What Changes After Your First Year in Japan

Key Takeaways:

• After year one in Japan, expats face new costs and rules that didn't apply in the first 12 months.

• Residence Tax Begins: Japan doesn't charge住民税 (local resident tax) in the first calendar year, but starting in your second year you'll owe about 10% of last year's income (billed from June).

• Visa Renewal Deadline: Many work visas are initially 1 year – you must renew around the 1-year mark, and immigration will require proof you paid taxes and joined social insurance.

• Housing Costs Spike: If you move to a new apartment after year one, prepare for hefty upfront fees (deposit, key money, etc.) totaling 4–6 months' rent. Budget accordingly to avoid surprises.

• Critical Obligations: Enrollment in national health insurance and pension is mandatory for stays over 3 months. Skipping them leads to back-bills and can jeopardize visa extensions.

• 2026 Trend: Japan's foreign resident population hit a record ~3.77 million in 2024. The government launched a new integration office in 2025 to enforce tax and insurance compliance, while inflation ~2% means higher living costs. Planning ahead in year two is crucial.

Why Life After the First Year Matters in 2026

In 2026, more expats than ever are making Japan their long-term home. At the end of 2024 the country had 3.77 million registered foreign residents – a 10.5% jump from the previous year, marking a record high. Tokyo alone hosts over 775,000 of these expats (about 20% of the total). This surge is driven by labor shortages and new visa pathways, but it also means the Japanese government is paying closer attention to how well foreigners settle in. In mid-2025, a dedicated Cabinet office for foreign resident integration was established, signaling stricter oversight of social insurance enrollment and tax payment for those staying beyond a year.

Meanwhile, the economic and social landscape has shifted. After decades of stable prices, Japan has seen inflation above 2% since 2022, pushing up rents, utilities, and groceries. An expat who found Tokyo affordable last year might notice higher bills in year two. Culturally, the "honeymoon" period of excitement often fades by the second year, and practical realities set in. Foreign residents generally remain happy in Japan (88.2% satisfied according to a 2024 survey), but complaints are rising about issues like low pay, high prices, and feeling a lack of deeper integration. For example, more expats report "not enough interaction with Japanese people" as a concern. In contrast to a decade ago – when far fewer foreigners stayed long-term and cost of living was lower – today's expats must navigate a more complex environment.

Bottom line: 2026 is a pivotal time for expats moving from short-term to long-term status. Laws and expectations change after your first year, and ignoring these changes can be costly. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can turn year two into a smooth continuation of your Japan journey instead of a bureaucratic or financial setback. Let's break down the key areas – lifestyle, housing, and paperwork – and how to handle each step by step.

Lifestyle Adjustments After Year One

Honeymoon's over, now what?

By the start of your second year, you've likely ridden the emotional U-curve of culture shock and adaptation. Early on, everything was novel and exciting (the "honeymoon" phase), followed by the stress of adjusting to Japanese norms (from kanji-filled paperwork to unspoken social rules). The good news: around the one-year mark, many expats enter the "recovery and stability" phase. You're no longer a wide-eyed tourist, and everyday tasks – from using the train to ordering food in Japanese – have become routine. This growing comfort is a big win: it means you can focus more on building a fulfilling life rather than just surviving day to day.

Deepening social connections.

One year in, your social life may need a refresh. Many expats spend the first year hanging out with fellow foreigners or helpful English-speaking Japanese colleagues. By year two, you might notice that broader integration hasn't happened automatically. In fact, a government survey found that "lack of interaction with Japanese people" was a common issue, with many foreigners wishing for more local friendships. Take this as a cue to be proactive. Consider joining community centers, sports teams, or language exchange meetups to meet locals. For example, ward offices often run 日本語教室 (Japanese classes) or cultural events where you can mingle. Not only will this expand your support network, it also boosts your language skills – breaking out of the English bubble that some long-term expats get stuck in.

