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.
From SSW1 to SSW2: A Practical Roadmap for Long-Term Retention (SSW2 Does Not Require a Support Plan)
SSW(ii) offers long-term stability and can open a path to family life in Japan. In practice, delays often happen not because of SSW(ii) itself, but because SSW(i) support operations are not well-designed or SSW(ii) requirements are not properly documented. This article clarifies the common misunderstanding—SSW(ii) does not require the SSW(i) support plan—and provides a practical roadmap and checklists for both workers and employers.
Latest Updates on the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa Program in Japan
Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program is undergoing major changes, including industry expansion and the promotion of SSW Type 2. This article explains the latest updates for 2025–2026, key compliance points, and practical insights for employers and foreign workers.