Tokyo

A. National Tax Agency (NTA) – Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau

The National Tax Agency oversees tax-related matters, including income tax, consumption tax, and corporate tax. The Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau is the main office for tax-related services in Tokyo.

Services Offered:

• Filing and payment of taxes (income tax, consumption tax, etc.)
• Assistance with tax refunds
• Issuance of tax certificates
• Guidance for foreign residents on Japan’s tax system
• Support for businesses regarding corporate tax and consumption tax

Procedures:

1. Filing Taxes:

   • For salaried employees, taxes are often deducted automatically by employers. However, freelancers, business owners, and those with additional income must file a tax return (確定申告, kakutei shinkoku).
   • Tax returns are typically filed between February 16 and March 15 each year.
   • You can file online via the e-Tax system or in person at the tax office.

2. Tax Refunds:

   • If you overpaid taxes (e.g., due to medical expenses or deductions), you can apply for a refund by filing a tax return.

3. Tax Certificates:

   • Certificates such as the Tax Payment Certificate (納税証明書, nozei shomeisho) can be requested for a small fee (around ¥400 per certificate).

Costs:

• Filing taxes is free, but late payments or filings may incur penalties.
• Tax certificates typically cost ¥400 per copy.

Cultural Considerations:

• Japanese tax offices are highly organized, but staff may not always speak fluent English. Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter if needed.
• Be punctual and polite when visiting the office.
• Dress modestly and bring all required documents neatly organized.

Useful Tips:

• Use the e-Tax system for convenience, especially if you are comfortable navigating online forms in Japanese.
• Visit the tax office early in the day to avoid long queues during the busy tax season.

Key Locations:

• Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau: 3-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8940
• Nearest Station: Kasumigaseki Station (Tokyo Metro)

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B. Japan Pension Service – Tokyo Pension Office

The Japan Pension Service manages the national pension system, which is mandatory for residents in Japan, including foreign residents.

Services Offered:

• Enrollment in the National Pension (国民年金, kokumin nenkin) or Employees’ Pension (厚生年金, kosei nenkin)
• Payment of pension contributions
• Guidance on exemptions or reductions for low-income individuals
• Issuance of pension-related documents

Procedures:

1. Enrollment:

   • Foreign residents must enroll in the pension system upon obtaining a residence card.
   • Enrollment is done at your local ward office or pension office.

2. Payment:

   • Contributions are approximately ¥16,590 per month (as of 2023) for the National Pension.
   • Payments can be made at convenience stores, banks, or via automatic bank transfer.

3. Exemptions/Reductions:

   • If you have a low income, you can apply for an exemption or reduction in contributions.

4. Lump-Sum Withdrawal:

   • If you leave Japan permanently, you may be eligible for a partial refund of your pension contributions.

Costs:

• Monthly contributions are mandatory unless you qualify for an exemption.
• There are no fees for applying for exemptions or reductions.

Cultural Considerations:

• Be prepared to provide detailed personal information, including your residence card and My Number (individual identification number).
• Staff may not speak English fluently, so consider bringing a translator.

Useful Tips:

• Keep all pension-related documents safe, as they may be required for refunds or future claims.
• If you plan to leave Japan, apply for the lump-sum withdrawal within two years of departure.

Key Locations:

• Tokyo Pension Office: 1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8945
• Nearest Station: Kasumigaseki Station (Tokyo Metro)

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2. Local Services-Related Government Offices in Tokyo

A. Ward Offices (区役所, kuyakusho)

Ward offices are the primary point of contact for local administrative services in Tokyo. Each of Tokyo’s 23 wards has its own office.

Services Offered:

• Resident registration (住民登録, jumin toroku)
• Issuance of residence certificates (住民票, juminhyo)
• My Number card applications
• Health insurance enrollment
• Childcare and welfare services
• Marriage, birth, and death registrations

Procedures:

1. Resident Registration:

   • New residents must register their address within 14 days of moving to Tokyo.
   • Bring your residence card, passport, and proof of address (e.g., rental contract).

2. Health Insurance Enrollment:

   • Enrollment in the National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, kokumin kenko hoken) is mandatory for residents not covered by employer insurance.
   • Premiums vary based on income but typically start at around ¥2,000 per month.

3. My Number Card:

   • Apply for a My Number card (individual identification card) at the ward office. The card is free, but replacement cards cost ¥1,000.

4. Certificates:

   • Residence certificates and other official documents can be issued for a small fee (around ¥300-500 per document).

Costs:

• Most services are free, but document issuance and health insurance premiums involve fees.

Cultural Considerations:

• Japanese bureaucracy is highly detail-oriented, so ensure all forms are filled out correctly.
• Be patient, as waiting times can be long, especially during peak hours.
• Bowing and polite language are appreciated when interacting with staff.

Useful Tips:

• Visit during non-peak hours (early morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid crowds.
• Many ward offices have multilingual support desks or translation services.

Key Locations:

• Shinjuku Ward Office: 1-4-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8484
• Minato Ward Office: 1-5-25 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-8511
• Chiyoda Ward Office: 1-1-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-8688

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B. Immigration Bureau of Japan – Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau

The Immigration Bureau handles visa-related matters for foreign residents.

Services Offered:

• Visa applications and renewals
• Residence card updates
• Re-entry permits
• Work permits

Procedures:

1. Visa Renewal:

   • Submit your application at least one month before your visa expires.
   • Required documents include your passport, residence card, and proof of employment or enrollment.

2. Residence Card Updates:

   • Update your residence card if you change your address, name, or visa status.

3. Re-Entry Permits:

   • If you plan to leave Japan temporarily, apply for a re-entry permit to maintain your visa status.

Costs:

• Visa renewal fees: ¥4,000 (single-entry) or ¥6,000 (multiple-entry)
• Re-entry permits: ¥3,000 (single) or ¥6,000 (multiple)

Cultural Considerations:

• Immigration offices can be crowded, so arrive early.
• Dress professionally and bring all required documents.

Useful Tips:

• Use the online appointment system to save time.
• Bring photocopies of all documents to avoid delays.

Key Location:

• Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau: 5-5-30 Konan, Minato City, Tokyo 108-8255
• Nearest Station: Shinagawa Station (JR and Keikyu lines)

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By understanding the services, procedures, and cultural nuances of these government offices, you can navigate Tokyo’s administrative systems with confidence. Let me know if you need further assistance!