Language and communication:

If you've been diligent, your Japanese proficiency is likely much better now than when you arrived. Daily life forces you to pick up phrases and perhaps you've completed a beginner course or passed the JLPT N4/N3. However, if you're still hovering at "survival Japanese," year two is the time to level up. Why now? In your first year, many Japanese acquaintances and coworkers may have excused your lack of language or helped translate frequently. As time goes on, expectations rise. Speaking more Japanese at work and in your neighborhood will earn respect and make you more self-sufficient. It also prevents burnout caused by always feeling in the dark. One pro tip is to set a concrete goal – for instance, give a short self-introduction in Japanese at your next work meeting, or handle your next市役所 (city office) errand solo. Don't be shy about using translation apps or asking polite questions; most locals appreciate the effort and will help you fill in the gaps. The more you engage, the more Japan will feel like home rather than a temporary stop.

Work-life balance and mental health:

After a year, your job (or studies) might evolve. You're no longer the fresh new face; you're now expected to perform like any other team member. This can be positive – trust and responsibilities often increase in year two – but it can also mean more pressure. Be mindful of Japan's work culture which can involve long hours or high precision. Now is a good time to establish a sustainable work-life routine: for example, if you've been doing unpaid overtime regularly, learn to gently push back or manage your workload (talk with your supervisor about expectations). Also, invest in your mental health. The initial adrenaline of moving abroad can mask stress, but by the second year some expats experience homesickness or mid-term culture fatigue. Make use of Japan's support resources: many cities have counseling services in English and community groups for foreigners. Ensuring you take care of yourself – through exercise, hobbies, or short trips – will keep the adventure of living in Japan enjoyable beyond the first-year novelty. Remember, 88% of foreign residents say they're satisfied with life in Japan, so with the right adjustments, year two can be even better as you truly start to belong.

Housing and Accommodation After the First Year

From temporary to permanent housing.

Housing often changes after your initial year, as your needs and knowledge evolve. Many expats start out in short-term arrangements: a company-provided apartment, a share house (shared house), or a month-to-month rental, to keep things simple while settling in. As you enter year two, you might be considering a move to a more permanent home in Japan. Perhaps your employer's housing support ended (some companies only cover rent for one year), or you simply want a place that feels more like your home now that you're committed to staying. The key is to approach this housing transition armed with the lessons of year one. By now, you know the neighborhoods you like, your commute needs, and the real size of a "25㎡ 1K" apartment in Japan. Use that experience to make a smarter choice for your second-year housing.

Rental market realities

If you decide to rent an apartment, be prepared for Japan's notorious upfront costs. The system can be a shock even if you've been here a year but didn't go through a standard lease before. When renting an apartment in Japan, it's typical to pay a refundable押金 (shikikin deposit) and non-refundable礼金 (key money) each equal to one or two months' rent, plus an agent fee (around one month's rent) and the first month's rent in advance. In total, move-in expenses often run 4–6 times the monthly rent for a new rental contract. For example, moving into a place at ¥100,000/month might require ¥500,000+ upfront. This is a big financial hit if you don't plan for it. To avoid panic, start saving a few months in advance if a move is on your year-two agenda. Look out for rental properties advertising 「礼金0」「敷金0」 (no key money or no deposit) which can reduce costs. Another tip: UR apartments (public housing by the Urban Renaissance Agency) are foreigner-friendly and charge no key money or agent fee, just a deposit. Many expats opt for UR when transitioning to long-term housing as it eliminates some common fees and doesn't require a private guarantor.

Guarantors and screening

By now you might have heard tales of housing discrimination – unfortunately, some foreigners struggle to rent due to landlord biases. A recent survey found roughly 39% of foreign renters had been refused by landlords simply for being foreign, and 41% were rejected for not having a Japanese guarantor. The reality is that most private rentals require a guarantor (保証人) or use a guarantor company (保証会社) for a fee. In year one, if you stayed in corporate housing or a share house, you may not have dealt with this. In year two, if renting privately, be ready to furnish a guarantor – often your company can act as one, or you'll pay a guarantor company ~50% of one month's rent as a fee. The good news is that having a year of local history works in your favor: you have payslips, an established bank account, and hopefully a record of paying rent and bills on time. All these make landlords more comfortable renting to you now than when you first arrived. Still, when searching to find an apartment, it helps to use a real estate agent experienced with foreigners (some agencies specialize in expat rentals) and to prepare a simple renter's CV: a sheet with your photo, job details, proof of income, and Japanese emergency contact, to reassure landlords. This extra step can sometimes tip the balance in getting approved.

