wary of fake exchange apps, social-media “investment coaches,” romance-investment approaches, and especially “recovery” services that promise to retrieve lost funds for a fee (a common second scam targeting victims). Withdraw test amounts first, enable strong security, and never send crypto to someone who contacted you.","url":"/en/crypto/choosing-a-registered-exchange","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true},{"publisher":"JVCEA","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"faq:bank-documents:en","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"What do I need to open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner?","text":"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.","url":"/en/questions#bank-documents","sources":[{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true},{"publisher":"Japanese Bankers Association (JBA)","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-english:en","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Which banks in Japan have the best English support?","text":"SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA and Sony Bank are the most commonly cited for English-language service, apps, and foreign-currency features. Rakuten Bank and SBI Shinsei Bank offer partial English support. Megabanks have limited English at most branches. If English support is essential, verify the current app language and support hours on the bank’s official site, because these change.","url":"/en/questions#bank-english","sources":[{"publisher":"SMBC Trust Bank","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Sony Bank","url":"https://moneykit.net/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-online-vs-mega:en","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Should I use an online bank or a megabank in Japan?","text":"Online banks (Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, SBI) usually win on lower fees, better apps, and integration with points and investing. Megabanks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) help when you need physical branches, corporate accounts, or dealings that still expect a major bank. Many residents keep both: a megabank for salary or official uses, and an online bank for daily money and saving.","url":"/en/questions#bank-online-vs-mega","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-frozen:en","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Why would a Japanese bank freeze or restrict my account?","text":"Common reasons are an expired residence card or out-of-date registered information, suspected fraud or unusual activity, dormancy, or anti-money-laundering checks. Keep your address and residency status updated with the bank, respond promptly to identity-verification requests, and avoid receiving unexplained large transfers. If restricted, contact the bank directly — never through a link in an unexpected message.","url":"/en/questions#bank-frozen","sources":[{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-no-job:en","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Can I open a Japanese bank account without a job?","text":"Yes, employment is usually not required to open a basic deposit account — a residence card and address are the core requirements. Students and dependents routinely open accounts. Employment matters more for credit cards and loans than for opening a bank account itself. Requirements vary, so check the specific bank.","url":"/en/questions#bank-no-job","sources":[{"publisher":"Japanese Bankers Association (JBA)","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-foreigner-approval:en","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Can foreigners get a credit card in Japan?","text":"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.","url":"/en/questions#card-foreigner-approval","sources":[{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Rakuten Card","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-rejected:en","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Why was my Japanese credit card application rejected?","text":"Usual reasons are short employment history, unverifiable or low income, too many recent applications, or a thin or negative credit record (CIC/JICC). Nationality itself is not a listed reason. Next steps: wait a few months, apply to a more accessible issuer, ensure your income documents are clear, and avoid multiple simultaneous applications. You can request your own credit report from CIC or JICC.","url":"/en/questions#card-rejected","sources":[{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"JICC","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-riborai:en","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"What is リボ払い (revolving payment) and should I avoid it?","text":"リボ払い (revolving payment) spreads your balance into small monthly payments while charging high effective interest — often around 15% a year. It is sometimes on by default or promoted with point bonuses. For most people it is best avoided: choose 一括払い (pay in full) each month so you pay no interest. Check your card’s payment setting and switch off automatic revolving if you did not intend it.","url":"/en/questions#card-riborai","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:card-first-card:en","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"What is a good first credit card in Japan?","text":"Many residents start with an ecosystem card that is easy to approve and easy to redeem: Rakuten Card (no annual fee, strong Rakuten points) or Epos Card (no annual fee, instant issuance at Marui, useful discounts) are common examples. The best first card is usually the one tied to where you already shop, pay bills, and bank. Confirm current fees and terms on the issuer’s site.","url":"/en/questions#card-first-card","sources":[{"publisher":"Rakuten Card","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Marui / Epos","url":"https://www.eposcard.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-annual-fee:en","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Are annual-fee credit cards worth it in Japan?","text":"Only if you actually use the benefits. Annual-fee cards can pay for themselves through travel insurance, airport-lounge access, higher point multipliers, or concierge services — but if you would not otherwise use those, a no-annual-fee card is better. Add up the concrete value you will use in a year and compare it to the fee.","url":"/en/questions#card-annual-fee","sources":[{"publisher":"American Express","url":"https://www.americanexpress.com/ja-jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-eligibility:en","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"Can foreign residents open a NISA account in Japan?","text":"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.","url":"/en/questions#nisa-eligibility","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-leaving-japan:en","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"What happens to my NISA if I leave Japan?","text":"NISA is a benefit for residents. When you lose Japanese tax residency you generally cannot keep contributing, and brokerages differ on whether the account is closed, frozen, or must be sold — some allow a temporary overseas-resident continuation for limited periods. Because the tax treatment of unwinding matters, plan your exit before building a large balance and ask your brokerage about their specific offshore policy.","url":"/en/questions#nisa-leaving-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-us-citizen:en","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"Should US citizens use NISA or Japanese mutual funds?","text":"Be very careful. Japanese mutual funds and ETFs are usually PFICs (Passive Foreign Investment Companies) for US tax, which triggers punitive US taxation and heavy Form 8621 reporting — and the NISA tax exemption does not apply to the US. Many US persons in Japan avoid Japanese pooled funds and instead hold US-domiciled assets, but rules are complex. Get advice from a cross-border US/Japan tax professional before investing.","url":"/en/questions#nisa-us-citizen","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-vs-ideco-q:en","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"NISA or iDeCo — which should I use first?","text":"They solve different problems. NISA is flexible: tax-free growth and you can withdraw anytime, making it the usual first choice. iDeCo gives a larger up-front tax break (contributions cut your taxable income) but locks money until age 60 and suits committed retirement saving. Many use NISA first for flexibility, then add iDeCo for the deduction if they are confident they will not need the money before 60. If you may leave Japan, iDeCo’s lock-up is a bigger drawback.","url":"/en/questions#nisa-vs-ideco-q","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true},{"publisher":"National Pension Fund Association (iDeCo)","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:invest-beginner-fund:en","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"What should a beginner invest in inside NISA?","text":"This is education, not a recommendation. Most beginners research low-cost, broadly diversified index funds — for example all-country (全世界株式) or S&P 500 trackers — rather than picking individual stocks, because low fees and diversification are within your control while returns are not. Understand that values fall as well as rise, match the risk to your time horizon, and never invest money you may need soon.","url":"/en/questions#invest-beginner-fund","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-resident-status:en","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"How does tax residency work in Japan?","text":"For tax, Japan classifies you as non-resident, non-permanent resident, or permanent resident — separate from your immigration status. Broadly: non-residents are taxed only on Japan-source income; non-permanent residents (in Japan under 5 of the last 10 years, without permanent intent) are taxed on Japan-source income plus foreign income paid in or remitted to Japan; permanent residents (for tax) are taxed on worldwide income. This affects foreign income and investments, so confirm your category with the NTA or a tax accountant.","url":"/en/questions#tax-resident-status","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-need-to-file:en","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"Do I need to file a tax return in Japan?","text":"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.","url":"/en/questions#tax-need-to-file","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-resident-tax-timing:en","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"Why did I get a big resident tax bill in my second year?","text":"Resident tax (住民税, about 10%) is charged the year after the income is earned, based on the previous year’s income. So in your first year you often pay little, and in your second year you get a bill for your full first-year income. The same lag means people who stop working or leave Japan can still owe resident tax afterward. Budget for it in advance.","url":"/en/questions#tax-resident-tax-timing","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-furusato:en","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"What is Furusato Nozei and is it worth it?","text":"Furusato Nozei (ふるさと納税) lets you donate to local governments and receive local gifts (food, goods) while deducting almost all of the donation from your resident and income tax — you effectively pay ¥2,000 out of pocket for the gifts. It is worth it for most taxpayers with sufficient income, up to a limit based on your income and family situation. Use the official rules and a limit simulator, and keep the paperwork (One-Stop or tax return) to claim the deduction.","url":"/en/questions#tax-furusato","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-crypto:en","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"How is cryptocurrency taxed in Japan?","text":"Crypto profits are treated as miscellaneous income (雑所得) and taxed at your marginal rate — combined with resident tax this can reach roughly 55%, unlike the ~20% flat rate for listed stocks. Every disposal is taxable, including selling for yen, trading one crypto for another, and spending crypto on goods. You must track cost basis and calculate gains, so recordkeeping tools are important, and larger activity often warrants a tax accountant.","url":"/en/questions#tax-crypto","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-open:en","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"How do I register as a freelancer (sole proprietor) in Japan?","text":"File a notification of business opening (開業届) with your local tax office within about a month of starting — it is free and short. At the same time, file the blue-return application (青色申告承認申請書) to unlock the up-to-¥650,000 deduction. You keep your existing visa status if it permits the work; some visa types need permission for self-employment, so check your residence status first.","url":"/en/questions#freelance-open","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-blue-return:en","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"What is the blue return (青色申告) and is it worth it?","text":"The blue return is a filing status that rewards proper bookkeeping. With double-entry books filed electronically, you can deduct up to ¥650,000 from your income, carry losses forward for three years, and deduct family salaries. The trade-off is more disciplined recordkeeping — which cloud accounting software largely automates. For most freelancers with steady income, the tax saving clearly outweighs the effort.","url":"/en/questions#freelance-blue-return","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-invoice:en","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"Do I need to register for the invoice system (インボイス) as a freelancer?","text":"It depends on your clients. Registering gives you a T-number so business clients can claim consumption-tax input credits on what they pay you — but it also makes you a