Financial Services
Latest news and updates on financial services for expats in Japan
Ministry Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Revision to Telecom Interconnection Fee Rules
Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is inviting public comments on a draft ministerial order that would revise rules on interconne...
Japan Pension Service Warns of 1–2 Week Delays in Pension Claim Reviews Due to Local System Upgrades
The Japan Pension Service says ongoing system upgrades at local governments nationwide may slow the verification of residence and income data needed t...
Japan Pension Service Closes Okinawa Offices in Hirara and Ishigaki Due to Typhoon No. 30
The Japan Pension Service has closed its Hirara and Ishigaki pension offices in Okinawa Prefecture from October 23 because of Typhoon No. 30, with reo...
Japan Pension Service Updates Procedure for Receiving Philippine Pensions in Japan
The Japan Pension Service says Philippine pensions can now be received in Japan via a Philippine National Bank account, and the application form has b...
Digital Agency Updates List of Banks Excluded From My Number Bank Account Linking Procedures
The Digital Agency has revised its list of financial institutions that are excluded from certain My Number-linked bank account procedures, including n...
Japan Pension Service Sets Schedule for 2026 National Pension Premium Deduction Certificates
The Japan Pension Service has announced when it will issue 2026 social insurance (National Pension) premium deduction certificates, both electronicall...
Iwamizawa and Ueno Pension Offices to Relocate on January 12, 2027
The Japan Pension Service announced that both the Iwamizawa and Ueno pension offices will begin operating at new locations from Tuesday, January 12, 2...
Japan Pension Service Starts Three Social Insurance Reforms on October 1, 2026: Childcare Premium Exemption, Wage Rule Removal for Part-Timers
The Japan Pension Service launched three social insurance changes on October 1, 2026, covering childcare pension exemptions, part-time worker enrollme...
JR Kyushu Partners with SBI to Launch Financial Services in 2027
JR Kyushu and SBI Holdings have agreed to partner on new financial services launching in fiscal 2027. The collaboration aims to diversify JR Kyushu's ...
Yen Weakens to 158-159 Range as US Rate Hike Expectations Mount
The yen has weakened to 158-159 against the dollar due to US rate hike expectations, affecting expats' purchasing power, remittances, and import costs...
Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates to 1.25%, More Hikes Expected
The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1.25% on September 18th, with experts predicting further increases to around 2%. Foreign residents should ...
Bank of Japan Raises Rates to 1.25% Amid Yen Volatility and Market Turmoil
The BOJ raised rates to 1.25% on September 18, but unclear guidance triggered yen weakness to 158 per dollar, prompting intervention warnings and crea...
Bank of Japan Set to Raise Interest Rates to 1.25% This Week
The Bank of Japan meets September 17th with expectations of raising interest rates to 1.25%. The decision will affect expats' savings returns, loan co...
Fed Raises Rates for First Time Since 2023, Yen Weakens to 156 Per Dollar
The Fed raised rates 0.25% for the first time since 2023, causing the Dow to drop 900 points and pushing the yen to 156 per dollar, directly impacting...
Financial Regulators Launch Inspection of Sony Life Insurance
Japan's Financial Services Agency has launched an inspection of Sony Life Insurance. Expats with policies should ensure contact details are current an...
Japan's Long-Term Interest Rates Surge to 3.035%, Highest in 30 Years
Japan's long-term interest rates reached 3.035% on September 15, the highest in 30 years. This affects expats through higher mortgage costs, stronger ...
Bank of Japan Expected to Raise Interest Rates to 1.25% in September
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates from 1.0% to 1.25% at its September 17 meeting, responding to inflation concerns. This affects e...
Aichi and Mie Regional Banks Call Off Merger Plans
Aichi Financial Group and Sanjusan Financial Group cancelled their merger agreement on September 10, maintaining independent operations. Banking custo...
Yen Surges to 152 Per Dollar in Sharpest Rally Since February
The yen strengthened to 152 per dollar on September 8, its highest level in seven months, driven by speculation of coordinated intervention. This impa...
Major Japanese Banks Compete for Deposits with Enhanced Customer Services
Major Japanese banks are competing for deposits by improving inheritance procedures and increasing credit card rewards. The shift reflects Japan's tra...