Long-Term Resident Visa in Japan: Eligibility, Work Rights, and Key Points
The Long-Term Resident status of residence is granted when the Minister of Justice recognizes special reasons for allowing a foreign national to reside in Japan for a designated period. This article explains typical cases, work rights, family-related applications, divorce-related changes, and key documents.
Immigration Offices in the Kanto Area: Jurisdiction, Reception Hours, Ticket Numbers, and Reservation Notes
A practical guide to immigration offices in the Kanto area. This article explains which office to check first, what to confirm before visiting, reception hours, ticket-number issues, and reservation-related points for major offices such as Shinagawa, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Tachikawa, Saitama, Chiba, Matsudo, Mito, and Takasaki.
Immigration Fee Reform Bill and JESTA in Japan: Key Points for Foreign Residents and Employers
On March 10, 2026, the Japanese government approved a bill to create JESTA, a new electronic travel authorization system, and to raise the statutory ceiling for certain immigration-related fees, including change of status, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence. The key point is that this does not mean all fees have immediately increased to those maximum amounts. This article explains what foreign residents and employers should know.