consumption-tax payer, adding cost and paperwork. If your clients are consumers or tax-exempt small businesses, registering may add cost for no benefit. If your clients are companies that demand qualified invoices, not registering can cost you work. Weigh your client base; a transitional credit for buyers from unregistered suppliers is stepping down over time.","url":"/en/questions#freelance-invoice","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-reserve:en","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"How much should a freelancer set aside for taxes in Japan?","text":"A common rule of thumb is to reserve 20–35% of profit for income tax, resident tax, national pension, and national health insurance combined — higher as your income rises, because income tax is progressive. Remember resident tax and health-insurance premiums are billed based on the prior year, so your bills lag your income. Set the reserve aside in a separate account each month rather than facing it all at filing time.","url":"/en/questions#freelance-reserve","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-health-insurance:en","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"What about pension and health insurance when self-employed in Japan?","text":"As a sole proprietor you generally enroll in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) and the National Pension (国民年金), and you pay both yourself — there is no employer split. National Pension is a flat monthly amount; National Health Insurance premiums are income-based and billed by your municipality. You can add optional coverage (e.g. the national pension fund, iDeCo, or income-protection insurance) to close gaps. Budget these into your tax reserve.","url":"/en/questions#freelance-health-insurance","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Pension Service","url":"https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/index.html","official":true},{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-public-enough:en","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"Is Japan’s public health insurance enough, or do I need private cover?","text":"For most people public health insurance covers a lot: it caps most medical bills near 30%, and the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費) further limits your monthly out-of-pocket by income, so even a major illness has a ceiling. Private medical or cancer insurance mainly covers extras (income while off work, advanced treatments, hospital-stay cash). Buy private cover to fill a specific gap you cannot self-fund, not out of general worry.","url":"/en/questions#insurance-public-enough","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-high-cost:en","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"What is the High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit (高額療養費)?","text":"It is a public system that caps your out-of-pocket medical costs in a calendar month based on your income. If your covered medical bills exceed the monthly ceiling, the excess is reimbursed (or, with a limit-certificate applied in advance, not charged). This is why many residents find heavy private medical insurance unnecessary — the public ceiling already limits catastrophic costs. Confirm the current thresholds, which are set by income bracket.","url":"/en/questions#insurance-high-cost","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-life-needed:en","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"Do I need life insurance in Japan?","text":"Life insurance mainly makes sense if someone depends on your income — a partner, children, or dependents with debts like a mortgage. If no one relies on your income, you often do not need it. When you do, term life (定期保険) is usually the cost-efficient choice: it covers a set period for a low premium, versus whole life (終身保険), which bundles savings at higher cost. Public pension also pays survivor benefits, so factor those in before choosing a sum insured.","url":"/en/questions#insurance-life-needed","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-earthquake:en","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"Does home insurance in Japan cover earthquakes?","text":"No — standard fire insurance (火災保険) excludes earthquake damage. Earthquake insurance (地震保険) is a separate, government-backed rider you add to a fire policy, and its payout is capped at a share of the building/contents value (commonly 30–50%). Given Japan’s seismic risk it is worth considering, especially for owners, but understand that it is designed to help you restart life, not fully rebuild. Check limits and exclusions on the policy.","url":"/en/questions#insurance-earthquake","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-foreigner:en","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"Can foreign residents get private insurance in Japan?","text":"Yes. Residents can generally buy private life, medical, auto, and home insurance; some insurers offer English-language support and applications. Public health and pension enrollment is mandatory regardless of nationality. The practical hurdles are usually language and understanding what public cover already provides. Compare the specific gap you want to fill, and confirm English support and terms with the insurer.","url":"/en/questions#insurance-foreigner","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-mortgage-no-pr:en","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"Can I get a mortgage in Japan without permanent residency?","text":"It is harder but possible. Many banks strongly prefer permanent residency; without it you may face a larger required down payment, a Japanese spouse guarantor, or rejection at some lenders. Flat 35, offered via the Japan Housing Finance Agency, is more rules-based and does not always require PR, making it a common route for non-PR residents. Stable long-term employment and income are decisive. Terms vary widely by bank, so compare several.","url":"/en/questions#loan-mortgage-no-pr","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-fixed-vs-floating:en","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"Fixed or floating mortgage rate in Japan — which is better?","text":"There is no universal answer. Floating rates (変動) have been lower and reduce early payments but can rise, increasing your payment later. Fixed rates (固定, including Flat 35) cost more now but lock certainty for the term, protecting you if rates rise. Choose based on how much payment-increase risk you can absorb: if a rate rise would strain your budget, the certainty of fixed can be worth the premium. Model both before deciding.","url":"/en/questions#loan-fixed-vs-floating","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-closing-costs:en","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"What are the closing costs when buying property in Japan?","text":"Beyond the down payment, budget roughly 6–10% of the price for closing costs (諸費用): the agent’s brokerage fee, registration and judicial-scrivener fees, loan guarantee and administration fees, stamp duty, acquisition and property taxes, and fire/earthquake insurance. New-build and pre-owned costs differ. These are easy to underestimate, so get an itemized estimate before committing.","url":"/en/questions#loan-closing-costs","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-rent-vs-buy:en","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"Is it better to rent or buy in Japan?","text":"It depends on how long you will stay, your job stability, and the specific property. Unlike some countries, many Japanese homes — especially older wooden houses — depreciate, and resale can be slow outside prime areas, so buying is not automatically wealth-building. Renting keeps you flexible, which matters if you might move or leave Japan. Buying can make sense for long-term residents wanting stability who have modeled the full cost and resale risk. Treat a home as shelter first.","url":"/en/questions#loan-rent-vs-buy","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-credit-record:en","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"How do I check my credit record in Japan before applying?","text":"Japan has credit information agencies — CIC (cards and installment), JICC, and the bank association’s KSC. You can request your own disclosure from each, usually online or by mail for a small fee. It shows your cards, loans, and any late payments (異動 marks). Checking before a mortgage application helps you spot and resolve problems — like a forgotten missed payment — that could otherwise cause a rejection.","url":"/en/questions#loan-credit-record","sources":[{"publisher":"CIC","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"JICC","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-cheapest:en","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"What is the cheapest way to send money out of Japan?","text":"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.","url":"/en/questions#remit-cheapest","sources":[{"publisher":"Wise","url":"https://wise.com/jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Revolut","url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-hidden-fees:en","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"Why do international transfers cost more than the stated fee?","text":"The visible transfer fee is often the small part. The bigger cost is the exchange-rate markup — the gap between the rate you are given and the real mid-market rate — which is invisible unless you compare. Bank wires can also add SWIFT charges and intermediary-bank fees deducted along the way. Always compare the total recipient amount against the mid-market rate to see the true cost.","url":"/en/questions#remit-hidden-fees","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-large-transfer:en","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"Are there limits or reporting on large international transfers in Japan?","text":"Yes. Banks and services apply their own transfer limits and may require documentation (source of funds, purpose) for large amounts. Transfers at or above a regulatory threshold are reported to authorities, and large or unusual movements can prompt anti-money-laundering questions. There can also be tax angles — gifts, overseas income, or asset movement. For significant sums, confirm the provider’s limits and consider tax advice before sending.","url":"/en/questions#remit-large-transfer","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true},{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-overseas-income:en","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"Is money I receive from abroad taxable in Japan?","text":"It depends on what it is and your tax residency. Foreign salary or business income can be taxable, and for non-permanent residents even foreign-source income becomes taxable to the extent it is paid in or remitted to Japan. Gifts and inheritances have their own rules. Simply receiving your own savings is different from receiving income. Because this is fact-specific, confirm with the NTA or a tax accountant rather than assuming it is tax-free.","url":"/en/questions#remit-overseas-income","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-multicurrency:en","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"Should I use a multi-currency account like Wise or Revolut?","text":"They are useful if you regularly deal in more than one currency — holding balances, spending abroad, or receiving foreign payments — because they cut FX markups and let you convert at good rates. They are not full replacements for a Japanese bank account (you still need one for salary, rent auto-pay, and many domestic services). Many residents use them alongside a local bank. Check current fees, limits, and deposit protection.","url":"/en/questions#remit-multicurrency","sources":[{"publisher":"Wise","url":"https://wise.com/jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Revolut","url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:points-which-ecosystem:en","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"en","title":"Which point ecosystem should I choose in Japan?","text":"Pick the one that matches where you already spend and bank. If you shop on Rakuten and use Rakuten Bank/Card, the Rakuten ecosystem compounds; if you use docomo, d POINT fits; PayPay suits heavy code-payment and Yahoo/SoftBank users; V POINT ties to SMBC. Concentrating on one strong ecosystem beats spreading thin across several, because bonuses stack when your card, payments, and shopping align.","url":"/en/questions#points-which-ecosystem","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:points-value:en","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"en","title":"How much is a point actually worth in Japan?","text":"Most major points (Rakuten, PayPay, d, V) are worth about ¥1 each when spent on everyday purchases, which makes them easy to value. Some points are worth more when converted to airline miles under the right redemption, and less when locked to a single store or close to expiry. As a rule, treat ¥1 as the baseline and be skeptical of “inflated” valuations that assume perfect redemption.","url":"/en/questions#points-value","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:points-expiry:en","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"en","title":"Do points expire in Japan, and how do I avoid losing them?","text":"Many do. Some points expire a fixed period after earning; others (like campaign or “limited-time” points) expire much sooner than regular points. To avoid losing them, concentrate on one ecosystem so balances stay active, spend limited-time points quickly on everyday items, and check the expiry rules in the app. Do not spend more just to “use up” points — that defeats the purpose.","url":"/en/questions#points-expiry","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:points-paypay-vs-rakuten:en","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"en","title":"PayPay or Rakuten — which is better for everyday spending?","text":"They suit different lives. PayPay is a QR-code payment