What procedures should I follow after arriving in Japan?
Please complete these procedures at your city hall/ward office
All three procedures below can be done at your city hall/ward office
For (3), you'll first need your student ID card. If you won't be able to obtain your student ID card from within 14 days of moving-in, or if you want to open a bank account as soon as you receive your student ID card, complete (1) and (2) first.
After completion of these procedures you will receive a variety of important notices in the mail. Make sure to read them!
(1)Register your address
Students with a status of residence in Japan are obliged to report their address to the city hall/ward office upon arrival in Japan and any time there is a change of address thereafter.
Please register your address within 14 days of moving in.
After registration you will be able to order a Residence Certificate. Students who couldn't submit a Residence Certificate when completing their admission procedures should apply for one at this time.
National Health Insurance is the public health insurance system in Japan. All international students who will stay in Japan for 3 months or more must enroll.
After joining the National Health Insurance you will have to pay the premium, but on the up-side you will only be responsible to cover 30% of the cost incurred for treatment at the doctor's office. (Without this insurance you are responsible for 100%)
For information on the documents required for medical visits, please refer to Quick Guide Section 4 Using Health Insurance When Visiting a Hospital.
For more details and to learn about subsidies from the university, see here.
(3)Enroll in the National Pension System
The National Pension System allows for income security for the elderly and disabled. Those between the ages of 20 to 60 who live in Japan, including foreigner nationals, must enroll.
After joining the National Pension you will be responsible to pay the premium, however, students can be exempted or defer payment. (A student ID card is required to apply for payment exemption/deferment.)
For more on what to bring in order to complete procedures and things to keep in mind afterwards, also refer to the homepage of your local city hall/ward office, international exchange center, etc.