Japan

National income tax: 5-45% progressive (top 45% on income > ¥40M / ~$268K). Resident tax (city + prefecture): flat 10% on prior-year income (¥4,000 fixed component). Reconstruction surtax: 2.1% on income tax through 2037. Combined top marginal rate ~55% on income above ¥40M. Capital gains: 20.315% flat (15% national + 5% local + 0.315% reconstruction surtax) on listed securities. Inheritance tax up to 55% — among the world's highest. Non-permanent residents (first 5/10 years) taxed only on Japan-source income + foreign-source income remitted to Japan.

• Software developer$56,000
• Investment banker$130,000
• Mechanical engineer$60,000
• Marketing manager$75,000

Japanese MHLW Basic Survey on Wage Structure. Tech compensation in Tokyo trails Western cities at junior tiers but global tech subsidiaries (Google Japan, Indeed, Mercari) pay competitive levels. RSU equity common at listed-tech firms but unusual elsewhere. Bonuses (kyuyo) of 4-6 months annual salary are standard at large Japanese employers.

Yen depreciation since 2022 (¥150+/USD vs. ¥110 prior) has made Japan dramatically cheaper in USD terms. Tokyo central 1BR ¥120,000-200,000/mo (~$800-1,330) — far below NYC / London at comparable income levels. Healthcare and public transport are Asia-best at low cost. Imported electronics, alcohol, and beef are expensive.

• Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

  Points-based system (70+ pts). 5-year visa, fast-track to permanent residence (1-3 years vs. 10 standard).

• Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

  Standard work visa. Bachelor's degree + relevant role. 1, 3, or 5-year duration.

• J-Find

  Post-graduation 'job hunt' visa for top 100 global university graduates. 2-year unsponsored stay.

• J-SkIP (Specially Highly Skilled Professional)

  Salary > ¥20M (~$134K). 5-year visa, 1-year fast-track to PR. Created October 2023.

Citizenship eligibility: minimum 5 years of legal residence (varies by pathway).

Naturalization requires 5+ years residence + Japanese language + good conduct. Japan does NOT recognize dual citizenship for adults — applicants must renounce other citizenships. Permanent residence is more accessible (10 years standard, 1-3 with HSP) and preserves dual nationality.

Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) is the equivalent of a US C-Corp — used for serious operating businesses. Godo Kaisha (GK) is the lighter LLC-style alternative, popular for foreign subsidiaries. Both pay 23.2% national corporate tax + ~7% local (effective ~30% on profits).

• Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)

  Standard Japanese corporation, recognized by Japanese banks and customers. ~¥240K incorporation fees. Required for IPO and serious banking relationships.

• Godo Kaisha (GK)

  Cheaper alternative (~¥100K to incorporate). Popular for foreign companies' Japan subsidiary; Apple Japan, Amazon Japan are GKs.

Banking

Shinsei Bank (now SBI Shinsei) and Sony Bank lead in English-language onboarding for expats. Japan Post Bank is famously easy to open but limited features. Major banks (MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) require Japanese ability or in-person visits with hanko (seal). Wise Yen is a lifesaver for cross-border. PayPay Bank (online) is increasingly popular.