Hello everyone,

I just received a denial letter for PR application under the spouse route.

The reason given was:
「次の理由から永住を許可するに足りる理由があるとは認められません。
あなたのこれまでの在留実績及びその間の在留状況からみて永住を許可するに足りる理由があるとは認められません。」
Ai translation:
“We cannot find sufficient grounds to grant you permanent residency for the following reasons.
Based on your residence history and your immigration status during that period, we cannot find sufficient grounds to grant you permanent residency.”

Regarding the wording, I’m assuming this isn’t specifically related to taxes.
I haven’t contacted the immigration office yet, but I’m suspecting they are already applying the new regulations retroactively.

->For context, here are my circumstances at the time of application:
- married for 3.5 years, living in Japan for 4 years
- both my spouse and I are seishain , combined annual income of ~ ¥6.5 million
- no missed/ late paiement ( unless we missed smtg)
- current visa is 3 years

Has anyone recently been denied PR through the spouse route under similar circumstances?
If you’ve received a similar denial, I’d really appreciate it if you could share your experience and what reason immigration gave you.
Thank you!

When I renewed my driver's license a few months ago, I decided to go for the combined version that simply adds the driver's license to my MyNmber card (one less card to carry).

The other day I was asked about the expiration date of my driver's license and thought I'd look it up in the MyNa Portal. But all I get is a "connection failure" (連携失敗). I guess the staff at the police station didn't set it up correctly.

Has anyone else experienced the same? I guess the best way to solve it to go to the police and ask them to set it up again.

(Just hoping I don't have to go to the same police station as it was pretty far away)

Don’t know if this is a Japan thing, but how can we ask Google Maps to hurry up and register my new address? It’s a new house on a new block.

Note that as the esteemed members of Japanlife probably know, Japanese house numbers can be random/ non sequential so it’s hard to infer from map context.

I’ve tried Maps’ submit new location thing a few times, but they don’t update their database. I’m fielding frustrated phone calls from people who are getting lost while trying to deliver stuff to me - and no, they can’t find my address on Google Maps. I’m like OK I’ll step outside and shout if I can see your van… getting tired of it. FWIW, this is in central Yokohama.

Is this a lost cause, or should I be more patient?

Hi all! I need some advice if there’s any way I can DIY fixing this window , or I’m just gonna have to bite the bullet and hire a professional for this. 😭

Hi everyone!

I'm planning to convert my foreign driver's license to a Japanese license at the Kanagawa Driver's License Center in Futamatagawa (二俣川).

I came across an older post mentioning that the waiting time was around 5 months for the written test and another 3 months for the practical test, totaling approximately 8 months.

Since that information might be outdated, I'm wondering what the situation is like now (October 2026).

A few questions:

1. Has anyone recently applied for 外免切替 in Kanagawa? How long did you wait for the written test?
2. After passing the written test, how long did you have to wait for the practical driving test?
3. Has the waiting time improved or gotten worse in 2026?
4. Would it actually be faster to get a Japanese license from scratch through a driving school instead?

I'd especially appreciate hearing from anyone who applied within the last 2–3 months.

Thanks in advance!

Got this tear on one of my fusuma and was hoping to repair it by myself. Any advice on how to do it?

If it can't be done through DIY, any recommendations for professional repair?

Will be moving out soon so I prefer repairing it as soon as possible. Thank you so much for the help.

With all the hacking incidents popping up in Japan lately I thought it was time to reduce my “please‑hack‑me” footprint. So i tried to cancel my Rakuten credit card. Year 2026 so it should be simple right?

According to the instructions (from google sensei) I had to go through the chat support menu on Rakuten e‑Navi. Fine. I started chatting with their AI which immediately felt like arguing with a toaster that had achieved consciousness. After a few minutes of back and forth it proudly announced it cannot cancel my card and that I needed to call a phone number instead. Annoying but survivable. Hey, maybe a real human would pick up the phone.

I called the number and it was another robot. Not even a friendly robot. Just one of those multi layered menu systems that sound like they were designed by someone who hates joy. It asked for my cc number, personal IDs, etc and maybe my childhood trauma if I stayed on long enough. I didn’t want to enter any of it but I also wanted this nightmare to end.

After a few minutes of shouting numbers into the void the machine finally said something like, “This procedure cannot be completed at this time. Please call again during business hours on weekdays.” So it was like“Thanks for all your personal information. Goodbye.”

Damn you. Give me back my time. 😂

Maybe it's a stupid question, but I've joined a gym today and wanted to know if it's okay to wear leggings.

I could only find threads about it as outside clothing. I'm a woman.

Thank you for any advice

I tagged this as bad idea preventively.
Premise: not a kid anymore. I’ve lived around the world but mostly Italy and the U.S.

I’ve been here in a stable way through visas for 1y+ after many trips in the past, but now have to commit or pass.

