Japan at a Glance

Living in Japan

Certain aspects of Japanese culture have become popular all over the world.

For expats living in Japan, the daily hustle and bustle may be overwhelming. But living in Japan is also exciting, considering the vibrant metropolises and breathtaking countryside. InterNations gives you tips on housing, health care, education, and more: We help you manage expat life in Japan.

Certain aspects of living in Japan will probably be familiar to many expatriates before they even get there. Youth culture in other East Asian nations, Europe, and the US has been picking up trends from this country for years.

Adult expats, on the other hand, might rather read up on the traditions, arts, and festivals associated with life in Japan. Their view of life in Japan is characterized by their interest in ritual and culture, in things like nô, kabuki and bunraku theatre or the matsuri, local shrine and temple holidays.

Living in Japan: Safety Information

First of all, it may be reassuring to know that Japan is a very safe place. According to the Global Peace Index 2011, living in Japan means living in one of the three safest countries in the world. Actually, it is has one of the lowest murder rates among all industrial nations, and violent crime is indeed fairly rare.

However, you should not assume that life in Japan does not involve any risks at all. Although violent crimes and hate crimes happen very rarely, they do happen nonetheless. Crime victims – especially survivors of rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence – tend to complain about less than sensitive treatment by police officers.

Life in Japan: Common Crimes & Emergencies

Most foreigners living in Japan who report a crime file charges of petty theft or vandalism. In the nightlife of Greater Tokyo, especially Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, drink spiking and fraudulent credit card charges are not uncommon, so be careful when celebrating your expat life in Japan.

During your life in Japan, you should also know what to do in case of an earthquake-related emergency. The key points are hiding under a table when the earth doesn’t stop shaking. Having an emergency kit at hand, and leaving the building as soon as possible after turning off the gas is also important. The national emergency numbers for all people living in Japan are 119 (fire / ambulance) and 110 (crime / accident).

Living in Japan: The Great East Japan Earthquake

Earth quakes are very common here, and most expats may have witnessed one of these seismic shocks while living in Japan. Most of Japan’s earth quakes are comparatively harmless. However, in March 2011, one of them shook the ground and resulted in a tsunami, which hit the east coast very hard.

The tsunami led to the devastation of many homes and the loss of up to 20,000 lives. Moreover, a nuclear plant in the prefecture of Fukushima was heavily damaged. After numerous reactor failures, the government declared the region around the power plant a prohibited zone. Due to high radiation levels, neither locals nor expats living in Japan may enter this area.

This natural disaster also had an effect on the country’s economy. Please refer to our article on moving to Japan and contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for further information.

Life in Japan: Alien Registration and ID Cards

The first obstacle to a life in Japan usually involves the municipal bureaucracy. Every foreign national living in Japan has to register as a resident alien. The procedure might seem a bit intimidating, especially if you don’t speak Japanese. But don’t worry! Obtaining a so-called Alien Registration Card (gaikokujin tōroku shōmeisho), for living in Japan, is actually not that difficult.

Within 90 days after arriving in Japan, you need to find out the location of your nearest municipal office (town hall, city administration, ward office etc…) and apply for the card there. Most municipal offices in major cities like Tokyo-Yokohama or the Kansai Region have weekly English-language consultation hours to help foreigners with the paperwork.

You should request a temporary certificate first, which you can use as a substitute until the proper card arrives in the mail. Be sure to carry your passport and your card with you all the time. This is legally required for every foreign national living in Japan.