Living in Japan / Practical Guide

People walking on a busy street in Tokyo, Japan

2026年5月22日 / 最終更新日時 : 2026年5月22日 Daisuike Tominaga English Information

Why Are Foreign Residents Satisfied with Life in Japan? A Comparison of Living Conditions, Safety, Wages, Prices, and Immigration Rules

Many foreign residents are satisfied with life in Japan, but Japan’s strengths and weaknesses become clearer when compared with Korea, Germany, the United States, Canada, and Australia. This article reviews safety, housing, wages, prices, work culture, social integration, and immigration rules.

2026年1月18日 / 最終更新日時 : 2026年5月7日 Daisuike Tominaga Living in Japan / Practical Guide

Foreign License Conversion in Japan and the One-Year IDP Rule

From 1 October 2025, Japan’s foreign driver’s license conversion process (gaimen kirikae) becomes stricter. At the same time, many long-term residents overlook a separate rule: driving in Japan with an International Driving Permit (IDP) or certain foreign licenses is generally allowed only for 1 year from the date you land in Japan. Plan early to avoid a “license gap” in year two.