HSB JAPAN NEWS
Don’t Forget To Pay Residence Tax: What Every Foreigner Should Know
Living and working in Japan comes with various tax obligations, one of the most important being the resident tax. For many foreigners, understanding how and when to pay this tax can be confusing — especially when switching jobs or planning to leave Japan. In HSB JAPAN‘s blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the resident tax system in Japan: who it applies to, how much you
Japan to Introduce Free Childbirth Policy Starting in 2026
Japan, a country facing one of the world’s lowest birth rates and a rapidly aging population, is confronting major social and economic challenges in the coming decades. For years, the Japanese government has implemented various policies to encourage higher birth rates, but their effectiveness has remained limited. In this context, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) has officially proposed a groundbreaking new policy: full coverage of childbirth costs
Important Changes to the Nenkin Refund Law for Foreigners in Japan (Updated May 16, 2025)
On May 16, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) issued a significant revision regarding the refund of Nenkin (the national pension insurance) for foreigners living and working in Japan. These are the most substantial changes in recent years concerning Nenkin refund policies, directly impacting the rights of many foreign workers currently employed in Japan. In the article below, HSB JAPAN will help you understand the new updates,
Japan Cabinet Approves Pension Reform Bill: 1.06 Million Yen Income Cap Set for Debate in Parliament
On May 16, 2025, the Japanese Cabinet approved a bill to partially amend the National Pension Act and related laws, aiming to strengthen the pension system in response to social and economic changes. The bill will now move forward for deliberation in the National Diet. This proposed reform seeks to address the increasingly diverse range of working styles, lifestyles, and family structures in Japan. Its goal is to enhance the
Japan Officially Revises Maternity Leave Laws from April 2025 – Key Changes Workers Need to Know
Starting from April 2025, Japan will officially implement significant revisions to its Maternity Leave and Family Care Leave laws.These changes aim to: Encourage greater participation of men in child-rearing. Reduce the burden on women. Address the country’s declining birth rate.At the same time, this marks a major step forward in promoting gender equality and building a more family-friendly work environment. In this article, HSB JAPAN will explain the new updates
Who Can File Tax Returns, Receive Tax Refunds, and Exempt from Filing Tax Returns in Japan?
Understanding personal tax obligations in Japan is crucial for legal compliance and financial optimization. This article provides a comprehensive guide on who needs to file tax returns, who may be eligible for tax refunds, and who is exempt from filing in Japan. 1. People who are subject to tax returns Whether or not you are required to file a tax return depends on your annual income and other conditions. Be