app accepted at huge numbers of small shops and convenience stores, great for on-the-spot everyday spending and Yahoo/SoftBank users. Rakuten is a broader ecosystem (shopping, bank, card, mobile, securities) that rewards consolidating your spending online and across services. If your spending is mostly in-person and small, PayPay is convenient; if you buy online and want compounding across services, Rakuten tends to reward loyalty more.","url":"/en/questions#points-paypay-vs-rakuten","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:crypto-registered:en","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"Which crypto exchanges are legal to use in Japan?","text":"Only exchanges registered with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and belonging to the JVCEA may legally serve residents of Japan — examples include bitFlyer, bitbank, and Coincheck. Using an unregistered offshore exchange means you lose Japanese legal and consumer protections and can complicate tax and withdrawals. Always confirm an exchange is on the FSA’s registered list before depositing funds.","url":"/en/questions#crypto-registered","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true},{"publisher":"JVCEA","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:crypto-tax:en","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"How much tax do I pay on crypto profits in Japan?","text":"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.","url":"/en/questions#crypto-tax","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:crypto-record:en","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"How do I keep crypto tax records in Japan?","text":"Record every transaction with date, type (buy/sell/swap/spend), amounts, the yen value at the time, and fees, because Japan taxes each disposal and you must compute cost basis (commonly the moving-average or total-average method). Exchange CSV exports plus crypto tax-calculation tools help consolidate activity across platforms. Good records are essential if you are ever asked to substantiate your filing.","url":"/en/questions#crypto-record","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:crypto-fx-leverage:en","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"How does FX (margin) leverage work for retail traders in Japan?","text":"Domestic retail FX leverage is capped by regulation, commonly at 25x, which limits how large a position your deposit can control. Leverage amplifies both gains and losses, and sharp moves can trigger margin calls or losses beyond your deposit. FX is high-risk and unsuitable for money you cannot lose. Watch for unregulated offshore brokers offering much higher leverage — they remove your protections and are often used in scams.","url":"/en/questions#crypto-fx-leverage","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:sony-bank:en","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Sony Bank","text":"Online bank\nAn online bank popular with residents who want strong foreign-currency features, a well-regarded app, and comparatively English-friendly service.\nMulti-currency accounts and a debit card with competitive FX\nWell-rated app and online-first experience\nNo-fee ATM and transfer allowances depending on account tier\nNo physical branches for in-person service\nSome official documentation is Japanese-first\nNo monthly account fee; ATM/transfer fees depend on tier — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/sony-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"Sony Bank","url":"https://moneykit.net/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:smbc-prestia:en","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA","text":"Bank (English support)\nThe bank most often recommended for English-language service, multi-currency accounts, and international needs, aimed at globally minded residents.\nEnd-to-end English support and documentation\nMulti-currency and foreign-remittance features\nBranch and phone support in English\nFees can be higher; some are waived above balance thresholds\nPositioned as a premium/international bank\nAccount and transfer fees vary; balance-based fee waivers apply — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/smbc-prestia","sources":[{"publisher":"SMBC Trust Bank","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:rakuten-bank:en","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Rakuten Bank","text":"Online bank\nJapan’s large online bank, tightly integrated with the Rakuten ecosystem (card, points, securities) and popular for everyday banking.\nDeep Rakuten points and ecosystem integration\nFee waivers and point earning based on account rank\nSmooth linking to Rakuten Securities for investing\nEnglish support is partial\nBenefits are strongest if you use other Rakuten services\nNo monthly fee; ATM/transfer fees depend on account rank — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/rakuten-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"Rakuten Bank","url":"https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:shinsei-bank:en","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"SBI Shinsei Bank","text":"Bank\nA bank historically noted for some English support and foreign-currency services, now part of the SBI group.\nSome English online banking and support\nForeign-currency deposits and remittance options\nTiered benefits program\nTerms and English coverage have changed over time — verify current state\nFeature set varies by program tier\nFees depend on program tier — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/shinsei-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"SBI Shinsei Bank","url":"https://www.sbishinseibank.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:japan-post-bank:en","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"Japan Post Bank","text":"Bank (nationwide)\nA bank with the widest branch and ATM network in Japan, often accessible for new residents and useful in rural areas.\nNationwide branches and ATMs, including rural areas\nOften accessible for newcomers\nFamiliar for pension and government-related transfers\nApp and digital experience are more traditional\nLimited English at many branches\nBasic account has no monthly fee; some transfer/ATM fees apply — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/japan-post-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Post Bank","url":"https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:rakuten-card:en","type":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Rakuten Card","text":"No-annual-fee credit card\nA widely held no-annual-fee card known for accessible approval and strong Rakuten point earning, often chosen as a first card.\nNo annual fee\nStrong Rakuten point earning across the ecosystem\nCommonly accessible approval for residents\nWatch for revolving-payment (リボ) prompts during signup\nPoint value is highest inside the Rakuten ecosystem\nNo annual fee; interest applies only if you use revolving or installment payments.","url":"/en/products/rakuten-card","sources":[{"publisher":"Rakuten Card","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:epos-card:en","type":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"Epos Card","text":"No-annual-fee credit card\nA no-annual-fee card from Marui, known for instant in-store issuance and useful discounts, and often accessible for newer residents.\nNo annual fee\nInstant issuance at Marui stores\nDiscounts at partner venues and periodic sales\nInterface and support are Japanese-first\nRewards suit those who use partner merchants\nNo annual fee for the base card; interest only on revolving/installment use.","url":"/en/products/epos-card","sources":[{"publisher":"Marui / Epos","url":"https://www.eposcard.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:amex-jp:en","type":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"en","title":"American Express (Japan)","text":"Annual-fee rewards card\nAnnual-fee cards offering travel benefits, insurance, and membership rewards, with English-language support — worthwhile if you use the perks.\nEnglish-language service and application\nTravel insurance and airport-lounge access on eligible cards\nTransferable membership rewards points\nAnnual fees can be significant — justify with actual usage\nAcceptance is narrower than Visa/Mastercard at small merchants\nAnnual fee varies by card tier — compare against the benefits you will use.","url":"/en/products/amex-jp","sources":[{"publisher":"American Express","url":"https://www.americanexpress.com/ja-jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:rakuten-securities:en","type":"product","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"Rakuten Securities","text":"Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo)\nA leading low-cost brokerage for NISA and index-fund investing, integrated with Rakuten points and Rakuten Bank.\nBroad low-cost index fund and ETF lineup\nNISA and iDeCo support\nPoint integration and easy Rakuten Bank linking\nInterface is Japanese-first\nPoint-program terms change periodically\nMany domestic funds and trades are low- or no-commission — verify current fee schedule.","url":"/en/products/rakuten-securities","sources":[{"publisher":"Rakuten Securities","url":"https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:sbi-securities:en","type":"product","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"SBI Securities","text":"Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo)\nJapan’s largest online brokerage by accounts, with a very broad low-cost fund lineup and full NISA/iDeCo support.\nExtensive low-cost fund and ETF selection\nNISA and iDeCo support\nMultiple point-program options\nInterface is Japanese-first and feature-dense\nChoosing among options can be complex for beginners\nMany trades and funds are low- or no-commission — verify current fee schedule.","url":"/en/products/sbi-securities","sources":[{"publisher":"SBI Securities","url":"https://www.sbisec.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:monex:en","type":"product","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"Monex Securities","text":"Brokerage (NISA/iDeCo)\nAn established online brokerage often chosen for US-stock access and research tools, with NISA and iDeCo support.\nStrong US-stock lineup and research tools\nNISA and iDeCo support\nPoint-program options\nInterface is Japanese-first\nCompare fund fees against other major brokerages\nCommissions vary by product; some funds/trades are low-cost — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/monex","sources":[{"publisher":"Monex","url":"https://www.monex.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:freee:en","type":"product","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"freee","text":"Cloud accounting software\nBeginner-friendly cloud accounting built around guided workflows, popular with sole proprietors for blue-return filing and e-Tax.\nGuided, question-based bookkeeping for beginners\nBank/card auto-import and blue-return output\nInvoice-system and e-Tax support\nInterface is Japanese-only\nSubscription cost scales with plan and features\nSubscription plans (monthly/annual) vary by tier — verify current pricing.","url":"/en/products/freee","sources":[{"publisher":"freee","url":"https://www.freee.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:money-forward-cloud:en","type":"product","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"Money Forward Cloud","text":"Cloud accounting software\nCloud accounting with strong automation and integrations, popular with freelancers and small companies that value flexible bookkeeping.\nExtensive bank/card/service integrations\nFlexible bookkeeping suited to growing businesses\nInvoice-system and e-Tax support\nInterface is Japanese-only\nMore flexibility can mean a steeper start than fully guided tools\nSubscription plans vary by tier — verify current pricing.","url":"/en/products/money-forward-cloud","sources":[{"publisher":"Money Forward","url":"https://biz.moneyforward.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:yayoi:en","type":"product","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"Yayoi","text":"Accounting software\nA long-established accounting-software brand with desktop and cloud options, widely used and supported by tax professionals.\nLong track record and wide professional familiarity\nDesktop and cloud options\nBlue-return and e-Tax support\nInterface is Japanese-only\nDesktop products differ from cloud in workflow\nDesktop license or cloud subscription depending on product — verify current pricing.","url":"/en/products/yayoi","sources":[{"publisher":"Yayoi","url":"https://www.yayoi-kk.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:flat-35:en","type":"product","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"Flat 35","text":"Fixed-rate mortgage\nA long-term fixed-rate mortgage program backed by the Japan Housing Finance Agency, offered via partner lenders and often accessible without permanent residency.\nLong-term fixed rate for payment certainty\nRules-based eligibility via many partner lenders\nOften accessible to residents without permanent residency\nProperty must meet technical standards for eligibility\nFixed rate can be higher than current floating rates\nRate and fees vary by lender and loan-to-value — verify current terms.","url":"/en/products/flat-35","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:wise:en","type":"product","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"Wise","text":"International transfers\nA licensed money-transfer service that uses the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent, upfront fee — often cheaper than bank wires for personal transfers.\nMid-market exchange rate with a visible fee\nMulti-currency account and debit card\nClear estimate of the recipient amount before sending\nTransfer limits and verification apply to large amounts\nNot a substitute for a Japanese bank account\nTransparent per-transfer fee plus mid-market rate — compare the recipient amount.","url":"/en/products/wise","sources":[{"publisher":"Wise","url":"https://wise.com/jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:revolut:en","type":"product","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"Revolut","text":"Multi-currency account\nA multi-currency app account with a card and fee allowances for currency exchange, useful for people who spend or hold multiple currencies.