Renewing your current lease

What if you love your current apartment and plan to stay put? Japan's typical rental contracts run 2 years, so after year one you might have another year before the lease term ends. Do check your rental contract for a clause about更新料 (renewal fee). In many cases, when you hit the 2-year mark, you'll owe a renewal fee to extend the lease – often one month's rent as a lump sum. It's essentially a thank-you payment to the landlord for allowing you to continue renting. If your lease anniversary is approaching in year two, budget for this fee. Some newer or more competitive rentals waive renewal fees, but they are still very common. There's usually no negotiation on this point – it's defined in the contract you signed. Mark your calendar so it doesn't catch you off guard.

Utilities and living space upgrades

After a year, you'll also know what you're missing at home. Perhaps you survived winter with a single space heater and want a better heating setup for next year, or you're tired of not having an actual oven (a common complaint in Japan!). Year two is a time to gradually upgrade your living space for comfort. Watch for sayonara sales or secondhand groups where departing expats sell appliances and furniture cheap. You might snag a real sofa or a larger fridge now that you're sure you're sticking around. Also, consider setting up autopay for utility bills in your Japanese bank account if you haven't yet – it'll simplify your monthly bill management.

Resident registration updates

Finally, if you do move to a new apartment, don't forget the required documents and paperwork. Within 14 days of moving, you must update your address at the ward office (住民異動届). This ensures your 住民票 (resident record) is up to date and that your local ward office knows where to send your tax and insurance bills. Also update your employer and bank, etc., with the new address in Japan. It's much easier the second time around since you know the drill – bring your residence card (在留カード) and Number Card (if you have one) to the municipal office, take a number, and fill out the form. Compared to the initial registration when you arrived in Japan, a change of address is quick. Once done, you're officially a resident of your new residence, ready to enjoy year two in a home that truly fits your life in Japan.

Paperwork and Bureaucracy in Year Two

Visa renewal time

One of the biggest bureaucratic changes after your first year is extending your在留資格 (status of residence). If you came on a typical work visa (e.g. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Instructor, etc.), there's a good chance you were granted only a 1-year stay initially. Japan often issues newcomers a one-year visa to "test the waters" – even highly skilled professionals frequently start with 1 year. As nerve-wracking as it might seem, this is normal. Now, about 3 months before your visa expiration, you should prepare to file for an extension (更新). The immigration office allows renewal applications from 3 months prior up to the expiration date; don't wait until the very last day if you can help it. To renew, you'll need to submit several required documents including: the application form, your passport and residence card, a photo, proof of employment (often a税務署の「給与所得の源泉徴収票等の法定調書合計表」 copy from your employer), and – importantly – proof of taxes paid. Specifically, immigration asks for your住民税税額・納税証明書 for the most recent year. This is a certificate from your local city office showing how much resident tax was assessed and whether you've paid it in full. If you arrived in Japan less than 18 months ago, you might not have earned any income in the prior tax year – in that case, you'd get a非課税 (non-tax) certificate showing you weren't taxable. Either way, you must include these certificates. They become available every year on June 1 for the previous year's income. For example, if you came to Japan in 2025 and apply to extend your visa in May 2026, the latest tax certificate (for 2025 income) is only obtainable from June 2026 – a frustrating timing issue. Immigration understands this; if you can't get the new certificate in time, include the older one and a note explaining your arrival date. Just don't omit tax docs entirely. Having all taxes paid is critical – a missing or unpaid resident tax bill is a red flag that can lead to extension denial.

