Stricter Foreign License Conversion from Oct 2025 — And the Overlooked Rule: International Driving Permits Are Only Valid for 1 Year
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.
Overstay Japan: What to Do If You Realize You’ve Overstayed Your Visa
If you have overstayed in Japan, the worst move is to do nothing. This guide explains the practical first steps, the difference between the Departure Order System and deportation procedures, and what documents to prepare before contacting Immigration.
Nikkei 3rd-Generation Visa (Long-Term Resident) | Final Checklist, Documents, and Common Pitfalls
A practical, attorney-style guide to the Nikkei 3rd-generation visa (Long-Term Resident/Teijusha): eligibility logic, required documents, a final pre-submission checklist, and a country-by-country trend ranking based on official statistics.