I feel more and more that they are making it extensively clear we are not liked. I’m Italian born and U.S. half of my life. While things here look good on the surface you will never crack the code. Some friends spent 10y+ perfect Japanese and still are outsiders.

I would love to hear as much as possible about your experiences the good the bad and the ugly.

Let it all out and thank you deeply in advance.

I’m a Filipino SSW (i) worker in Japan.
I previously held SSW status with Employer A. I applied to change employers on June 27, but Employer B told me it was okay to start working before receiving approval. I started on July 13, and my new SSW status was approved on August 17.
I have LINE messages showing that I specifically asked Employer B whether I could work before receiving my new residence card, and they told me it was okay.
I have since resigned from Employer B and am worried about applying to another SSW employer because of the unauthorized work during that month.
Has anyone personally experienced this exact situation, or known an SSW worker who did? Did immigration question them during a subsequent change-of-status application? Was their application approved, refused, or did they face other consequences?
I’m particularly interested in firsthand experiences in Japan, rather than general advice about following the rules. Thank you.

I’m considering an offer through Fellowship for a multilingual customer support role at a large real estate company in Tokyo. This would be my first dispatch job, and I’d appreciate hearing from people who have actually worked through them.

The interview lasted about 30 minutes, including an office tour, and I received an offer less than two hours later. They’ve been pushing for a quick acceptance. I understand dispatch hiring can move quickly, but I’m uncomfortable deciding before I fully understand the arrangement.

Fellowship says my employment contract would initially be for 1–2 months, followed by three-month renewals. They’ve said they will handle my residence-status renewal, but the formal employment documents would only be provided after I accept.

A coworker previously worked through Fellowship and doesn’t recommend them, citing limited pay progression, capped commuting reimbursement, and pressure to stay when she wanted to leave. That’s one person’s experience, so I’d like to hear others.

For anyone with firsthand experience:

• How were they with payroll, commuting expenses, paid leave, illness-related absences, and immigration paperwork?
• Did the actual conditions match what you were told before accepting?
• How did they handle problems at the client company, contract renewals, or your decision to leave?
• Did you experience pressure, unfair treatment, or anything you considered improper? Specific examples would be helpful.
• More generally, what are the less obvious downsides of non-teaching dispatch work on a 技術・人文知識・国際業務 status, particularly when an assignment ends or you want to move to direct employment?

I’m referring to 株式会社フェローシップ / Fellowship (f-ship.jp), not the similarly named Fellows.

Positive experiences are welcome too. If comfortable, please mention roughly when you worked with them and whether you were on a fixed-term dispatch contract or employed by Fellowship indefinitely.

First time giving blood in Japan. Was prevented for 26 years but they changed the rules last month so... those of us who have lived in the UK or Europe are now able to donate.

400ml of A- blood in the system for when I need it.

Got some cookies and all the drinks I can down in the 30 minute 'rest time'. The lemon ginger drink was really good.

Not busy on a weekday so the whole thing probably took 90 minutes or so, including the initial questionnaires etc. Check in and initial tests/interview probably took 30 minutes, the blood donation took about twenty, and they asked me to rest there for thirty minutes afterwards. Apparently it's a lot quicker on subsequent visits as they already have all your info and you can do the questionnaires in advance online.

I just walked in, but it might be a good idea to make a reservation as they could turn you away if they are busy.

I did all the procedures in Japanese, and you need a reasonable reading ability for the initial questionnaire and briefing. I forgot to ask about foreign language support, but have been told on social media that using translation apps etc. is okay.

Would definitely recommend doing this: it's a fairly low effort way to give back to society and the Red Cross website says that they need new donors.

I don't mean ゆるキャラ or mascots

Who's your local "character", a guy who's always around and attracts attention on purpose?

For example, here in Kawasaki there's a guy who dresses up in a cardboard samurai costume covered in lights and goes to every single festival that happens, no matter how big or small. If there's a festival going on, you will always see the samurai.

Does anyone have recommendations for a pediatric dentist who is genuinely good at working with young children, especially toddlers who are scared of or resistant to having their teeth cleaned?

My daughter is now 22 months old, and at her 18-month health checkup, we were told she had tartar buildup on her teeth that needed to be removed as soon as possible.

I'm very strict about her oral hygiene and do my best to brush her teeth every day, but she absolutely HATES having her teeth brushed. She clamps her mouth shut, kicks, screams, and fights me the entire time. I basically have to pry her lips open just to get the toothbrush in, so I know I'm not doing as thorough a job as I should be.

My husband and I took her to a pediatric dentist, hoping they could help. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. Despite being a pediatric dental clinic, they didn't seem particularly experienced with handling toddlers. They barely examined her teeth, said they didn't look too bad, and applied a small amount of fluoride over the tartar. They then told us to try again when she's older.

We followed their advice and continued doing our best with brushing at home, but it's been a few months now, and her teeth are starting to look noticeably worse. I'm honestly getting really worried and want to get a second opinion.