When you submit your renewal, you can request a longer visa period (3 or 5 years). By demonstrating you've settled in – stable job, taxes and insurance in order, good conduct – you improve your odds of getting a multi-year extension. Many expats find a pattern: 1-year visa status, another 1-year, then a 3-year. Others with strong profiles (high income, working at a large company or highly skilled field) might jump straight to 3 or 5 years on the first renewal. It's somewhat case-by-case and at the discretion of the immigration officer. If you only get another 1-year, don't be discouraged; it could take another cycle to prove your "track record." The key is to continue meeting all obligations (pay taxes, avoid any legal trouble) and eventually longer stays will come, giving you more peace of mind. Keep the renewal confirmation (a sticker in your passport and an updated residence card) safe, and note that your re-entry permit (special re-entry via the ED card) expires with your visa, so don't leave Japan after your old visa expiry unless you have the new one in hand or a separate re-entry permit.

Resident taxes and budgeting

As mentioned in Key Takeaways, local taxes become a reality in year two. Here's how it works: Japan's resident tax (juminzei) is assessed each year on January 1 based on your previous year's income. In your first year, you likely weren't in Japan on Jan 1, so you were not on the tax roll – meaning no residence tax was billed that first year. Come your second year, however, the full tax kicks in. Typically around June, you will receive a住民税納税通知書 (resident tax bill) from your local city or ward office. If you're employed by a medium or large company, they might handle this via特別徴収 – deducting your residence tax from your paycheck in installments (you would have noticed a line on your payslip if so). Smaller companies sometimes don't handle this, in which case the city sends the tax bills directly to you (普通徴収), usually as four payments due in June, August, October, and January. The amount is roughly 6%–10% of your previous year's gross income (the exact rate varies by municipality but averages around 10% for most). This can amount to a substantial sum – for example, if you earned ¥5 million last year, expect around ¥500,000 total in residence taxes this year.

Sticker shock from the first tax bill is a common "welcome to year two" moment. To manage it, do a bit of planning: confirm with your employer how your residence tax is being paid. If it's through payroll, the impact is cushioned monthly (but your net pay from June will drop). If you must pay it yourself, consider setting aside yen from each paycheck in advance so you're not scrambling each quarter. You can usually pay these bills at anyコンビニ (convenience store), bank, or via online banking if you set up the account info. Some locales even allow credit card or e-payment, though fees may apply. Importantly, do not ignore these tax bills. Unpaid residence taxes can lead to penalties and will absolutely surface at your next visa renewal – immigration cross-checks tax payment status, and arrears could derail your extension. If you find the amounts unmanageable, consult your ward office; in some cases they can set up a payment plan. But generally, living in Japan long-term means factoring in these taxes just like you would income tax or rent an apartment.

On the national tax side, if you have only one employer who does year-end adjustment (年末調整), you likely don't need to file a確定申告 (tax return) yourself – that system covers your income tax. However, if you switched jobs mid-year, had multiple income sources, or want to claim additional deductions (for example, international wire fees or medical expenses), you might need to file a tax return by March 15 of your second year. The tax office and many city offices offer help for this during February/March. It can be done with English forms in some areas or with assistance. This is another aspect of paperwork that might hit after one full calendar year in Japan.

Health insurance and pension checks

In year one, many expats are confused about Japan's two big social insurances: National Health Insurance (NHI) and National Pension (NP). Legally, anyone living in Japan for over 3 months must enroll in health insurance, and anyone 20-59 years old must enroll in the pension system (either the national pension or an employer plan). During your first weeks, if you joined NHI at the municipal office and got a blue national health insurance card, you likely started paying those premiums by now. One change in year two is that your NHI premium might rise in April or May, because the city has your last year's income information now. NHI premiums are income-based; in your first year they were probably minimum or near-minimum since you had no prior income in Japan. In the second year, expect an adjusted bill that reflects your actual earnings. It could go from, say, ¥2,000/month to ¥10,000+/month depending on your salary. This catches some by surprise. Note that if you've since joined a Shakai Hoken (employee social insurance) scheme through full-time employment, you would have been taken off NHI. In that case, your premiums come out of your paycheck and include pension – convenient, but also higher overall contributions (usually 10%+ of salary split between health and pension).

