How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

PR Compliance Checker

永住権安全診断

Check your Japan PR safety before the April 2027 revocation law takes effect

⚠️ New Law Alert: From April 2027, Japan can revoke Permanent Residency for tax/pension non-compliance. Check your status now.

Section 1 — Tax Compliance (納税)

Q1. Have you filed your income tax return (確定申告) for ALL years you've been in Japan?

Q2. Have you paid your Residence Tax (住民税 Jumin-zei) with zero late payments?

Q3. Are all your tax payment certificates (納税証明書) available if requested?

Section 2 — Pension / Nenkin (年金)

Q4. Have you paid into National Pension (国民年金) or Company Pension (厚生年金) every month with NO gaps?

Q5. If you had gaps due to job loss or illness, did you apply for an exemption (免除申請) at the ward office?

Q6. Can you access your Nenkin Net (ねんきんネット) account to verify your payment history?

Section 3 — Health Insurance (健康保険)

Q7. Have you been continuously enrolled in either Company Health Insurance or National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) with no gaps?

Q8. Have you paid all health insurance premiums on time?

Section 4 — Address & Card (住所・在留カード)

Q9. Did you notify your ward office (市区町村) within 14 days every time you moved?

Q10. Is your Residence Card (在留カード) currently valid and not expired?

Q11. Have you held a 5-YEAR visa (not 3-year) for the period before applying for PR?

Section 5 — Absences from Japan (出国)

Q12. Have you tracked all your days outside Japan? (PR requires under 100 days/year continuous absence)

Q13. Have you never stayed outside Japan for more than 1 year continuously?

💡 Yamada Hack: The PR Paper Trail

Every April, print and file: (1) your tax payment certificate from the tax office, (2) your nenkin payment history from Nenkin Net, and (3) your health insurance payment receipt. Keep 5 years of records minimum. Immigration officers call this your 'compliance passport' — and it can make the difference between approval and rejection.