\nHold and exchange multiple currencies in-app\nCard spending abroad with competitive FX\nEnglish-language app and support\nFree FX allowances and weekend markups vary by plan\nFeature availability differs by region and plan\nPlan-based; free FX up to allowances, then a fee — verify current terms.","url":"/en/products/revolut","sources":[{"publisher":"Revolut","url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:bitflyer:en","type":"product","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"bitFlyer","text":"Registered crypto exchange\nAn FSA-registered, JVCEA-member crypto exchange serving Japanese residents, commonly cited for a long operating history.\nFSA-registered and JVCEA member\nEstablished operating track record\nStandard buy/sell and exchange functions\nCrypto gains are taxed heavily as miscellaneous income\nSpreads and fees vary by order type — compare before trading\nTrading fees and spreads vary by product and order type — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/bitflyer","sources":[{"publisher":"bitFlyer","url":"https://bitflyer.com/","official":true},{"publisher":"JVCEA","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:bitbank:en","type":"product","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"bitbank","text":"Registered crypto exchange\nAn FSA-registered, JVCEA-member crypto exchange serving Japanese residents, often noted for its trading interface.\nFSA-registered and JVCEA member\nOrder-book trading for multiple assets\nEstablished Japanese exchange\nCrypto gains are taxed heavily as miscellaneous income\nCompare fees and spreads before trading\nMaker/taker fees and spreads vary — verify current schedule.","url":"/en/products/bitbank","sources":[{"publisher":"bitbank","url":"https://bitbank.cc/","official":true},{"publisher":"JVCEA","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:zairyu-card:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"在留カード (Residence card)","text":"The government-issued ID card for mid-to-long-term foreign residents. It is the primary document for opening bank accounts, applying for cards, and most financial services.","url":"/en/glossary#zairyu-card","sources":[{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:my-number:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"マイナンバー (Individual Number)","text":"A 12-digit personal ID number used for tax, social security, and increasingly for financial account identification. Some banks and brokerages require it.","url":"/en/glossary#my-number","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:koza-furikae:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"口座振替 (Direct debit)","text":"Automatic withdrawal from your bank account for recurring bills such as rent, utilities, and credit-card payments.","url":"/en/glossary#koza-furikae","sources":[]},{"id":"glossary:furikomi:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"振込 (Bank transfer)","text":"A transfer of money to another bank account, often used for rent, invoices, and payments. Fees vary by bank and channel.","url":"/en/glossary#furikomi","sources":[]},{"id":"glossary:nisa:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"NISA (Tax-free investment account)","text":"A tax-free investment account. Since 2024 it allows ¥3.6M/year (¥18M lifetime) of investments whose gains are exempt from tax.","url":"/en/glossary#nisa","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:ideco:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"iDeCo (Private defined-contribution pension)","text":"A private, tax-advantaged defined-contribution pension. Contributions reduce taxable income now but funds are locked until age 60.","url":"/en/glossary#ideco","sources":[{"publisher":"National Pension Fund Association (iDeCo)","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:tsumitate:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"investing","locale":"en","title":"つみたて投資枠 (Accumulation frame (NISA))","text":"The NISA frame for regular, automated investing in regulator-screened funds, up to ¥1.2M per year.","url":"/en/glossary#tsumitate","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:genzei:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"減税 (Tax reduction)","text":"A reduction in tax owed, achieved through deductions and credits such as medical expenses, dependents, or the mortgage credit.","url":"/en/glossary#genzei","sources":[]},{"id":"glossary:kakutei-shinkoku:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"確定申告 (Final tax return)","text":"The annual income-tax return, filed Feb 16 – Mar 15, required for side income, self-employment, or to claim certain deductions.","url":"/en/glossary#kakutei-shinkoku","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:nenmatsu-chosei:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"年末調整 (Year-end adjustment)","text":"The employer process that reconciles withheld income tax at year-end, so most single-employer employees do not file a return.","url":"/en/glossary#nenmatsu-chosei","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:juminzei:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"住民税 (Resident tax)","text":"Local tax of roughly 10%, billed the year after the income is earned — often a surprise in a new resident’s second year.","url":"/en/glossary#juminzei","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:furusato-nozei:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"en","title":"ふるさと納税 (Hometown tax donation)","text":"A scheme to donate to local governments for gifts while deducting almost all of the donation from your taxes (¥2,000 net cost).","url":"/en/glossary#furusato-nozei","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kaigyo-todoke:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"開業届 (Notification of business opening)","text":"The form filed with the tax office to register as a sole proprietor. Free and quick; often filed with the blue-return application.","url":"/en/glossary#kaigyo-todoke","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:aoiro-shinkoku:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"青色申告 (Blue tax return)","text":"A filing status that rewards double-entry bookkeeping with a deduction of up to ¥650,000 and loss carry-forward.","url":"/en/glossary#aoiro-shinkoku","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:invoice-seido:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"インボイス制度 (Qualified invoice system)","text":"The consumption-tax system (from Oct 2023) under which buyers need a supplier’s T-number to claim input tax credits.","url":"/en/glossary#invoice-seido","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:shohizei:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"en","title":"消費税 (Consumption tax)","text":"Japan’s value-added tax: 10% standard, 8% reduced for food and certain items. Relevant to businesses above the taxable threshold.","url":"/en/glossary#shohizei","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kokumin-kenko-hoken:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"国民健康保険 (National Health Insurance)","text":"Public health insurance for those not covered by employees’ insurance (e.g. freelancers). Premiums are income-based and billed by your municipality.","url":"/en/glossary#kokumin-kenko-hoken","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kogaku-ryoyohi:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"高額療養費 (High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit)","text":"A public system that caps your monthly out-of-pocket medical costs based on income, limiting the cost of serious illness.","url":"/en/glossary#kogaku-ryoyohi","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:jishin-hoken:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"insurance","locale":"en","title":"地震保険 (Earthquake insurance)","text":"A government-backed rider added to fire insurance. Payouts are capped at a share of the building/contents value.","url":"/en/glossary#jishin-hoken","sources":[{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:jutaku-loan:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"住宅ローン (Home loan (mortgage))","text":"A mortgage. Eligibility weighs income, employment, and often permanent residency; choose between fixed and floating rates.","url":"/en/glossary#jutaku-loan","sources":[{"publisher":"Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:shoyu-hiyo:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"loans","locale":"en","title":"諸費用 (Closing costs)","text":"The one-off costs of buying property (agent fees, registration, taxes, insurance), typically 6–10% of the price.","url":"/en/glossary#shoyu-hiyo","sources":[{"publisher":"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kaigai-soukin:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"remittance","locale":"en","title":"海外送金 (International remittance)","text":"Sending money across borders. Watch the exchange-rate markup, which often costs more than the visible transfer fee.","url":"/en/glossary#kaigai-soukin","sources":[{"publisher":"Bank of Japan (BOJ)","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:ango-shisan:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"crypto","locale":"en","title":"暗号資産 (Crypto-asset)","text":"Cryptocurrency. Gains are taxed as miscellaneous income at marginal rates; only FSA-registered exchanges may serve residents.","url":"/en/glossary#ango-shisan","sources":[{"publisher":"National Tax Agency (NTA)","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true},{"publisher":"Financial Services Agency (FSA)","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:honnin-kakunin:en","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"en","title":"本人確認 (Identity verification (KYC))","text":"The identity-verification process required to open financial accounts, using documents such as a residence card.","url":"/en/glossary#honnin-kakunin","sources":[{"publisher":"Immigration Services Agency of Japan","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:banking:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"銀行","text":"自分に合う口座を開き、手数料を理解し、よくある問題を解決する。\n日本の銀行口座は日々のお金の中心です。給与の受け取り、家賃や公共料金の口座振替、そしてカード・証券・送金アプリと連携する口座になります。多くの場合、在留カードがあれば口座を開けます（マイナンバーや日本の電話番号・住所を求められることもあります）。\n従来のメガバンク（三菱UFJ・三井住友・みずほ）は店舗網と知名度が強みです。一方でネット銀行（楽天銀行・ソニー銀行・住信SBI）はアプリ・手数料・ポイントや投資との連携で優れることが多いです。SMBC信託銀行プレスティアやソニー銀行は英語対応や外貨機能で知られています。\n実務的な疑問はほぼ共通です。必要書類は何か、アプリとサポートは英語で使えるか、ATM・振込手数料はいくらか、氏名（カタカナ）表記・住所変更・在留カード更新はどう扱うか。このセクションは、申し込む前にそうした点を調べるお手伝いをします。\n中心となる本人確認書類は在留カードです。マイナンバー・日本の電話番号・一定期間の在留を求める銀行もあります。\n手数料とアプリの使いやすさはネット銀行が有利なことが多く、店舗や法人取引が必要ならメガバンクが役立ちます。\n英語対応・外貨なら、まず調べたいのはSMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行です。\nATM・振込手数料は差が大きく、多くのネット銀行は口座ランクに応じて月数回まで無料にします。\n口座名義は通常カタカナで登録します。カード・公共料金・勤務先で表記を統一しましょう。\n住所や在留資格が変わったら登録情報を更新し、口座の凍結・制限を避けましょう。","url":"/ja/banking","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true},{"publisher":"一般社団法人 全国銀行協会","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:credit-cards:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"クレジットカード","text":"審査に通り、リボ払いの罠を避け、生活に合うポイントを貯める。\n日本のクレジットカードは、ネット通販・継続課金・旅行・国内の支払い履歴づくりに役立ちます。審査は主に安定した収入と在留状況で判断され、海外のクレジットスコアは引き継がれません。多くの人は、審査が通りやすくポイントも使いやすい楽天カードやエポスカードなど、買い物の経済圏に紐づくカードから始めます。\n最大の罠は「リボ払い」です。残高を長期に分割し、実質高金利がかかります。初期設定でオンになっていたり、申込時に勧められることもあります。毎月「一括払い」を選べば利息はかかりません。年会費・ポイント経済圏・英語対応も検討する価値があります。\n審査に落ちる場合、多くは勤続年数・収入証明・短期間の申し込みが多すぎることが理由で、国籍ではありません。時間を置く、通りやすい発行会社に申し込む、まず1枚で履歴を作る、などが次の一手です。\n海外のクレジットスコアは引き継がれません。日本の審査は収入の安定と在留状況を見ます。\n利息を避けるには「一括払い」。「リボ払い」は機能ではなく、オフにすべきものと考えましょう。\n経済圏カード（楽天・エポスなど）は、審査の通りやすさとポイントの使いやすさから最初の1枚に選ばれがちです。\nポイント経済圏は実際の支出先に合わせましょう。弱い経済圏を複数持つより、強い1つが有利です。\n年会費ありのカードは、旅行保険・ラウンジ・高還元で元を取れることも。特典を使う場合に限ります。\n審査落ちの多くは勤続年数や短期間の申込過多が理由で、国籍ではありません。","url":"/ja/credit-cards","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社日本信用情報機構","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:investing:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"NISA・投資","text":"NISAとiDeCoを理解し、証券会社を選び、買う前にリスクを学ぶ。\n多くの人は、まず税制優遇口座から始めます。NISAは運用益が非課税になる口座で、2024年の新制度から年間360万円（つみたて120万円＋成長投資240万円）、生涯1,800万円、非課税期間は無期限です。iDeCoは私的な確定拠出年金で、掛金は今の課税所得を減らせますが、原則60歳まで引き出せません。\nこれらは証券会社で開設します。低コストのインデックス投信・情報・ポイント連携では楽天証券とSBI証券が主流で、マネックス証券もよく選ばれます。口座内では、初心者は個別株よりも、幅広く低コストなインデックス投信（全世界株式やS&P500など）を調べることが多いです。\nクロスボーダーの注意点が2つ。米国市民・グリーンカード保有者は日本の投資信託でPFIC報告の問題があり、専門家の助言が必要です。またNISAは居住者向けの制度で、出国時は原則として口座の停止・閉鎖が必要です。残高が大きくなる前に出国計画を立てましょう。\n新NISA（2024〜）：年360万円・生涯1,800万円、運用益は非課税で期限なし。最初に使う口座になりがちです。\niDeCoは今の課税所得を減らせますが、原則60歳まで引き出せません。掛金上限は年金の区分で変わります。\n低コストの標準的な証券会社は楽天証券とSBI証券。マネックス証券もよく使われます。\n初心者の多くは個別株より、幅広いインデックス投信（全世界株式・S&P500）を調べます。\n米国関係者：日本の投資信託はPFICに該当し、米国の報告負担が重い場合があります。先にクロスボーダー税務の助言を。\nNISAは居住者向け。日本を離れる前に口座の扱いを計画しましょう。","url":"/ja/investing","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true},{"publisher":"国民年金基金連合会","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:tax:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"税金","text":"居住者区分・所得税・住民税・控除・クロスボーダー申告。\n日本の課税は居住者区分（非居住者・非永住者・永住者、いずれも税務上の区分で在留資格とは別）に基づきます。これにより、日本源泉所得だけか全世界所得かが決まります。多くの会社員は源泉徴収と年末調整で完結し確定申告は不要ですが、副収入・2か所給与・多額の医療費・投資所得などがあると確定申告が必要になります。\n税金は2本立てです。国の所得税（累進）と、地方の住民税（およそ10%）で、住民税は所得が発生した翌年に請求されます。来日者は2年目に住民税の請求で驚くことが多く、出国者は出国後に住民税が発生することもあります。\n税を軽くする仕組みもあります。ふるさと納税は住民税の一部を自治体への寄付に置き換えられ、医療費・扶養・保険・iDeCoなどの控除もあります。申告はe-Taxまたは税務署で、原則2月16日〜3月15日です。暗号資産・国外財産・日米の重複がある場合は専門家の助言が有効です。\n税務上の居住者区分（非居住者・非永住者・永住者）で、日本が課税できる所得の範囲が決まります。\n多くの会社員は年末調整で完結しますが、副収入や投資益があると確定申告が必要になることがあります。\n住民税（約10%）は稼いだ翌年に請求されます。2年目の請求と出国時の請求に備えましょう。\nふるさと納税は、住民税の一部を自治体への寄付に置き換えて返礼品を受け取れます（自己負担2,000円）。\n申告期間は原則2月16日〜3月15日。e-Taxか税務署で行い、控除には書類が必要です。\n暗号資産は雑所得として累進税率で課税され、株式のような分離課税ではありません。","url":"/ja/tax","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:freelancers:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"フリーランス・事業","text":"個人事業の開業・青色申告・インボイス制度・帳簿づけ。