From February 2, 2026, heirs can request a single certificate (¥1,600) listing all real estate a decedent owned nationwide. Solves the long-standing problem of unknown inherited property. Critical for meeting the mandatory inheritance registration grace period (March 31, 2027). Procedure, fees, and limitations explained.
From April 1, 2026, property owners must register address or name changes within 2 years or face a fine up to ¥50,000. Past unregistered changes are covered — grace period until March 31, 2028. The Smart Address Change Registration system waives the license tax. Relation to the mandatory inheritance registration (March 2027 grace period, up to ¥100,000 fine) explained.
Japan's Civil Code amendment (enacted June 17, promulgated June 24, 2026) introduces digital wills and abolishes the seal requirement. Phased implementation: seal abolition within 1 year (≈ 2027); digital wills within 3 years (≈ 2029). Current rules still apply — a seal is still required today.
A complete guide to Japan's holographic will (自筆証書遺言): mandatory formal requirements (fully handwritten, exact date, full name, seal), asset schedule rules, the Legal Affairs Bureau storage system (no probate required, ¥3,900 fee), and a comparison with notarized wills.
A practical guide to renunciation of inheritance (相続放棄) in Japan: what it is, the strict 3-month deadline, family court filing steps, required documents, effects on next-in-line heirs, life insurance treatment, and key pitfalls to avoid.
A practical guide to Japan's Inheritance Division Agreement (遺産分割協議書): the role of the document, step-by-step preparation process, required contents and documents, all-heir signature and seal requirements, and common pitfalls including refusals, incapacity, and insufficient asset descriptions.
Japan's Statutory Heir Information Certificate system (法定相続情報証明制度) lets heirs submit family register documents once to the Legal Affairs Bureau and receive a certified heir list accepted by banks, tax offices, pension offices, and courts. Covers the process, limitations, and connection to compulsory inheritance registration.
Everything you need to know about creating a notarized will (公正証書遺言) in Japan: step-by-step process, witness eligibility rules, notary fee schedule, and a clear comparison with the self-written holographic will.
Renouncing an inheritance in Japan must be filed with the family court within 3 months of learning you are an heir. Covers required documents, how the ripple effect works when all heirs renounce, what happens if you dispose of estate property first, and life insurance rules.
When someone dies without a will in Japan, all heirs must agree on how to divide the estate and document it in an Inheritance Division Agreement. Covers when it's needed, what to include, pitfalls with minors and incapacitated heirs, and what happens when heirs disagree.
Japan's Legal Heir Information Certificate System (法定相続情報証明制度) lets the Legal Affairs Bureau certify your heirs for free, replacing the full family register bundle at banks, property offices, and pension agencies. How to apply and where to use it.
Japan's FY2026 (Reiwa 8) tax reform introduces new rules targeting real estate inheritance tax avoidance. Rental properties acquired within 5 years of death will be valued at market price, not assessed value. Real estate mini-lot products also shift to market valuation. Applies from January 1, 2027.
Japan's Cabinet approved a Civil Code amendment on April 3, 2026, creating a new 'Deposited Certificate Will' (digital will) — drafting via smartphone/PC permitted, seal requirement abolished, family court probate not required. Implementation expected within 2.5–3 years of promulgation. Key points explained.
Japan's tax-free education fund gift scheme (up to ¥15 million to children/grandchildren) ended March 31, 2026. Understand what happens to existing accounts and discover 5 alternative strategies: direct education payments, annual gifts, designated succession taxation, marriage/childcare gifts, and life insurance.
Japan's FY2026 tax reform introduces a '5-year rule': rental properties acquired within 5 years of inheritance will be assessed at 80% of market value for inheritance tax purposes. Effective January 1, 2027. Key points explained.
New SSW food service admissions suspended from April 13, 2026 — the first sector to hit its intake cap (50,000) since 2019. As of March 2026, 47,714 workers admitted (95.4% fill rate). Extensions and job changes for existing workers still permitted. Sector fill-rate data and hiring alternatives explained.
Pre-implementation permit applications for Kanri Shien Kikan (Supervision Support Agency) opened April 15, 2026. Existing supervision organizations must apply anew — no automatic transition. External auditor (lawyer/gyoseishoshi/SR) mandatory. Full breakdown of requirements and procedures.
Step-by-step guide to changing employers as a Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) in Japan: 14-day notification requirement, same-sector transfers vs. sector changes requiring status applications, Certificate of Authorized Employment, and employer obligations.
A practical guide to changing residence status from Technical Intern Training (TIT) Category 2 to Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Category 1: steps, occupation-field correspondence check, required documents, support plan, and the most common pitfalls.
A complete guide to the reporting obligations of Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) receiving companies: quarterly periodic reports, event-triggered ad hoc reports (14-day deadline), filing contents, penalties for non-compliance, and common mistakes.