If you didn't enroll in pension in year one (perhaps thinking you wouldn't stay in Japan long), it's important to address it in year two. Pension contributions are mandatory – as a self-paying individual it's a flat rate (≈¥17,000/month for National Pension). Skipping them can affect things like visa renewal or future permanent resident applications, because immigration sometimes asks for proof of pension enrollment/payment to gauge if you're fulfilling public duties. If you find yourself behind, you can actually pay past months (up to two years back) – consider catching up if you intend to remain within Japan. Also, with the 10-year vesting rule, if you eventually contribute for 10 years, you become eligible for a partial Japanese pension in old age or a lump-sum withdrawal if you leave (you can reclaim up to 5 years' worth of contributions upon leaving Japan for good). So year two is a good time to start that clock if you haven't. For health insurance, ensure you're enrolled either via your employer or NHI; carrying your health insurance card is vital as it gives you 70% coverage on medical bills. If you ever switched jobs or moved, double-check that your insurance didn't accidentally lapse during transitions.

Driving and transportation

A very concrete change after one year involves driving. If you have been driving in Japan using an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the Geneva Convention (or a foreign license with an official Japanese translation for certain countries), that privilege expires after 12 months of your arrival. You can only drive on an IDP for up to one year from the date you landed in Japan. After that, continuing to drive without a Japanese license is illegal – it's treated as driving without a license, which has heavy penalties. So, if cruising around in a car or renting cars for trips was part of your first-year adventures, make sure to convert your foreign license to a Japanese one (切替, kirikae) early in year two. The conversion process varies by country of your license. If you're from one of the lucky countries with an exam waiver (e.g. UK, Canada, Australia, many EU countries), you still need to go to a licensing center with paperwork (license, translation from JAF, etc.) and take an eye test, but you won't have to do a road test. If you're from the US or others with no waiver, you'll need to pass a written test (in English) and a practical driving test on a course. This can take multiple tries (the examiners are strict). Start this process well before your IDP hits the one-year mark. For example, book an appointment at the driving center about 2–3 months ahead, so if you fail the first time you have time for a retry before you're technically not allowed to drive. The requirement to have held your foreign license for at least 3 months in its country of issuance before coming to Japan still applies in year two – that was checked when you do the conversion. Once you have a Japanese driver's license, you're good to drive indefinitely (just renew every few years at the police office like locals do).

If you don't drive, this might not affect you – but it's worth noting as a milestone because many expats consider getting a license as they settle in. It can serve as official photo ID within Japan, and some jobs (or travel opportunities) might call for it. Plus, you might find after a year of public transit that you're ready for some road trips to more remote areas!

Other paperwork odds and ends

Year two might bring a few miscellaneous administrative tasks. If you haven't already, you could consider applying for a マイナンバーカード (Number Card photo ID card). In 2023 there were big point incentives to get one; those are over, but the card is still handy for opening bank accounts, doing online tax returns, etc. Many city halls have English assistance for the application. Also, if your residence card is expiring (they usually align with your visa period), you'll get a new one upon visa renewal – ensure your new address and details are correctly printed. Keep an eye on your passport's validity too; if it's due to expire, renewing it via your embassy in Japan in year two is wise (some immigration procedures require a passport valid beyond a certain duration). Lastly, if you plan to leave Japan for more than a short trip, remember that after one year you no longer qualify as a "temporary visitor" in any sense – you must do an exit process if moving out of Japan permanently (like turning in your residence card at the airport). But if just traveling outside Japan, use the re-entry permit (the ED card checkbox) as usual, which allows up to 1 year out of Japan. There's no change to that system after the first year unless your visa is in renewal limbo.