\n日本で独立すると、多くは税務署に開業届を出して個人事業主になります（無料でほぼ形式的な手続き）。同時に青色申告承認申請を出すと、最大65万円の控除や損失の繰越が使える一方、複式簿記による帳簿づけが必要になります。\n帳簿づけはクラウド会計が力を発揮する場面です。freeeやマネーフォワード クラウドは銀行・カードと連携して取引を自動仕訳し、青色申告書類やe-Taxデータを作成します。弥生は老舗の選択肢です。税金は自分で備えます。所得税・住民税・国民健康保険・国民年金はすべて自分のキャッシュフローから支払うため、多くの人は利益の20〜35%を積み立てます。\nインボイス制度（2023年10月〜）は小規模事業者に影響します。取引先が消費税の仕入税額控除を受けたい場合、登録番号（Tから始まる番号）の取得を求められることがあり、登録すると消費税の課税事業者になります。登録するかどうかは実際にトレードオフがあります。このセクションは、決める前に論点を整理します。\n開業届で個人事業主になり、同時に青色申告承認申請を出すと控除が使えます。\n青色申告は最大65万円の控除が可能ですが、複式簿記と電子申告が必要です。\nfreeeとマネーフォワード クラウドは帳簿と青色申告書類を自動化。弥生は老舗の選択肢です。\n所得税・住民税・年金・健康保険は自分で支払います。多くの人は利益の20〜35%を積み立てます。\nインボイス制度（登録番号）は、取引先があなたの請求書で仕入税額控除を受けられるかに影響します。\nインボイス登録は消費税の課税事業者になることを意味します。取引先の状況と照らして判断しましょう。","url":"/ja/freelancers","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:insurance:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"保険","text":"公的保険でカバーされる範囲と、民間保険が必要な場面。\n日本の公的制度は非常に手厚く、これを理解すると保険の買いすぎを防げます。全員が健康保険（会社員の健康保険か国民健康保険）に加入し、多くの医療費の自己負担は約3割。さらに高額療養費制度が、所得に応じて月あたりの自己負担に上限を設けます。公的年金も老後だけでなく、障害・遺族の保障を含みます。\n公的保障が広いため、大きく宣伝される民間保険の多くは任意です。正直に問うべきは、公的保障の後に残る不足は何か、自分で賄えない損失はどれほど大きいか、保険料に見合うか、です。扶養家族のための定期生命保険や、個人賠償責任保険（多くの県で自転車保険が義務化され、安く付帯できることが多い）は、比較的わかりやすく有効です。\n理解しておきたい種類には、医療・がん・生命（定期と終身）・就業不能・火災と地震（地震は火災保険の特約）・自動車・旅行があります。ここでの誠実な記事は、免責・デメリット・代替手段・そして追加保険が不要な場合も必ず扱うべきです。\n公的健康保険で多くの自己負担は約3割、高額療養費で月の自己負担に所得別の上限があります。\n公的年金には障害・遺族保障も含まれます。民間保険の前に考慮しましょう。\n保険は自分で賄えない損失（扶養家族・賠償）に。予算内で賄える小さな費用には不要です。\n地震保険は火災保険の特約で、補償は建物評価額の一定割合に制限されることが多いです。\n個人賠償責任保険は安く重要性も増しています。多くの県で自転車保険が義務化されています。\n誠実な比較では、免責・代替手段・追加保険が不要な場合を必ず示すべきです。","url":"/ja/insurance","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:loans:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"ローン・住宅ローン・不動産","text":"住宅ローンの審査・固定と変動・諸費用・賃貸か購入か。\n日本の住宅ローンは世界的に見れば低金利ですが、多くの外国人居住者にとっては審査が壁です。銀行は安定した雇用・収入・在留期間、そして特に永住権を重視します。永住権がないと、断る銀行、頭金を多く求める銀行、保証人を求める銀行があります。フラット35（住宅金融支援機構）は基準が明確で永住権を必ずしも求めないため、よく使われる選択肢です。\n中心となる選択は固定か変動かです。変動金利は非常に低い水準が続きましたが上昇し得ます。固定（フラット35を含む）は今のコストは高めでも将来の安心が得られます。金利以外に、物件価格のおよそ6〜10%の諸費用（登記・仲介手数料・ローン保証・税金・火災保険）も見込みましょう。見落としがちです。\n日本の賃貸か購入かは、金銭面だけの話ではありません。特に古い木造住宅は値上がりより減価する物件が多く、売却のしやすさも立地で異なります。このセクションは購入をあおるのではなく、審査・総コスト・リスク（金利・売却・維持・自然災害）を整理します。\n永住権は住宅ローン審査に大きく影響します。ない場合は条件が厳しくなるか、頭金が多く必要になりがちです。\nフラット35（住宅金融支援機構）は基準が明確な固定金利で、永住権を必ずしも求めない一般的な選択肢です。\n固定か変動かが中心のトレードオフ。今の安心と高コストか、低コストと金利リスクか。\n頭金に加えて、価格の6〜10%の諸費用を見込みましょう。\n日本の多くの物件は減価します。住まいをまず居住、次に投資と考えましょう。\n申込前に信用情報（CIC・JICC）を確認しましょう。最近の延滞は審査に響きます。","url":"/ja/loans","sources":[{"publisher":"住宅金融支援機構","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true},{"publisher":"国土交通省","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:remittance:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"海外送金","text":"送金の受け取り・送金、隠れた為替マージンの削減、海外所得の扱い。\n国をまたぐ送金は手数料が隠れやすい場面です。表示される送金手数料はしばしば小さい方で、より大きいのは、提供される為替レートと仲値（ミッドマーケットレート）との差に含まれる為替マージンです。従来の銀行送金では、SWIFTや中継銀行の手数料が事前に見えにくい形で加わることもあります。\n個人送金では専門サービスが銀行より有利なことが多いです。Wiseは仲値と明示的な手数料を表示し、Revolutは手数料枠つきのマルチカレンシー口座を提供します。大口や定期の送金では、宣伝される手数料ではなく、最終的に受け取る金額（総額）で比較するのが唯一確実な方法です。\nクロスボーダーには税務・報告の論点もあります。海外所得は居住者区分により課税され得ますし、日本では一定額を超えると国外財産調書の提出が必要です。このセクションは、真の送金コストの比較と、クロスボーダー税務の助言が必要な場面の見極めを助けます。\n為替マージンは、見える送金手数料より高くつくことが多いです。仲値と比較しましょう。\nコストは宣伝される手数料でなく、最終的な受取額で判断しましょう。特に大口で重要です。\n個人送金では、Wise（仲値）やRevolut（マルチカレンシー）が銀行送金より有利なことが多いです。\n銀行送金は、事前に見えにくいSWIFTや中継銀行の手数料が加わることがあります。\n海外所得は居住者区分により日本で課税され得ます。非課税と決めつけず確認しましょう。\n国外財産が基準額を超えると、日本では国外財産調書の提出が必要です。","url":"/ja/remittance","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:points:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"points","locale":"ja","title":"ポイント・特典","text":"経済圏を1つ選び、ポイントの価値を理解し、無駄追いを避ける。\n日本はポイント経済圏で回っています。楽天、PayPay、dポイント（ドコモ）、Vポイント（SMBC）などが、カード・電子マネー・買い物・携帯プランを結びつけています。勝ち筋は「全部集める」ことではなく、すでに買い物・携帯・銀行で使っている経済圏の1つに集中することです。\n多くのポイントは1ポイント約1円ですが、価値は使い道で変わります。期限切れになるポイントや、特定の店でしか使えないポイントは、見た目より価値が下がります。コンビニやコード決済（PayPay・楽天ペイ）は日常の支出が最も早く貯まる層で、マイルは旅行が多い別の生活パターンに向きます。\n誠実な見方はこうです。ポイントは、どのみち行う支出に対するささやかで非課税の割引であって、余計に使う理由ではありません。このセクションは、生活スタイル別に経済圏を比較し、期限と価値評価を説明し、労力に見合わないキャンペーン追いの罠を避ける手助けをします。\n銀行・カード・携帯に合う1つの経済圏に集中しましょう。弱い経済圏を複数持たないこと。\n多くのポイントは約1円ですが、期限や店舗限定の使い道で実質価値は下がります。\nPayPayや楽天ペイは、コンビニや小規模店の日常支出が最も早く貯まります。\nマイルは旅行が多い人向けで、誰にとっても有利とは限りません。\nポイントはどのみち行う支出の割引であり、余計に使う理由ではありません。\n手間や管理コストが見返りを上回るキャンペーンは無視しましょう。","url":"/ja/points","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"cluster:crypto:ja","type":"cluster","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"暗号資産・FX","text":"登録取引所・重い暗号資産税・保管・レバレッジのリスク。\n日本は暗号資産を厳しく規制します。居住者に合法的にサービスを提供できるのは、金融庁に登録しJVCEAに加盟する取引所（bitFlyer、bitbank、Coincheckなど）だけです。まず確認すべきは登録の有無です。未登録の海外取引所の利用は、法的保護を失い、税務も複雑にします。\n多くの人にとって決定的なのは税金です。暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進税率で課税され、住民税を含めると最大約55%になり得ます。上場株式やNISAに適用される約20%の分離課税ではありません。暗号資産同士の交換や暗号資産での支払いを含め、あらゆる処分が課税対象になるため、記録ツールが重要です。\nFX（証拠金取引）は別物で、レバレッジが中心です。国内個人向けFXのレバレッジは上限（一般に25倍）があり、損失が預託金を超えることもあります。暗号資産もFXも詐欺が多く、元本保証をうたう手口・偽の取引所・「回収」詐欺などがあります。このセクションは教育に徹し、登録・税金・保管・記録・リスクを扱い、価格予想や誇張は行いません。\n利用は金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の取引所のみに。未登録の海外取引所は保護を失います。\n暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進課税。株式の約20%より大幅に高くなり得ます。\n暗号資産同士の交換や支払いを含め、あらゆる処分が課税対象。記録を詳細に残しましょう。\n個人向けFXのレバレッジは上限（一般に25倍）があり、損失が預託金を超えることもあります。\n元本保証・偽の取引所・「回収」サービスは詐欺です。例外はありません。\nこれは投資助言ではなく、価格予想も含みません。","url":"/ja/crypto","sources":[{"publisher":"一般社団法人 日本暗号資産取引業協会","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"article:opening-a-bank-account-in-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"日本で銀行口座を開く","text":"在留カードと日本の住所があれば多くの銀行で口座を開けます。ネット銀行や英語対応の銀行が一般的な出発点です。\n最初の日本の銀行口座を開くときの書類・選択肢・よくあるつまずき。\n中心の条件は在留カード。マイナンバー・電話番号・一定期間の在留を求める銀行もあります。\n手数料とアプリはネット銀行が有利。店舗や公的手続きにはメガバンク。\n名義はカタカナで登録。どこでも表記を統一しましょう。\n住所・在留資格を更新し、口座制限を避けましょう。\n必要なもの\n中心となる書類は在留カードです。多くの銀行は日本の住所と電話番号も求め、マイナンバーを求める例も増えています。新規来日者は一定期間（多くは在留6か月）を待つ銀行もあれば、すぐ開ける銀行もあります。ゆうちょ銀行や一部のネット銀行は早期に開設しやすいです。\n印鑑を用意するか署名の準備をし、名義はカタカナで登録される前提で考えましょう。そのカタカナ表記を勤務先・公共料金・カードで統一しておくと、後の振込や本人確認の問題を防げます。\n銀行の選び方\n手数料の安さと良いアプリを求めるなら、楽天銀行やソニー銀行などのネット銀行から。英語対応が必須なら、まず調べたいのはSMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行です。店舗網が必要、または公的・法人取引を見込むなら、メガバンクやゆうちょ銀行が実務の軸になります。用途別に2口座を持つ人も多いです。","url":"/ja/banking/opening-a-bank-account-in-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true},{"publisher":"一般社団法人 全国銀行協会","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:best-banks-for-foreigners-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"外国人居住者に向いた日本の銀行","text":"英語対応・外貨ならSMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行、低手数料・日常使いなら楽天銀行などのネット銀行が有力です。\n英語対応・手数料・アプリ・外貨のニーズで銀行を比較する方法。\n優先順位を決める：英語対応・手数料・アプリ・外貨機能。\n英語の一貫性はプレスティア、外貨とアプリはソニー銀行が強い。\nネット銀行は手数料を抑え、メガバンクは店舗と知名度。\n決める前に最新の手数料と英語対応を確認。\n自分に合う軸で比較する\n唯一の「最良」の銀行はなく、優先順位に対する最適があるだけです。すべて英語で行いたいならプレスティアが最も安全で、外貨にも強いソニー銀行が有力な次点です。低手数料と良いアプリ重視なら楽天銀行やソニー銀行。店舗や公的・法人が中心ならメガバンクやゆうちょ銀行が合います。\n手数料や英語対応は変わるため、どの一覧も出発点として扱い、申込前に各行の公式ページで最新情報を確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/banking/best-banks-for-foreigners-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社SMBC信託銀行","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"ソニー銀行株式会社","url":"https://moneykit.net/","official":true},{"publisher":"楽天銀行株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:getting-a-credit-card-in-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"日本で最初のクレジットカードを作る","text":"審査は国籍でなく安定収入と在留状況で決まります。楽天カードやエポスカードが作りやすい定番の1枚です。\n審査の仕組み、作りやすい最初の1枚、落ちたときの対処。\n海外のスコアは引き継がれず、日本でゼロから履歴を作ります。\n経済圏カード（楽天・エポス）が定番の最初の1枚。\n審査落ちは多くが勤続の短さや短期の申込過多。\n支出に合う1つのポイント経済圏を選ぶ。\n審査の仕組み\n日本の発行会社は、安定収入・勤続年数・在留状況、そして国内の信用情報（CIC・JICCが保有）を見ます。他国の信用履歴は引き継がれないため、実質的に誰もがゼロから始めます。日本の銀行口座、残存期間の長い在留カード、安定した雇用はいずれも有利に働きます。\n落ちたときは\n審査落ちの多くは勤続年数・収入証明・短期間の申込過多が理由で、国籍ではありません。数か月あける、通りやすい発行会社に申し込む、収入を明確に示す、同時申込を避ける、が有効です。再申込前にCICやJICCで自分の信用情報を取り寄せ、問題を確認できます。","url":"/ja/credit-cards/getting-a-credit-card-in-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社日本信用情報機構","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"楽天カード株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:avoiding-revolving-payment-riborai:ja","type":"article","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"リボ払いの罠を避ける","text":"リボ払いは残高を実質高金利（多くは年約15%）で分割します。毎月「一括払い」を選べば利息はかかりません。\nリボ払いとは何か、なぜ高くつくのか、どうオフにするか。\nリボ払いは高金利で、初期設定でオンのこともある。\n毎月の一括払いなら利息ゼロ。\nポイント特典でリボに誘導されることがある。\nアプリで支払い設定を確認・変更する。\nなぜ高くつくのか\nリボ払いは毎月の支払いを小さく一定に保ちますが、未払い残高に利息（多くは年15%前後）がかかります。残高の減りが遅いため利息が積み上がり、小さな買い物でも長期では大きな負担になります。初期設定でオンだったり、追加ポイントで勧められるカードもあり、気づかず利用してしまう人がいます。\n避け方\n支払い時に「一括払い」を選び、アプリや会員サイトで既定の支払い方法を一括に設定しましょう。明細で「リボ」「自動リボ」設定がないか確認し、あればオフに。すでにリボ残高がある場合は、最低額より多く返済すると支払う利息を減らせます。","url":"/ja/credit-cards/avoiding-revolving-payment-riborai","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:what-is-nisa:ja","type":"article","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"NISAとは？初心者向けガイド","text":"NISAは非課税の投資口座で、2024年から年360万円（生涯1,800万円）まで投資でき、その利益は非課税です。\n非課税の投資口座、2024年の制度、考え方。\n新NISA（2024）：年つみたて120万＋成長240万、生涯1,800万円。\nNISA内の利益・配当は非課税で期限なし。\n証券会社で開設。初心者は低コストのインデックス投信が多い。\n米国関係者・出国予定者は特に注意。\n新NISAの仕組み\n2024年の刷新以降、NISAは一本化された恒久制度で、併用できる2つの枠があります。規制当局が選定した投信向けの「つみたて投資枠」（年120万円まで）と、より広い対象の「成長投資枠」（年240万円まで）で、合計年360万円、生涯1,800万円が上限です。利益・配当は非課税で、非課税期間に期限はありません。売却すると、使った生涯枠は翌年に復活します。\n注意点\nNISAは「入れ物」であって投資そのものではありません。中に入れるものでリスクが決まります。初心者の多くは個別株より、幅広く低コストなインデックス投信を調べます。クロスボーダーの注意が2つ。米国市民・グリーンカード保有者は日本の投信で重い米国課税（PFIC）を受け、NISAは出国後は原則継続できません。大きな額を投じる前に両方を計画しましょう。","url":"/ja/investing/what-is-nisa","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:nisa-vs-ideco:ja","type":"article","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"NISAとiDeCo：どちらを先に？","text":"NISAは柔軟（いつでも引き出せ運用益非課税）、iDeCoは今の控除が大きい代わりに60歳まで拘束。まずNISAが多いです。\n2つの税制優遇口座の違いと使う順番。\nNISA：柔軟・運用益非課税・いつでも引き出せる。\niDeCo：掛金が今の課税所得を減らすが60歳まで拘束。\niDeCoの上限は年金区分による。\n出国予定ならiDeCoの拘束は大きな難点。\n中心的な違い\nどちらも運用益を非課税にしますが、柔軟性と今の恩恵をトレードオフします。NISAは所得控除はない代わりにいつでも引き出せ、利益は非課税。iDeCoは掛金を今の課税所得から控除でき（即時の実利）、その分お金は原則60歳まで拘束され、受取時は別の（多くは有利な）ルールで課税されます。iDeCoの掛金上限は、自営か、企業年金の有無がある会社員か、などで変わります。\n使う順番\nよくあるのは、まず柔軟なNISAを使い、60歳前に使わない自信があり日本に留まる見込みなら、控除目当てにiDeCoを足す方法です。出国の可能性があるなら、iDeCoの拘束とクロスボーダーの複雑さが不利に働きます。万能の正解はなく、投資期間と在留計画に合わせて選びましょう。","url":"/ja/investing/nisa-vs-ideco","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true},{"publisher":"国民年金基金連合会","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:choosing-a-brokerage-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"日本で証券会社を選ぶ","text":"NISAやインデックス投資の定番は楽天証券とSBI証券。マネックス証券は特に米国株で有力な選択肢です。\n楽天証券・SBI証券・マネックス証券を比較する観点。\n投信の手数料・NISA/iDeCo対応・ポイント連携を比較。\n低コスト投信は楽天とSBIが主流、米国株はマネックスが強い。\n経済圏（銀行・ポイント）の相性で上位2社を選び分けがち。\n画面は日本語中心。最新手数料を確認。\n比較する観点\n多くの初心者にとって、判断は少数の要素に絞られます。投信のラインナップと手数料（3社とも主要な低コスト投信を扱う）、NISA・iDeCo対応（3社ともあり）、ポイント連携、そして既に使う銀行との連携のしやすさです。楽天証券は楽天銀行・ポイントと自然に組み合わさり、SBI証券は最も広いラインナップと複数のポイント選択肢、マネックス証券は米国株のアクセスと分析ツールで選ばれがちです。","url":"/ja/investing/choosing-a-brokerage-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true},{"publisher":"楽天証券株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社SBI証券","url":"https://www.sbisec.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:japan-tax-residency-explained:ja","type":"article","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"日本の税務上の居住者区分","text":"日本は在留資格とは別の税務上の区分で課税します。非居住者は日本源泉、非永住者は送金分の国外所得も、永住者は全世界所得に課税されます。\n非居住者・非永住者・永住者と、それぞれの課税範囲。\n税務上の居住者区分は在留資格と別。\n非永住者：過去10年で在住5年以下・永住意思なし。\n非永住者は国外所得の送金分が課税対象になり得る。\n税務上の永住者は全世界所得に課税。\n3つの区分\n所得税では、日本は個人を非居住者・非永住者・永住者に区分します。これは在留資格の「永住」とは別の税務概念です。非居住者は日本源泉所得のみ課税。非永住者（過去10年で日本に住所を有した期間が5年以下で永住意思がない人）は、日本源泉所得に加え、日本で支払われた・送金された国外源泉所得が課税対象です。税務上の永住者は全世界所得に課税されます。\nなぜ重要か\n区分によって、海外の給与・海外の投資所得・日本に持ち込むお金が日本で課税されるかが決まります。クロスボーダーの誤りが起きやすい所で、たとえば非永住者が国外所得を日本の口座に送金すると課税が生じ得ます。国外所得や資産が絡む場合は、区分と義務を国税庁や税理士で確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/tax/japan-tax-residency-explained","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:furusato-nozei-explained:ja","type":"article","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"ふるさと納税の仕組み","text":"ふるさと納税は、自治体に寄付して返礼品を受け取りつつ、ほぼ全額を税から控除できます。実質2,000円で返礼品を得られます。\n住民税を返礼品に変える、ふるさと納税の仕組み。\n寄付は住民税・所得税から控除（自己負担2,000円）。\n返礼品（食品・物品）を受け取れる。\n控除の上限は所得・家族構成による。\nワンストップ特例か確定申告で申請。\n仕組み\nふるさと納税のポータルから任意の自治体に寄付し、多くの場合「返礼品」を受け取ります。寄付のほぼ全額が住民税・所得税から控除されるため、一律2,000円を除けば、どのみち払う税を振り向けて返礼品を得ることになります。有利に寄付できる額には、所得や世帯状況に応じた上限があるため、寄付前に公式の上限シミュレーターを使いましょう。\n控除の申請\n控除を受けるには申請が必要です。寄付先が5自治体以下の給与所得者は、各自治体に書類を出すワンストップ特例を使えます。それ以外、または既に確定申告する人は、受領書とともに申告で寄付を報告します。手続きを忘れると控除を失い、単なる（割高な）買い物になってしまいます。","url":"/ja/tax/furusato-nozei-explained","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return:ja","type":"article","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"日本で確定申告は必要？","text":"多くの会社員は年末調整で完結します。副収入20万円超・2か所給与・自営・特定の控除を受けたい場合は原則、確定申告が必要です。\n年末調整で足りる場合と、確定申告が必要な場合。\n多くの会社員は年末調整で自動的に完結。\n副収入20万円超・2か所給与・自営なら申告。\n医療費・初年度住宅ローン・寄付の控除は申告で。\n期間は2月16日〜3月15日、e-Taxで。\n申告が不要なことが多い場合\n給与が1か所で源泉徴収され、勤務先が年末調整を済ませた会社員は、通常すでに所得税が精算されており申告は不要です。年末調整が標準的な控除を処理し、源泉徴収額を調整します。\n申告が必要・した方がよい場合\n副収入が20万円超、給与が2か所以上、自営・事業所得、精算されていない大きな投資・暗号資産の利益がある場合は、原則として確定申告が必要です。必須でなくても、多額の医療費・初年度の住宅ローン控除・寄付（一部のふるさと納税を含む）などの控除を受けるなら申告すべきです。期間は2月16日〜3月15日、e-Taxで、各控除の書類を添えて行います。","url":"/ja/tax/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:becoming-a-sole-proprietor:ja","type":"article","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"日本で個人事業主になる","text":"税務署に開業届と青色申告承認申請を同時に提出し、クラウド会計を整え、利益の20〜35%を税金用に積み立てましょう。\n開業届・青色申告と、フリーランスが最初に整える仕組み。\n開業届で個人事業主に登録（無料・簡単）。\n同時に青色申告承認申請で控除を確保。\nクラウド会計（freee・マネーフォワード）で帳簿を。\n利益の20〜35%を税・年金・保険用に積立。\n立ち上げの手順\n所轄の税務署に開業届を提出して登録します。開始からおよそ1か月以内が理想です。同時に青色申告承認申請書を出し、最大65万円の控除と損失の繰越を確保します。記録を整えるため事業用の銀行口座・カードを検討し、在留資格が自営を認めるか確認しましょう。\n整えるお金の仕組み\n継続的な作業は記帳で、freeeやマネーフォワード クラウドが銀行・カードの取引取込と青色申告書類・e-Taxデータ作成の大半を自動化します。所得税・住民税・国民年金・国民健康保険を自分で払うため、多くの人は入金ごとに20〜35%を別の税金用口座へ移し、申告時に驚かないようにしています。","url":"/ja/freelancers/becoming-a-sole-proprietor","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:invoice-system-explained:ja","type":"article","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"インボイス制度の解説","text":"2023年10月以降、取引先は仕入税額控除に登録番号（T番号）が必要です。登録すると課税事業者になるため、取引先構成と照らして判断を。\n適格請求書等保存方式が小規模事業者に意味すること、登録すべきか。\n制度は2023年10月1日に開始。\n登録事業者はT番号つきの請求書を発行。\n登録すると消費税の課税事業者になる。\n登録の要否は取引先次第。\n何が変わったか\n適格請求書等保存方式では、事業者である買い手は、登録事業者のT番号がある請求書でなければ仕入税額控除を受けられません。