Japan's SSW Category 2 offers unlimited renewals, family accompaniment rights, and a pathway to permanent residence. Covers the 11 eligible sectors after the 2023 expansion, skills test requirements, and the transition steps from Category 1.
A practical guide to renewing Specified Skilled Worker Category 1 residence status in Japan: required documents, application timing, and the most common reasons for refusals — from unpaid council fees to incomplete support plans.
Foreign nationals who complete Technical Intern Training Category 2 in good standing are exempt from SSW skills and language tests. Covers eligible occupations, required documents, step-by-step process, and key pitfalls for companies and workers.
Companies accepting Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Category 1 employees must prepare and implement a 10-item support plan. This article covers plan requirements, in-house officer criteria, and a checklist for selecting a Registered Support Organization (RSO).
Japan's Ikusei Shuro (Specified Skilled Training Worker) system launches April 1, 2027 — about 10 months away. Key differences from Technical Intern Training (TIT) and a 10-point employer transition checklist to act on now.
Japan's Cabinet approved sector-specific operational policies for the Specified Skilled Worker and Ikusei Shuro (育成就労) programs in January 2026, setting a combined intake cap of 1,231,900 by March 2029. Three new sectors added: logistics/warehousing, linen supply, and resource recycling. Key points for employers.
Japan's ISA issued operational guidelines for the new Specified Skilled Worker / Ikusei Shuro 'Linen Supply' sector on June 1, 2026. Full launch expected in 2027. Key requirements and preparation steps for accepting companies explained.
Japan's Immigration Services Agency published the operational guidelines for the Ikusei Shuro (育成就労)育成就労 system in the Industrial Product Manufacturing sector on June 4, 2026. With pre-launch applications opening September 2026 and the system launching April 2027, manufacturing companies must act now. Key preparation steps explained.
Draft regulations published July 3, 2026 (public comment through August 2). October 1 implementation: ¥10,000–¥75,000 for extensions/changes; ¥200,000 for permanent residence. Who should rush to apply before the September 30 deadline?
When you apply for a residence extension or change online, no "application pending" stamp is added to your residence card. During the grace period after expiry, police may mistakenly believe you are overstaying. Learn what to carry and how to protect yourself.
Japan's revised Immigration Control Act will raise residence status fees dramatically in April 2027. Extension/change up to ¥70,000; permanent residence up to ¥200,000. Fee comparison table and guidance on who should apply before the deadline.
A practitioner's account of Business Manager visa screening at Osaka Regional Immigration: near-zero approval for applications under the old ¥5M capital standard, Osaka's unexpected position as Japan's top filing location, and the problem of boilerplate 'stable operations cannot be expected' denial reasons applied uniformly across all cases.
Why Gijinkoku visa renewals get denied and what to do: job-change notifications, social insurance compliance, salary levels, degree-job relevance, tax payments, and how to write an effective statement of reasons. By an authorized administrative scrivener.
A foreign national with fully valid status was wrongfully arrested in Shibuya after police failed to recognize the new My Number residence card format. Covers the new card design, rights during stop-and-question, arrest rights, consular notification, and what to do.
Japan's Technical Intern Training system will be abolished and replaced by the Ikusei Shuro system (targeted 2027). Covers job transfer rights, supervisory support organization requirements, Japanese language requirements, and the pathway to SSW Category 1.
Renewal refusals for Japan's Business Manager residence status are rising sharply. Corporate representatives enrolled in National Health Insurance instead of mandatory corporate social insurance face increasing rejection. Covers social insurance, business substance, financials, director fees, and document quality.
Japan's Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points-based visa: three categories, how the point system works, permanent residence in as little as 1 year (80+ points), spouse work permission, and parent accompany rights explained.
Japan Post Bank requires foreign nationals to periodically report residence card updates. Since June 14, 2026, new My Number-embedded cards can't be processed by the app. With no viable unfreeze procedure, the bank appears to have suspended account freezes for now.
Working outside the permitted scope of Japan's Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa (Gijin-Koku) — including freelancing, side jobs, and content monetization — may constitute unauthorized work. Covers permitted activities, how to apply for additional activity permission, and employer liability.
Japan's June 2024 Immigration Act reform allows permanent residence to be revoked for willful non-payment of residence tax or National Pension premiums. Covers what triggers revocation, what permanent residents must check, and what employers need to know.
Japan's Special Residence Card (integrated residence card + My Number Card) system launched June 14, 2026. Applications open from June 15 (Monday). Acquisition is voluntary — existing two-card setup remains valid. Required documents, processing time, validity, and benefits explained.
