Ignorance is no excuse.

Must-know issues for anyone living in or visiting Japan, in 5 languages.

🇯🇵 日本語🇺🇸 English🇨🇳 中文🇻🇳 Tiếng Việt🇰🇷 한국어

About to Start

Latest Issues

Enforcement Date: 2026-10-27NEWDaily Life

New My Number municipal filing service

The Digital Agency started nationwide operation of the My Number Portal municipal application service on 27 Oct 2026; all procedures need a My Number Card login.

Last Updated: 2026-10-28

NEWHealthcare

Kenpo FY2026 Dependent Status Recheck

Kenpo's FY2026 dependent recheck targets only dependents likely to be ineligible. Lists go to employers from late October, and replies are due December 11, 2026.

Enforcement Date: 2026-10-25NEWTraffic

Winter 2026 International Flight Schedule Set

MLIT approved Japan's winter 2026 international flight schedule (Oct 25–Mar 27): 6,094.5 flights a week, down 2%. China routes drop 49%; 11 new routes open.

Enforcement Date: 2026-12-30NEWTraffic

Hokkaido Shinkansen at 260 km/h in Seikan Tunnel Over New Year

Dec 30, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027: Hokkaido Shinkansen trains passing the Seikan Tunnel before about 3:30 p.m. run at 260 km/h instead of 160 km/h, cutting travel time by five minutes. Check which trains qualify.

Healthcare

November Is SIDS Prevention Month in Japan

Japan's Children and Families Agency runs its SIDS Prevention Month from November 1 to 30, 2026. SIDS tends to rise in winter and claimed 62 infants in 2025. Learn the four risk-lowering points — back sleeping, breastfeeding, no smoking, no overheating — and where to get advice.

Daily Life

Bear Safety Steps for School Commutes

On Oct 16, 2026, Japan's MEXT again asked education boards to check and change school routes, revise crisis manuals, fund bear bells and whistles, and consider temporary school buses.

Work & Labor

Nov 14: Free Life & Work Consultation in Nara

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, a free "Life and Work" consultation event for foreign residents takes place in Kashihara, Nara. Nara Prefecture and the Osaka Regional Immigration Services Bureau host it, with OTIT's Osaka Office joining. Interpreters are provided, it is free, and companies may consult too. Booked visitors are seen first; online consultations require a reservation.

Enforcement Date: 2026-10-25Traffic

New Itami–Naha Flights Start Oct 25

Japan's MLIT approved JTA on Oct 23, 2026 to operate at congested Osaka (Itami) Airport: Itami–Naha, two round trips a day on a Boeing 737-800, starting Oct 25.