以前は免税点以下の小規模事業者からでも買い手は控除できましたが、現在は未登録事業者からの仕入れに対する経過措置の控除が数年かけて段階的に縮小します。そのため一部の取引先はフリーランスに登録を求めるようになりました。\n登録すべきか\nこれは本当のトレードオフです。取引先が適格請求書を必要とする事業者なら、未登録は失注や税の自己負担につながり得ます。取引先が消費者や免税の小規模事業者なら、登録は利点なく消費税コストと事務だけを増やすことも。取引先構成を整理し、登録による消費税コストを見積もり、判断が微妙なら税理士に相談してから決めましょう。","url":"/ja/freelancers/invoice-system-explained","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:public-vs-private-insurance-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"日本の公的保険と民間保険","text":"公的健康保険で多くの自己負担は約3割、高額療養費で月の負担に上限。自分で賄えない具体的な不足がある場合だけ民間保険を。\n公的保障で足りる範囲と、追加の要否の判断。\n公的健康保険で多くの費用の約7割をカバー。\n高額療養費が月の自己負担を所得別に上限化。\n公的年金に障害・遺族給付を含む。\n不安からでなく不足を埋めるために民間保険を。\n公的保障で既にカバーされる範囲\n健康保険への加入は義務で、多くの医療費の自己負担は約3割に抑えられます。さらに高額療養費制度が、所得区分ごとに月の自己負担に上限を設けるため、重い病気でも金銭的な上限があります。公的年金は老後だけでなく、障害・遺族の給付も行います。これを理解すると、不安をあおって売られる民間商品の買いすぎを防げます。\n追加の要否を決める\n3つを問いましょう。公的保障の後に残る不足は何か、自分で賄えない損失はどれほど大きいか、その不足を埋めるのに保険料は見合うか。最も分かりやすく有効なのは、扶養家族が収入に頼る場合の定期生命保険と、安価な個人賠償責任保険（多くの県で自転車保険が義務）です。医療・がんの上乗せは多くの人にとって任意の安心です。具体的な不足で判断し、必ず免責と代替手段を読みましょう。","url":"/ja/insurance/public-vs-private-insurance-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:do-you-need-life-insurance-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"日本で生命保険は必要？","text":"生命保険が主に意味を持つのは、収入に頼る人がいる場合。その場合は定期保険が費用効率の良い選択です。\n生命保険が必要な場面と、定期と終身の違い。\n必要性は年齢でなく扶養家族で決まる。\n定期は一定期間を安く、終身は貯蓄付きで高コスト。\n公的年金の遺族給付を考慮する。\n保険金額は家族が直面する不足に合わせる。\n必要な場面\n生命保険は、あなたに頼る人（働いていない配偶者、子ども、住宅ローンなど共同債務を抱える家族）のために収入を補います。誰も収入に頼っていなければ通常は不要です。保険金額を決める前に、公的な遺族給付や既存の貯蓄で賄える分を差し引き、端数の切りの良い金額ではなく残る不足を保障しましょう。\n定期と終身\n定期保険は一定期間を低い保険料で保障し、扶養家族が必要な間に守る効率的な方法です。終身保険は貯蓄（解約返戻金）の要素を含み、同じ死亡保障でも大幅に高コストです。こうして保険と投資を混ぜるより、安い定期を買って差額を別に投資する方が効率的なことが多いです。貯蓄の売り文句ではなく、必要な保障で判断しましょう。","url":"/ja/insurance/do-you-need-life-insurance-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:mortgage-eligibility-foreigners:ja","type":"article","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"外国人居住者の住宅ローン審査","text":"永住権は大きく有利です。ない場合は条件が厳しく頭金も多くなりがちですが、フラット35は永住権なしでも利用しやすいです。\n永住権・収入・フラット35が審査に与える影響。\n多くの銀行は永住権を重視・要件化。\n永住権なし：頭金増・保証人・フラット35。\n安定した長期雇用と収入が決め手。\n申込前にCIC・JICCの信用情報を確認。\n審査で重視される点\n銀行は安定した雇用・収入・年齢、そして特に永住権を評価します。永住権があれば、外国人居住者は日本人の申込者とほぼ同様に扱われることが多いです。永住権がないと、断る銀行、頭金の増額や日本国籍・永住者の保証人（多くは配偶者）を求める銀行があります。住宅金融支援機構が提携金融機関を通じて提供するフラット35は基準が明確で永住権を必ずしも求めず、非永住者の買い手によく使われる選択肢です。\n準備の仕方\n申込前に、安定収入と雇用の証明をそろえ、CIC・JICCで自分の信用情報を確認して、忘れていた延滞などの問題を洗い出しましょう。非永住者向けの条件は銀行差が大きいため複数比較し、頭金に加えて価格の6〜10%の諸費用も見込みましょう。","url":"/ja/loans/mortgage-eligibility-foreigners","sources":[{"publisher":"住宅金融支援機構","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:rent-vs-buy-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"日本で賃貸か購入か","text":"滞在期間・職の安定・物件次第です。日本の多くの住宅は減価するため、まず住まい、次に投資と考えましょう。\n購入が自動的な資産形成にならない理由と、判断の枠組み。\n滞在期間と職の安定が判断の軸。\n日本の多くの住宅は減価し、売却も遅くなり得る。\n転居・出国の可能性があるなら賃貸が柔軟。\n月額でなく総コストと売却リスクを試算。\n正直な枠組み\n国によっては購入がほぼ確実に資産形成になりますが、日本はより微妙です。多くの住宅、特に古い木造は時間とともに減価し、売却のしやすさは立地で大きく異なるため、購入が自動的に投資の勝ちになるわけではありません。土地部分や優良地の物件は挙動が異なります。賃貸は柔軟で、仕事や居住国が変わり得る人には大きな意味があります。\n判断の仕方\n購入は、安定を重視し、永住権やフラット35を使え、全体像（頭金・諸費用6〜10%・維持管理費・固定資産税・金利リスク・現実的な売却額）を試算した長期居住者に向き得ます。数年以内に出国し得るなら、通常は柔軟性とコストの確実性で賃貸が有利です。営業の物語でなく、自分の数字で判断しましょう。","url":"/ja/loans/rent-vs-buy-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"国土交通省","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:cheapest-way-to-send-money:ja","type":"article","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"日本から海外へ最も安く送金する方法","text":"受取総額を仲値と比較しましょう。個人送金ではWiseやRevolutが銀行送金より安いことが多いです。\n手数料より為替マージンが重要な理由と、比較の仕方。\n為替マージンは見える手数料より高くつくことが多い。\n宣伝手数料でなく受取額で比較。\nWiseは仲値、Revolutはマルチカレンシー向き。\n銀行送金はSWIFT・中継銀行手数料が隠れがち。\nコストが隠れる場所\n宣伝される送金手数料はしばしば小さい方です。より大きいのは為替マージン、つまり提示レートと本当の仲値との差で、基準レートと比較しない限り見えません。従来の銀行送金は、経路の途中でSWIFTや中継銀行の手数料を差し引くこともあります。コストを確実に判断する唯一の方法は、受取人が実際に受け取る金額です。\n最も安くなりがちな方法\n多くの個人送金では、Wise（仲値と明示手数料）やRevolut（両替枠つきのマルチカレンシー口座）が銀行送金より安くなります。最適は金額・通貨・送金先で変わるため、実際の送金を2社ほどで試し、受取額を比較しましょう。大口では上限や報告要件も確認を。","url":"/ja/remittance/cheapest-way-to-send-money","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:receiving-money-from-abroad:ja","type":"article","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"海外から日本でお金を受け取る","text":"専門サービスは銀行送金より多く届くことがあります。課税されるかは、それが所得か、そして居住者区分によります。\n海外資金を安く受け取る方法と、税・報告が関わる場面。\n口座に着金する金額で提供元を比較。\n自分の貯蓄の受取と所得の受取は別。\n非永住者は送金された国外所得が課税され得る。\n大口は資金源の書類が必要なことも。\n安く受け取る\n受け取り側にも同じマージンの理屈が働きます。専門サービスやマルチカレンシー口座は、為替マージンや中継手数料で目減りしがちな従来の被仕向送金より、多くの円を届けることが多いです。実際に日本の口座に着金する額で比較しましょう。各送金が何か（貯蓄・給与・贈与）を記録してください。税務上その区分が重要です。\n税務と報告\n着金が課税されるかは、その内容と居住者区分によります。自分の既存の貯蓄を移すのは通常は所得ではありませんが、海外の給与や事業所得の受取は課税され得ます。非永住者は、国外源泉所得を日本へ送金すると課税対象になり得ます。贈与・相続は別ルールです。大口は資金源の確認を招くことがあります。国外所得が絡む場合は国税庁や税理士で確認を。","url":"/ja/remittance/receiving-money-from-abroad","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:choosing-a-point-ecosystem:ja","type":"article","cluster":"points","locale":"ja","title":"日本でポイント経済圏を選ぶ","text":"銀行・カード・携帯に合う1つの経済圏を選びましょう。集中が分散に勝り、多くのポイントは約1円の価値です。\n1つの経済圏に集中し、ポイントを現実的に評価する方法。\n支出に合う1つの経済圏に集中。\n多くのポイントは約1円。失効・店舗限定で価値減。\nPayPay・楽天ペイは日常支出が最速で貯まる。\nポイントのために余計に使わない。\n集めるのでなく集中する\n日本の主要経済圏（楽天・PayPay・dポイント・Vポイント）は、カード・決済アプリ・買い物、多くは携帯プランを結びます。これらがそろうと特典が重なるため、勝ち筋は、すでに銀行・買い物・携帯で使っている経済圏を1つ選び、支出をそこに集約することです。複数に広げると積み上げが薄まり、失効しやすい小さな残高があちこちに残ります。\nポイントを正直に評価する\n主要ポイントは、日常の支払いに使えば1ポイント約1円と考えましょう。店舗限定や失効間近のポイントは割り引いて評価し、完璧なマイル交換を前提とした価値評価には慎重に。最も大切なのは、ポイントはどのみち行う支出へのささやかな非課税の割引であって、余計に使ったり不要な商品を作ったりする理由には決してならない、ということです。","url":"/ja/points/choosing-a-point-ecosystem","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:crypto-tax-in-japan:ja","type":"article","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"日本の暗号資産の税金","text":"暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進課税（住民税込みで最大約55%）。暗号資産同士の交換を含め、あらゆる処分が課税対象です。\n暗号資産が重く課税される理由と、課税対象になる取引。\n利益は雑所得。株式の約20%ではない。\n合計の最高税率は約55%に達し得る。\n売却・交換・支払いはすべて課税対象。\n全取引の詳細な記録を残す。\n課税の仕組み\n日本では暗号資産の利益は雑所得として、所得税の累進税率＋住民税で課税され、最上位区分では合計約55%に達し得ます。上場株式に適用される約20%の分離課税を大きく上回ります。暗号資産に特別な低税率はなく、NISAのような非課税もありません。この税制は、慎重になるべき最大の理由になることが多いです。\n課税対象になる取引\n課税対象は「処分」全般です。暗号資産を円で売る、ある暗号資産を別の暗号資産に交換する、暗号資産で商品・サービスを買う——いずれもその時点の円換算で損益が実現します。各取引に取得原価と円評価が必要なため、日付・数量・円換算額・手数料の詳細な記録が必須で、暗号資産の税計算ツールを使う人が多いです。活発に取引するなら税理士が有効です。","url":"/ja/crypto/crypto-tax-in-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"article:choosing-a-registered-exchange:ja","type":"article","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"登録済み暗号資産取引所を選ぶ","text":"利用は金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の取引所（bitFlyer・bitbankなど）のみに。無登録の海外業者は保護を失い詐欺に多いです。\n金融庁登録が重要な理由と、無登録・詐欺を避ける方法。\n居住者向けは金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の取引所のみ。\n入金前に金融庁の登録一覧を確認。\n無登録の海外業者は法的保護を失う。\n元本保証や「回収」サービスは詐欺。\n登録が重要な理由\n居住者に合法的にサービスを提供できるのは、金融庁に登録しJVCEAに加盟する取引所だけで、登録には保管・分別管理・消費者保護の義務が伴います。無登録の海外取引所を使うとこれらの保護を失い、税務や出金が複雑になり、詐欺の温床にもなりがちです。入金前に、金融庁の登録一覧にその取引所があるか必ず確認しましょう。\n詐欺を避ける\n元本保証や異常に高い利回りの提案はすべて詐欺と考えましょう。正当な暗号資産に保証された利回りはありません。偽の取引所アプリ、SNSの「投資コーチ」、恋愛を装う投資勧誘、そして特に手数料と引き換えに失った資金の「回収」を約束するサービス（被害者を狙う二次詐欺）に注意。まず少額で出金を試し、強固なセキュリティを設定し、向こうから連絡してきた相手に暗号資産を送らないこと。","url":"/ja/crypto/choosing-a-registered-exchange","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true},{"publisher":"一般社団法人 日本暗号資産取引業協会","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true}],"updated":"2026-07-24"},{"id":"faq:bank-documents:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"外国人が日本で銀行口座を開くには何が必要ですか？","text":"一般に在留カード、日本の住所、多くの場合は日本の電話番号と印鑑（またはサイン）が必要です。マイナンバーを求める銀行や、開設に6か月の在留を要する銀行もあります。ネット銀行（楽天銀行・ソニー銀行）や英語対応の銀行（SMBC信託銀行プレスティア）がよく最初の選択肢になります。条件は銀行ごとに異なるため、申込前に各社のページで確認してください。","url":"/ja/questions#bank-documents","sources":[{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true},{"publisher":"一般社団法人 全国銀行協会","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-english:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"日本で英語サポートが手厚い銀行はどこですか？","text":"SMBC信託銀行プレスティアとソニー銀行が、英語対応・アプリ・外貨機能でよく挙げられます。楽天銀行やSBI新生銀行は一部英語対応です。メガバンクは多くの店舗で英語対応が限られます。英語対応が必須なら、変わることがあるため、アプリの言語や対応時間を各行の公式サイトで確認してください。","url":"/ja/questions#bank-english","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社SMBC信託銀行","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"ソニー銀行株式会社","url":"https://moneykit.net/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-online-vs-mega:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"日本ではネット銀行とメガバンク、どちらを使うべき？","text":"ネット銀行（楽天銀行・ソニー銀行・住信SBI）は手数料の安さ・アプリ・ポイントや投資との連携で有利なことが多いです。メガバンク（三菱UFJ・三井住友・みずほ）は、店舗・法人口座・大手銀行が前提の取引に役立ちます。給与や公的用途にメガバンク、日常や貯蓄にネット銀行、と両方持つ人も多いです。","url":"/ja/questions#bank-online-vs-mega","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-frozen:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"日本の銀行口座が凍結・制限されるのはなぜ？","text":"よくある理由は、在留カードの期限切れや登録情報の未更新、不正・異常取引の疑い、長期未使用、マネロン対策の確認などです。住所や在留資格を銀行に更新し、本人確認の依頼には速やかに応じ、説明のつかない大口入金を避けましょう。制限された場合は、突然のメッセージ内のリンクではなく、銀行へ直接連絡してください。","url":"/ja/questions#bank-frozen","sources":[{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:bank-no-job:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"無職でも日本の銀行口座は開けますか？","text":"はい。基本的な預金口座の開設に就労は通常必須ではなく、在留カードと住所が中心の条件です。学生や被扶養者も普通に開設します。就労は口座開設よりも、クレジットカードやローンで重視されます。条件は銀行により異なるため、各行で確認してください。","url":"/ja/questions#bank-no-job","sources":[{"publisher":"一般社団法人 全国銀行協会","url":"https://www.zenginkyo.or.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-foreigner-approval:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"外国人でも日本でクレジットカードを作れますか？","text":"はい。審査は国籍ではなく、安定した収入と在留状況で判断されます。ただし海外の信用履歴は引き継がれないため、ゼロから始まります。作りやすい最初の1枚には楽天カードやエポスカードがあります。在留期間が長い・安定した職・日本の銀行口座があると通りやすくなります。在留カードの残存期間が長いことも有利です。","url":"/ja/questions#card-foreigner-approval","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"楽天カード株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-rejected:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"日本のクレジットカード審査に落ちたのはなぜ？","text":"よくある理由は、勤続年数の短さ、収入が確認できない・低い、短期間の申込が多い、信用情報（CIC・JICC）が薄い・不利、などです。国籍そのものは理由に挙がりません。次の一手は、数か月あける、通りやすい発行会社に申し込む、収入書類を明確にする、同時に複数申し込まない、です。CICやJICCで自分の信用情報を確認できます。","url":"/ja/questions#card-rejected","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社日本信用情報機構","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-riborai:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"リボ払いとは何ですか？避けるべき？","text":"リボ払いは残高を毎月少額に分割する一方、実質年率で高い利息（多くは年15%前後）がかかります。初期設定でオンだったり、ポイント特典で勧められることもあります。多くの人には避けるのが無難で、毎月「一括払い」を選べば利息はかかりません。カードの支払い設定を確認し、意図しない自動リボはオフにしましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#card-riborai","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:card-first-card:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"日本での最初のクレジットカードは何が良い？","text":"審査が通りやすく使い道も分かりやすい経済圏カードから始める人が多いです。例として楽天カード（年会費無料・楽天ポイントに強い）やエポスカード（年会費無料・マルイで即日発行・割引特典）があります。最良の1枚は、すでに買い物・支払い・銀行で使っている経済圏に紐づくカードです。最新の手数料・条件は各社サイトで確認を。","url":"/ja/questions#card-first-card","sources":[{"publisher":"楽天カード株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社エポスカード","url":"https://www.eposcard.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:card-annual-fee:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"年会費のあるクレジットカードは日本で価値がありますか？","text":"特典を実際に使う場合に限ります。年会費ありのカードは、旅行保険・空港ラウンジ・高いポイント倍率・コンシェルジュなどで元を取れることもありますが、使わないなら年会費無料のカードが有利です。1年で実際に使う具体的な価値を合計し、年会費と比べましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#card-annual-fee","sources":[{"publisher":"アメリカン・エキスプレス・インターナショナル","url":"https://www.americanexpress.com/ja-jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-eligibility:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"外国人居住者でもNISA口座を開けますか？","text":"原則として、日本の税務上の居住者（マイナンバーあり）で18歳以上なら開設できます。NISAは国籍でなく居住に紐づくため、多くの外国人居住者が対象です。ただし大きな注意が2つ。米国市民・グリーンカード保有者は日本の投信で米国税の問題があり、NISAは出国後は原則継続できません。適格性と最新ルールは金融庁と利用する証券会社で確認を。","url":"/ja/questions#nisa-eligibility","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-leaving-japan:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"日本を離れたらNISAはどうなりますか？","text":"NISAは居住者向けの制度です。日本の税務上の居住者でなくなると、原則として新たな拠出はできず、口座を閉鎖するか凍結するか売却が必要かは証券会社で異なります（一定期間の海外転出継続を認める場合もあります）。解消時の税務も重要なため、残高が大きくなる前に出国計画を立て、証券会社の海外居住者向け方針を確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#nisa-leaving-japan","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-us-citizen:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"米国市民はNISAや日本の投資信託を使うべき？","text":"慎重に。日本の投資信託やETFは米国税制上ほぼPFIC（受動的外国投資会社）に該当し、懲罰的な課税と重いForm 8621の報告を招きます。NISAの非課税は米国には適用されません。日本在住の米国関係者の多くは日本のファンドを避け、米国籍の資産を持ちますが、ルールは複雑です。投資前に日米クロスボーダー税務の専門家に相談を。","url":"/ja/questions#nisa-us-citizen","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:nisa-vs-ideco-q:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"NISAとiDeCo、どちらを先に使うべき？","text":"目的が異なります。NISAは柔軟で、運用益が非課税でいつでも引き出せるため、最初の選択になりがちです。iDeCoは今の税制優遇が大きい（掛金が課税所得を減らす）一方、原則60歳まで引き出せず、老後資金の積立に向きます。柔軟性のためまずNISA、60歳前に使わない自信があれば控除目当てにiDeCoを足す人が多いです。出国の可能性があるなら、iDeCoの拘束は大きな難点です。","url":"/ja/questions#nisa-vs-ideco-q","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true},{"publisher":"国民年金基金連合会","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:invest-beginner-fund:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"NISAの中で初心者は何に投資すべき？","text":"これは教育情報で、推奨ではありません。初心者の多くは、低コストで幅広く分散されたインデックス投信（全世界株式やS&P500など）を調べます。個別株選びより、手数料の低さと分散は自分で管理でき、リターンは管理できないためです。値は上下すること、リスクを投資期間に合わせること、近く必要なお金は投資しないことを理解しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#invest-beginner-fund","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-resident-status:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"日本の税務上の居住者区分はどう決まる？","text":"税務上、日本は在留資格とは別に、非居住者・非永住者・永住者に区分します。おおまかに、非居住者は日本源泉所得のみ課税、非永住者（過去10年で日本在住5年以下で永住意思なし）は日本源泉所得＋日本での支払い・送金分の国外所得に課税、税務上の永住者は全世界所得に課税されます。国外所得や投資に影響するため、区分は国税庁や税理士で確認を。","url":"/ja/questions#tax-resident-status","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-need-to-file:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"日本で確定申告は必要ですか？","text":"多くの会社員は年末調整で完結するため不要です。副収入が20万円超、給与が2か所以上、自営の所得、まとまった投資・暗号資産の利益がある場合、または医療費控除や初年度の住宅ローン控除などを受けたい場合は、原則として確定申告が必要です。申告期間は2月16日〜3月15日でe-Taxを利用できます。不明なときは国税庁の案内や税理士に確認を。","url":"/ja/questions#tax-need-to-file","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-resident-tax-timing:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"なぜ2年目に住民税の請求が大きく来たの？","text":"住民税（約10%）は前年の所得に基づき、稼いだ翌年に課税されます。そのため1年目は負担が少なく、2年目に1年目の所得分の請求が来ます。