Your first 30 days living in Japan

Check the spelling of your name, residence status and period of stay. If something looks wrong, do not copy the error into every later form; ask the responsible immigration counter or information centre.

Keep the written terms, job location, start date, working hours, pay day, basic pay, likely deductions and the name of your workplace contact. A job title alone does not establish what your residence status permits.

Save the address in Japanese and a language you understand, the building name, room number and a route that does not depend on one live map. If housing is temporary, ask which address should be used for each procedure.

Bring your residence card, or your passport if the card is to be issued later. If family members register together, the municipality may need official documents showing the relationship. Check the office’s own list, opening hours and translation requirements before going.

Use that form consistently for later accounts and contracts. If a system cannot fit your name, ask how it will be recorded instead of inventing a shortened version yourself.

After residence registration, an Individual Number notice is issued. The 12-digit number and the plastic Individual Number Card are not the same thing. Store the number carefully and apply for the card only through the official process if you need it.

Ask whether your employer is enrolling you in employees’ health insurance. If that does not apply, consult the municipal National Health Insurance counter promptly. Eligibility and timing depend on your residence and work arrangements; keep proof of any application or enquiry.

Residents aged 20–59 are generally covered by the public pension system, regardless of nationality. Employees may be enrolled through work; others may need a municipal procedure. Social Security Agreements and contribution exemptions can change what you must do, but they require a proper check or application.

Write medicine names, allergies, conditions, emergency contact and the language you can use for care. Keep the original prescription or package details where possible. A nearby drugstore, pharmacy and clinic have different roles.

Mark ordinary hours, breaks, days off, overtime handling, pay day, deductions, probation, leave, absence reporting and who approves schedule changes. Ask for an explanation in a language you understand; keep the written version.

For bank, phone, internet and utilities, check the name format, documents, start date, monthly cost, first bill, cancellation and what happens if you move. An employer can assist, but the contract holder should know what was agreed.

Photograph existing marks and damage with the date. Save the inventory, key count, manager contact, emergency water or gas procedure, repair route, guest rules and moving-out notice period.

Sorting categories, collection days, bag rules and the collection point differ by municipality and sometimes by building. Use the municipal or building guide, not a national summary or a neighbour’s guess.

Find the correct company, gate, platform, last useful service and one backup route. Note the workplace rule for delays caused by transport disruption and where official delay information comes from.

Open the municipal hazard map for your address. Distinguish an evacuation site from a general shelter, and decide how household members or colleagues will reunite if mobile networks are congested.

Company support is useful, but it should not be the only route. The Immigration Services Agency, FRESC and labour authorities publish consultation services. Check the current language, hours and scope before contacting them.