Nenmatsu Chosei vs. Kakutei Shinkoku: The Complete Tax Guide for Foreigners in Japan
Nenmatsu Chosei vs. Kakutei Shinkoku: Which one do you need? A complete guide for foreign employees on forms, deadlines, and how to get your tax refund (often ¥100,000+).
【2025】Furusato Nozei Guide for Foreigners: Lower Residence Tax & Get Rakuten Points
A complete guide on how foreigners can do 'Furusato Nozei'. Use Rakuten to effectively pay just ¥2,000 to lower your Residence Tax and get rice or meat. Covers visa impact and the Dec 31st deadline.
How to Get Your Full Japanese Pension Refund When Leaving (¥300,000-500,000 Average)
Complete guide for foreigners leaving Japan to claim their full pension refund. Learn how to recover the "missing 20%" that most people abandon—including tax refund procedures and appointing a tax representative.
Residence Tax in Japan: Why Your Paycheck Shrinks in Year 2 & The "Leaving Japan" Trap
Residence Tax in Japan is paid in "arrears." Why does your take-home pay decrease from June of your second year? What is the "January 1st Rule" that can cost you hundreds of thousands of yen when leaving? Understand the system to avoid unpaid taxes and visa trouble. We also explain the "Furusato Nozei" trick to get gifts for effectively 2,000 yen.
Cost of Living in Tokyo 2025: Monthly Breakdown & Money-Saving Hacks
The estimated cost of living for a single person in Tokyo in 2025 ranges from ¥140,000 to ¥250,000 per month. This guide breaks down rent averages, winter utility spikes, and food inflation, while exposing the "Year 2 Residence Tax" trap and high initial move-in costs. Learn how to lower your fixed costs and save money.
![[Dec 2025 Update] Is the Rakuten Ecosystem Dead? 5 New Rules to Save ¥30,000/Year After the "Nerf"](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/1bd70f9b8ac2c4a0fcc181cb657b4599d5ffe836-1024x808.webp)
[Dec 2025 Update] Is the Rakuten Ecosystem Dead? 5 New Rules to Save ¥30,000/Year After the "Nerf"
Did the October 2025 regulations kill the "Rakuten Ecosystem"? The answer is No. We explain the complex new rules for SPU and Furusato Nozei. Here are the "5 New Iron Rules" for foreign residents to survive the changes and still cut annual living costs by over ¥30,000.
Best Money Transfer Services from Japan (2025): Wise vs. Banks Fee Comparison
Are you losing thousands of yen when sending money home? We compare fees and hidden exchange rate costs between Wise, SBI Remit, and traditional Japanese banks. See our simulation of sending 100,000 JPY to find the cheapest and fastest option for 2025.
Cashless Japan 2025: PayPay vs. Rakuten Pay - Which App Should You Download?
There are dozens of payment apps in Japan, but you only need two: PayPay and Rakuten Pay. We explain why these two are essential, the "Foreign Credit Card Trap," and how to maximize your points to save money on daily life.
![[URGENT] Get ¥20,000 Free Cash Immediately Upon Arrival in Japan: TikTok Lite & Rakuten Card Guide (2025)](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/74f1e53d7808ba14e056781d95b560d890cceff0-1024x559.webp)
[URGENT] Get ¥20,000 Free Cash Immediately Upon Arrival in Japan: TikTok Lite & Rakuten Card Guide (2025)
Is the cost of living in Japan too high? There is a "hack" to secure ¥20,000 in cash just by using your smartphone. This is the complete guide to TikTok Lite and Rakuten Card campaigns to cover your first month's food expenses for free.
![[Until Dec 31] How to Do "Furusato Nozei" on Amazon: English Guide & Best Gifts (Rice, Meat, Daily Goods)](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/e5e3e4c64ea216ded58ba34a25a89ae95b2dfc0c-1024x1024.webp)
[Until Dec 31] How to Do "Furusato Nozei" on Amazon: English Guide & Best Gifts (Rice, Meat, Daily Goods)
Gave up because "Rakuten is too complicated"? With Amazon, you can do Furusato Nozei in 3 minutes using your existing account. This English guide explains how to get rice and meat for effectively ¥2,000.
【Practical Guide】 How to Apply for a Rakuten Card: English Input Hacks & How to Avoid Rejection
90% of foreigners who fail the Rakuten Card screening do so because of "Name Input Errors." We explain exactly how to input middle names, avoid residence card mismatches, and the settings you need to get approved.
![[Fee Comparison] Top 4 Money Transfer Services from Japan: Wise, SBI Remit, Revolut, Bank Transfer](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/s5zbl9nu/production/bd2664680caa27417415672df3494d678e84858b-1024x572.webp)
[Fee Comparison] Top 4 Money Transfer Services from Japan: Wise, SBI Remit, Revolut, Bank Transfer
Are bank transfers ripping you off? We expose the "Hidden Costs." A thorough comparison of fees and speed for Wise, SBI Remit, and Revolut. Find the best way to send money in 2025!