同じ時差により、退職や出国の後でも住民税が発生することがあります。あらかじめ備えておきましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#tax-resident-tax-timing","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-furusato:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"ふるさと納税とは？やる価値はある？","text":"ふるさと納税は、自治体に寄付して返礼品（食品・物品）を受け取りつつ、寄付額のほぼ全額を住民税・所得税から控除できる制度です。実質2,000円の自己負担で返礼品を得られます。十分な所得のある多くの納税者にとって有利で、控除上限は所得や家族構成で決まります。公式ルールと上限シミュレーターを使い、控除に必要な書類（ワンストップ特例または確定申告）を保管しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#tax-furusato","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:tax-crypto:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"日本で暗号資産はどう課税される？","text":"暗号資産の利益は雑所得として累進税率で課税され、住民税と合わせて最大約55%になり得ます。上場株式の約20%の分離課税とは異なります。円への売却、暗号資産同士の交換、暗号資産での支払いなど、あらゆる処分が課税対象です。取得原価を追跡して損益を計算する必要があるため記録ツールが重要で、取引が多い場合は税理士への相談が有効です。","url":"/ja/questions#tax-crypto","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-open:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"日本でフリーランス（個人事業主）として開業するには？","text":"事業開始からおよそ1か月以内に、所轄の税務署へ開業届を提出します（無料で簡単です）。同時に青色申告承認申請書を出すと、最大65万円の控除が使えます。その仕事が認められる在留資格ならビザはそのままですが、自営に許可が要る資格もあるため、まず在留資格を確認してください。","url":"/ja/questions#freelance-open","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true},{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-blue-return:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"青色申告とは？やる価値はある？","text":"青色申告は、きちんとした帳簿づけに報いる申告方式です。複式簿記を電子申告すれば、所得から最大65万円を控除でき、損失を3年間繰り越せ、家族への給与も経費にできます。代わりに記帳の手間が増えますが、クラウド会計ソフトが大部分を自動化します。安定収入のある多くのフリーランスにとって、節税効果は手間を明確に上回ります。","url":"/ja/questions#freelance-blue-return","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-invoice:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"フリーランスはインボイス制度に登録すべき？","text":"取引先次第です。登録すると登録番号（T番号）が得られ、事業者である取引先はあなたへの支払いで仕入税額控除を受けられます。ただし登録すると消費税の課税事業者になり、コストと事務が増えます。取引先が消費者や免税の小規模事業者なら、登録は利点なくコストだけ増えることも。適格請求書を求める企業が取引先なら、未登録は失注につながり得ます。取引先構成で判断を。未登録事業者からの仕入れに対する経過措置の控除は段階的に縮小します。","url":"/ja/questions#freelance-invoice","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-reserve:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"フリーランスは税金のためにどれくらい積み立てるべき？","text":"目安として、利益の20〜35%を、所得税・住民税・国民年金・国民健康保険の合計として積み立てるとよいです。所得税は累進のため、所得が上がるほど比率も上げます。住民税や健康保険料は前年基準で請求されるため、支払いは所得に遅れて来ます。申告時にまとめて向き合うのではなく、毎月別口座に取り分けておきましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#freelance-reserve","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:freelance-health-insurance:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"日本で自営のとき、年金と健康保険はどうなる？","text":"個人事業主は原則、国民健康保険と国民年金に加入し、いずれも自己負担で支払います（会社との折半はありません）。国民年金は定額、国民健康保険は所得連動で自治体が請求します。不足を補うため、国民年金基金・iDeCo・就業不能保険などの任意の備えを足せます。これらも税金の積立に含めて計画しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#freelance-health-insurance","sources":[{"publisher":"日本年金機構","url":"https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/index.html","official":true},{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-public-enough:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"日本の公的健康保険で十分？それとも民間保険が必要？","text":"多くの人にとって公的健康保険の保障は手厚く、多くの医療費の自己負担は約3割で、高額療養費制度が月の自己負担に所得別の上限を設けるため、大病でも上限があります。民間の医療・がん保険は主に上乗せ部分（就業不能中の収入・先進医療・入院給付など）を補います。漠然とした不安ではなく、自分で賄えない具体的な不足を埋めるために民間保険を選びましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#insurance-public-enough","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-high-cost:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"高額療養費制度とは何ですか？","text":"所得に応じて、1か月あたりの医療費の自己負担に上限を設ける公的制度です。対象の医療費が月の上限を超えると、超過分が払い戻されます（限度額適用認定証を事前に提示すれば、そもそも超過分を請求されません）。これが、多くの人にとって手厚い民間医療保険が不要な理由です。公的な上限が高額な負担を抑えます。上限額は所得区分ごとに定まるため最新の基準を確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#insurance-high-cost","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-life-needed:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"日本で生命保険は必要ですか？","text":"生命保険が主に意味を持つのは、あなたの収入に頼る人がいる場合です（配偶者・子ども、住宅ローンなど負債を抱える扶養家族）。誰も収入に頼っていなければ不要なことが多いです。必要な場合、定期保険が費用効率の良い選択で、一定期間を低い保険料で保障します。終身保険は貯蓄を含み高コストです。公的年金にも遺族給付があるため、保険金額を決める前に考慮しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#insurance-life-needed","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-earthquake:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"日本の住宅保険は地震を補償しますか？","text":"いいえ。通常の火災保険は地震による損害を対象外とします。地震保険は、火災保険に付帯する別建ての政府関与の特約で、保険金は建物・家財の評価額の一定割合（一般に30〜50%）が上限です。日本の地震リスクを考えると、特に持ち家では検討に値しますが、完全な再建ではなく生活再建の支えとして設計されている点を理解しましょう。上限と免責を証券で確認を。","url":"/ja/questions#insurance-earthquake","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:insurance-foreigner:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"外国人居住者でも日本で民間保険に入れますか？","text":"はい。居住者は一般に、民間の生命・医療・自動車・住宅保険に加入できます。英語対応や英語での申込を提供する保険会社もあります。公的な健康保険・年金への加入は国籍を問わず義務です。実務上の壁は主に言語と、公的保障で既にカバーされる範囲の理解です。埋めたい具体的な不足を比較し、英語対応や条件を保険会社に確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#insurance-foreigner","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-mortgage-no-pr:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"永住権なしでも日本で住宅ローンは組めますか？","text":"難しくはなりますが可能です。多くの銀行は永住権を強く重視し、ない場合は頭金の増額・日本人配偶者の連帯保証・一部での否決に直面し得ます。住宅金融支援機構のフラット35は基準が明確で永住権を必ずしも求めないため、非永住者にはよく使われる選択肢です。安定した長期雇用と収入が決め手になります。条件は銀行差が大きいため複数比較を。","url":"/ja/questions#loan-mortgage-no-pr","sources":[{"publisher":"住宅金融支援機構","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-fixed-vs-floating:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"日本の住宅ローンは固定と変動、どちらが良い？","text":"万能の正解はありません。変動金利は水準が低く当初の返済を抑えますが、上昇すれば将来の返済が増えます。固定金利（フラット35を含む）は今のコストは高めでも、期間中の安心を固定し、金利上昇に備えられます。返済増をどれだけ吸収できるかで選びましょう。上昇が家計を圧迫するなら、固定の安心は上乗せ分に見合います。決める前に両方を試算しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#loan-fixed-vs-floating","sources":[{"publisher":"住宅金融支援機構","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-closing-costs:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"日本で不動産を買うときの諸費用は？","text":"頭金に加えて、価格のおよそ6〜10%を諸費用として見込みましょう。仲介手数料、登記・司法書士費用、ローン保証料・事務手数料、印紙税、不動産取得税・固定資産税、火災・地震保険などです。新築と中古で費用は異なります。見落としやすいため、契約前に項目別の見積もりを取りましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#loan-closing-costs","sources":[{"publisher":"国土交通省","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-rent-vs-buy:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"日本では賃貸と購入、どちらが良い？","text":"滞在期間・職の安定・物件次第です。日本では、特に古い木造住宅など多くの住宅が減価し、優良地以外では売却も遅くなり得るため、購入が自動的に資産形成になるとは限りません。賃貸は柔軟で、転居や出国の可能性がある人に向きます。購入は、総コストと売却リスクを試算した、安定を求める長期居住者に向くことがあります。まず住まいと捉えましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#loan-rent-vs-buy","sources":[{"publisher":"国土交通省","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:loan-credit-record:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"申込前に日本の信用情報を確認するには？","text":"日本には信用情報機関があります。CIC（カード・割賦）、JICC、銀行系のKSCです。各機関に自分の情報の開示を請求でき、多くはオンラインや郵送で少額の手数料で確認できます。カード・ローンや延滞（異動情報）が表示されます。住宅ローン申込前に確認すると、忘れていた延滞など否決の原因になり得る問題を早く見つけて対処できます。","url":"/ja/questions#loan-credit-record","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社シー・アイ・シー","url":"https://www.cic.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"株式会社日本信用情報機構","url":"https://www.jicc.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-cheapest:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"日本から海外送金する一番安い方法は？","text":"多くの個人送金では、WiseやRevolutなどの専門サービスが従来の銀行送金より安いことが多いです。隠れた為替マージンではなく、仲値と明示的な手数料を使うためです。最安は金額・通貨・送金先で変わるため、宣伝される手数料ではなく、受取人が最終的に受け取る金額で比較しましょう。大口では上限や報告も確認を。","url":"/ja/questions#remit-cheapest","sources":[{"publisher":"Wise","url":"https://wise.com/jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Revolut","url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-hidden-fees:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"海外送金が表示手数料より高くつくのはなぜ？","text":"見える送金手数料は小さい部分であることが多いです。より大きいのは為替マージン、つまり提示レートと本当の仲値との差で、比較しないと見えません。銀行送金では、途中でSWIFTや中継銀行の手数料が差し引かれることもあります。真のコストを知るには、受取総額を仲値と比較しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#remit-hidden-fees","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-large-transfer:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"日本で大口の海外送金に上限や報告はありますか？","text":"あります。銀行やサービスは独自の送金上限を設け、大口では資金源・目的の書類を求めることがあります。規制上の基準額以上の送金は当局へ報告され、大口・異常な移動はマネロン対策の確認を招くことがあります。贈与・海外所得・資産移動など税務の論点も生じ得ます。多額の場合は、提供元の上限を確認し、送金前に税務相談も検討しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#remit-large-transfer","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true},{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-overseas-income:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"海外から受け取るお金は日本で課税されますか？","text":"内容と税務上の居住者区分によります。海外の給与や事業所得は課税され得ますし、非永住者でも国外源泉所得は日本での支払い・送金分の範囲で課税対象になります。贈与や相続には別のルールがあります。自分の貯蓄を受け取ることと、所得を受け取ることは異なります。事実関係次第のため、非課税と決めつけず国税庁や税理士で確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#remit-overseas-income","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:remit-multicurrency:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"WiseやRevolutのようなマルチカレンシー口座を使うべき？","text":"複数通貨を日常的に扱う人（残高保有・海外での利用・外貨受取）には便利で、為替マージンを抑え良いレートで両替できます。ただし日本の銀行口座の完全な代替ではありません（給与・家賃の口座振替・多くの国内サービスには国内口座が必要）。国内銀行と併用する人が多いです。最新の手数料・上限・預金保護を確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#remit-multicurrency","sources":[{"publisher":"Wise","url":"https://wise.com/jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"Revolut","url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:points-which-ecosystem:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"ja","title":"日本ではどのポイント経済圏を選ぶべき？","text":"すでに買い物・銀行で使っている経済圏を選びましょう。楽天で買い物し楽天銀行・カードを使うなら楽天経済圏が積み上がり、ドコモならdポイント、コード決済やYahoo/ソフトバンク中心ならPayPay、SMBC系ならVポイントが合います。カード・決済・買い物がそろうと特典が重なるため、複数に薄く広げるより1つの強い経済圏に集中する方が有利です。","url":"/ja/questions#points-which-ecosystem","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:points-value:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"ja","title":"日本でポイントの実際の価値はどれくらい？","text":"主要ポイント（楽天・PayPay・d・V）は日常の支払いに使えば1ポイント約1円で、価値を見積もりやすいです。条件の良い交換でマイルにすると価値が上がることもあり、特定店限定や期限間際だと下がります。基本は1円を目安にし、完璧な交換を前提とした「割高」な価値評価には慎重になりましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#points-value","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:points-expiry:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"ja","title":"日本のポイントは失効する？失わないコツは？","text":"多くは失効します。獲得から一定期間で失効するものや、キャンペーンの「期間限定ポイント」のように通常より早く失効するものがあります。失わないコツは、1つの経済圏に集中して残高を活性化させ、期間限定ポイントは日用品で早めに使い、アプリで失効ルールを確認することです。使い切るために余計に使うのは本末転倒です。","url":"/ja/questions#points-expiry","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:points-paypay-vs-rakuten:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"points","locale":"ja","title":"PayPayと楽天、日常使いはどちらが良い？","text":"向く生活が異なります。PayPayはQRコード決済アプリで、多数の小規模店やコンビニで使え、その場の日常支払いやYahoo/ソフトバンク利用者に向きます。楽天は買い物・銀行・カード・モバイル・証券にまたがる広い経済圏で、支出を集約するほど報われます。対面の少額中心ならPayPayが便利、ネット購入が多くサービス横断の積み上げを狙うなら楽天が忠誠に報いがちです。","url":"/ja/questions#points-paypay-vs-rakuten","sources":[]},{"id":"faq:crypto-registered:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"日本で合法的に使える暗号資産取引所は？","text":"居住者に合法的にサービスを提供できるのは、金融庁に登録しJVCEAに加盟する取引所だけです（bitFlyer、bitbank、Coincheckなど）。未登録の海外取引所の利用は、日本の法的・消費者保護を失い、税務や出金を複雑にします。入金前に、金融庁の登録一覧に載っているか必ず確認しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#crypto-registered","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true},{"publisher":"一般社団法人 日本暗号資産取引業協会","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:crypto-tax:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"日本で暗号資産の利益にはどれくらい税金がかかる？","text":"暗号資産の利益は雑所得として、所得税の累進税率＋住民税で課税され、最上位では合計約55%に達し得ます。上場株式の約20%を大きく上回ります。特別な低税率はなく、株式と違いNISAの非課税もありません。円への売却・暗号資産同士の交換・暗号資産での支払いなど、あらゆる処分が課税対象のため、全取引で損益計算が必要です。記録を徹底し、活発に取引するなら税理士を検討しましょう。","url":"/ja/questions#crypto-tax","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:crypto-record:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"日本で暗号資産の税務記録はどう残す？","text":"取引ごとに、日付・種類（購入/売却/交換/支払い）・数量・その時点の円換算額・手数料を記録しましょう。日本は各処分に課税し、取得原価の計算（一般に移動平均法または総平均法）が必要だからです。取引所のCSV出力と暗号資産の税計算ツールを使うと、複数プラットフォームの取引を集約できます。申告の裏付けを求められた場合に備え、正確な記録が不可欠です。","url":"/ja/questions#crypto-record","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true}]},{"id":"faq:crypto-fx-leverage:ja","type":"faq","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"日本の個人向けFXのレバレッジはどう機能する？","text":"国内の個人向けFXのレバレッジは規制で上限があり、一般に25倍です。これにより、預託金で持てるポジションの大きさが制限されます。レバレッジは利益も損失も拡大し、急変動では追証や預託金を超える損失を招くことがあります。FXは高リスクで、失って困るお金には不向きです。はるかに高いレバレッジを掲げる無登録の海外業者に注意しましょう。保護を失い、詐欺に使われがちです。","url":"/ja/questions#crypto-fx-leverage","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:sony-bank:ja","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"Sony Bank","text":"ネット銀行\n外貨機能に強く、評価の高いアプリと比較的英語に親しみやすいサービスで、居住者に人気のネット銀行。\nマルチカレンシー口座と為替に強いデビットカード\n評価の高いアプリとオンライン中心の体験\n口座ランクに応じたATM・振込の無料枠\n対面窓口となる店舗はない\n一部の公式書類は日本語が中心\n口座維持費は無料。ATM・振込手数料はランクにより異なる（最新の手数料表を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/sony-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"ソニー銀行株式会社","url":"https://moneykit.net/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:smbc-prestia:ja","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"SMBC Trust Bank PRESTIA","text":"銀行（英語対応）\n英語対応・マルチカレンシー口座・国際的なニーズで最も推薦されがちな、国際志向の居住者向けの銀行。\n英語での一貫したサポートと書類\nマルチカレンシー・海外送金の機能\n英語での店舗・電話サポート\n手数料は高めのことがあり、一部は残高条件で無料化\nプレミアム/国際型の位置づけ\n口座・振込手数料は変動し、残高に応じた無料化がある（最新の手数料表を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/smbc-prestia","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社SMBC信託銀行","url":"https://www.smbctb.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:rakuten-bank:ja","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"Rakuten Bank","text":"ネット銀行\n楽天経済圏（カード・ポイント・証券）と密に連携した大手ネット銀行で、日常使いに人気。\n楽天ポイント・経済圏との深い連携\n口座ランクに応じた手数料無料・ポイント付与\n楽天証券との連携がスムーズ\n英語対応は一部\n他の楽天サービスを使うほど利点が大きい\n口座維持費は無料。ATM・振込手数料は会員ランクにより異なる（最新の手数料表を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/rakuten-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"楽天銀行株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:shinsei-bank:ja","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"SBI Shinsei Bank","text":"銀行\nかつて英語対応や外貨サービスで知られ、現在はSBIグループに属する銀行。\n一部英語のネットバンキングとサポート\n外貨預金・送金の選択肢\nステージ制の優遇プログラム\n条件や英語対応は時期により変化（現状を要確認）\n機能はステージにより異なる\n手数料はステージにより異なる（最新の手数料表を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/shinsei-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社SBI新生銀行","url":"https://www.sbishinseibank.