JapanUpdates is an independent English-language guide for people who are planning to visit, study, work, or build a life in Japan. We cover the practical questions that are hard to get clear answers to: visas and residence status, jobs, taxes, health insurance, money, travel rules, and the apps and tools that make daily life easier.
Who runs JapanUpdates
JapanUpdates is written and edited by Rashid Harunor. I don’t live in Japan, and I don’t pretend to. What I do is research: I spend my time reading the official sources that newcomers struggle with — often only in Japanese, often spread across several government sites — and turning them into clear, step-by-step guides in plain English.
How we research our guides
- We start from official sources first: the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the National Tax Agency, and city and ward offices.
- We link to the sources we used inside each article, so you can check them yourself.
- We update guides when rules change, and show the updated date at the top of each article.
- We clearly label any sponsored or affiliate links.
What we are not
JapanUpdates is not a law firm, an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi), a tax accountant, or a financial adviser, and we do not sell visa services. Our articles are general information. For decisions about your own visa, taxes, or money, please confirm with the official office or a licensed professional.
Spotted a mistake?
Rules in Japan change often. If you notice something outdated or wrong, please tell us through our Contact page — we read every message and correct errors as quickly as we can.