From June 14, 2026, Japan’s new residence card and special permanent resident certificate format is expected to display photos for children aged 1 to under 16. Families should check whether a child photo may be needed before renewal, change of status, reissuance, or related procedures.
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.
Is five years of residence enough for naturalization in Japan? This article explains the April 2026 update on the Legal Affairs Bureau website, the practical meaning of the ten-year residence standard, and key points to check before applying.
According to a recent survey by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, 91% of foreign residents are satisfied with life in Japan. However, rising prices, low wages, workplace concerns, discrimination, and stricter immigration rules remain key challenges.