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:japan-post-bank:ja","type":"product","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"Japan Post Bank","text":"銀行（全国）\n日本で最も広い店舗・ATM網を持つ銀行。新規居住者にも開設しやすく、地方でも使いやすい。\n地方を含む全国の店舗・ATM\n新規居住者でも開設しやすい\n年金・公的な振込に馴染みがある\nアプリやデジタル体験は従来型\n多くの店舗で英語対応は限定的\n基本口座は口座維持費無料。一部の振込・ATM手数料あり（最新の手数料表を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/japan-post-bank","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社ゆうちょ銀行","url":"https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:rakuten-card:ja","type":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"Rakuten Card","text":"年会費無料クレジットカード\n審査が通りやすく楽天ポイントに強い、年会費無料の定番カード。最初の1枚に選ばれがち。\n年会費無料\n楽天経済圏での高いポイント付与\n居住者に通りやすい審査\n申込時のリボ払いの案内に注意\nポイント価値は楽天経済圏内で最大\n年会費無料。利息はリボ・分割払いを使う場合のみ発生。","url":"/ja/products/rakuten-card","sources":[{"publisher":"楽天カード株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-card.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:epos-card:ja","type":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"Epos Card","text":"年会費無料クレジットカード\nマルイの年会費無料カード。店頭即日発行と割引特典で知られ、新規居住者にも作りやすいことが多い。\n年会費無料\nマルイ店頭での即日発行\n提携店の割引・定期セール\n画面やサポートは日本語中心\n提携店を使う人に向く特典\n基本カードは年会費無料。利息はリボ・分割の利用時のみ。","url":"/ja/products/epos-card","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社エポスカード","url":"https://www.eposcard.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:amex-jp:ja","type":"product","cluster":"credit-cards","locale":"ja","title":"American Express (Japan)","text":"年会費ありの特典カード\n旅行特典・保険・メンバーシップ特典と英語サポートを備えた年会費ありのカード。特典を使うなら価値がある。\n英語でのサービス・申込\n対象カードで旅行保険・空港ラウンジ\n交換可能なメンバーシップ・リワード\n年会費が高めのことがあり、実利用で見合うか判断\n小規模店での受け入れはVisa/Masterより狭い\n年会費はカードのランクにより異なる（使う特典と比較を）。","url":"/ja/products/amex-jp","sources":[{"publisher":"アメリカン・エキスプレス・インターナショナル","url":"https://www.americanexpress.com/ja-jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:rakuten-securities:ja","type":"product","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"Rakuten Securities","text":"証券会社（NISA・iDeCo）\nNISAやインデックス投資に強い大手の低コスト証券。楽天ポイント・楽天銀行と連携。\n幅広い低コストのインデックス投信・ETF\nNISA・iDeCoに対応\nポイント連携と楽天銀行との簡単な連携\n画面は日本語中心\nポイントプログラムの条件は随時変更\n多くの国内投信・取引が低〜無手数料（最新の手数料体系を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/rakuten-securities","sources":[{"publisher":"楽天証券株式会社","url":"https://www.rakuten-sec.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:sbi-securities:ja","type":"product","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"SBI Securities","text":"証券会社（NISA・iDeCo）\n口座数で国内最大級のネット証券。非常に幅広い低コスト投信とNISA・iDeCoに対応。\n豊富な低コスト投信・ETF\nNISA・iDeCoに対応\n複数のポイントプログラムから選択\n画面は日本語中心で機能が多い\n選択肢が多く初心者には複雑なことも\n多くの取引・投信が低〜無手数料（最新の手数料体系を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/sbi-securities","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社SBI証券","url":"https://www.sbisec.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:monex:ja","type":"product","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"Monex Securities","text":"証券会社（NISA・iDeCo）\n米国株のアクセスや分析ツールで選ばれることが多い老舗ネット証券。NISA・iDeCoに対応。\n米国株のラインナップと分析ツールが充実\nNISA・iDeCoに対応\nポイントプログラムあり\n画面は日本語中心\n投信の手数料は他の大手と比較を\n手数料は商品により異なり、一部は低コスト（最新の体系を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/monex","sources":[{"publisher":"マネックス証券株式会社","url":"https://www.monex.co.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:freee:ja","type":"product","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"freee","text":"クラウド会計ソフト\n案内に沿って進める設計で初心者に優しいクラウド会計。青色申告やe-Taxで個人事業主に人気。\n質問形式で進める初心者向け記帳\n銀行・カードの自動取込と青色申告出力\nインボイス制度・e-Taxに対応\n画面は日本語のみ\n料金はプラン・機能により変動\nサブスク（月額/年額）でプランにより異なる（最新の料金を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/freee","sources":[{"publisher":"フリー株式会社","url":"https://www.freee.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:money-forward-cloud:ja","type":"product","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"Money Forward Cloud","text":"クラウド会計ソフト\n自動化と連携に強いクラウド会計。柔軟な記帳を重視するフリーランス・小規模法人に人気。\n銀行・カード・サービスとの豊富な連携\n成長する事業に合う柔軟な記帳\nインボイス制度・e-Taxに対応\n画面は日本語のみ\n柔軟な分、完全ガイド型より最初は難しいことも\nサブスクでプランにより異なる（最新の料金を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/money-forward-cloud","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社マネーフォワード","url":"https://biz.moneyforward.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:yayoi:ja","type":"product","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"Yayoi","text":"会計ソフト\nデスクトップとクラウドを持つ老舗会計ソフト。広く使われ、税理士のサポートも多い。\n長い実績と専門家の高い習熟\nデスクトップとクラウドの選択肢\n青色申告・e-Taxに対応\n画面は日本語のみ\nデスクトップ製品はクラウドと操作が異なる\n製品によりデスクトップ版のライセンスかクラウドのサブスク（最新の料金を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/yayoi","sources":[{"publisher":"弥生株式会社","url":"https://www.yayoi-kk.co.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:flat-35:ja","type":"product","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"Flat 35","text":"固定金利住宅ローン\n住宅金融支援機構が支える長期固定金利の住宅ローン。提携金融機関経由で提供され、永住権なしでも利用しやすいことが多い。\n長期固定で返済が安定\n多数の提携金融機関による基準明確な審査\n永住権がない居住者でも利用しやすいことが多い\n対象は技術基準を満たす物件に限られる\n固定金利は足元の変動金利より高いことがある\n金利・手数料は金融機関や融資率により異なる（最新条件を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/flat-35","sources":[{"publisher":"住宅金融支援機構","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:wise:ja","type":"product","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"Wise","text":"海外送金\n仲値と明示的な手数料で送金する登録済みの送金サービス。個人送金では銀行送金より安いことが多い。\n仲値と明示的な手数料\nマルチカレンシー口座とデビットカード\n送金前に受取額を明確に提示\n大口には送金上限・本人確認あり\n日本の銀行口座の代替にはならない\n送金ごとの明示手数料＋仲値（受取額で比較を）。","url":"/ja/products/wise","sources":[{"publisher":"Wise","url":"https://wise.com/jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:revolut:ja","type":"product","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"Revolut","text":"マルチカレンシー口座\nカードと両替の手数料枠を備えたアプリ型のマルチカレンシー口座。複数通貨を使う・持つ人に便利。\nアプリ内で複数通貨を保有・両替\n海外での有利な為替でのカード利用\n英語のアプリとサポート\n無料両替枠や週末マージンはプランにより異なる\n機能は地域・プランで異なる\nプラン制。無料枠までは両替無料、以降は手数料（最新条件を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/revolut","sources":[{"publisher":"Revolut","url":"https://www.revolut.com/ja-JP/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:bitflyer:ja","type":"product","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"bitFlyer","text":"登録済み暗号資産取引所\n金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の暗号資産取引所で、居住者向け。運営実績の長さでよく挙げられる。\n金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟\n確立した運営実績\n標準的な売買・取引機能\n暗号資産の利益は雑所得として重く課税\nスプレッド・手数料は注文方法で異なる（取引前に比較を）\n取引手数料・スプレッドは商品・注文方法により異なる（最新の体系を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/bitflyer","sources":[{"publisher":"株式会社bitFlyer","url":"https://bitflyer.com/","official":true},{"publisher":"一般社団法人 日本暗号資産取引業協会","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"product:bitbank:ja","type":"product","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"bitbank","text":"登録済み暗号資産取引所\n金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟の暗号資産取引所で、居住者向け。取引画面で言及されることが多い。\n金融庁登録・JVCEA加盟\n複数銘柄の板取引\n実績ある国内取引所\n暗号資産の利益は雑所得として重く課税\n取引前に手数料・スプレッドを比較\nメイカー/テイカー手数料やスプレッドは変動（最新の体系を要確認）。","url":"/ja/products/bitbank","sources":[{"publisher":"ビットバンク株式会社","url":"https://bitbank.cc/","official":true},{"publisher":"一般社団法人 日本暗号資産取引業協会","url":"https://jvcea.or.jp/","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:zairyu-card:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"在留カード (Residence card)","text":"中長期在留する外国人に交付される在留資格の証明カード。銀行口座開設やカード申込など、多くの金融サービスで中心となる本人確認書類です。","url":"/ja/glossary#zairyu-card","sources":[{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:my-number:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"マイナンバー (Individual Number)","text":"税・社会保障などに用いる12桁の個人番号。金融口座の確認にも使われ、銀行・証券で提出を求められることがあります。","url":"/ja/glossary#my-number","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:koza-furikae:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"口座振替 (Direct debit)","text":"家賃・公共料金・カード代金などの継続的な支払いを、銀行口座から自動で引き落とす仕組み。","url":"/ja/glossary#koza-furikae","sources":[]},{"id":"glossary:furikomi:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"振込 (Bank transfer)","text":"他の銀行口座へお金を送る手続き。家賃・請求・支払いに使われ、手数料は銀行や方法で異なります。","url":"/ja/glossary#furikomi","sources":[]},{"id":"glossary:nisa:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"NISA (Tax-free investment account)","text":"運用益が非課税になる投資口座。2024年から年360万円（生涯1,800万円）まで投資でき、利益が非課税になります。","url":"/ja/glossary#nisa","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:ideco:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"iDeCo (Private defined-contribution pension)","text":"私的な税制優遇のある確定拠出年金。掛金は今の課税所得を減らせますが、原則60歳まで引き出せません。","url":"/ja/glossary#ideco","sources":[{"publisher":"国民年金基金連合会","url":"https://www.ideco-koushiki.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:tsumitate:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"investing","locale":"ja","title":"つみたて投資枠 (Accumulation frame (NISA))","text":"規制当局が選定した投信へ定期・自動で積み立てるNISAの枠。年120万円まで。","url":"/ja/glossary#tsumitate","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/nisa2/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:genzei:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"減税 (Tax reduction)","text":"医療費・扶養・住宅ローン控除などの控除・税額控除により、納める税金を減らすこと。","url":"/ja/glossary#genzei","sources":[]},{"id":"glossary:kakutei-shinkoku:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"確定申告 (Final tax return)","text":"毎年2月16日〜3月15日に行う所得税の申告。副収入・自営や特定の控除を受ける場合に必要です。","url":"/ja/glossary#kakutei-shinkoku","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.e-tax.nta.go.jp/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:nenmatsu-chosei:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"年末調整 (Year-end adjustment)","text":"年末に源泉徴収された所得税を勤務先が精算する手続き。1か所給与の多くの会社員は確定申告が不要になります。","url":"/ja/glossary#nenmatsu-chosei","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:juminzei:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"住民税 (Resident tax)","text":"約10%の地方税。所得の翌年に課税され、新規居住者は2年目に驚くことが多いです。","url":"/ja/glossary#juminzei","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/individual/index.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:furusato-nozei:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"tax","locale":"ja","title":"ふるさと納税 (Hometown tax donation)","text":"自治体に寄付して返礼品を受け取りつつ、ほぼ全額を税から控除できる制度（実質自己負担2,000円）。","url":"/ja/glossary#furusato-nozei","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1155.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kaigyo-todoke:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"開業届 (Notification of business opening)","text":"税務署に提出して個人事業主として登録する届出。無料で簡単で、青色申告承認申請と同時に出すことが多いです。","url":"/ja/glossary#kaigyo-todoke","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:aoiro-shinkoku:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"青色申告 (Blue tax return)","text":"複式簿記に対し最大65万円の控除や損失の繰越が使える申告方式。","url":"/ja/glossary#aoiro-shinkoku","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/2070.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:invoice-seido:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"インボイス制度 (Qualified invoice system)","text":"2023年10月開始の消費税の制度。買い手が仕入税額控除を受けるには売り手の登録番号（T番号）が必要です。","url":"/ja/glossary#invoice-seido","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:shohizei:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"freelancers","locale":"ja","title":"消費税 (Consumption tax)","text":"日本の付加価値税。標準10%、食品など一部は軽減8%。課税点を超える事業者に関係します。","url":"/ja/glossary#shohizei","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/zeimokubetsu/shohi/keigenzeiritsu/invoice.htm","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kokumin-kenko-hoken:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"国民健康保険 (National Health Insurance)","text":"会社の健康保険に入らない人（フリーランスなど）向けの公的健康保険。保険料は所得連動で自治体が請求します。","url":"/ja/glossary#kokumin-kenko-hoken","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kogaku-ryoyohi:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"高額療養費 (High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit)","text":"所得に応じて月あたりの医療費自己負担に上限を設ける公的制度。重い病気の負担を抑えます。","url":"/ja/glossary#kogaku-ryoyohi","sources":[{"publisher":"厚生労働省","url":"https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:jishin-hoken:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"insurance","locale":"ja","title":"地震保険 (Earthquake insurance)","text":"火災保険に付帯する政府関与の特約。保険金は建物・家財の評価額の一定割合が上限です。","url":"/ja/glossary#jishin-hoken","sources":[{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/policy/hoken/index.html","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:jutaku-loan:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"住宅ローン (Home loan (mortgage))","text":"住宅ローン。審査は収入・雇用、多くは永住権を見ます。固定・変動から選びます。","url":"/ja/glossary#jutaku-loan","sources":[{"publisher":"住宅金融支援機構","url":"https://www.flat35.com/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:shoyu-hiyo:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"loans","locale":"ja","title":"諸費用 (Closing costs)","text":"不動産購入時の一時費用（仲介手数料・登記・税金・保険など）。通常は価格の6〜10%。","url":"/ja/glossary#shoyu-hiyo","sources":[{"publisher":"国土交通省","url":"https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk5_000085.html","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:kaigai-soukin:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"remittance","locale":"ja","title":"海外送金 (International remittance)","text":"国をまたぐ送金。見える手数料より高くつくことが多い為替マージンに注意。","url":"/ja/glossary#kaigai-soukin","sources":[{"publisher":"日本銀行","url":"https://www.boj.or.jp/en/paym/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:ango-shisan:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"crypto","locale":"ja","title":"暗号資産 (Crypto-asset)","text":"暗号資産（仮想通貨）。利益は雑所得として累進課税。居住者向けは金融庁登録の取引所のみ。","url":"/ja/glossary#ango-shisan","sources":[{"publisher":"国税庁","url":"https://www.nta.go.jp/publication/pamph/pdf/virtual_currency_faq_03.pdf","official":true},{"publisher":"金融庁","url":"https://www.fsa.go.jp/menkyo/menkyoj/","official":true}]},{"id":"glossary:honnin-kakunin:ja","type":"glossary","cluster":"banking","locale":"ja","title":"本人確認 (Identity verification (KYC))","text":"金融口座の開設に必要な本人確認の手続き。在留カードなどの書類を用います。","url":"/ja/glossary#honnin-kakunin","sources":[{"publisher":"出入国在留管理庁","url":"https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/","official":true}]}]}