In summary, the bureaucratic load in year two shifts from initial setup to maintenance and compliance. The theme is "no longer new" – Japan now expects you to follow all the same rules as any resident. The bright side is you're more familiar with how to get things done, and resources (like administrative office help desks, online guides, even your Japanese colleagues) are there to assist. Stay organized with your documents (start a folder for tax papers, pension book, health insurance card copies, etc.), and none of these tasks will be unmanageable. Mastering the paperwork is part of leveling up as a long-term expat in Japan – and it unlocks the stability and benefits that make life here easier each year.

Best Practices for Year Two and Beyond

Even seasoned expats can stumble if they don't adapt to post-first-year requirements. Here are the top three pitfalls to avoid in your second year, and how to handle them like a pro:

Risk / Mistake	Impact if Ignored	How to Avoid
Overlooking Taxes or Insurance – e.g. not paying住民税, or skipping pension/health enrollment.	Missed tax payments lead to penalty fees and can derail your visa renewal (immigration checks for tax delinquency). Lack of health insurance means 100% medical bills; no pension may hurt future visa or PR applications.	Stay compliant: Pay each residence tax bill by the deadline or confirm your company withholds it. Enroll in National Health Insurance or employer insurance and never let it lapse. If you forgot pension, contact the pension office to set up payments (you can pay arrears for up to 24 months). Keeping all receipts and certificates of payment will have you ready for any immigration review.
Procrastinating Visa Renewal – waiting until the last minute or lacking required documents.	In the worst case, visa expiry can make you an illegal overstayer – a deportation risk. Even if you apply in time, missing paperwork (like tax certificates) can delay approval or result in only a short extension. Plus, last-minute applications are stressful if corrections are needed.	Plan 3 months ahead: Note your residence card expiry and start gathering documents early. Get your住民税課税/納税証明書 after June 1 (or the latest available) before applying. Ensure your employer knows you're renewing and can provide any company docs if requested. Apply 1–2 months before the deadline – this gives a buffer to fix issues. Keep copies of everything you submit. With a timely, complete application, extensions are usually smooth.
Driving on an Expired Permit – continuing to use an IDP or foreign license after one year without conversion.	Serious legal trouble: Driving without a valid Japanese license can lead to fines up to ¥300,000, license suspension, or worse if an accident occurs (your insurance may be void). Japanese authorities do not accept "I didn't know" as an excuse – after one year, your IDP is invalid.	Get a Japanese License: Begin the process in month 9–10 of your first year. Obtain a JAF translation of your home country license and book a conversion test appointment. Study the common road signs and practice the driving course if a test is required. By securing a Japanese driver's license before your IDP expires, you stay on the right side of the law and can drive with peace of mind. If you're not driving now, consider getting the license anyway as a useful ID and future-proofing.

Each of these best practices boils down to one thing: anticipate changes and act early. A good mantra for year two is "no surprises." Use the experience gained in year one to proactively address obligations – whether financial (taxes, fees), legal (visa, license), or personal (health and community). By doing so, you'll avoid the common traps that catch expats off guard and you'll set yourself up for a successful long-term stay in Japan.

FAQ: Expats' Common Questions After Year One

Q: When do I have to start paying Japanese residence taxes? – Generally from your second year in Japan. Residence tax is based on income of the previous year and only kicks in if you were a resident on January 1. Most newcomers pay no local tax in year one, then get billed from June of year two for last year's earnings. So if you arrived last year, brace for tax bills this year (usually around 10% of your income).

Q: How do I renew my work visa in Japan? – You must apply for a visa extension at the immigration office before your current在留期限 (status expiration). You can apply up to 3 months early. Prepare the required forms, a passport photo, your passport and residence card, and get a tax payment certificate from your local city office to prove you've paid residence taxes. Submit everything, pay the ¥4,000 revenue seal fee, and you'll typically get a renewed residence card in a few weeks. Many first renewals are granted for 1 or 3 years.

