Finance & Banking

TIP

Japan Post Bank is recommended as the easiest first bank account for newcomers. Branches are located in every post office nationwide and the process is relatively straightforward.

Major Banks

• Japan Post Bank - Most accessible for foreigners with branches in every post office across the country.
• MUFG Bank - Japan's largest bank with extensive ATM and branch networks.
• Mizuho Bank - One of Japan's three mega-banks with solid international services.
• SMBC - Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, another mega-bank with English support options.
• Citibank Japan - Good option if you already have a Citi account abroad for easier transfers.

Investing & Markets

• Tokyo Stock Exchange - Japan's primary stock exchange.
• Nikkei Indexes - Real-time data on Japan's major market indexes.
• Nikkei Interactive - English financial news from the Nikkei.
• Nikkei Weekly - Weekly English-language business publication.
• Wall Street Journal Japan - International financial coverage with Japan-relevant reporting.
• Japan Securities Agents - Resources for understanding brokerage and securities trading in Japan.

Taxes

• Guide to Metropolitan Taxes - Available from the Tokyo Metropolitan Citizens Information Room. Phone: 03/5321-1111.
• JCRA - Japan Credit Rating Agency, useful for understanding credit and financial ratings.