Japan's revised Immigration Control Act passed May 29, 2026. Residence status renewal/change fees will rise to a maximum of ¥100,000 (approx. ¥70,000 for 5-year stays). Permanent residence fees increase to approx. ¥200,000. Specific amounts set by Cabinet Order. Key points for foreign nationals and employers explained.
Three major immigration changes take effect June 14, 2026: the Special Residence Card (combining residence card + My Number card) launches; illegal employment assistance penalties increase to 5 years imprisonment / ¥5 million fine; and residence card format changes. Essential checklist for employers.
Japan's new Special Residence Card (Tokutei Zairyu Card), combining residence card and My Number card, launches June 14, 2026. Immigration bureaus accept applications from June 15 (Mon). Key points: online applications temporarily unavailable, 10 extra days for issuance, complex loss procedures, and My Number health insurance use explained.
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Sakura Law News | Latest Updates on Succession, Residence Status & Specified Skilled Workers
We regularly share the latest regulatory changes, practical guidance, and important notices on Residence Status, Specified Skilled Workers, and Succession & Wills.
On May 22, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency announced its enhanced "Zero Illegal Residents Plan." The plan proposes adding illegal employment assistance as a disqualification for business licenses in construction, food service, lodging, and other sectors. Penalties also rise from June 14: up to 5 years imprisonment or ¥5 million fine.
Applications for the new Specified Residence Card open at immigration counters on June 15 (Mon). Here is a complete checklist of required documents and a step-by-step guide to the application process, including FAQs on timing and the My Number Card return requirement.
As of April 15, 2026, screening standards for the Technology, Humanities & International Business residence status have been tightened. Applicants in client-facing roles must now submit proof of CEFR B2 Japanese proficiency. The changes apply to new applications, changes, and renewals.
The new Specified Residence Card launches June 14. Key cautions: online applications not accepted (counter only), issuance takes ~10 extra days, loss or theft requires dual procedures. Find out who should and should not rush to apply.
The amended Immigration Control Act passed the Upper House on May 29, 2026 and is now law. The fee ceiling for residence status change/renewal rises to ¥100,000 (up to ¥70,000 per government ordinance draft), and permanent residency to ¥300,000 (¥200,000 planned). Applying before the April 2027 implementation means lower current fees.
New acceptance of SSW Type 1 in the food service sector has been suspended since April 13, with no reopening date announced. We explain the conditions for resumption, why it may take time, and practical alternatives including Ikusei Shuro transition.
The January 23, 2026 Cabinet Decision set the combined acceptance cap for Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (approx. 806,000 across 19 sectors) and Ikusei Shuro (approx. 426,200 across 17 sectors) at 1.23 million by the end of FY2028. An integrated pathway from Ikusei Shuro to SSW is also formalized.
The January 23, 2026 Cabinet Decision officially expanded the Specified Skilled Worker program from 16 to 19 sectors. The three newly added sectors — linen supply, logistics warehousing, and resource recycling — are expected to begin accepting workers around 2027 after skills test preparations are completed.
New acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 in the food service sector has been suspended from April 13, 2026. Applications for Certificate of Eligibility and status changes are affected. Renewals for existing residents and job changes within the same sector remain possible.
Periodic reporting for accepting organizations and registered support organizations has changed from quarterly to once a year. The first report covering activities from April 2026 onward is due between April and the end of May 2027. Failure to report risks penalties.
The construction sector has unique rules not found in other sectors: mandatory JAC membership, acceptance fees, and CCUS (Construction Career Up System) registration. This article provides the latest details in plain language.
The gift tax exemption for lump-sum education funds (up to ¥15 million from grandparents to children/grandchildren) ended on March 31, 2026 with no extension. New contributions from April 1 onward are fully taxable. Funds already deposited remain usable tax-free under existing withdrawal rules.
The 2026 tax reform extends the deadline for submitting the special business succession plan for unlisted shares by 18 months (to September 2027). The individual business asset deferral deadline is extended by 30 months. Business owners considering succession should review the revised timeline.
The 2026 tax reform closes inheritance tax planning through fractional real estate products, regardless of acquisition date, effective from January 1, 2027. Unlike the "5-year rule" for rental properties, this applies to all existing holdings. Reviewing your estate plan is urgent.
The inheritance tax reform effective January 2024 extended the period for adding pre-death gifts to the taxable estate from 3 to 7 years. Full application begins from January 2027. Those making annual ¥1.1M gifts or receiving gifts from elderly parents must urgently review their plans.
Under the 2026 tax reform, rental properties acquired or built within 5 years of succession can no longer be valued at the lower assessed road value. This applies to inheritances on or after January 1, 2027. Existing tax-saving schemes need prompt review.
From April 1, 2026, property owners who change their address must apply for a change of registration within 2 years or face a fine of up to ¥50,000. The article also covers the new Certificate of Owned Real Property Records system implemented in February 2026.
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