Q: My international driving permit expired – can I still drive in Japan? – No. Once you've been in Japan for 12 months, an IDP is no longer valid for driving here. To legally drive, you need a Japanese driver's license. If you have a foreign license, go through the conversion process (written and practical test for some countries) at a licensing center. Until you pass and get the Japanese license, do not drive – penalties for unlicensed driving are severe.

Q: Does my apartment lease or rent change after one year? – Most Japanese rental contracts are 2-year contracts, so at the one-year point nothing changes yet – your rent stays the same. However, at the 2-year mark you'll likely owe a renewal fee (更新料) equal to one month's rent if you continue. Check your rental contract for this clause. Also, if you were in a short-term or initial discount deal, confirm when that period ends. Generally, rent increases are rare mid-contract in Japan (landlords can only raise rent under specific conditions and with notice).

Q: What if I didn't enroll in the pension or health insurance in my first year? – You should address it immediately. Japan requires all residents to enroll in the National Pension and health insurance systems. If you skipped, go to your city hall to sign up. You'll likely get billed for backpayments from your arrival date. It's best to pay those – you can negotiate a payment plan if needed. Failure to enroll can impact visa renewals and you'll be unprotected (no health coverage) which is risky. Immigration officers have, in recent years, started asking for proof of insurance/pension coverage for some visa extensions or permanent residency applications as part of ensuring good conduct.

Q: How can I meet more people or make Japanese friends in my second year? – It's a great idea to expand your social circle now that you're settled. Try joining local clubs or circles (サークル) in things you enjoy – be it sports, music, tea ceremony, etc. City community centers often have language exchange meetups or cultural workshops. You can also use apps like Meetup or social media groups for foreigners in your city and attend events where locals and expats mingle. Another route is volunteering – many areas have programs where you can volunteer (e.g. teaching a bit of English at a community event or helping in local festivals), which is a fantastic way to connect with Japanese residents. Don't be discouraged by language barriers; people appreciate effort and you'll find common interests bridge the gap. Over time, these activities can lead to genuine friendships beyond the izakaya outings with coworkers or the expat bubble.

Q: Can I change jobs in Japan after one year on a work visa? – Yes, you can change jobs on the same work visa status as long as the new job fits your visa category's activities. For example, if you have an "Engineer/Humanities" visa and you move from one company to another doing similar work in Japan, it's usually fine. You do need to report your job change to the immigration office (by sending a simple notification form) within 14 days of leaving the old job and after joining the new one. Be mindful that when you later renew your visa, Immigration will look at your current job details and may ask why you changed if it's drastically different. But generally, Japan's work visas are not tied to one employer (except technical trainee programs). Just ensure no long gap between jobs (a few months off is okay, but a very long unemployment period could raise questions at renewal).

Q: What are my chances of getting a longer visa or even permanent residency now? – After a successful first year, your chances of a 3 or 5-year visa extension improve, especially if you've shown stable employment and paid all taxes. Permanent Residency (永住権) in Japan usually requires 10 years of continuous residence for most people. There are exceptions – for example, if you're married to a Japanese national it's about 3 years, or if you're on the Highly Skilled Professional visa with enough points, you could be eligible in as short as 1–3 years. In your second year, it's a bit early for PR unless you fall into those special categories. Focus on building a strong profile (good conduct, financial stability, language skill, community ties) which will all help when you do become eligible. Keep an eye on policy changes too: Japan sometimes updates its PR criteria or skilled worker schemes, and the trend is toward easier paths for those contributing here.

Conclusion

Stepping into your second year in Japan is like graduating from novice to experienced resident. The main takeaway is that with preparation, year two can open up an even richer new life in Japan – you'll handle bureaucracy with ease, secure a comfortable home in Japan, and integrate more deeply into the community. By anticipating changes in lifestyle, housing, and paperwork, you turn potential pitfalls into opportunities. Embrace the journey beyond the first-year learning curve, and you'll reap the true rewards of making Japan your long-term home. Enjoy the next chapter of your adventure!