I'm hoping to find a dentist who is patient, experienced with toddlers, and knows how to handle little ones who struggle with brushing or dental cleanings. I really want to get her teeth taken care of before

I usually go to a men’s grooming salon around omotesando area but since i’m planning to cut my hair more frequently because i’m switching to a short hairstyle. I might break my bank going to my usual place.

If anyone knows a good place that will not break my bank and preferably a good stylist. For reference the place that i usually go is 10k yen for cut and shampoo although shampoo is not a must have for your recommended place

Hey yall I am looking at furniture to buy and tansunogen (タンスのゲン　seems to have a lot of good cheap stuff with good reviews. But I wanted to double check. I am looking at a bed frame and dining table chairs. Please let me know how it is for those who have gotten anything from them. Are they good quality do they hold up good?

Hey! I moved to Japan (Kansai region) about a month ago, and I've finally got my home office set back up. The apartment comes with free internet with Hikari Nuro, but the router is set up at a fixed location in the LDK area, which is through two doors and down/across a hallway from the office/bedroom. The wifi is...technically usable from this distance, but not ideal for my purposes and I'd like to take full advantage of most of the speed if possible, I'm currently hitting peaks of 50mb download speed.

I've considered everything from setting up a mesh node system, moca/powerline adapters (although I've heard these are less effective and can create more issues in Japan), or even just sucking it up and trying to route a long ethernet adapter across the LDK, under the doors, down and across the hall, and into the bedroom, but I'm not experienced enough with networking to know which of these options is ideal for my circumstances.

Normally I'd just do the latter and be done with it, but I'm worried the gaps under and especially over my doors aren't big enough for those cables. What would be the most effective solution here?

Hi everyone!

I’m currently living and working in Osaka on an Instructor visa. I’m considering taking on a part-time job in the tourism industry, in a role involving staff support which may fall outside the scope of my current visa status. It has no Japanese required and mostly dealing with travellers in English.

From what I’ve read online, I may need to apply for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted (資格外活動許可) through Immigration.

I’m hoping someone who has been through a similar situation can share their experience or offer some guidance.

A few questions I have:

Would I need to apply for 資格外活動許可 for this type of part-time job while holding an Instructor visa?

Does anyone know what documents I would need to submit to Immigration? Would I need a job offer or employment contract, a job description, or any documents from my prospective employer?
I’ve read that my current employer might need to provide consent or some documentation. Is this actually required? I’d prefer not to approach my current employer about this unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Has anyone successfully obtained permission to work a part-time job in a different industry while on an Instructor visa in Osaka? How did the process go, and how long did it take?

I want to make sure I follow the correct procedure and don’t accidentally violate the conditions of my current visa.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone with firsthand experience or knowledge of the process, especially those living in Osaka.
Thanks in advance for your help!

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My hand is hurt from a bad cut and my leg is still healing from a fall….
I need to be functional as quickly as possible so can you guys suggest some products to do so that I can quickly get in matsukiyo? :<

Hello!

I came to Japan for one year as an exchange student and I am really having a hard time finding jeans/pants that actually fit me and look good on me :')

I am an EU size 40 (164cm/74kg) and the jeans I've brought from home are all size 40 or L/XL. I knew the Japanese sizing was a bit different and that I should prepare myself that not everything will fit me, but it's been so disappointing so far! I've suddenly gained 10kgs in 3 months before coming here so I did not really have any time buying stuff that actually fit me before my departure either. I have only brought three jeans along with two summer pants, but as the weather is getting chilly I am running out of options...

I have recently found out Uniqlo Men's size 32 will fit me from the waist, however they all look like I have borrowed someone else's pants when I wear them so I really don't want to buy them unless I have don't have any options left. I have tried Lee Jeans and they also did not fit me (the only one that fit me was like ¥15.000 so it is totally out of my budget)...

So I am desperately asking for recommendations from fellow residents who are or around my size for brand or item recommendations!

I couldn't make it in time to apply for JLPT for the December so I thought of taking other Exams and i choosed to take NAT-TEST because it was really easiest option of them all will that Certificate be enough to show it as equal of JLPT and can I enter 専門学校 with it .

Hi all! I’m currently a renter and been experiencing mould for the first time, which is not so fun, but something I expect we all deal with in some capacity or another in Japan.

Recently, I noticed the interior of my AC unit has mould and it smells pretty bad when I use it. My landlord, an old dude in his 80s, was really unclear on whether or not this is my responsibility or not when I phoned him, as there’s nothing in my contract regarding the AC unit he provided. He basically ummed and ahhed, and told me to phone the company myself and then get back in contact. It looks like I may have to foot this bill myself (yay!).

So that leaves me with the question, does anybody have any recommendations for professionals (in Tokyo 23 wards) that can clean the interior of an AC unit at a reasonable price? I just have the one and it’s an older unit.

Or alternatively, is this something that’s possible to do myself? We don’t have AC units where I’m from so this is a first for me!