Living in Japan | Tips for daily living
Opening a bank account in Japan
If you live in Japan for a long term, longer than 6 months, it is better to have a bank account at Japanese bank.
2) In most cases, salary is paid directly into a bank account. You might need a bank account to receive a wage even for other part time jobs.
3) You may be required to have a bank account when you apply for a mobile phone. (It is not required if you pay the phone bill by a credit card in Japan)
Type of Accounts
In Japan, you can open a Savings Account (Futsuu Yokin Kouza) for personal use. A Checking account is basically only available for corporate use, whereas you cannot pay for shopping purchases by check. If you want to have an account only for depositing, a Time Deposit Account (Teiki Yokin Kouza) is available for personal use.
How to open a bank account
To open a bank account, you need to visit a bank and bring the following;
1) Alien Registration Card (Foreign resident registration card)
You are required to register at the local government office in the city you live.
If you have a Japanese national insurance card, you can also use it when opening an account.
2)Hanko (Japanese Seal)
There are cases where you are required to use a Hanko (or called Inkan) instead of signature. It is depends on the bank you apply for.
3) Your name in Katakana
Katakana shows how your name is pronounced in Japanese.
For example, John would be like this...
4) Select a 4 number password
You can select 4 numbers for the password of your cash card (in other countries this numbered password is he same as a PIN: Personal Identification Number) You are not allow to use the simple order of numbers like your birthday date or phone number for security reasons.
5) Deposit Money
You are required to make an initial deposit of cash into your bank account. You should deposit at least 1000 yen.
When your application is accepted, the bank gives you a Bankbook (Yokin Tsuucho) to record your balance at the ATM. Your cash card is sent by registered-mail to your address at a letter date.
A Tips and Reminders
There is an understanding that it is not easy to apply for a bank account by non-Japanese for the following reasons.
To avoid these problems, it is better to go with a Japanese person, like a friend or colleague, who speaks Japanese.
Bank Information
List of Japanese banks ( Japanese Bankers Association)
Related article : Hanko (Inkan)
